One of the many gifts that books give readers is a connection to each other...Books cultivate empathy. - Sarah Jessica Parker
I love to read. This is good as reading is important. Even Pope Francis weighs in on this. Pulling from his time as a high school literature teacher he wrote a letter last month addressing how important reading literature and poetry is and how a lack of reading impoverishes us.
In his letter Pope Francis was initially thinking of seminary formation but expanded his scope as he realized that reading is not only a healthy way to slow down and relax, but it’s also “an essential exercise in learning to listen to the experiences of other people and cultures,” which is important to all of us. Novels and poetry, Francis believes, can help “hone a reader’s ability to be in awe—of others, of the world, and ultimately, of God.”
Pope Francis ties in reading with effective evangelization which is not about explaining church doctrines first but starts with helping people encounter Jesus Christ made flesh: Jesus made human, who came into history modeling for us the importance of listening and walking with someone else's story. Seeing how Jesus walked among people Francis said, “We must always take care never to lose sight of the ‘flesh’ of Jesus Christ...flesh made of emotions and feelings, words that challenge and console, hands that touch and heal...flesh made of hospitality, forgiveness, indignation, courage, fearlessness; in a word love.”
Keeping Pope Francis words in mind next time your child is doing some reading after school, grab a book and join them and see God through a story or poetry.
Showcasing SHA talent: Olive in 6th is reminding students to turn in their reading logs, but parents don't need to do a reading log.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
4th Grade Aide