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The Spirit of Saint Francis: Inspiring Words from Pope Francis

Franciscan Media. Feb. 2015. 192p. ed. by Alicia von Stamwitz. ISBN 9781616368593. $22.99. REL
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The inspiring words of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who chose the name of Francis owing to his adoration for the 13th-century saint from Assisi, are offered for reflection. Short entries are taken from papal audiences, tweets, homilies, meditations, and various addresses from the official Vatican texts. The Pope's words reflect a faith and compassion in keeping with the practices of St. Francis, who lived a life of poverty, peace, and care. Chapters are organized into themes taken from the life of the Saint. Sample chapter titles include "Discover True Joy," "Do Not Forget the Poor," and "Be Instruments of Peace and Pardon." Editor von Stamwitz (Advent Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen) states that the sections can be read in any order and "that the message you most need to hear will find you…strengthen you and give you hope for the future."
VERDICT Recommended for public library collections as well as academic libraries with a focus on theology or personal meditation. Those interested in contemplating the words of Pope Francis may also consider his book Open Mind, Faithful Heart: Reflections on Following Jesus.
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