Signatures of Grace: Catholic Writers on the Sacraments

by Thomas Grady, Paula Huston (Editor)

The wonders and mysteries of sacramental life are celebrated in this distinctive collection of essays by eight acclaimed Catholic writers. In Signatures of Grace, Andre Dubus, Mary Gordon, Patricia Hampl, Ron Hansen, Paula Huston, Paul Mariani, Murray Bodo, O.F.M., and Katherine Vaz share the personal experiences that have deepened the significance of the sacraments in their spiritual and everyday lives.In "Baptism", Vaz weaves images of water, creation, and rebirth to evoke the eternal readiness of the soul to receive grace. Writing on Penance, Hampl recalls her earliest confessions, when tallying up a decent number of disobediences was a challenge. These and other essays weave the evolution of the sacraments through the centuries with each author's unique personal history.

Inspiring and deeply felt, Signatures of Grace is an invitation to revisit, or discover for the first time, the profound mysteries at the heart of Catholic life.

Genres: Religion

Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Signatures of Grace is a series of essays on the sacraments by Catholic writers. It's outside my normal choice of book but it's a beautifully bound book and I was intrigued. The authors who participated are Murray Bodo, Andre Dubus, Mary Gordon, Patricia Hampl, Ron Hansen, Paul Mariani and Katherine Vaz.

My favorite essay is Katherine Vaz's. "Baptism" starts off the book. She speaks of her grandmother and her traditions and her mother who was often at odds with those traditions. Besides enjoying the sentimental autobiography, I felt a connection to her through where she grew up. She grew up in San Lorenzo and Castro Valley, neighborhoods we frequent.

The rest of the book is a blur for me. The remaining essays heavier on the theology than Vaz's essay is. The book ends with a section of short biographies of the contributing authors. Although I didn't especially enjoy Signatures of Grace the book is still finely crafted. It just wasn't for me. It was the wrong book for the wrong time.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book but can't find my copy! This is what comes of moving too often.