Customer Reviews

The Geography of God's Mercy: Stories of Compassion and Forgiveness

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I also loved Hannon's book "Running into the Arms of God", which won 1st place in the Catholic Press Association Book Awards in 2006. He is a master storyteller, and in this collection of essays he uses common experiences from real life to illustrate how God's mercy, compassion, and grace come to us in the midst of it all. It's a wonderfully inspiring book, and since it's a collection of essays it is easy to read a bit and then put it down. It's worth reading, and it's worth giving as a gift.

An inspiring, very human and down-to-earth collection of stories, and the insights of Father Hannon that recognize the Hand of God in everyday life.

Hard to put down, but a great daily reading to enrich one's spiritual life!

Fr. pat has a remarkable ability to weave life-stories into prayerful reflection, calling for openness and honesty in confronting our need for God's compassionate forgiveness.

Forgiveness from mankind can be a multi-sided sword. Fr Pat offers his heart to help us learn of both mankind's forgiveness and the ever growing forgiveness of God. Thank you. PJ

My advise is to buy this book, read it and share it. It is a very quick read but you will end wanting more. Once again, Fr. Pat uses true stories and wit to grab our attention and show us God's Mercy and love. This book is not limited to 'a' faith or church but speaks to everyone.

Patrick Hannon's life is anything but unexamined, and we are the better for it. In his latest book, "Fr. Pat" mines his experiences in a family of 10 children, academia, and the priesthood for instances that speak of forgiveness and God's endless mercy.

In the early family stories, his mother is the hero, always willing to wipe the slate clean no matter what. Her act of continually "renewing the contract" with her brood is his model today for understanding God's forgiveness "for all our bone-headed, faith-defying, senseless and stupefying sins."

In first grade, he learned to offer an apology, the recipient of which first slugged him in the head and later shared her lunchtime Twinkie with him. As a high school student he witnessed acts of kindness and mercy when he and some classmates visiting Ireland volunteered to help with a summer program for kids from the Dublin projects. As a university student he spent a summer picking beans in the fields of Coachella Valley, California, where he learned of humility: "to allow God to strip us to the bone so He can recreate within us hearts that are merciful and forgiving..."

He recalls encounters with family and friends including a climb up Pike's Peak and a "brothers" trip to the Napa Valley reminiscent of the movie--Patrick likes movies--"Sideways." We also see him with parishioners and others he meets by chance who have something to teach about God's mercy. And we glimpse the period of depression Fr. Hannon endured on reassignment from California to teach in suburban Chicago. In every instance, he shares what he learned and, through his openness, demonstrates the possibilities for those who truly accept God's mercy.

Father Pat has woven a beautiful selection of stories about mercy, hope and forgiveness in his new book. He will leave you wanting more. You will also feel his passion and love for humankind. He shares pieces of his life as a child, a teen and as a priest. He calms us with his compassion. He relieves our tensions with his soft wit. Father Pat shares stories about his parents and siblings, his encounters with the elderly and the street people. His words come to life and the book becomes a beautiful experience, one you will want to read again and again. Father Pat has an insight far beyond his 47 years. He is compassionate, loving and we can only hope his words are applied by the readers as they have moved us. God bless you Father Pat and thank you for sharing your extraordinary gift of writing with the world.