My Life with the Saints by James Martin

From the Publisher

James Martin has led an entirely modern life: from a lukewarm Catholic childhood, to an education at the Wharton School of Business, to the executive fast track at General Electric, to ministry as a Jesuit priest, to a busy media career in Manhattan. But every step of the way, he has been accompanied by some surprising friends-the saints of the Catholic Church. Martin's best-selling memoir encompasses saints throughout Christian history-from St. Peter to Dorothy Day, St. Francis of Assisi to Mother Teresa-and chronicles the author's lifelong relationship with them. His witty, vibrant, and stirring stories enable readers to discover how the saints guide us throughout our earthly journeys and how they help each of us find holiness in our own lives.

Publishers Weekly

Martin, a Jesuit priest and associate editor of America magazine, takes a splendid idea and develops it masterfully by weaving stories from his life into those of his favorite saints. Leading off with St. Jude, whom he affectionately dubs "the saint of the sock drawer" (where his statue of the saint of impossible causes took up residence after the author entered high school), Martin relates how he discovered various "saints" and how each has affected his life. Thomas Merton, for example, influenced his decision to leave a corporate career for the priesthood, and John XXIII taught him how to live chastely as a member of a religious order. Both Merton and Jesuit Pedro Arrupe served as models for obedience to religious superiors even as Martin's own superiors instructed him to avoid certain controversial topics in writing this book. Martin's personal experiences of befriending saints provide convincing testimony as to their efficacy as role models. He draws a distinction, however, between the superstition that sometimes surrounds Catholics' reverence for the saints and true devotion to them. Despite a theme built on a particular facet of Catholic belief, Martin's animated style and wide-ranging experiences make this a book readers of diverse backgrounds will enjoy. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

This delightful memoir by Jesuit Martin (associate editor, America magazine; Searching for God at Ground Zero) is a pilgrimage of the soul toward God and Christ through the succor of the saints close to the author's heart-e.g., Therese of Lisieux, Joan of Arc, Ignatius Loyola. From his youth, when he purchases a mail order St. Jude, to his time spent traveling abroad, Martin's life is enriched by his relationships with these blessed personalities. Admittedly, the work often feels like a recounting of the lives of saints and occasionally strays into fragmented personal reflections, but Martin delivers some of his most poignant moments-e.g., reflecting at Thomas Merton's grave; accompanying the sick to Lourdes as a chaplain; receiving a note from Mother Teresa; helping urban refugees in Nairobi-in an appropriate style. This memoir is Martin's spiritual exercise of reflection and the self-expression of a varied and fascinating life. It is an easy and pleasant read that should be well received and is warmly recommended for church and public libraries.-Anthony J. Elia, JKM Theological Lib., Chicago Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents