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Book reviews for "Dirvin,_Joseph_I." sorted by average review score:

New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats
Published in Paperback by Rodale Press (2001)
Authors: Amy D. Shojai and Prevention for Pets
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I've read it three times and...
each time, it seems like visiting an old friend.
When I first picked up this book, I had almost no knowledge of St. Catherine. I'm not even sure why I bought the book, to be honest. On first reading, I found it rather dull, having recently read other saints' biographies. However, I began to understand the greatness of this woman as revealed by Fr. Dirvin. This great soul had contact with the Mother of Christ and was given a mission by Her; yet, Catherine never spoke of it; indeed, she kept it a secret for over forty years, and thought as little of herself as anyone else. How different from most of us, who amplify our acheivement of much less portent and swell with pride over nothing! St. Catherine was so devoted to her "old men" at Enghien that none of them died without the sacraments in the forty years in which she had charge of that house. She did her duty for love of God and bore abundant fruit as a result. We can certainly learn from her example to make our ordinary actions meritorious before God.

One of the marvelous things about this book is that Fr. Dirvin does not exaggerate the saint's virtues and give us the impression that she had absolutely no faults. Many biographies of saints come across as advertisements for the religious order to which the subject belonged; not so here. This is an honest story of a woman who had a temper (her superior described her as being as "hot as milk soup") and yet was able to overcome this fault. Fr. Dirvin also describes St. Catherine as having traces of self-love unitil the last days of her life, yet, of this too was she purified. What hope can we not take from this book. St. Catherine is portrayed not a mainly a visionary, but as a woman who became a saint by living in humility, not seeking praise from others. Rather, her was a life of devotion to her duty and service to others. Which of us cannot imitate that?

I think I may have to read this book yet again. It may be time for a refresher!

Review from the Publisher
This is the story of the famous saint through whom we received the Miraculous Medal. No sacramental since the Rosary has had such an impact on the Church. The author spent 10 years in research, studying many documents never before available. What he has produced is a definitive life of the Saint which is both highly readable and inspiring. You will come to love St. Catherine Laboure, will see in her a woman of incredible strength and character, of unbelievable constancy, of kindness, humility, obedience and self-effacement. Here was a saint who, from her early years was "entirely mystic," to quote her sister; who from age 12 served 10 years as mistress to her father's large household of 17 (five family members and 12 farm hands), who worked 40 years with constant fidelity running an old man's retirement-nursing home for her order; who after the Miraculous Medal apparitions, would speak to the Blessed Mother at any time she chose and be answered by Our Lady; who was a tower of strength to her order during two revolutions; and who made innumerable prophecies that came true. Full of hidden gems. Enthralling story! Full of terrific photos including some of her incorrupt body. 239pp. PB. Imprimatur.


The Lord of the Rings 2002 Calendar: The Fellowship of the Ring
Published in Calendar by Meadwesvaco (2001)
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An in depth very well written book on Mother Seton
In my studies of Saint Elizabeth Seton I have found this book to be of most value. It goes beyond the auto-biography and dips into the soul of Elizabeth Seton and the reader. This book shows us how we can use Mother Seton's example to better our own lives by becoming closer to God. It truely is a good spiritual read.


Louise de Marillac
Published in Unknown Binding by Farrar Straus & Giroux ()
Author: Joseph I. Dirvin
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Mrs. Seton Foundress of the American Sisters of Ch
Published in Hardcover by Farrar Straus & Giroux (1960)
Author: Joseph I. Dirvin
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Myra Hess: A Portrait
Published in Hardcover by David & Charles (1978)
Author: Marian Cecilia McKenna
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