October 2024: Editorial

The Joy of Reading

Pope Francis has recently extolled the value of reading novels and poems. Speaking to young seminarians perhaps already weighed down by theological and philosophical tomes he advised them that books containing stories and poetry are a healthy alternative to the torrent of sometimes toxic and superficial information available on social media in which so many seek entertainment and light relief on a daily basis. ‘In moments of weariness, anger, disappointment or failure,’ the Pope (who was once also a literature teacher) said, ‘when prayer itself does not help us find inner serenity, a good book can help us weather the storm until we find peace of mind.’

Intercom frequently reviews and recommends book choices to readers which are often inspirational and enriching sometimes challenging. In this month’s issue for example in reviewing The Golden Thread by Patrick Heren, John Cullen encapsulates the remarkable story of Frances Ellis (1846-1930) an unsung Catholic philanthropist who built dozens of churches, hospitals, schools and orphanages in the early 20th century. Similarly in New Resources this month, Mary Adamson finds in Emerging from the Mess – Finding Hope in Life’s Storms by Brendan McManus SJ & Jim Deeds, a book that ‘feels like being in spiritual direction or in conversation with a wise and compassionate friend.’

During this month of prayer for the Missions there is no end of inspirational stories to be discovered from and about those who have dedicated their lives in missionary work. Finding one to read could be our own mission for the month. The joy of finding a good book was nicely articulated by an earlier Scots poet and literary critic.

‘Oh for a book and a shady nook,
Either indoors or out,
with the green leaves whispering overhead,
or the street cries all about.
Where I may read at all my ease
both of the new and old,
For a jolly good book whereon to look
is better to me than gold’

John Wilson (1785-1854)

Paul Clayton-Lea