I have been wanting to read this book for quite some time. When I saw that it was available for request on Blogging for Books, I jumped at it. As you may have recalled me mentioning, I will be going to Poland in July for World Youth Day 2016 Kraków so this book is perfect timing. Through the book, I am learning the history of Poland and Kraków through the biography of Pope Saint John Paul II.
Discerning a vocation is a matter of learning the truth about oneself, accepting that truth, and living that truth. That takes courage – and courage was another of the cardinal virtues that Karol Wojtyła began to display in his Dębniki years.
I love this quote. I can vouch for the accuracy of claim about discerning a vocation. It does take a lot of courage and it isn’t always easy at all.
Synopsis of City of Saints via Goodreads
“Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II, was a man whose life was the expression of a richly textured and multidimensional soul. The many layers of that soul took on their first, mature form in Kraków.” – George Weigel
In this beautifully illustrated spiritual travelogue, New York Times bestselling author George Weigel leads readers through the historic streets of Kraków, Poland, introducing one of the world’s great cities through the life of one of the most influential Catholic leaders of all time.
“To follow Karol Wojtyła through Kraków is to follow an itinerary of sanctity while learning the story of a city.” Weigel writes. “Thus, in what follows, the story of Karol Wojtyła, St. John Paul II, and the story of Kraków are interwoven in a chronological pilgrimage through the life of a saint that reveals, at the same time, the dramatic history and majestic culture of a city where a boy grew into a man, priest, a bishop—and an apostle to the world.”
With stunning photographs by Stephen Weigel and notes on the city’s remarkable fabric by Carrie Gress, City of Saints offers an in-depth look at a man and a city that made an indelible impression on the life and thought of the Catholic Church and the 21st century world.
I'm linking up with the Friday 56, so I'll invite you to go grab a book and join the fun.
The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice.
Rules
- Grab a book, any book.
- Turn to page 56 (or 56% on ebook).
- Find any sentence that grabs you.
- Post it.
- Link it at Freda's Voice.
I am not sure that this one is for me. I had so many books about Catholicism I had to read in college I sort of got burnt out on them. However I would love to learn more about the history of Poland. One to think about. Happy Friday!
I read many Catholic theology books for my undergrad and this book is unlike any of them. The historical aspect is really interesting.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I don’t read nonfiction but this does sound interesting. Since many in my family are Polish Catholics, we were fond of this Polish pope. This week I am spotlighting The Secrets of the Heart by Kasey Michaels which had gotten lost on my TBR mountain. Happy reading!
Even if you don’t read a lot of nonfiction, this is a great read. I am really enjoying it.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a great weekend!
This sounds like the perfect book to read in preparation for your visit to Poland. I hope you’ll blog about your trip.
My Friday post features THE LOCKET.
That was my thought exactly! I don’t know much Polish history and so I am enjoying this. I’ll likely end up blogging about the trip afterward since I don’t think I’ll have a lot of time while I’m over there.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
How exciting that you’re going to Poland! I hope you have a wonderful time when you get to go in the summer. Enjoy the holidays!
I am really looking forward to going. It will be in the end of July so it might seem crazy to start the countdown now, but I kind of am. 🙂
Thanks for visiting. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
I’m hardly the most Catholic person, but I still have a soft spot for Pope John Paul II- after all, he flat out said animals have souls!
Many who are not Catholic have found inspiration in Pope Saint John Paul II. He was an amazing pope.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I’m with Sandy. A good choice to read before your trip. such a bold, true quote too.
My 56 – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/12/18/the-friday-56-89-murder-and-other-unnatural-disasters/
This book is making me even more excited for the trip!
Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Sounds like quite a fascinating read.
Happy weekend!
Thank you. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
This sounds like a fascinating read! I hope you enjoy your trip in July!
Check out my Friday 56 (With Book Beginnings), my Top Ten Tuesday, and my current giveaway.
Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!