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The Deacon: An Unexpected Life
We often end up living an "unexpected" life. Yet through it, glimmers of hope, faith, love and peace find their way through.After being married for forty years and serving the Catholic Church as a deacon for the last five years, leaving the diaconate was the last thing on my mind.Life was good - wife, home, children, grandchildren, health, retirement and an amazing ministry. Never did I expect to be a suicide survivor. Grieving the loss of my wife was difficult enough, but with suicide, the grieving process was much more intense. Being a deacon in the Catholic Church intensified that process even more.The Catholic Church made it clear. I could not stay a deacon and pursue another loving relationship that could lead to marriage. I was aware of the rule, but after two years of discernment, I couldn't seem to make a decision. This battle put me into the hospital for open-heart surgery. Finally, with God's help, I made my decision.Rick, a local reporter, wanted to interview me with regard to my diaconate experience and how I came to that decision. Rick turned out to be more than a reporter. This is my story. Through it, I hope glimmers of hope, faith, love and peace find their way through your clouds as well.Proceeds go to Suicide Awareness.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it is so honest, true and raw.
There’s some points in the book where you think the author cannot take one more horrible thing that could possibly happen in his life, and yet he does. Without giving away the details, Mr. Fargnoli suffers unsurmountable losses, yet still manages to remain incredible in his faith. Where is I myself would have wandered off and questioned God’s existence, he draws closer to his faith, and the power of prayer.
This book stays with you, in the sense that, when life brings you to your knees , as she often does; and tragedies surround you, you have to cling to the power of prayer, you have to cling to your God, you have to see the goodness in others and not dwell on the past where you have been wronged so many times.
The author teaches us that, to hold on.
For this, I am very grateful to have read this, I feel like I walked away with more spirituality, a little more confidence in my God and in my faith. In this very troubled world of ours, year 2020, it is reassuring to know, some people have Grace left inside of them, and are willing to share it with others.
There’s some points in the book where you think the author cannot take one more horrible thing that could possibly happen in his life, and yet he does. Without giving away the details, Mr. Fargnoli suffers unsurmountable losses, yet still manages to remain incredible in his faith. Where is I myself would have wandered off and questioned God’s existence, he draws closer to his faith, and the power of prayer.
This book stays with you, in the sense that, when life brings you to your knees , as she often does; and tragedies surround you, you have to cling to the power of prayer, you have to cling to your God, you have to see the goodness in others and not dwell on the past where you have been wronged so many times.
The author teaches us that, to hold on.
For this, I am very grateful to have read this, I feel like I walked away with more spirituality, a little more confidence in my God and in my faith. In this very troubled world of ours, year 2020, it is reassuring to know, some people have Grace left inside of them, and are willing to share it with others.
December 30, 2021
I appreciated the chance to read a memoir of a very local (South Jersey) author. So fun to recognize all the real names of hospitals, churches and restaurants.
As a survivor of suicide loss, I deeply appreciate that this story brings light to the tragedy of suicide and those survivors who are left behind, and according to the back flap, proceeds go to suicide prevention awareness.
It very much reminded me of The Shack and I could see sensibly at the end how the author included that is his own list of influential books.
As a survivor of suicide loss, I deeply appreciate that this story brings light to the tragedy of suicide and those survivors who are left behind, and according to the back flap, proceeds go to suicide prevention awareness.
It very much reminded me of The Shack and I could see sensibly at the end how the author included that is his own list of influential books.
February 2, 2021
I enjoyed the way the writer told his story and really appreciated his honest approach to the story. It also gave me a chance for some self-reflection regarding my own relationship. We need more people like Tom Fargnoli.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews