| Servant of God Series Please
scroll down for more information: This book paints in vivid detail the path that led to Jakob's death at the hands of the Nazis and the celebration of his life as holy and faithful to the Gospel. Of particular interest is the development of Jakob's social thought, which included the love of all peoples during the height of World War II; his strong fidelity to the Christian life, a stance which made him an enemy of the German state; and his interactions with his Marianist brothers. A poor and undereducated peasant who had lost faith during World War I, Jakob Gapp's yearning for truth, justice, and love led to a deep religious conversion which culminated in his Christian victory over the guillotine. Jakob was branded a "criminal" by the National Socialist regime; this book includes the proceedings from Jakob's interrogation, trial, and execution, and the testimony of those who were witnesses for the cause of his beatification. Blessed Jakob Gapp, Marianist is the English version of Pater Jakob Gapp, SM: Ein Martyrer des Glaubens by Josef Levit, SM. Brother Richard Hartz, SM, of the Meribah Province of the Society of Mary is the translator. The Gapp biography is the first volume of NACMS' "Servant of God Series," highlighting holy men and women who have lived the Marianist charism.
The Blesseds Carlos, Jesús, Fidel, Marianists NACMS announces the publication of Father Thomas Thompson’s translation of Con la Lámpara Encendida by Father Emilio Ortega, SM. This volume is a compilation of individual biographies of three of the Spanish martyrs— Brothers Carlos Erańa, Jesús Hita, and Fidel Fuidio, who were martyred in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. Father Ortega traces the lives of these brothers and highlights their humble beginnings growing up in working-class families; their deep faith lives; and their apostolic involvement in Marianist schools.Brother Carlos Erańa was a man of peace and conciliation. As Superior, he was always attentive to the spiritual and temporal welfare of the brothers. "He is undoubtedly the religious of the province who bests understands the soul of a small child of primary years and is best prepared to direct his teaching," says the report of a superior. Brother Jesús Hita was a good teacher. An introspective individual, he may have felt that his life lacked completion. Yet, when someone suggested the possibility of weakening in the last moment, he insisted, "God gives the grace to resist." He died shouting, "Long live Christ the King!" Brother Fidel Fuidio was the wise man with the childlike heart. As an archeologist, he discovered prehistoric and Roman settlements in Spain and published scientific studies. As a teacher, he communicated the enthusiasm he felt for the subject. His biography was appropriately titled Sympathy in Education. He is a model for the hope and enthusiasm which should characterize educators of youth. Key to their stories is their humanity and how God called them to become disciples of Christ and instruments of religious education. As Brother Fidel said, "The happiest moment of my life is when I open the door to my classroom, sent on mission to the students." Each community of the Society of Mary and the Daughters of Mary receives a complimentary library copy. The book has 221 pages; individual copies are available from NACMS for $8.00 plus postage.Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Founder of the Marianist Family by Vincent Gizard, SM The third in the "Servant of God Series," this book is a translation of Vincent Gizard's Petite Vie de Guillaume-Joseph Chaminade, Fondateur de la Famille Marianiste. Arthur Cherrier, SM, translated the work, and Thomas A. Thompson, SM, served as editor. Prepared for the beatification of William Joseph Chaminade in Rome on September 3, 2000, this biography is a concise and readable summary of Chaminade's life and times. It traces his life from rural Périgueux to Bordeaux during the French Revolution, then to Spain during three years of exile, and throughout the many fruitful years when he returned to France and left his mark through his missionary fervor and his foundations. Here is an exerpt from the preface to the book: "The 'Saint of Bordeaux' still has a great deal to say to us, we who are passing through times no less troubled than his. This is the conviction of the Marianist Family today. Lay people (some with private vows), religious women and men, and priests on five continents belong to this family. They proclaim themselves followers of Blessed William Joseph Chamimade." Through the text, we learn how Chaminade began Christian communities called sodalities. He initiated a method of evangelization in which faith and charity were spread by personal contact. He was a founder of religious orders, and he also encouraged the work of the Miséricorde in Bordeaux. Throughout France, he introduced new approaches in teaching--education through example and through good books -- and formation of teachers through retreats. Slowed only occasionally by political events or resistance from some of the early brothers, he continually moved forward, confident in the judgment of Divine Providence. Each community of the Society of Mary and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate has received a complimentary library copy. The book has 116 pages; individual copies are available from NACMS for $8.00 plus postage. N.B. No charge to SM or FMI.
|