To Whom Shall We Go?

by Timothy M. Dolan

To be a Christian today, to follow Our Lord and accept His call to discipleship, demands heroic courage. It takes deep faith to live the particular - special, unique - vocation that's yours alone. Heaven knows it isn't easy. St. Peter knows it, too. He's well aware that even the most enthusiastic and committed Christian can become frightened and unsure, can make mistakes and betray a loved one, can seek and receive forgiveness, can begin again and - with an even stronger faith - can go on to face life's most difficult challenges.

To Whom Shall We Go? presents the words and actions of St. Peter as it clearly shows how his life - his strengths, weaknesses, joys, and sorrows - offers an example for all of us. How it offers hope for each of us.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Nonfiction, Spirituality

152 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2004

About the author

Timothy Michael Dolan (born February 6, 1950) is an American Cardinal prelate of the Catholic Church. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, Dolan serves as the tenth and current Archbishop of New York.

Cardinal Dolan served as the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2010–2013 and was granted the titular position as Cardinal-Priest of Nostra Signora di Guadalupe a Monte Mario (English: Our Lady of Guadalupe of Mount Mario) in Rome.

Dolan is widely known for his conservative values and charismatic media personality. He previously served as Archbishop of Milwaukee from 2002 to 2009, preceded by service as an Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis from 2001 to 2002. Time Magazine named Dolan one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" for 2012.

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

REREADING NOTES
Got to go out of town suddenly and felt something spiritual should make it into my book bag. Note - first thought when I'm called on to go somewhere suddenly - what books will I take? True.

Looking for something light also I came across this which I recall really loving. I think it is the perfect book for my situation at the moment. We shall see ...

Update: It was the perfect book. Well worth rereading and I got a lot out of it this time around.

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Original review below.
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I received and read this before Archbishop Dolan was assigned to New York and began receiving so much attention. However, having read this book I felt sure that New York City was receiving a good shepherd.

In To Whom Shall We Go, we are reminded of all St. Peter's strengths, weaknesses, joys, and sorrows. In short, we are shown his humanity as he follows Jesus in the Gospels and Dolan points out how our own natures are reflected in therein as well. This is a simply fantastic book and I say that as a person who has never been particularly interested in St. Peter.

Here is a very brief excerpt from the section reflecting on Luke 5:4-11 when Peter has been fishing all night and Jesus tells him turn right around, to "put out into the deep" again and let down his nets. Dolan touches on so much more tangents in examining the theme of Jesus challenging us to "put out into the deep," but this bit has stuck with me for a long time so I share it with you.

I remember once seeing the late Cardinal John O'Connor surrounded by reporters on TV, being hammered with questions about his opposition to a plan for the widespread distribution of condoms in public schools to curb AIDS and teenage pregnancy. One of the reporters stuck a microphone in Cardinal O'Connor's face and said, "Cardinal, you're expecting an awful lot from people, especially our young people, in thinking they can control themselves. That's an awfully high standard. Isn't it just better to admit that people can't live up to this so they have to take precautions?

Do you know what the Cardinal replied? "Oh, no," he said to the reporter, "The whole world is saying to our young people, 'Be good, but -- wink, wink, -- we know you can't, so at least be careful.' Somebody has got to say, 'Be good; I know you can be,' and that has to be the Church."

Duc in altum: "Put out into the deep."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First things first: Every day I want you to close your eyes, enter the sanctuary of your baptized soul, and there realized that God, Himself, dwells."

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Archbishop Dolan's writing style! This is a great read.

[Stephanie Fries · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the spiritual weight of this book, the writing style is light, full of narratives and quotes. An easy yet impactful read.

***

It seems St. Peter didn't often make the right choice on the first try, ever. But he did repent, apologize, receive forgiveness, and forgive himself. In the frequent moments when "I do what I do not want," there's always a second chance; not a redo, but a chance to repent and repair. Peter's holiness lies in getting it right the second time.

All in all, we remain in the presence of God: "it is good that we are here."

[Bryce Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read - if Saint Peter could be such a screw up like me, and Jesus still chose him to the the rock of His Church, then that gives me Faith that my flaws do not define me. So grateful to Cardinal Dolan for the way he simplifies our Faith to help us live in this world better.

[Colosbian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was loaned to me by a friend, but by the time I got to the end I had bought my own copy! It contains a lot of useful and applicable advice - lessons taken from St. Peter, and suggestions for how you can actually apply those lessons to your life. If found it quite valuable and anticipate re-reading it.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can hear Cardinal Dolans voice as i read

Cardinal Dolan is such fun person to listen to. He takes deep topics and makes them understandable. I love how he follows the words of Peter in this book. Peter is so impetuous and imperfect but his love for Jesus is beautiful to the end.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful spiritual reading. Simple and practical.

Cardinal Dolan leads us to Jesus through the friendship of St Peter.