We have a winner! The name chosen out of the hat was Linda Reid! Thanks to one and all for reading the blog, and hopefully the book!
Although this is not a book review, I am going to talk about a book – and yes, I am going to give one away. Yesterday two popes were canonized, becoming official saints in the canon of the Catholic church – St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II.
Bro. Mickey McGrath OSFS is a gifted artist, author, retreat leader, and speaker. He is also a dear friend, and a colleague of mine. His latest book is about one of our new saints, one who is close to Mickey’s heart. This book, published by Clear Faith Publishing, is called Good Saint John XXIII, Quotes & Quips from the Prophet of Peace.
The book is one that is full of the whimsy we may associate with Mickey’s art, but make no mistake – this is not just simple fun – this book is full of wisdom. I told you this was not a review, and it is not, but this is how I describe the lovely book. There are, as the cover says, quotes and quips along with the inspired art. You will also find pages of text that bring forth some historical context. A beautiful forward sits at the front of the book, written by James Martin, SJ.
And while not a review, this book nerd who loves the look and feel of books, will tell you that this paperback volume is beautifully printed and bound. It is the perfect book for your desk, your nightstand, or anywhere you might want to access brief meditations, visual prayers, and just a moment of quiet infused with the prayer known as smiling. I am not unbiased, but I do think that this is a wonderful book to own, and one to share!
The book costs $20.00 plus shipping, and can be ordered from this link, at Clear Faith Publishing. If you would like to enter to win a copy of this book, please leave a comment here at the blog. All comments to this post left before Thursday May 1 at 11:59pm will be eligible.
There Will Be Bread 
Although I ordered a copy of this book, I already gave it away! Need another one for myself. That always seem to happen with my Mickey McGrath books. I like them so much that I give them to others!
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Since I enjoyed his presentation and loved meeting him, I’m sure Br. Mickey has captured the spirit of our new saint, Fran, I love that do this with so many excellent books!
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Having been a lifelong admirer of St.John XXIII and a current admirer of Bro. Mickey’s work, this book is definitely for me!!!
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I love Br. Mickey’s works, and am so happy for the church that Good Pope John has been canonized! I haven’t seem this book yet, but if I don’t win a copy, I will go buy one soon.
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I remember the day he died. I think I was in study hall and they began to ring the large bell (in the seminary where I was studying) once for every year of his life. A good man had passe to the Lord.
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love to recieve a copy of this book, sounds wonderful. Peace.
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I am a fan of Brother Mickey and his contemporary iconography, and remember St. John XXIII with great fondness and admiration. My Sicilian family members at the time especially were drawn to his personality, probably because they too came from a farming background. I would be happy to accept a copy of this new book, and will no doubt actually purchase one in the future. And I enjoy your blog, Fran.
Sally Easterly
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I recall Pope John as we entered into Vatican II and I was a student in elementary school. He reminded me of my Italian grandfather and my first love of him was as a grandfather. As I grew and learned and participated in Vatican II in the ways that opened to me, I still loved him as a grandfather and added prophet and visionary to his person!
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I love Brother Mickey’s work! Eager to read this one!
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Thank you for introducing this author to me. I am currently reading SAINT JOHN PAUL THE GREAT: HIS FIVE LOVES by Jason Evert which our parish so generously gave us as an Easter gift. I would very much like to have a book about our other saint given to us on Divine Mercy Sunday.
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I am a fan of Bro. Mickey’s work and so happy to have enjoyed it recently during Lent and Advent. Happily, I’ve been sharing the joy with friends online, too. It would be great to read his book…and share it with my spiritual director. 🙂
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I have many of Brother Mickey’s books and am looking forward to this one!
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I love Br Mickey’s work. I have two of his prints in my office for daily inspiration. I would love a copy of the book.
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Sure would love to win this contest. Bro Mickey’s work is so inspirational!
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Thank you for your words of joy and wisdom, and for sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit with us always
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Wonderful write up for Bro. Mickey’s book. I’ve received and read mine already, but would love another for my priest. I know he would love as well. Either way, it’s a lovely write up and I think will do well for Bro. Mickey. God Bless.
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I found Bro Mickey by accident on Facebook and am totally inspired by his drawings. What a plus to see that he did a book on my favorite of all time Saint John xxiii. I’ve been waiting for some extra money to buy the book, I ‘d buy it anyway but would be great to win one! Bless you and have a joyful Easter season🙏🙏❤
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I never enter contests, but I think I’m one of the few who have never heard of Brother Mickey. Have been on the lookout lately for something a little on the lighter side. Most of my reading is e -book style, but once in awhile the real deal is better. With hubby on tour for the spring /summer need something to snuggle up with at night 🙂
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I love Brother Mickey’s unique way of spreading God’s word. HJe educates us, leads us to prayerful experiences and has us laughing along the way. Thanks Mickey.
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John XXIII was “MY” pope. I was 4 when he was elected, and so I imprinted on him as “THE” pope. I have always held him in the highest esteem and with great affection. I also love Bro. Mickey and his art. A perfect combination here.
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Bro. Mickey is certainly gifted and blessed with such talent and shares wonderful works with us. I use his works (the art work, the comments that he gives to explain little subtleties that we might not see right away, the Scripture references and reflections) as an entry to prayer. I own a couple of his other books… however I can’t seem to keep them in my possession very long! They are always “on loan”!! You will not regret $20 spent on this book!
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As someone with one foot in corporate America and the other in firmly rooted in liturgical ministry, I am always interested in reading how others manage the work/life/spirit balance. I look forward to reading more of your blog and Brother Mickey’s insights.
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Let’s keep such people before us as the lights they are … Lights that illumine the path to the Holy. St. Pope John XXIII … Pray for us.
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