Additional information
by Bert Ghezzi (Author)
Praise for Mystics & Miracles
"These wonderful stories . . . are fascinating reading. There is much to ponder here--and much to strengthen our faith."--Catholic Parent "Bert Ghezzi combines a wonderfully engaging style with real spiritual substance that feeds the soul."
--Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Denver "Bert Ghezzi has rescued mysticism from the myth of trendy spiritualities. . . . If your prayer leaves you longing for more of God, read this book, slowly."
--Mike Aquilina, author, The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions "Ghezzi . . . offers simple but engagingly written accounts of the lives of twenty-four saints of considerable variety. . . . Highly recommended."
--Library Journal "Although many of the mystics examined will be familiar to many, Ghezzi does manage to offer some new and interesting insights into their lives and times."
--Booklist Mystics and Miracles by Bert Ghezzi explores the lives and saintly miracles of twenty-four ordinary people chosen by God to do his extraordinary work. From visions and healing to prophecies and miracles, these mystics provide a direct connection between the human and the divine. Ghezzi's easy-to-understand writing style makes this collection of biographies ideal for anyone who wants to better understand the saints and the miracles they performed.
Front Jacket
Revealing the Human Side of Mystics
MYSTICS ARE PEOPLE who have been introduced into the mysteries of Christ's death and resurrection. In a sense, all Christians are mystics. But not all Christians enjoy a special closeness to God--this is what sets the mystics apart. In these compelling life sketches, Bert Ghezzi highlights the miracles and the extraordinary lives of the mystics while reminding us of their humanity. He brings them within reach and onto level ground, where we can learn from them and find inspiration in their lives of faith in God.
Some devoted students of the saints exalt them too highly. These overzealous hagiographers do the saints a great disservice. They daub their subjects' blemishes with cosmetic religiosity. They seal saints in airtights wrappers or isolate them on pedestals. Haven't you read biographies of saints who are made to seem like visitors from other planets? Such well-intentioned writers also do us a great disservice. they put the saints beyond our reach by concealing their humanity.
I find these spiritual giants more attractive when their mortality plainly shows. When, among their sonders, I see their wrongdoings and weaknesses, I can relate to them more easily. --from the book
Bert Ghezzi has remarkable insight into the relevance of saints for today. Mystics and Miracles can increase our fiath and deepen our hunger for God." -- ralph Martin, president of Renewal Ministries, host of television's The Choice We Face.
"I can bear witness to the authenticity of Ghezzi's book, having known one of these wonder-working mystics and friends of God he writes about. In an age burdened dwon with skepticism and timid faith, here is a book for the devout believer to enjoy--to laugh with Christ and his saints in the face of evil and to undo it." --Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., author of The Journey toward God.
Author Biography
Bert Ghezzi, who holds a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame, is a popular speaker and author who has written nearly twenty books, including Mystics and Miracles, The Sign of the Cross, Keeping Your Kids Catholic, and Voices of the Saints. He is currently an acquisitions editor for Our Sunday Visitor. He and his wife reside in Winter Park, Florida.
