Summer Reading
Warmer summer days are here.
Pope Francis called summer
"a providential moment to enhance our commitment to seek and encounter the Lord. In this period, students are free from scholastic duties and many families are taking their vacation; it’s important that in the time of rest and detachment from daily concerns, they can re-energize the forces of body and spirit, deepening their spiritual path."
​Vatican News, August 2017
"Rest is so necessary for the health of our minds and bodies, and often so difficult to achieve due to the many demands placed on us. But rest is also essential for our spiritual health, so that we can hear God’s voice and understand what he asks of us."
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"During Summertime, let us learn how to take a break, turn off the mobile phone to gaze into the eyes of others, cultivate silence, contemplate nature and regenerate ourselves in dialogue with God."
​Pope Francis
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Why not use this summertime to read some Christian books and grow closer to Jesus?
Here are some suggestions for all ages:
"Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, expecialy Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; and bears a likeness of You, Most High One...
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​​Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs..."
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From the “Letter to the Faithful” of Saint Francis of Assisi
vatican.va
Let us soak up the long days and warm sun.
May our feet walk on sandy beaches and our heads rest on thick grass under blue skies.
This summer, God, may our breathing slow and our hearts open.
God help us to be present to all that is,
so that we might best see all that might be.
Happy reading!