Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship [Paperback]

Mary DeTurris Poust (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2010

Addressing a growing modern hunger for deep soul friendships, popular Catholic New York columnist and Our Sunday Visitor blogger Mary DeTurris Poust looks honestly but hopefully at today's culture, where people feel increasingly isolated despite the advent of myriad gadgets designed to keep them "connected." In ten practical chapters, Poust explores issues such as commitment and acceptance, the virtues that make for a lasting friendship, the importance of listening, open communication, and praying together. Readers will find here the guidance and encouragement to take the next step in developing spiritual friendships in their lives, one of the basic necessities of spiritual life.

Poust profiles inspiring spiritual friendships from the past such as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare, and St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. She also examines famous contemporary friendships, like those between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien or Thomas Merton and famous Zen master D. T. Suzuki. Each chapter concludes with "Food for Thought"--reflection questions and a prayerful meditation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Catholic journalist Poust writes with simplicity and directness about spiritual friendship--the connection people can make when they trust one another with matters of the soul. It's a lot different from Facebook friending; the author defines it as "two people bound together by a love of God." She draws on a variety of writings, from the biblical tale of Ruth and Naomi to the correspondence between such sainted pairs as Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, in illustrating the depth of such a connection. The book is well researched, though the writing is a bit prosaic. Each chapter includes questions for reflection intended to help readers explore and apply what the author presents, making it a natural for congregational groups. The material is best suited for people in liturgical traditions; the author refers to much within the Catholic tradition, including the pope, for examples. Poust's work can help readers deepen their lives. (Nov.) (c)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"This exquisite book will help others open their eyes to the beauty and meaning that luminously exists within their friendships." --Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, Host of EWTN's Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms

"This enchanting new book is also an important new book, inviting readers to reflect on an often neglected part of the spiritual life: friendship. Using examples from the scriptures, from the lives of the saints, and from her own life, Mary DeTurris Poust shows us how love is connected to friendship, how charity is connected to companionship, and how loving relationships with one another lead to friendship with God. Helpful, wise, provocative, sensible and always inspirational, this is a book for all Christian disciples, whom Jesus called 'friends.'" --James Martin, S.J., Author of The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything

"In today's world, the word friend has taken on an entirely new context. With her marvelous book, Walking Together, talented author Mary DeTurris Poust reminds us of the joys and blessings of true spiritual friendship. By sharing faith-filled examples from scriptures, saintly role models and her own life, Mary paves the way for us to encounter and treasure true spiritual companions in our own lives. Thoughtful reflection questions and meditations at the end of each chapter make this the perfect resource for group study or personal spiritual development." --Lisa M. Hendey, Author of The Handbook for Catholic Moms

"In this age of technology, Mary DeTurris Poust helps us recognize the irreplaceable need for human friendship, not only as a life resource but as part of our path to holiness." ----Msgr. Charles Murphy, Author of The Spirituality of Fasting

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Ave Maria Press (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594712093
• ISBN-13: 978-1594712098
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #888,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary DeTurris Poust is an award-winning columnist, journalist and author who has specialized in Catholic issues for almost 30 years. She has written hundreds of articles for Catholic and secular publications and has just completed her sixth book. She writes a monthly column,"Life Lines," which appears in Catholic New York newspaper and The Catholic Spirit (NJ). She is the creator of "Not Strictly Spiritual: Discovering the Divine in the Everyday," her personal blog that focuses on spirituality, travel, food, and more. Visit her at www.notstrictlyspiritual.com to learn more about her books, column, blog, and scheduled appearances.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Friendships are something we all should hope and work for October 24, 2010

By Patrice Fagnant-macarthur VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Our world does not seem to allow for deep friendships today. Family and friends are often separated by physical distance. Our lives are so busy that even keeping up with people via electronic means can be a challenge. One is lucky to have one or two close friends. A spiritual friend is an even rarer gift. In "Walking Toegther: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship," Mary DeTurris Poust emphasizes the value of such friendships while acknowledging the difficulty in forming them.

What makes a spiritual friend different from a "regular" friend? They are "two people bound together by a love of God." They walk side by side, with God always in between. "Spiritual friends magnify our virtuous qualities. More casual friends might bring out the worst in us through competitiveness, idle gossip, jealousy. Spiritual friends, however, bring out the best - in inspiring us to live in humility, honesty, charity. Spiritual friends inspire us to move beyond pettiness to a place where our hearts and minds are focused on doing what is right." The goal that both parties are reaching for is life with God in heaven.

Poust profiles some famous spiritual friendships, holding them up as a model for our own lives. The bonds between St. Frances de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein, and St. Francis and St. Clare are all discussed. Poust, who seems to have been extraordinarily blessed in this area, also shares her own experiences of spiritual friendship.

Poust offers some practical advice on how to find and nurture spiritual friends. She also examines spiritual direction, which can sometimes develop into a spiritual friendship. Some time is devoted to spiritual friendships between men and women, both within marriage and outside of it.... She acknowledges that there can be challenges in celibate opposite-sex friendships and cautions that the temptations toward infatuation and romantic interest must be overcome in order for a healthy, loving friendship to develop and flourish. If one or both of the parties are married, great care must be taken to make sure that the friendship does not threaten the marriage in any way. Despite these concerns, Poust does feel that male-female spiritual friendships can be a great blessing and she has benefited from them in her own life.

Spiritual friendship is a rare and good gift. It is to be greatly treasured. Hopefully, "Walking Together" will encourage many to pursue them in their own lives. Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great guide, full of insight and wisdom February 2, 2011

By Sarah Reinhard VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I've come to realize, over time, that I have quite a few different kinds of friends. There are friends who are with me for a season, friends who I know through social media, and friends who I have the joy of being related to. There are friends who are more like acquaintances and friends who are more like family.

One of my favorite recent reads, Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship, by Mary DeTurris Poust, which I received as a review copy, has made me consider another kind of friendship that's essential: spiritual friendship.

And you know what? After reading this, I realized something wonderful: I have a spiritual friend! I do! (Actually, I think I may have more than one, but one came to mind right away.)

This book is a gem of wisdom and insight, especially in an age of digital isolation. We need true spiritual friends now more than ever, when information is instant and feedback is constant. We need to be able to tap into the holy and sacred in other people, and this book will guide you.

You might find yourself nodding and recognizing those spiritual friends who already exist in your life. You might, on the other hand, find yourself longing for a spiritual friend after reading Walking Together.

DeTurris Poust offers suggestions that will strengthen existing friendships and help you take them to the "next level" and perhaps transform what began as "BFF" into "BFF...eternally." She taps into both the ancient stories of saints and current lives of living Catholics to build what I've come to think of as a manual for growing into a better Christian.

I highly recommend this book, whatever your state in life.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful January 18, 2011

By Karen Edmisten

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

So touching and encouraging. If Mary DeTurris Poust did not have such a clear personal understanding of what a spiritual friendship is, she may not have been able to write such a lovely book about it. Interweaving accounts of saintly friendships with her own experiences (including a lovely tribute to her mother, who was also her dear friend), DeTurris Poust has written an uplifting book that will lead you -- if you don't already have such cherished soulmates -- to seek out what she describes. Though Mary and I have connected briefly online professionally, Walking Together made me want to invite her over for coffee and get to know her much, much better.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Walk - and a Gift - For One and All November 19, 2010

By Fran Rossi Szpylczyn

Format:Paperback

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family? Look no further, Walking Together will fit the bill for so many, because friendship is the gift.

Using examples from many sources, Mary DeTurris Poust puts forth a beautiful little volume that is a gift to read. She is intellectual but completely accessible, she is filled with great warmth but never saccharine. Her words about people as diverse as St. Francis de Sales, Bishop Howard Hubbard, her mother and her husband and more will inspire you.

I love books like this, written in a way that allows you to flip from chapter to chapter, not necessarily in order. Each chapter invites you to look at friendship that is spiritual but very real. And if being Roman Catholic is about anything, it is about being in our bodies and being part of The Body that is all very real. That said, this is not a book for Catholics alone, but rather a way for anyone to reframe their view of friendship and faith in a new light.

And while you are buying gifts for all of your friends, please - make sure you buy one for yourself!