Patrons and Protectors: Occupations [Hardcover]

Michael O'Neill McGrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2007

Saints are not relics from our past. Their lives can spark our own, lift us up as we strive to be faithful Christians. In the first book in LTP's 'Patrons and Protectors' series, Mickey McGrath presents images of the saints as patrons of particular occupations. His fresh interpretations enchant the imagination. Saint Dominic stargazes through state-of-the art astronomical instruments. Saint Margaret of Clitherow is today's businesswoman, with briefcase nearby and cellular phone in hand. Sir Thomas More's battles with the crown are waged in a contemporary courtroom. In each image, the reader will see the Holy Spirit peering out and peeking around the corners, reminding us of the holy presence in all of our lives.Essays from contemporary men and women tell us what a particular type of work is like for them today. Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers) writes about a life devoted to working in children's television, alongside an image of Saint Clare, the patron saint of those who work in television. Dave Brubeck's reflection on a career in music accompanies the image of Saint Cecelia, the patron of musicians. And, many other people share insights about their life work next to images of the patrons of their occupations.Whether you are exploring new career possibilities or you simply enjoy learning about your patron saint, this book will help you to see that there are many ways to contribute to the building of God's reign here on earth. An ideal gift book for any individual or family, for those who are, have been, or are about to be confirmed, for the classroom or parish library, or for your own book collection. Published by Liturgy Training Publications.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Saints are not relics from our ecclesial past. Their lives cans spark our own, lifting us up as we strive to be faithful Christians. The women and men the church recognizes as saints had to make choices about their occupations and their ways of life. When and where they lived shaped these decisions, but how the saints lived out their decisions goes beyond time and place. Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS, creates images of the saints as patrons of particular occupations. Here space and time are rightly jumbled. The Elizabeth Margaret of Clitherow is today's businesswoman, and Sir Thomas More's battles with King Henry VIII are fought in contemporary courtroom. These pictures of our holy heros, along with the artist's commentary about them, tell us why a particular saint is associatied with a particular occupation. For some, like Saint Peter, it is the work they actually did: fishing. For others, like Saint Therese of Lisieux, patron of airplain pilots, the connection is more poetic, derived from the spirit of the saint and of the work. Essays by contemporary men and women, some well-known, others less so, tell us what the work is like for them today. Whether we want to explore career possiblities for ourselves or enjoy learning about our patron saint's life, this book helps us see that there are many ways to contribute to the building of God's reign here on earth.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 58 pages
• Publisher: Liturgy Training Publications (June 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568541090
• ISBN-13: 978-1568541099
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Saints -- Heavenly beings brought down to earth, March 14, 2001

By 

Ann C. (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Patrons and Protectors: Occupations (Hardcover)

In his wonderful "Patrons and Protectors: Occupations," Franciscan Oblate Brother Mickey McGrath has achieved the best of both worlds: he's combined wonderful scholarship and tradition (both long-standing hallmarks of the Church) and mixed in just the right dollup of tongue-in-cheek, whimsical, contemporary art. Brother Mickey has a strong affinity for his subjects, and it's contagious. It's obvious he loves the heroes and heroines of his faith (aka "saints) . . . he's come to know them well (including their quirks, foibles and unique qualities) and he just can't wait to introduce us to them! And he does it with a twist! There are no anemic apostles or dispeptic disciples here! Brother Mickey has taken some of the most popular saints, researched how they came to be revered as "patrons" of specific occupations, and then depicted them in a contemporary modern setting. St. Anne, known as the mother of the Blessed Mother and honored as the patron saint of housewives, is seen sitting over a much-deserved cup of tea, clothed in a "St. Mary's" sweatshirt, in the middle of a post-breakfast-messy kitchen. St. Barbara, the patron saint of architects is seen as an upscale young African American professional seated in a state-of-the-art studio before an easel. St. Lawrence, the patron of cooks? He's decked out in a chef's hat, "Turn me over" apron (a reference to the saint's legendary demise on a grill). St. John the Baptist de LaSalle, the patron of school teachers is seen, sleeves rolled up, tie askew, gazing longingly out the classroom window after his students have left (his favorite part of the day). The list continues. And no detail is overlooked (or included without a reason). Brother Mickey has replaced the time-honored tradition of bestowing haloes on his subjects, instead circling their heads with items found naturally within the setting in which they find themselves. Business women, hospital administrators, opera singers, astronomers, carpenters, farmers, aviators . . . they're all here. The old saints with a new look! And best yet, Brother Mickey accompanies each of his colorful pictures with text describing the background on each patron, complementing it with reflections written by people who actually work in the field (hence "Mr. (Fred) Rogers" waxes eloquently on television as he pays tribute to St. Clare, the patron of that industry). As exciting as this beautifully illustrated book is is the anticipation of more in Brother Mickey's patron saint series! A great book for religious educators or anyone in search of a new way of seeing relevance in a time-honored tradition.

5.0 out of 5 stars The God people, February 15, 2012

By 

Peter P. Morgan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Patrons and Protectors: Occupations (Hardcover)

This book always delights the 84-year old child in me. I read it and get comfort from it every few years. Fr. McGrath's illustrations are in themselves little works of art, spiritual tapestries.

Peter Paul Morgan