Knowing the power of a well-told story is one of the author’s gifts, so Bridget Haase’s book is full of them: stories about a strong mountain woman "tending a fire, drawing water at the well, pickling her garden cucumbers." Or a six-year-old AIDS patient building a Lego castle he envisions as "a part of heaven" because "when you die you go to God’s beautiful castle." And a subway rider oblivious to others, "humming along with his iPad" as his feet tap out the rhythm.
Haase believes there are graces to be had by engaging with stories—graces of redemption, compassion, and strength. Through these 52 "hints of holy," she invites us not only to read but also to "own each story" and be "open to its grace." Readers can respond personally to poignant mediation prompts such as "When I stand under the stars, I sometimes feel…."
Haase’s simple, poetic prayers are enriched with excerpts from Scripture. Sprinkled throughout the book are succinct bits of saintly wisdom from the likes of St. Vincent de Paul, Fulton J. Sheen, and Mother Teresa.
As a companion on a retreat or as a guide through the weeks of the year, this book does just what its title promises: it opens doors to the sacred in the most ordinary events of life.
—Elizabeth Bookser Barkley, PhD, St. Anthony Messenger
The title is intriguing. So too are comments on its cover: "This book could change your life," writes Robert Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Similar enthusiastic accolades from additional readers follow. Ursuline sister Bridget Haase presents Doors to the Sacred to the reader as a "guidebook" for reflection. The "doors" are metaphors for those moments, events, or encounters with people in our lives, which in some way draw our attention to a deeper realization of God’s presence with and among us.
While some readers tend to skip a book’s introduction, immediately "jumping into" the chapters, making that choice is not for this book! First one must follow the author’s steps to the basement of her childhood home. This trip downstairs is vital to understanding the title. Let curiosity lead the way….
Haase models the process of opening these doors, sharing anecdotes of her own life experiences, or brief stories of others’. A chance encounter, the witnessing of an event, a moment of discovery, reflection on an experience, or something one has read; any of these may be a door opening our hearts more deeply to God. The reader’s choice to courageously step over the threshold, to ponder its meaning in our Lord’s presence, is an opening for spiritual and personal growth. Haase writes with gentle simplicity. Her chapters are short, but richly poignant in content. Each begins with an event or story, followed by three points for personal reflection (on any or all), a brief prayer and concludes with a quotation to ponder from scripture or a saint.
Sr. Bridget Haase has written a gentle gem. There are fifty-two chapters, the number of weeks in the year. The author suggests reading, reflecting, and praying about a chapter per week, but agrees with per month, per day, or on retreat, or various and numerous other occasions. Doors to the Sacred: Everyday Events as Hints of the Holy can serve as friend, acquaintance, or daily companion. It also offers, for those curious to know more, brief biographies of the saints and holy people quoted in the book. This title is highly recommended for parish, seminary, college, and university libraries; and would be a valuable resource for campus ministry programs.
—Frances O’Dell, OSF, Catholic Library World
The title is intriguing. So too are comments on its cover: "This book could change your life," writes Robert Morneau Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Similar enthusiastic accolades from additional readers follow. Ursuline sister Bridget Haase presents Doors to the Sacred to the reader as a "guidebook" for reflection. The "doors" are metaphors for those moments, events, or encounters with people in our lives, which in some way draw our attention to a deeper realization of God’s presence with and among us.
While some readers tend to skip a book’s introduction, immediately "jumping into" the chapters, making that choice is not for this book! First one must follow the author’s steps to the basement of her childhood home. The trip downstairs is vital to understanding the title. Let curiosity lead the way…
Haase models the process of opening these doors, sharing anecdotes of her own life experiences, or brief stories of others’. A chance/encounter, the witnessing of an event, a moment of discovery, reflection on an experience, or something one has read; any of these may be a door opening out hearts more deeply to God. The reader’s choice to courageously step over the threshold, to ponder its meaning in our Lord’s presence, is an opening for spiritual and personal growth. Haase writes with gentle simplicity. Her chapters are short, but richly poignant in content. Each begins with an event or story, followed by three points for personal reflection (on any or all), a brief prayer and concludes with a quotation to ponder from scripture or a saint.
Sr. Bridget Haase has written a gentle gem. There are fifty-two chapters, the number of weeks in the year. The author suggests reading, reflecting, and praying about a chapter per week, but agrees with per month, or per day, or on retreat, or various and numerous other occasions. Doors to the Sacred: Everyday Events as Hints of the Holy can serve as friend, acquaintance, or daily companion. It also offers, for those curious to know more, brief biographies of the saints and holy people quoted in the book. This title is highly recommended for parish, seminary, college, and university libraries; and would be a valuable resource for campus ministry programs. —Francis O’Dell, OSF, Catholic Library World
