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by Doretta Lonnett Whalen (Author)
Saint Anthony of Padua made his mark as a popular, powerful preacher in Western Europe in the early decades of the thirteenth century, and he has developed a worldwide reputation as the finder of lost things. Regardless of creed, people invoke him on a range of issues, but especially Catholics do, who cultivate the belief that saints can intercede on our behalf.
The author, though feeling unworthy, shares some recent experiences of awakening spirituality which ignited the desire to learn about this saint and his marvelous gifts in God's service.
As a retired lecturer, she has written a book with something for everyone: academic research on the medieval saint and the Franciscan Order he joined; the challenge of deepening faith through an attitude of openness in prayer as revealed in engaging stories collected from the CGS Catholic community in Pittsburgh; the stories are interactive in that readers can find some lost items in the "Lost and Found" Pictorial Index; and the pride of the parishes is exhibited in Christmas nativity scenes, including the pictures of some of our youngest members. It is hoped that this book will foster faith, hope and love in these uncertain times.
Doretta Whalen is a retired adjunct professor: at University of Pittsburgh teaching Jazz Voice and inheriting the "popular" History of Jazz, named Editor's Pick Best Class by The Pitt News in 2013; at Penn State Greater Allegheny founding the vocal ensemble PSGA (Penn State Greater A Cappella) Melody Lions.
As host of APR show on WYEP 91.3 FM Pittsburgh, "Cruise Control for a Sunday," she interviewed guests and created "Classic Jazz Revue" voice-over. Her dissertation examined Holiday's Catholic school experience, suggesting exposure to chant helped shape her singing style. Doretta serves the church as cantor and volunteer.
