Light of Faith: Poems and Plays

Light of Faith: Poems and Plays

“It is so sweet to serve the good God in the dark night of trial; we have this life only in which to live by faith.” – St Thérèse of Lisieux.
 
“The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus means that one day everything sad will come untrue.” – J.R.R. Tolkien.

Light of Faith: Poems and Plays

by Grace Bourget

Journey by poem from Bethlehem’s grotto to Calvary; follow by prose as St. Francis creates the first Nativity scene, to modern times, as young Clare struggles to trust in Heaven’s love through her sickness.
 
Paperback $12.99 | Kindle $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

Light of Faith is a short but sweet collection of poems and plays on the love and light of Christ, found within His life, His Mother, and His Saints, and in our own suffering.” – Thérèse Judeana, author of Ransom: Shadow of an Empire
From gentle lullabies to plaintive songs of suffering, Grace Bourget’s Light of Faith contains poems that speak to the personal experiences and emotions of each reader. The plays contained in this anthology met with great success on the local stage, and I am very excited to see them finally released in print for readers everywhere to enjoy. Fans of poetry, plays, or any kind of religious literature will enjoy this latest release by Grace Bourget.”  – Chantal LaFortune, Co-producer of The Song of Elbereth: A Middle-Earth Tale

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace is an aspiring fashion designer with a loving family and a crazy cat named Kitten Kaboodle.  She loves the Latin Mass, spending time with family and friends, and bringing fantasy to life through her hobbies, including authoring Vale of Hope and co-producing with Chantal LaFortune of The Song of Elbereth.  If she could tell you one thing, she’d ask you to make God smile.

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Mark on the Line

Mark on the Line

Mark on the Line: ​On the sinking of the Marques, June 3, 1984

by Lawrence Hopperton

Mark on the Line is centred on the grief author Larry Hopperton endured – endures – in the aftermath of the devastating 1984 loss of the sailing ship Marques, a vessel whose doomed souls he knew intimately, having lived on board with them a few years earlier. Readers of Hopperton’s previous work will recognize here his strong affinity for the sea, but here the sea is front and center in all her ambiguity as nurturer and killer, lover and destroyer. That finicky duality is where Hopperton is most at home as a poet, and these poems – many of them worked over for decades – leave no doubt as to his ability as a craftsman of the highest order.

Paperback: $14.95 USD | Kindle $9.99 USD

TESTIMONIALS

“Hopperton evokes emotions and empathy and sympathy, and an awareness of the reality we live in but don’t know.” – Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson, author of Survivor: A Memoir of Forgiveness

“This is not only a sea story. It is one even for landlubbers. It is for all, in a maritime setting.” – Vincent A. Salamoni, LCDR, Chaplain Corps, U. S. Navy (Retired), author of The Mercy Ocean

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lawrence Hopperton lives in the town of Stouffville, Ontario. He is a former editor of the University of Toronto Review and one of the founding editors of Nimbus Press. His poetry has been published internationally, most recently in Tamracks: Canadian Poetry for the 21’st Century, and the Lummox Press anthology, Sirsee, Sheila-na-gi. Smeuse and Pocket Change. He has published two chapbooks, Song of Orkney and Other Poems in 1983, and Ptolley Bay in 2013. In his non-poetry life, he has authored three college textbooks, and he was the founding director of the Center for Distributed Learning at Tyndale University and Seminary.

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His Divine Presence

His Divine Presence

His Divine Presence

by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R.

Poetry of praise for the grace that God freely provides at every moment of our lives.

Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“A dancer took off her makeup and costume and asked, “What more is there to life?” A woman who walked the catwalk answered the same question. Both of them became contemplative nuns. The author of His Divine Presence invites us to ponder ‘Who’ exists when the makeup, the dressing up, the busyness of life, the noise and the activities all cease.” – Francis Etheredge, author of The Prayerful Kiss, The Family on Pilgrimage, and Honest Rust and Gold

”Scholar, author, and poet Rev. Dennis J. Billy (C.Ss.R.), with his new book His Divine Presence, gives us a deeply personal collection of poems that encourages us to focus more clearly on the gifts that God has freely bestowed upon us in this life but not to lose sight of this life’s true goal of sharing eternity with Him. The poem that gives the name to the entire book is particularly noteworthy in that it profoundly shows us the vast extent of God’s blessings that He has given to all of us. There are also poems that are deep and meaningful exhortations to trust in God’s love and goodness along with others that urge us to prepare ourselves gladly for an eternity with Him. These are thus poems that help us to contemplate His Divine Presence with joy, both in the life of this world and in the life to come.” – Charles Rex, author of It Is My Soul That Sings

“Fr. Billy’s poems open part of the contemplative process behind faith. We see the human, priestly mind counselling, reflecting, confessing, advising and doubting in targeted expression. His faith is palpable in this writing that connects the inner self in the world to God and to others. It highlights the sacramental nature of God’s church.” – Larry Hopperton, author of Table for Three and Such Common Stories

“Fr. Dennis Billy’s poetry will guide you to the cloud of unknowing and into silent awe, and your soul will smile and your heart will dance!” – Joe Avalos, author of Cry Oneness

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fr. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R., is Professor Emeritus of the history of moral theology and Christian spirituality at the Alphonsian Academy of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and currently serves as The Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Chair in Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore. An American Redemptorist of the Baltimore Province, Fr. Billy has advanced degrees from Harvard University, the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum), and the Graduate Theological Foundation. The author of numerous books and articles on a variety of religious topics, he is also active in his order’s retreat apostolate and in the ministry of spiritual direction.

 

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Such Common Stories by Lawrence Hopperton

Such Common Stories by Lawrence Hopperton

Such Common Stories

by Lawrence Hopperton

There is one story only. It’s woven out of personal experiences and memories, the worlds that we have actually known and loved. The poems in Such Common Stories connect to our individual stories, so that the experiences they present become our own and we become the storytellers of our own multifaceted lives.

Paperback: $14.95 USD | Kindle $9.99 USD

POETRY FEATURED IN…

Agape Review, March 2022

Open Door Poetry Magazine, April 2021

TESTIMONIALS

“Larry Hopperton’s poetry turns upon the correspondences and tensions between the spiritual and natural realms and how human joy, grief and hope partake of both worlds. In Such Common Stories he further dissects that dialectic, drawing the reader forward with such a persuasive forward momentum that if you don’t take time to consider his images and metaphors in detail you may miss how apt and illuminating they are. Take the time to let these poems work their magic.” – Andrew Brooks, author of One Country After

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lawrence Hopperton lives in the town of Stouffville, Ontario. He is a former editor of the University of Toronto Review and one of the founding editors of Nimbus Press. His poetry has been published internationally, most recently in Tamracks: Canadian Poetry for the 21’st Century, and the Lummox Press anthology, Sirsee, Sheila-na-gi. Smeuse and Pocket Change. He has published two chapbooks, Song of Orkney and Other Poems in 1983, and Ptolley Bay in 2013. In his non-poetry life, he has authored three college textbooks, and he was the founding director of the Center for Distributed Learning at Tyndale University and Seminary.

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Pavement Prayers

Pavement Prayers

Pavement Prayers

Kalia confessed to murder last night amid a hushed silence that lasted only a short while before he went into detailed account of the events that led to it . . .

Thus begins one of the prayers in this book.

This is a book of prayers that tell a story. But, of course, all prayers – all personal prayers – tell stories. Prayer is, in many ways, the spiritualization of incident, and in every fervent prayer one can find a short story of an epic sticking to it. The Mumbai pavement is wonderfully rich in story. For every twenty-or-so-steps that you take over it, your feet could be shuffling through chapters, or, perhaps, volumes of intricate plot, moving human drama and the most thrilling narrative. This book is those twenty-or-so-steps of narrative and plot, the story of a pavement dweller and his patch of pavement told in the most intimate form of narration: his personal prayer.

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Ivan Arthur has produced a beautifully written book of intimate prayers which touch the inner spirit at every ‘reading.'” – Sr. Marianne Postiglione, RSM, retired Associate Director, Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology

“While Pope Francis was exhorting us to tell stories as a way to evangelize, Ivan Arthur was showing us how to tell stories as a way to pray.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ivan Arthur is the author of seven previous books:

  1. The Fourteen Stations (Official book on Pope John Paul’s visit to India)
  2. Saynt Lachmi. A sequel to Pavement Prayers.
  3. A Village Dies. A novel about social change
  4. Once More Upon a Time. Biography
  5. Jossie. A biography
  6. Brands Under Fire
  7. The Chef Executive Officer

Arthur was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Communication Arts Guild, Mumbai, and is a three-times recipient of the WPP Atticus Award for original writing. He lives in Goa, India, with Ingrid, his wife.

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Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Poetry and Prose

Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Poetry and Prose

Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Prose and Poetry

by Francis Etheredge

Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Prose and Poetry. Rust is the breaking down of metal, owing to water, air and other factors, whereas gold does not deteriorate; and, therefore, these metals sum up the difference between the destruction of sin and the ennobling action of God – as beautiful, precious and permanent as the poverty of our lives pleads for His help (cf. Psalm 34: 6). “Honest” speaks to the truth of these findings! At the same time, however, just as the Church’s second collection is often for the needs of the world, so this book is about the wide ranging reality of the times in which we live: both timely to our generation and, at times, transcending time and addressing life’s persistent questions. Moreover, as you will find, the book is bespeckled with the many guest-gifts that this prospector has received through inviting others to contribute!

Paperback: $17.95 | Kindle $9.99

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword: Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe Diocese, Ireland

General Introduction

Part I: Before
Nothing
Osmosis
Beginning

Guest Poet and Poem: Ravi Shankar
The Three Christs
-for Doug Andersen

Part II: Awareness
Guest Poet and Poem: Russell Rogers
Where is He?

A Trilogy of Cases:
Part I: Locked
Part II: Naked
Part III: Rat-to-Bird
Sharing
Flowers
The Picture
Vulnerable
News
A Trilogy of Tones:
Black
White
Grey
Awakening

Guest Poet and Poem: Fr. Antoine Altieri:
La Grand Santé (Great Health)
Part III: Technological Leaping
Skin Deep
Flitting
Phoneheads

Guest Poet and Poem: Richard Bowdery
Nomophobia No More

Part IV: Grace
Denatured
Boiling Point
Changing
You and I
Aftermath

Guest Poet and Poem: Annabelle Moseley
A Prayer for Setting the Table
For Annabelle Black, in honor of her 100th Birthday

Part V: The Sacraments
Bread of Love, Wine of Glory
Immersion
Regenerative
Part I: A Ringed Pair
Part II: Whirlpools
Part I: The Priest-Shepherd
Part II: The Domestic Shepherd

Guest Poet and Poem: Teresa J. Herbic
Marks of Eternity

Part VI: Writing
Words Torn from Tears
A Pain-Breaking Word
Failure’s Fog
Clots
Gaps
Soundings
Matter

Guest Poet and Poem: Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis
The Empty Lot

Part VII: After
Three times – Now a Fourth, Fifth and Sixth:
Part I: Dying…
Part II: The Plight of All
Part III (I): Visiting
Part III (II): The Plight of Passing
Part IV: He was Among Us
Part V: One Life Uprooted
Immobile
Comfort
Unreachable

Guest Poet and Poem: James Sale
Could I But

Epilogue

End Word: John O’Brien, Frater at OFM (Franciscan)
“How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth.”

"Denatured: A Witness"
A First Reading from "Honest Rust and Gold"

Reviews

“Lord: Do you mean me? A father-catechist!” in The Catholic Weekly (March 10, 2022), click here
For Christine Sunderland’s review, click here.
For reviews on Goodreads, click here.
For Dr. Eileen Quinn Knight’s review, click here.
For Word Digest, Vol. 13, click here, or see below.

Testimonials

“I was recommended this book by a friend. It’s a series of Poetry & Prose both from the author & guest writers. There is a brief introduction of the guest writer which gives an insight into their faith & perception on life. The book is laid out in individual topics and of a life that anyone of us might face. I would also say that they could be used as prayer in some instances. Sometimes, it’s hard to put prayer into words, but these writings bring the concept of Christ and God a little closer to ourselves. These are also reflections on life, family, friends and times enjoyable or times of sorrow. The book is an easy read and the pieces are thought provoking & inspiring. Also, the honesty of the author about his path to faith and how it was achieved can encourage others who are still unsure about themselves. One piece that inspired me was: ‘Sitting in front of the cross of Christ I realised that He was immobilised, pinned to it by nails, metal, wood & wounds as unforgiving as deterioration due to illness & injustice. Pray for us to remember them; & in remembering them, I beg you to help them.'” – Gillian Cockwill

“Our times can be described as one enthralled by the quickening, with the passing of time seemingly accelerating amid the buzz of modern technology. In Honest Rust and Gold, Francis Etheredge and his guest writers offer heartfelt poetry as a means to pause and make sense of our hectic world – and indeed, ourselves. Underlining the many penetrating themes encompassed throughout this work is a sense of vulnerability, which for the Christian is a reminder of our constant need to trust and lean on God, especially when we are hurting. As Etheredge reflects in the introduction to the poem “Bread of Love, Wine of Glory,” “God is not remote […] but is so close as to take into Himself all our pain.” Honest Rust and Gold provides a beautiful collection of faith-filled poems for anyone seeking a spiritual oasis of consolation. — Eric Manuel Torres, BHlthSci, MOrthoptics (LaTrobe), MNSc (Melb), GradDipTheol, MTS (CTC/UDiv), CertIIIBAdmin (S.Russo), AOBR, MOA, RN, Assoc. Member CMAV. Catholic theologian and bioethicist.

“In Attention and Will, Simone Weil stated ‘Attention, taken to its highest degree, is the same thing as prayer. It presupposes faith and love.’ This insight has never been better realized than in Francis Etheredge’s transcendent Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Prose and Poetry. Just reading this exceptional collection of poetry and prose is a spiritual experience that brings us closer to the infinite beauty of God.”Gordon Nary, Editor of Profiles in Catholicism

“How heavy and uninviting the term “lay spirituality” can seem! But what if it were written by a poet-theologian who could present needed insights in images so beautiful you couldn’t resist the invitation to grow. On marriage, for example, this very realistic part will help any who can’t stand just looking at ideal couples and feeling rotten in comparison! Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Prose and Poetry is deep, incisive, penetrating! Get it! Read it!” — Ronda Chervin, Emerita Professor of Philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, author of more than fifty books about spirituality, presenter on TV and Radio.

“This is an excellent book of personal heartfelt reflections and poems that have awakened in me strong feelings and deep thoughts about many similar life experiences lived, explored and shared by the author. His prose and poetry have inspired me to think and feel my own life’s journey, with its challenges, hardships, joys and sorrows. Every reader will relive their life’s experiences, for that is the power of poetry.His meaningful prose and poetry covers a wide range of human experiences and relevant truths today. It is about existence, the meaning of life, family love, the problem of evil, COVID-19, homelessness, technology and its influence on mankind today and much more. His images are moving. A dew drop hanging on a blade of grass, brings us close to the beauty of nature and God. Francis Etheredge has given us a gem in Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Prose and Poetryto be treasured and read many times.” — Shay Cullen, www.preda.org

“Everyone sees life a bit differently. Much in the same way, everyone reads a book a bit differently. In being granted the opportunity to review Honest Rust and Gold – A Second Collection of Prose and Poetry, I was struck by the depth and thoughtfully piercing nature of this book. In the General Introduction, the author writes, ‘Maybe this book is like that moment of stepping out of the busyness of life in order to notice what is around us.’ That was, in fact, my experience with this book. It is a ‘stepping out’ but also a ‘stepping up’ to consider greater things, deeper things, more profound things. It is a challenge to touch life, even when it’s a bit dangerous to do so. To explore life knowing that to embark on such a journey is to risk being changed by the journey. And to ask questions that may reveal within us that which we prefer to hold in the shadows. The blend of prose and poetry lends a gentle depth and enhanced flavor to each chapter. If you wish to notice what is around you in order to transform that which is within you, this book will certainly assist in that endeavor.” — Craig D. Lounsbrough, M.Div., LPC craiglpc4@gmail.comwww.craiglpc.com

“Personally, reading this book was like visiting an art gallery; viewing each piece of work as unique, yet part of an overall collection. Each poem, or work, a separate portrait; overall a collection of very detailed portraits of the life of the author. Nothing is hidden. Even the most painful moments of his life are laid bare or ‘Naked’ – one of his works. ‘Failure’s Fog’ is a very moving account of the author’s journey. Etheredge takes his readers on a guided tour of his work, giving a personal insight into his lifelong pilgrimage. He is unafraid to show readers the truth. Each piece of work is intricately linked to the other, with thoughtful and compelling additions from guest artists. On closing the book, I felt as if I’d attended a beautiful yet haunting exhibition that left me pondering the meaning of life. The Christian walk isn’t always easy, but God is always with us. Ever present, His grace sees us through the most desperate and vulnerable moments of our lives. Honest Rust and Gold is a powerful testimony of this truth. Themes include: covid-19, God, death, vocation, meaning in life, abortion, suicide, marriage, family, faith, loneliness, emptiness, brokenness, nature, wisdom, finding purpose in life, failure, angst, poverty, and the dislocation between our own existence and that of others. Etheredge tells us, ‘the book is a dialogue between grace and nature’. I highly recommend reading Honest Rust and Gold, especially if you enjoyed reading The Prayerful Kiss and The Family on Pilgrimage by the same author.  ‘… leaving is very different from being left behind.’ (Etheredge) — Kelly Jayne Lazell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Francis Etheredge is married with eight children, plus three in heaven.

Francis is currently a freelance writer and speaker and his “Posts” on LinkedIn can be viewed here. Poetry; short articles; autobiographical blog; excerpts from books; and “Philosophize: A Ten Minute Write.”

For a list of all of Francis’ books published by En Route Books and Media, click here.

See Francis’ other books, too, entitled Scripture: A Unique WordFrom Truth and truth: Volume I-Faithful ReasonFrom Truth and truth: Volume II: Faith and Reason in DialogueFrom Truth and truth: Volume III: Faith is Married Reason.

He has earned a BA Div (Hons), MA in Catholic Theology, PGC in Biblical Studies, PGC in Higher Education, and an MA in Marriage and Family (Distinction).

Enjoy these additional articles by Francis Etheredge:

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