"Paths of Love: The Discernment of Vocation"

A few months ago I received an email from Joseph Bolin, a theologian studying at the International Theological Institute (For Studies on Marriage and the Family) in Gaming, Austria, asking if I would be interested in reviewing his new book: "Paths of Love: The Discernment of Vocation According to Aquinas, Ignatius, and Pope John Paul II". Truthfully, I was humbled by his request, but I was also very interested in reading his book. Unfortunately work, reading and writing assignments for the permanent diaconate, and the demands of family life have not left me with a great deal of leisure time to read books of my own choosing. However, what I have read of Joseph's book is outstanding. The book is brilliant and well researched without being difficult to read. It is both intellectual and spiritual. In short, it is an excellent book on vocations to marriage, the Priesthood and Religious Life - a rare combination in one book, and one that I highly recommend.

The editorial review below will give you a description of the book.

I will also be adding this to the "bookstore".

Editorial Reviews
"At last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love!" Love is the heart of every vocation. This book about vocation to marriage, priesthood, or religious life, has several unique features. First, while being addressed to all Catholics, not only to theologians, it does not oversimplify vocation, or give a mere compilation of advice, but aims to present the rich depth and wealth of the Christian understanding of vocation in a simple and accessible manner. Secondly, this book goes right to two great saints at the heart of quite different traditions on vocation, namely St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Ignatius Loyola, and the basic difference between them, a difference which is often unappreciated, or is passed over superficially. The goal is not to decide in favor of one over the other, nor to examine in detail their historical or theological connection; this book rather aims to use these different points of view to convey all that belongs to a full Christian and human approach to vocation.