A Review by Fr. Vivian Boland, OP. (August 1, 2024). Profiles in Catholicism. Click here to read.

“The Word in Your Heart is Francis Etheredge’s exploration of healing from emotional and spiritual woundedness through the word of God, Mary, and the Neocatechumenal Way. In it, he illustrates how God acts in our “struggles, sins, and failures.” The moving personal stories and discussions on anti-life issues, such as abortion, suicide, and gun violence, are interwoven with Scripture, the lives of the saints, church teaching, and prayer. They help readers, especially young people, to reflect on their spiritual journey with God as their guide and Our Lady as their spiritual, motherly companion. The aim is that those experiencing woundedness will come to their senses and foster a deeper vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with others so that they can engage in the Christian faith and begin anew on the path of love rooted in the love of God and for the Church.” – Rev. Vien V. Nguyen, SCJ, Lecturer of Scripture Studies, Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisconsin, USA

“Teenagers and other young adults today have become what author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt calls — in the title of his latest book — The Anxious Generation. Because of the extraordinary, disorienting and destructive pressures of social media and what Haidt calls the “great rewiring of childhood,” mental illness among such young people is growing in epidemic proportions. This new book by Francis Etheredge seeks solutions to this catastrophe by rooting itself in both Catholic tradition and the author’s personal experience of mental distress as an adolescent. Thus, it is another helpful tool for trying to solve a disaster that is robbing young people of their present and, at times, even their future.” — Bill Tammeus, journalist, whose books include Love, Loss and Endurance: A 9/11 Story of Resilienceand Hope in an Age of Anxiety

“A Word in Your Heart is a gift of empathy in an age when nothing is needed more. This remarkable book lays its erudition and experience at the feet of today’s most neglected people: the afflicted young. To a secular order that sees them as victims, Francis Etheredge counters that they are instead pilgrims — designed for, and in need of, the spiritual adventures and consolations described in these stirring pages.” – Mary Eberstadt: https://maryeberstadt.com/

“Francis Etheredge writes with passion and faith as he walks alongside young people and their journey. If you work with young adults in the Church or in mental health this is an insightful read with a personal and Marian perspective.” – Angela Ward, host of A Beautiful Thing podcast

“An extraordinary book, buzzing and chock-a-block with ideas, information, aphorisms and incidents that are all telling in the overall purpose of the book, which is to help heal emotional and spiritual wounds. It’s quite clear that the author himself has experienced many, if not most, of the ‘wounds’ he outlines, sometimes very graphically. The cornucopia we have here can possibly be criticised as too much; perhaps a little pruning might have been in order, but that said, I learnt so much from reading this book: about pilgrimage, about Catholicism (I am not a Roman Catholic), about Lourdes and Fatima, about the miracle of Jordan Peterson’s wife, Tammy, about mental health, body problems, loneliness, gun violence opioids, addiction, abortion and JK Rowling being at Rock Bottom. It really is quite breathless – and oh! Good also to see Dante quoted at least 3 times. So, all in all, quite an incredible book, and I think as my final observation in this brief encomium, one that is ideal for dipping into: you will find wisdom almost anywhere you dip!” – James Sale, poet and feature writer for the Epoch Times (see his page on Amazon)

“In this book, Francis Etheredge invites us to accompany him and 270 young people on the road to Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023. Woven into the background of this pilgrimage, Francis relates his own life’s woundedness with searing honesty and his joys with gratitude. Drawing extensively on the writings of Pope Francis, the example of numerous Saints and Blesseds and, above all, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, he maps a route for healing – for himself and for young people across the earth. Equipped with ‘beads, fragments and pieces,’ he charts a pathway through the many stresses and influences affecting young people today, particularly in the field of mental health. I found his reflections and prayers to be thoughtful and thought-provoking, calling me and all of us to discern anew our relationship with God and with each other in the healing light of Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.” – Andy Doyle, OP

“Life and the exploration of faith is indeed a pilgrimage of intense soul searching, desirably beginning amid youth and lasting through a lifetime of the discovery of the power and love of God as the Father and Jesus as our Son and Savior. The Word in Your Heart: Mary, Youth, and Mental Health is an incredibly thought-provoking and insightful, revelational book about the deep abiding love of our Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God born of the Virgin Mary. The book dives into deep waters of human suffering and the vital cry for mental and emotional securities from an author who understands the hard times and challenges of being a youth and gaining and growing in the knowledge and love of our Savior. The abiding love that Mary shared as a pure and Holy Mother and the transformational spirit of Jesus Christ to this generation is conveyed in a way that can quite probably bring new life and healing to those who read it. I highly recommend this transformational book.” – Teresa J. Herbic, Award-Winning Author, Script Writer and Editor, Brand Marketing and Public Relations Professional, and Adoptive Mom, Child, and Orphan Care Leader

“This intriguing book, inspired by the experience of the author as he travelled to World Youth Day, invites the reader to embark on a healing pilgrimage in the company of Mary. It addresses a myriad of pressing issues facing us today, focusing particularly on the challenges and vulnerabilities of young people. Inspired by the spirituality of the Neocatechumenal Way, Etheredge presents a collection of reflections stemming from his personal story, enriched by insights from the Christian tradition. What shines through is his passionate conviction that only an encounter with God, in Scripture, in the Christian Community, in the Sacraments, can restore us to health and bring about a spiritual renewal adequate to the confounding confusion of the world.” – Brian K. Reynolds, Fu Jen Catholic University, author of Gateway to Heaven: Marian Doctrine and Devotion in the Patristic and Medieval Periods

“This book is impactful and deals with much that is plaguing culture. The author masterfully lays the groundwork for the understanding of our beautiful faith, and that mercy and grace are available for the asking. The reader will be changed by this book, and the reader will go forth and change the world.” – William Hemsworth M.Div, columnist at Patheos, and Partner/Director at CatholicismRocks

“Francis captures the essence of pilgrimage in his latest work The Word in Your Heart and invites the reader on a journey to Lisbon via interwoven narratives. In turn, each story recounted serves as a catechetical waypoint. This book – a lifetime in the making – is itself a collection of biographies gathered together symphonically and revealing the grand interpersonal context within which God’s Will operates.” – Vanco Hristov: BSc(Hons), GradDipPsych, PhD candidate (UoM)

“In The Word in Your Heart: Mary, Youth and Mental Health, Francis Etheredge addresses the important subject of mental health problems among today’s youth. Written in the backdrop of World Youth Day 2023 (Lisbon, Portugal), Francis offers his personal story of suffering and redemption as a means to inspire young people to seek hope through God’s love. Highlighting the vital ‘tripod’ of God’s words (Scripture), liturgy, and community, Francis reminds young people – and everyone – of their deepest identity as children of God called to live life to the full (Jn 10:10). With the rise of in mental health issues, particularly among youth, this book serves as a timely reminder that nobody, no matter how broken, is beyond God’s healing love and grace.” – Eric Manuel Torres, BHlthSci, MOrthoptics (LaTrobe), MNSc (Melb), GradDipTheol, MTS (CTC/UDiv), GradCertEdu [Specialist Inclusive] (Deakin), CertIIIBAdmin (S.Russo), AOBR, MOA, RN, ACMA Member. Catholic moral theologian and bioethicist.

“Francis Etheredge has written a very important and timely book on a crucial subject for our times. The cultural pressures and stress that are on our young people these days are unprecedented. Youth mental health is the elephant in many rooms in the Western world. The message of this book should land in the hearts of young people in Western societies and truly be helpful!” – Dr. Joe Malone, author of Battles of the Sexes

“Francis Etheredge’s latest book is powerful, full of fresh creative images, and a penetrating analysis of the contemporary scene for youth. Because of his own personal tragic history redeemed by his conversion, his insights shuttle us back and forth between surprise and inspiration. Highly recommended.” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Catholic writer, professor, and media presenter, online at https://www.rondachervin.com

“Delighted to share my enthusiastic endorsement for The Word in Your Heart, a powerful resource created by Francis Etheredge, and am impressed by the valuable insights, thought-provoking, and transformative teachings that Francis brings to the table. What sets “The Word in Your Heart” apart is Francis’ ability to connect the wisdom of ancient texts with the challenges and realities of our modern world. Francis Etheredge’s expertise and unique perspectives are equipping readers with the knowledge that individuals seeking spiritual growth and philosophical insights need.” – Sidoney S.

“I have had a chance to read your book The Word in Your Heart: Mary, Youth and Mental Health. It was wonderful. A great mix of sincere, and prayerful intentions. The book reveals an inspiring journey of faith, courage, and hope amidst adverse circumstances. You as the author have intertwined your own journey of despair and healing, developing a special faithful coping mechanism which I believe will lend itself to others in the same circumstances including young people.” – Carol-Ann Lane, Ph.D., OCT, MEd, HBEd, HBA, Christian author devoted to sharing stories of inspiration and hope. Author, Writing Coach, Educator, online at https://writeinhislight.substack.com/