Andrew M. Seddon
Neil Kennedy-Jones
Gerlinde Kennedy-Jones
The Crossroad Publishing Company
ISBN 9780824522643
It seams over the last year I have had a renewed interest in Celtic Saints. I have had this book for a few years. It has sat on my bed site table reading pile. And on my dresser reading pile. I just have a hard time getting around to reading physical books with being on the go so much. I took it on retreat with me recently and read it over the free time on the final day. I absolutely loved it and am now in the process of reading it a second time with my 10 year old son. I have read a few books by Andrew M. Seddon, but had not encountered Neil and
Gerlinde Kennedy-Jones prior to this book. (And as far as I can tell this is their only published work.)
The description of this book is:
"This light and enjoyable book is a series of stories and reflections on the Celtic saints. Each of the 15 chapters begins with a semi-fictional story or event from the life of a saint, showing some characteristic quality for which he or she is known. This is followed by a reflection that combines history and inspiration. Then comes a short original poem, scripture, meditation, and a blessing. A website connected with the book will offer fully arranged original hymns to accompany the poems."
The description on the dust jacket is:
"To enrich your family devotion, personal reflection, and book reading group, Walking with the Celtic Saints presents original tales that take you into the heart of Celtic Spirituality. As you read these original poems, reflections, meditations, and blessings, you'll walk with 15 people who can teach us important lessons about what matters most. Subjects include family, compassion and sharing, the Celtic cross, and the love of nature."
The 15 saints portrayed in the book are:
St. Brynach
St. Nectan
St. Patrick
St. Brendan
St. Edna
St. Baithen
St. Edfrith
St. Ceolfrid
St. Nathalan
St. Gwinear
St. Myllin
St. Aidrian
St. John of Beverley
St. Moling
St. Samson
The chapters are:
Journeying into the Garden
Breaking Bread Together
Stones and Psalms
Opening Creation's Book
The Celtic Cross
Showing God's Love
Working Together
A Written Treasure
Working in the World
Songs of Encouragement
A Call to Quietness
Soldiers for Christ
Trinity and Unity
Free Gifts
The Call to Care
Notes on the Saints
Each chapter in the book follows the same format. The sections in the chapters are:
Invocation
The Story about the Saint
A Reflection
A Poem
Scripture
Meditation
Blessing
In some ways this book reminds me of A Book of Irish American Blessings & Prayers by Andrew M. Greely. But with the addition of the story and reflection it goes that much further. This book is a wonderful read on many levels. My son really appreciates the story and reflection sections, while I love the invocation, poem and blessings.
This book is a wonderful collection. The concept and execution is excellent. It was a joy to read. I just wish an eBook version existed, not only would I have read it much earlier, but know many people who would read it in that format. As it is I will pick up a few copies to give away this year at Christmas. Another excellent book about saints by Andrew M. Seddon, and this time with two co-authors.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Andrew M. Seddon:
Non-Fiction:
Walking with the Celtic Saints (with Neil & Gerlinde Kennedy-Jones)
Saints Alive Series:
Non-Fiction:
Walking with the Celtic Saints (with Neil & Gerlinde Kennedy-Jones)
Dr. Andrew's Curious and Quirky Compendium
...
Historical Fiction:
Historical Fiction:
Imperial Legions
...
Saints Alive Series:
...
Saints Alive Second Editions:
...
...
Stories Of The Supernatural:
What Darkness Remains
In Death Survive
…
Science Fiction:
Red Planet Rising
Iron Scepter
The DeathCats of Asa’ican and Other Tales of a Space-Vet
Farhope
Wreaths of Empire
…
German Shepherd Wanderings Series:
Bonds of Affection
Ranger's First Call
…
Contributed to:
Sky Songs
Sky Songs II
Fungi #20
Unintended Consequences
Silent Screams: An Anthology of Socially Conscious Dark Fiction
Eldritch Embraces: Putting the Love Back in Lovecraft
Tails from the Front Lines
Rejected
Misunderstood
Incarceration
Legends of Sleepy Hallow
Wolf Wanderings
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