Customer Reviews

The Shadow of the Cross: A Journey Through the Virtues of Celtic Spirituality

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This book is a real gem among the piles or books about "Celtic Spirituality," one that remains true to the teachings of the Catholic Christian faith without losing it's focus on the special insights that the Celtic church provides, and celebrates that special Celtic character without devolving into cliché.

This is both a survey of what is distinctive about Celtic Christian spirituality, and a set of practical spiritual exercises to help you make these insights real for yourself. For me, it has played an invaluable role in helping me to finally make my Catholic beliefs real and practical in daily life, and I'm not exaggerating at all to say it's been one of the most significant books I've ever read.

To say what everyone else would say, Msgr. Barr writes with an engaging, charming style that is welcoming and warm, without losing a sort of edge that really challenges you to see things in a different way. Nothing is too complicated even for those `uninitiated,' but there are fresh insights here for the most secure or even, dare I say, jaded. I simply cannot recommend this book enough.

A simple, practical guide to understanding and enjoying Celtic spirituality with engaging stories and practical applications. I especially enjoyed the meditations which focused on the world today plus the special emphasis on the "kindly virtue" of hospitality. Suggestions for creating one's own sacred space and sacred time added to suggestions for making work holy will give the reader some meaty food for thought and action.

Knowing the author personally, I anxiously awaited the finished product. Having heard Msgr. Barr speak in person on Celtic Spirituality, the book generates his enthusiasm and personality. The stories are wonderful and the suggested applications can easily be adapted to a persons everyday life. I never realized what a difference it makes knowing the author, when I read it, it is almost as if I can hear him. A great book to pick up and open to any chapter to be fed for the journey.