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World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and
Explained, by John
Bowker. DK of London, 2006.
This is not a book you can curl up in an easy chair to enjoy. Its size prohibits
that: 14" by 10.5" by 1". However, this is a most comprehensive portrayal of the major religions, complete with dozens of colored pictures and charts. Find a table and a comfortable
chair and begin a study of the religions of the world. Beginning with six ancient religions, the author then introduces Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Chinese Religions,
Japanese Religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native Religions. The book ends with a chapter on the Golden Rule, religious timelines and maps, along with index, credits, and ideas for further reading.
This book begins with a chapter called "What is Religion?" Bowker defines religion as follows: "It means almost anything because religions deal with the whole of human life and death. For thousand of years people have searched for the meaning and truth of their own nature and of the universe and of religions, which deal with the whole of human life and death Even the natural sciences were originally religious." Today we look more at
religions as communities of people who share practices and beliefs (often in God or gods), who gather in special places to worship, and who live in special ways in the world. This book gives a wonderfully complete survey of the major religions and the peoples who practice these religions.
- Book review by Sr. Irene Hartman, OP: 2006 -
Paperback
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St. Peter of Alcantara: 1499 - 1562. October 18.
Peter was a contemporary of well-known 16th-century Spanish saints, including Ignatius of Loyola and John of the Cross. He served as confessor to Saint Teresa of Avila. Church reform was a major issue in Peter’s day, and he directed most of his energies toward that end. His death came one year before the Council of Trent ended.
Born into a noble family–his father was the governor of Alcantara in Spain–Peter studied law at Salamanca University, and at 16 he joined the so-called Observant Franciscans, also known as the discalced friars. While he practiced many penances, he also demonstrated abilities which were soon recognized. He was named the superior of a new house even before his ordination as a priest, was elected provincial at the age of 39, and he was a very
successful preacher. Still, he was not above washing dishes and cutting wood for the friars. He did not seek attention; indeed, he preferred solitude.
Peter’s penitential side was evident when it came to food and clothing. It is said that he slept only 90 minutes each night. While others talked about Church reform, Peter’s reform began with himself. His patience was so
great that a proverb arose: “To bear such an insult one must have the patience of Peter of Alcantara.”
In 1554, Peter received permission to form a group of Franciscans who followed the Rule of St. Francis with even greater rigor. These friars were known as Alcantarines. Some of the Spanish friars who came to North and South America in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries
were members of this group. At the end of the 19th century, the Alcantarines were joined with other Observant friars to form the Order of Friars Minor.
As spiritual director to Saint Teresa, Peter encouraged her in promoting the Carmelite reform. His preaching brought many people to religious life, especially to the Secular Franciscan Order, the friars, and the Poor
Clares.
Peter of Alcantara was canonized in 1669.
Calendar of Saints
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