It Is Right and Just: Responses of the Roman Missal by John M. Cunningham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A short and small volume that looks at the revised translations of the various responses of the Roman Missal, and attempts to provide a commentary on the revised translations drawing on the Scriptures and the works of the Church Fathers to do so.

In one sense, this book is now superfluous; the revised translated have now been in use for over six years, and by and large are now firmly established in the usage of most church attenders, regardless of what people might make of the worthiness of the translation process. In another sense, this volume allows the continuing reflection and study on the new responses, providing some of the background for their selection and usage from the depths of the Tradition itself.

I’m not sure what to make of this book ultimately, nor whether I would recommend it to others. Perhaps there may be some benefit for group study for those who might be interested in the topic, but again given the length of time that has now passed since the ‘new’ English translation has been in effect, I remain doubtful whether there would be any benefit to be gained at this point.

Only for the really serious.

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The Alehouse Murders by Maureen Ash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very intriguing and engaging mystery set in the medieval town of Lincoln, and introducing the hero of the Templar Knight Mystery series, Sir Bascot de Marins, a member of the Templars, a former captive of the Saracens in the Holy Land, and a man facing many questions within himself. When the town is confronted with a series of murders in the lead up to the local fair, the local authorities ask de Marins to investigate, a task he undertakes with the kind of dedication and determination that he learnt as a member of the Templars.

The historical setting of Lincoln is very real and historically consistent, which adds to the power of the narrative and mystery created by Maureen Ash. It is a genre that I particularly appreciate, and Ash has excelled in her portrayal of the historical Lincoln as the background to murder and mystery.

Very highly recommended.

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Stewards of God’s Mysteries: Priestly Spirituality in a Changing Church by Paul J. Philibert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This volume suffers from one significant drawback: it is a follow up study to a 1973 study that has its focus on the ordained priesthood of the Catholic Church of the United States. The insights that are contained within the volume are therefore limited in their applicability to the Catholic Church in the rest of the world.

There are, to be sure, insights of value, but their applicability to a setting that is not the United States are exceptionally limited; their applicability in places like Africa and Asia, where the Catholic Church finds itself in a radically different situation than the West, must be almost nil. In that light, the book is disappointing.

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The Spirituality of the Diocesan Priest by Donald B. Cozzens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although now twenty years old, this collection of essays still has much to offer to those priests who are ‘secular’ or ‘diocesan’ rather than members of a religious order or clerical institute. For the latter priests, a charism or spirituality can be a very significant part of their identity as priest as well as a member of the order or institute that they belong to. It is one of the benefits of belonging to such organisations; membership provides the basis for their ministry.

For ‘secular’ or ‘diocesan’ clergy, the basis for ministry can be a little harder to find, though the contributions in this volume significantly assist the member of the clergy to grapple with their priestly and ministerial identity. Each of the contributors brings their own experience and expertise to the question, and while they provide no definite answers, they certainly provide the right questions.

A very highly recommended edition.

From the back cover:

Behind the drop in seminarians and the declining numbers of priests, behind the sexual misconduct scandals shaking the confidence and trust once readily given to priests, a spiritual deepening and maturing is quietly renewing the spirit and confidence of the diocesan priest. In this collection, twelve priests and bishops reflect on the spirituality of the diocesan priest from the personal and pastoral experience.

Have diocesan priests finally transcended the monastic and religious order spiritualities that have shaped their prayer and interior lives for centuries? Is a spirituality proper to the diocesan priest emerging precisely at a time when the priesthood is under such close scrutiny? The contributors – pastors, theologians, poets, and bishops – grapple with the maturing of the diocesan priest’s soul.

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The Mysterium by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another masterful foray into the world of mystery, intrigue and murder in the City of London under King Edward I of England. The Keeper of the King’s Secret Seal, Sir Hugh Corbett, our eponymous hero, is charged by the King to get to the bottom of the matter in an expeditious and understated manner. As we have come to expect, Corbett does exactly that, ably assisted by his faithful companions Ranulf and Chanson, but the outcome of this particular case doesn’t end as it usually does.

The ability of Paul Doherty to capture the historical setting of King Edward’s England and City of London while weaving a wonderful and complex mystery continues to pleasantly surprise me. His mastery of the genre is without parallel and I look forward to continuing to read more of his works.

Very highly recommended.

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