Eduardo Verastegui

CNA STAFF, Mar 25, 2008 / 03:09 am (CNA).- A new book by the head of the Knights of Columbus explores the themes the Pope is likely to address in his April visit to the United States and provides a practical guide for Catholics to change the culture for the good.

The book “A Civilization of Love:  What Every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World” was written by Carl Anderson, who since 2000 has been the Supreme Knight of the 1.7 million-member Knights of Columbus.  Anderson is also a member of three pontifical councils, a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and a trustee of the Catholic University of America.  He was also one of the three delegates sent by President Bush to represent the United States at the opening Mass of Pope Benedict’s pontificate in 2005.

“A Civilization of Love” applies Catholic values to prominent issues such as immigration, business ethics, globalization, abortion, and the role of the family.

"This book is about the power of faith to transform culture," said Anderson. "To truly be effective, cultural change must transcend politics and begin with the way that each of us lives out our faith each day."

The star of the movie “Bella,” Eduardo Verastegui, has endorsed the book, calling it “one of those books I will refer back to for years.”  He said he loved the book’s “common sense principle” that “living out our faith is the best road map to a society that we can be proud of.”

Verastegui said that the book would help people live their life like Jose, his character in “Bella,” who helped a woman and her child in need.

“If like me, you love this country, but want to make it even better, to contribute rather than complain, then this book may be the most important book you will read this year,” he said.

"A Civilization of Love" is currently #8 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list.  

The book is being released on March 25 and can be purchased at http://www.acivilizationoflove.com/cl/buybook.html.

All author proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Knights of Columbus Charities.

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