Pope Francis - Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church

Magnificent. A beautiful invitation by a truly holy man to meet the one at the center of his life: Jesus Christ.

James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

Pope Francis knows that the encounter with Jesus Christ puts our lives on a new path. Our life of faith is a journey that we are making with Jesuswalking with him, sharing his life, traveling in the company of brothers and sisters who have accepted his invitation: Follow me. In this inspiring book, our Holy Father offers us bread for the journeyto deepen our friendship with Jesus and our fellowship in continuing his mission of mercy in our world.

Most Reverend Jos H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

A wonderfully inspiring and stirring resource capturing the depth of Pope Franciss magnificent vision and mission. His powerful message speaks of the richness of Catholic story and tradition. Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church is an exceptional source of wisdom and guidance for all involved in the ministry of religious education.

Edith Prendergast, RSC, Director of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Making an important contribution to the new evangelization, Walking with Jesus weaves together the major themes of Pope Franciss pontificate centered around the encounter with Christ. The perfect companion for those seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ, the Sacraments, and the Holy Spirit, Walking with Jesus is sure to inspire you to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis to grow in your faith.

Julianne Stanz, Director of the New Evangelization, Diocese of Green Bay

Growing up on the gritty streets of Chicagos West Side, I was taught to never walk alone. The same advice holds true for the spiritual journey, and Pope Francis shows us how to walk with Jesus every step of the way. Thank you, Holy Father, for reminding us that, with Jesus on our side, we have nothing to fear!

Joe Paprocki, DMin, author of The Catechists Toolbox

The words of Pope Francis paint a vision of a Church constantly on the move as a dynamic missionary community of disciples. He calls bishops, priests, catechists, and parents to become new evangelizers, giving living witness to the person of Jesus Christ while building up the Church. Taking this seriously could change the very nature of catechesis and clergy formation.

Joyce S. Donahue, Catechetical Associate, Diocese of Joliet

What a wonderful addition to our knowledge of the fresh and inspiring message of a revolutionary pope from the ends of the earth!

Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Casassa Chair and Professor of Theology, Loyola Marymount University

This collection offers fascinating insight into the mind and heart of someone who has rapidly become one of the worlds most beloved public figures.

Publishers Weekly

Refreshingly humane, focusing on people rather than institutions. Admirers of Francis and students of Church history alike will find this a useful introduction to the pontiffs thought.

Kirkus Reviews

A magnificent book, bursting with profound spiritual insights, from a man who has quickly become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time.

James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

A refreshing book, a true treasure chest of wisdom, which will both comfort and unsettle any attentive reader.

Englewood Review of Books

I cant even tell you the sense of wonder and gratitude I am feeling reading The Church of Mercy. Every Christian in at least the western world should read this man... at least read enough to know what Christianity has come upon or been given or will be watching develop over the next few years. This man sees, and is of, the Kingdom of God.

Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence

Pope Francis reminds us that the goal of Christian faith is not to be right, but to be holy, and that the way to holiness is through a merciful heart, open to God and the world. The popes message is a daring invitation to reimagine the Churchs whole approach to pastoral ministry and the New Evangelization.

Fr. Matt Malone, SJ, President & Editor in Chief, America Magazine

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eBook ISBN: 978-0-8294-4249-6

Based on the print edition: 978-0-8294-4248-9

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015930346

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This is an important and needed book. It collects the words and teachings of Pope Francis under the intriguing theme of walking with Jesus. The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles describe the earliest disciples as those who walked with Jesus and referred to their life of faith as the way. In these essays Pope Francis urges Christians in our time to take up the journey again and to renew their faith. But, more importantly, he shows us the way, as each of us struggles with the question: How exactly do I walk with Jesus today? The pope does so by drawing from the rich spiritual legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola as well as his pastoral encounters across a long lifetime as a priest, bishop, and now pope.

St. Ignatius saw that the renewal and transformation of individuals and the Church could happen only by putting Christ in the center of our lives and by staying in his company. Under St. Ignatiuss leadership, the earliest members of what would become the Society of Jesus also called themselves the company of Jesus and the friends of Jesus. They were to be those who walked with Jesus by prayerfully moving through the mysteries of his life in the course of the Spiritual Exercises. They also walked with Jesus as his disciples and apostles who carried on the mission of Jesus in the Church and in the world.

The Ignatian vision of renewal began with those in the Society of Jesus, but it was destined to be a life-giving spiritual force for the entire Church. And Pope Francis clearly shares this spiritual heritage with the Church at large. All of us are summoned to walk with Jesus and to be his companionsthe ones who share his life, his mission, and his destiny. At the same time, while we aspire to be companions of Jesus, we know that already he is our companion on the journey. He walks with us as a steady presence of hope and love when we make our pilgrim way, especially when we encounter difficulties and challenges.