Book Reviews2 St. Paul

Nov 21, 2008

Quotes by: Pope Benedict XVI

Published by: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishing

Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed that the Jubilee Year of St. Paul commemorating his 2000th birthday would begin on June 28, 2008 and run until June 29, 2009. The celebration appears to be low key in most parts of the world except in Rome at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls where St. Paul’s body is buried. This short book is aimed at those who would like to observe this jubilee and is filled with quotes from Pope Benedict’s teachings

This book is part of the Spiritual Thoughts Series published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishing. This particular book on St. Paul contains a preface by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone who is the Vatican’s Secretary of State and an introduction by Fr. Edmund Caruana, O.Carm. The book is divided into eight sections with an index at the end of the book.

The159 quotes from the Pope are short, usually only a few sentences. The Holy Father covers the apostolic vocation of St. Paul, St. Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, St. Paul and the Holy Spirit, the Christian experience as St. Paul saw it, the Church of God, the Sacraments, and prayer. The Pope quotes many times from the letters of St. Paul. The quotes are followed by a citation as to where the quote came from and when.

General readers and the sophisticated person will enjoy this book. These quotes can be used for retreats or as starting points for meditation or reflection. At the end of each chapter is space provided for note taking.

This small book is highly recommended to those looking for a low-key way to observe the Jubilee of St. Paul or who just wants to read quotes from Pope Benedict on St. Paul.