Synopses & Reviews
As Cardinal George aptly states, "This book is an invitation to trust, made by an archbishop who loves his priests."
In recent years, Archbishop Peter Sartain has written to the priests of the Diocese of Joliet (where he served from 2006-10) and the priests of the Archdiocese of Seattle (where he currently ministers). These intimate, thoughtful letters of encouragement and support are collected here. From a place of commitment and care, Archbishop Sartain addresses a variety of spiritual, theological, pastoral, and personal situations that challenge priests. His personal experience and spiritual insights come together in a moving pastoral way, offering the reader a deep sense of God's care for the world and those who shepherd his people.
Archbishop Sartain's confidence that God is in charge and ministry is based on surrendering control to God's truth, love, and simple presence permeates this book. Priests will find it uplifting, as will others who serve in ministry, and the people who care about them.
Review
In the beginning, the Lord entrusted to Peter of Galilee the ministry of strengthening his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). That Petrine ministry is at the heart of our Catholic Christian faith. Later in the fourth century, Ambrose, the great teacher and bishop of Milan, preached: Ubi Petrus ibi ecclesia” (Where there is Peter there is the Church”). Those words come immediately to mind as one reads this beautiful collection of pastoral letters of a bishop to his priests. On every page of this book, you will encounter another Peter who took to heart the Lords injunction to Peter of Galilee to strengthen his brothers.” We hear often that priestly identity is in crisis today. Through personal memories and stories steeped in rich pastoral experiences, Scripture, and church tradition, Peter of Seattle offers a message of consolation, joy, and hope to priests of today. These letters of encouragement will help us weather the storms around us and rediscover in Jesus Christ and in the church, our
Review
Archbishop Sartain's Strengthen Your Brothers permits the reader a route of access into the mind, heart and soul of the Catholic priesthood, displaying how God's grace can transform finite, and often fragile men, into living icons that reveal the power and presence of Jesus Christ.Very Rev. Robert Barron, Rector of Mundelein Seminary
Review
These letters, as encouragingly practical as they are profound, contain a vision of priestly life tested and proven in the crucible of one man's actual experience. And, at the core of the vision, there is always a down-to-earthness and humility, a manifest joy, and a candid acknowledgment of both the burden and blessing of priesthood today.
Paul Murray, OP, author of The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness
About the Author
J. Peter Sartain is archbishop of Seattle and serves on the administrative committee of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas, from 2000-06, and bishop of Joliet, Illinois, from 2006-10.