Following is the “Meet a Reader” feature that appears on the book page of the current print issue of The Catholic Post.
How you know me:
I am a Sister of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, I teach science at Alleman High School in Rock Island, and I help with Youth Ministry at St. Pius X Parish in Rock Island. I am Canadian—raised in the prairies near the Rocky Mountains of Alberta— and I love the outdoors.
Why I love reading:
To be honest, I am a “convert” to reading. I did not find a good book until I was 25, did not like reading until I was 37, and did not start really reading until recently. I have struggled with reading, going over the same paragraph several times before I get it. Now, the books I read the past few years have had a great influence on me and my spiritual life. A book can speak a prayer, or capture what I want to say but cannot find the words, or they can teach me exactly what I need to do to overcome a challenge.
What I’m reading now:
I am finishing The Way of Humility by Pope Francis, which is very convicting.
The second is O Jesus, Prayers from the Diaries of Catherine De Hueck Doherty – she writes with openness and power that is like my heart song, a book that you can read one paragraph and be inspired. “Bible Roulette” (to pray to the Holy Spirit, open a book randomly and read a quote) is how I share Scripture and spiritual books with my students and co-sisters. Often the result is quite timely and speaks to the soul.
My favorite book:
I would choose the two above, but I am also particularly drawn to the writings of Father Jacques Philippe and Father Michael Gaitley. These were introduced to me through a “book share”. One Lent, a friend and I chose to read a book in 40 days. We would meet each week, discussing the treasures we found; this inspired me to grow in holiness and kept me accountable. We read several books by this method, resulting in my desire to read more. Reading has definitely impacted my relationship with Christ.