With wonderful simplicity, Joyce Rupp once again touches the sacred in ordinary life. Each short poem, while unique in its own way, can also open the way for personal reflection. Barbara Loomis' illustrations are intricate and touching and complement the text beautifully. This book can be opened to any page since each stands on its own. I know I will return to these poems frequently for a subtle reminder of what makes life special. Would also make a great gift!

This is a guidebook that transcends the written page and follows you into your own living experience. I read it several years ago during a transitional period. . .it has remained close to me in a special sort of way. I picked it up again this morning and re-read a few pages. Hurriedly, I had to leave for work in a retail store at a shopping mall. In a very public place, full of Christmas shoppers,I met a young mother with her beautiful infant daughter. Asking the child's name, came the words. . .Carmen Sophia. . .Immediately there was a significant connection with the young mother, as though wisdom itself spoke to both of us in a silent recognition. I told her to read this book and share it with her daughter. I KNOW she will. Holyroses. . . .

Mary has always been upheld as a model for women who wish to follow God's will, as the ideal mother who will comfort her children. But sometimes it is too easy to look merely at the joyous seasons of her life - the birth of her baby and the awe at what she had brought forth. But Mary also suffered greatly. What this book points out is that we are not alone in our pain. A wondrously loving heart has known sorrow, as much as a human should bear, and still feels pain through us, her children. But there is strength and an eternal promise of hope in the knowledge that there is understanding and love, and another heart to bear your burden with you. This book lovingly points out that we are not alone. So often we think we are, when we are suffering greatly. We feel that those around us do not understand, or we feel isolated in our grief and pain. But the truth is, we are never alone, and there is always someone to cling to. That is the message this book quietly and reverently portrays. A timely book, indeed, in a society that has more pain and sorrow than it should.

With The Contemporary Celtic Prayer Book, William John Fitzgerald has accomplished an amazing and sensitive feat of balance: he has created a spiritual celebration that crosses denominational borders. This book is a true celebration of the Celtic spirit, regardless of specific denominational upbringing.

There are prayers and inspirations for every occasion, from the every day to life-changing events. I bought this book for the wonderful "Prayer to the Vibrant Women of Celtic Lore" - but I quickly fell in love with the rest of it. www.celtsinamerica.com

I found Sr.Joyce's voice to be most pleasant to the ear. I was looking for material for a day of spiritual enrichment for my Stephen Ministry group. These tapes were so appropriate. Our ministers vary in both age and "transitional" phases. I first learned of Sr.Joyce's "down to earth" messages from the "Living Faith" booklet which I read daily. I can't wait to read Sr's other books.

This book does not contain the gifts of the Catholic faith, but instead is a new age spiritual treatise of total, unqualified tolerance. What comes to mind is the old phrase "if it feels good, do it".This is exactly what is wrong with society. Too much of doing one's "own thing". Nothing about obedience and belief in what will strenghten us through mid life is contained in the book. Do not read this book if you are looking for the answer to your mid life crisis.One thing about reaching fifty is that you can cut through the mustard and see a hidden agenda under a guise of honesty.This book will not lead one to their home, but farther away into confusion.

My faith-sharing/prayer group used this in our weekly meetings.Our group ranges from 53 to 73, so we were all in different stanges ofour mid-life. Joyce's book seemed very "dark" and only one person could actually relate well to the contents. However, I felt it prompted more sharing within the group than other books we've used. The idea for group meetings were excellent. I also purchased the audio tape to go with this book which was excellent (5 stars). Great mediations and the chants are a great way to begin your reading or the evening's activity.

Joyce helps us face the dark corners of our hearts -- the places where we would rather not go. But, in doing so, she brings us into a light more bright than we ever thought possible. Using her suggested guided visualizations and journaling suggestions makes the experience more powerful, too. The visualizations can even be done by yourself. Don't rush through this book. Take your time and really enter the cave. I found Jesus waiting there for me.