Joan Chittister’s book The Liturgical Year is a simple journey through the very basics of the liturgical year. It is a book not slowed down by lists and explanations of the various feasts and fasts of the year, but centers mostly on the two pillars of the liturgical year – the Advent and Lenten seasons. It is more devotional that educational, more thought-provoking than habit-building.
A few months ago I stumbled upon the wikipedia for Paschaltide {that is, Eastertide} and found myself craving to know more about the liturgical calendar and the various celebrations within it. When I saw this book available for review, I knew immediately that I must get it.
I was not disappointed, but I was caught off guard. I’d assumed the book to be more methodical and full of facts and dates and rituals. Instead, it was centered on the heart behind and in the celebrations, more of a reflection on the purpose of it all.
To someone looking for the straight-up facts and answered questions, this could be frustrating. I found the book to be highly encouraging, especially where my own spiritual practices were concerned. It is a book I plan on reading again, this time starting at Advent {I started on Ash Wednesday this time} and will read again and again as I myself begin to celebrate the liturgical year with the devotional heart shown to me by Sister Joan.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com