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Finding Light in the Darkness, a Journey Through the Stations of the Cross
Fr. Dan Farley experienced the first symptoms of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in a war zone in Afghanistan. As a Catholic priest and a chaplain in the Army, Fr. Dan went wherever he needed to go to bring the message of Jesus Christ to those most in need. Whether it was his parishioners in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, youth gangs in the neighborhoods of East Lost Angeles or soldiers in combat zones around the world, Fr. Dan served others with compassion and love. He lived with epilepsy and eventually ALS. Through it all, he persevered in his call to the priesthood. In this story of suffering and perseverance, Fr. Dan helps us carry our own cross to the Mount of Calvary. In this intimate and very personal account of his life, Fr. Dan Farley offers all of us inspiration, healing and hope.
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2013
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 17, 2014
My sister gave me a copy of Finding Light in the Darkness. She told me to, “Read this!” A lot of people recommend books to me. Some, like my sister, even give me copies. Usually this sister has good reasons for sending a book my way, but at the time of her gift I just had too many other books going. Then the other day I looked around and there it was. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.
Father Dan was a young man with more determination to become a priest than anyone I’ve ever heard of or read about. He overcame more obstacles and setbacks than you can imagine. I lost track of all the rejections he got along the way and I’m not even sure he said how many years it took before he was ordained. So what was wrong with him? He had epilepsy. His recurrent seizures – despite medication – kept getting him disqualified by vocations boards or dismissed from seminaries.
How he overcomes this challenge and others is a heart-warming and wrenching story. I couldn’t put the book down and it ended way too soon. Fr. Dan Farley is my hero!
Father Dan was a young man with more determination to become a priest than anyone I’ve ever heard of or read about. He overcame more obstacles and setbacks than you can imagine. I lost track of all the rejections he got along the way and I’m not even sure he said how many years it took before he was ordained. So what was wrong with him? He had epilepsy. His recurrent seizures – despite medication – kept getting him disqualified by vocations boards or dismissed from seminaries.
How he overcomes this challenge and others is a heart-warming and wrenching story. I couldn’t put the book down and it ended way too soon. Fr. Dan Farley is my hero!
March 9, 2022
I had the great honor to meet Fr Dan and receive spiritual direction from him, months before his death. I can honestly say that looking at him was like looking into the eyes of Christ. To me he was a living saint. I think if you read his story you’ll understand why.
January 3, 2015
This book spoke to me from a personal perspective. We all have to bear a cross; some have many. Big or small, they are ours to carry. Fr. Farley, in describing his journey of hope, rejection, and perseverance, provides yet one more example of why you must not give in to despair. Imagine having a goal, being told at every opportunity (after having gone to great lengths to meet basic requirements) that "you can't do that". Yet, in your heart, you know that is what God is saying: "you MUST do this". This in essence is the story; how he hears the call, pursues it with his earthly, human manner, and how in the end he achieves the goal which, clearly, God has given him.
Where this book excels is providing that message. It's not what I would call a well-written book; sure, it's readable, but if you are a critical reader, you will have to turn off your "It's all about me" filter. That's the point; he was able to succeed in spite of his own personal failures and snares. He continues to work on himself, and with God's graces, toward the end sees where the failures have been, ACCEPTS how things are, but doesn't quit on his journey. And eventually succeeds. I won't provide any spoilers on this one, other than his chapters on working with the poor are eye-opening in to perspective. A multi-million dollar income and an mansion do not necessarily make a happy life... but that doesn't mean abject poverty is a goal, either... Then again, that's part of our journey; God gives, and we frequently accept; it's how we deal with what we are given that matters. We are not promised an easy path; never have been.
God has a plan for all of us; we are all of value, as we are all his children living in his umbrella of true love. One thing I was reminded of, is you may spend your entire life working toward a goal, and not see it. There is a major point there; we can't know what the path truly is. There will be ups, downs, and moments of silence. Ask Jesus how it was in the wilderness... and many of us live there for more than he is reported to have been "out there".
Take a few days, and read this book. It's really easy to do... and apply the lesson to yourself. I am...
Where this book excels is providing that message. It's not what I would call a well-written book; sure, it's readable, but if you are a critical reader, you will have to turn off your "It's all about me" filter. That's the point; he was able to succeed in spite of his own personal failures and snares. He continues to work on himself, and with God's graces, toward the end sees where the failures have been, ACCEPTS how things are, but doesn't quit on his journey. And eventually succeeds. I won't provide any spoilers on this one, other than his chapters on working with the poor are eye-opening in to perspective. A multi-million dollar income and an mansion do not necessarily make a happy life... but that doesn't mean abject poverty is a goal, either... Then again, that's part of our journey; God gives, and we frequently accept; it's how we deal with what we are given that matters. We are not promised an easy path; never have been.
God has a plan for all of us; we are all of value, as we are all his children living in his umbrella of true love. One thing I was reminded of, is you may spend your entire life working toward a goal, and not see it. There is a major point there; we can't know what the path truly is. There will be ups, downs, and moments of silence. Ask Jesus how it was in the wilderness... and many of us live there for more than he is reported to have been "out there".
Take a few days, and read this book. It's really easy to do... and apply the lesson to yourself. I am...
February 25, 2024
I really liked this book, it spoke of a very real journey toward holiness. It also encouraged the reader to reflect on his or her own life.
March 28, 2024
I personally knew Fr Dan and witnessed part of his journey through ALS. He was a wonderful, kind person who has been missed
July 11, 2023
Heart felt story of a beautiful priests life!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews