Book Discussion Here!

Well, the Catholic Summer Reading Program has its finalists, and I am so pleased that The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints by Ralph Martin is one of the selections! I have had this book on my shelf for a few months and am aching for an excuse to read it. Now I have one! Will you join me?



This manual to growing in holiness through the wisdom of seven doctors of the Church - St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Francis de Sales, St. Augustine, and St. Therese of Lisieux - (I am told) is the perfect book for Adoration and/or meditation. Several reviewers indicate it is very easy to read with wonderful quotations from the writings of these great saints. Spending time with these holy men and women will be such a joy this summer!


Here’s what people are saying about this modern classic on the spiritual life:

• “An inspiring work brimming with insight and practical help for people at every stage of the spiritual journey.” Fr. Peter Ryan, S.J.

• “I am deeply moved by this work...an extraordinary gift to the Church.” Fr. John Horn, S.J.

• “This is a book to keep at your place of prayer for years to come...reading and rereading will be a source of powerful inspiration for all those on the spiritual journey.” Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.


Let me be completely honest with you, this book is thick - almost 500 pages. But, our goal is going to be to read an average of 7 pages a day from July 5 through September 2 and gather here twice a week to discuss what we have read. Let's see...three pages with my morning prayer, two pages during naptime, two pages at bedtime, and catch-up at my weekly Holy Hour...that's do-able, right?


I will guarantee you that there will be at least once, maybe several times that I will be behind on my reading. Life happens, especially with children. So, it is okay if you are worried about getting behind or not staying on schedule. Please do not let that keep you from trying! Most of the time, you will still be able to intelligently contribute to our discussion even if you have not read the material for the day.



So, if you think you might participate, please leave a comment on this post to let me know you are interested! The discussion schedule is below.

These are the days I plan to post a reflection on the reading and questions for us to discuss. So, ideally, we are finishing the reading the day before these dates.

Monday, July 6 --- Introduction

Thursday, July 9 --- Chapters 1 and 2

Monday, July 13 --- Chapter 3

Thursday, July 16 --- Chapter 4

Monday, July 20--- Chapter 5

Thursday, July 23 --- Chapter 6

Monday, July 27--- Chapter 7

Thursday, July 30 --- Chapter 8

Monday, August 3--- Chapter 9

Thursday, August 6 --- Chapter 10

Monday, August 10--- Chapter 11

Thursday, August 13 --- Chapter 12

Monday, August 17--- Chapter 13

Thursday, August 20 --- Chapter 14

Monday, August 24--- Chapter 15

Thursday, August 27 --- Chapter 16

Monday, August 31--- Chapter 17

Thursday, September 4 --- Final Encouragement