New book about Sarnelli available

“Don Gennaro wants to convert the whole world in one fell swoop.”
—Dominican Father Gregorio Rocco |

The North American Commission on Redemptorist Spirituality is pleased to announce the publication of Volume 6 in the Readings in Redemptorist Spirituality series: Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli: The Conscience of a Nation: His Life and Letters, edited by J. Robert Fenili, C.Ss.R.

In the introduction, Father Fenili explains that he worked on this first English translation of material from and about Blessed Gennaro Sarnelli to “introduce more Redemptorists . . . to a deeper appreciation of this important man. In his time, he was one of the most influential voices of his day for both Church and state.”

Gennaro Maria Sarnelli and Alphonsus Maria Liguori both completed doctorates in canon and civil law at the University of Naples; they both gave up promising legal careers to dedicate themselves as priests to the most abandoned.  Both were effective in using the “apostolate of the pen” for catechesis.  The topics they addressed, writing in a pastoral style, were determined by firsthand experience in working among the people.

Alphonsus produced an impressive number of books in his 91 years of life; remarkable too is how much Sarnelli published in his short lifespan of 41 years.

“By means of his extensive writings in the areas of spirituality, spiritual direction, and social and political practice, he acted as a moral conscience to hundreds of thousands of his contemporaries,” writes Father Robert Fenili.

To order, visit Liguori Publications at Liguori.org, or call 800-325-9521.

Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli, pray for us!