Frank X. Tuoti has written a book that makes the subject of mysticism understandable and accessible to all Christians. It is a book that speaks to modern men and women in a language we can all appreciate and with examples we can all relate to. It covers the central questions and theology of mysticism in short chapters that can be read separately or in the context of the whole book. And it makes us all respond, “Why not?” to the question posed by the title of the book. Tuoti is a former Trappist who lived and studied with Thomas Merton in the Abbey of Gethsemani, and now lives in the Sonoran desert on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona with his artist-wife Gale. There he teaches Centering Prayer and gives retreats on Christian mysticism and the spirituality of the Desert and Eastern Church Fathers. His life after Gethsemani shows us what Merton might have done had he left the monastery to marry M.

While Tuoti draws on and quotes liberally from modern writers on mysticism such as Merton, George Maloney (who also wrote the Introduction to the book), Bede Griffiths, Karl Rahner, and Evelyn Underhill, he is also steeped in the classic literature on mysticism of John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Meister Eckhart. And he finds the inspiration for all mystical experience in the Christian Scriptures.

The heart of the book is his insistence on the fact that the mystical experience is not just for those who have entered monasteries or convents, but for all Christians. In fact, he insists, monasteries and convents can sometimes be obstacles to true mysticism. The seed of mysticism is nourished by the water of baptism, and if it does not grow throughout the course of a person’s life, that life will not  reach its full potential.

Tuoti quotes from several mystical writers to make his case. While Merton’s many published writings are the most quoted source throughout the book, the gem of Merton quotations is Chapter 32, which contains all his counsels or “pensees” from a late manuscript The Inner Experience, which has never been published in book form. One of those gems for married people reads: “The union of man and wife in nuptial love is a sacred and symbolic act, the very nature of which signifies the mystery of the union of God and man in Christ. This mystery is the very heart of contemplation” (p. 164).

Karl Rahner, whom Tuoti calls “the Mystical Doctor of the twentieth century”, is quoted as saying, “Mysticism occurs within the framework of normal graces...[and is] not confined to a privileged few” (p. 23). And in a very practical statement, Evelyn Underhill - the Anglican mystic of the early part of the twentieth century - says, “It has always been the mystics who have revitalized the Church. Mysticism will flourish when enough people desire it.” To which Tuoti adds his Amen: “Nothing could be more salutary for the Church than to be bulging with mystics!” (p. 22).

This book is relevant for everyone in Corpus Canada, and for all Christians involved in the heavy challenge of putting their ideals and aspirations for a renewed Church into action. It reminds us that beneath our efforts to bring about change in the Church must lie a life united to God in the most intimate way possible.

This is a 92-page book which gives an overview of the shortage of priests in the Roman Catholic Church from 1990-2000. Compiled and edited by Ed and Minda Kelly, it consists of quotations and articles, many of them by bishops, on the dire situation in the Church caused by this shortage around the world including Canada. Altogether the book shows the worldwide support for a married priesthood by bishops, priests, and laity. Several declarations made by members of Corpus Canada in The Journal are quoted in the Canadian section of the book.
The book may be ordered from Ed Kelly at Box 3037, Manila, The Philippines. The cost for the book plus airmail is $10.00 per copy, to be paid by a cheque or money order drawn against a U.S. bank. 
 

Ed and Minda wrote: Dear Chris. Thanks for your kind letter. Thank François for the friendship he has shown us. We printed 2800 copies of "Love Will Find A Way" but the cost of mailing is such that it is four times the cost of the book. I am trying to find a cheaper way to do it. The book (which has articles by Jack Shea and Neil Parado) is an attempt to reverse the celibacy bit which is not talked about here. The hierarchy has a strangle hold on the country and likes to hide scandals.

Minda and Ed (formerly an Irish O Carm.) were married in '82 and have just finished 10 years of publishing The Married Priest. They have two daughters, Jennifer 18 and Caroline 16. They turned their house into a Youth Centre where about 300 students study and do research. (Editor)  [email protected]