Peter Costello
Sacred Space: The Prayerbook 2021
(Messenger Publications, €12.95/£15.49)
The cover of the new edition of this always popular book shows a lighthouse at dusk, and out at sea a barely visible sailing ship in the distance. There came into my mind at once those lines from Newman, “lead, kindly light, amidst th’encircling gloom…”, which is surely one of the Christian world’s all-time favourite poems (and later, hymn). It was written while Newman, sick with anxiety to get home, was long becalmed in dangerous straits off the coast of Corsica in 1833. Since then it has moved countless millions of all faiths, or indeed none, as an expression of hope in times of affliction.
If the cover of the book is in keeping with the times were are so painfully living through, the prayers themselves and the readings and reflections give profound expression to the hopes of faith. Newman overcame so many obstacles in his life, and learned to live with those he could not change. Over the next liturgical year, beginning in November, this book will help many to do the same.
Culture and Politics Yesterday and Today /Culture et Politique Hier et Aujourd’hui
by Enzo Farinella (Edizioni GrafiSer, €20.00)
The charming and ebullient Enzo Farinella has long been a famialr figure in the cultural affairs of Dublin, his adopted city. For 20 years he was the director of the Italian Cultural Institution, and now runs the Casa Italia Cultural Centre (at 56 Greenfield Park, Dublin 24).
For decades he has been exploring assiduously the travels and adventures of the monks of Early Christian Ireland across the length of Europe, through France, Germany, Austria, Italy and other countries, in a series of bilingual books. He is not only a devotee of European cultures, but a teacher who believes we can all learn valuable lessons for the future of our continent from the experiences of these extraordinary figures from the past: the men who “saved Europe for civilisation”.
It was a rough path for many of them, especially in the Alps. In this book, mainly devoted to their activities in France, is a typical example of the series. The books are intended for a popular readership, to help the countries of Europe make friends.
Perhaps, with Brexit coming up, Enzo Farinella could devote his next book to what has afflicted Britain to make her ‘leave Europe’ – as if that would ever be possible in reality. Bearing in mind that these are for a wide readership they achieve his intention with enthusiasm and a variety of insights: there are always new and fascinating things to read and remember in all of them.
Copies of all Enzo Farinella’s many books can be purchased directly from International Books, 18 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2; tel. (01) 679 9375, or online.