SPRING 2013 - Ignatius Press

new SPRING books
See feature
film on p. 95
The Miracle of Father Kapaun
Priest, Soldier, and Korean War Hero
Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying
Emil Kapaun—priest, soldier, and Korean War
hero—is a rare man. It was recently announced
that he will be awarded the Medal of Honor, and he
is also being considered by the Vatican for canonization
as a saint.
Just as remarkable as this double honor are
the non-Catholic witnesses who attest to Father
Kapaun’s heroism: the Protestants, Jews, and
Muslims who either served with the military chaplain
in the thick of battle or endured with him the
unbelievably brutal conditions of a prisoner of war
camp. As journalists Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying
discovered, all of these Korean War veterans, no
matter their religion, agree that Father Kapaun did
more to save lives and maintain morale than any
other man they know.
Then there are the alleged miracles—the recent
healings attributed to Father Kapaun’s intercession
that defy scientific explanation. Under investigation
by the Vatican as a necessary step in the process of
canonization, these cures witnessed by non-Catholic
doctors are also covered in this book.
In tracking down the amazing story of Father
Kapaun for the Wichita Eagle newspaper, Wenzl and
Heying uncovered a paradox. Kapaun’s ordinary
background as the son of Czech immigrant farmers in
Kansas sowed the seeds of his greatness. Illustrated.
“What a great book—I could not put it down
and read it in one sitting!”
Fr. Larry Richards, Author, Be a Man
“We need heroes to teach us how to live... I invite
you to discover a priest, Army chaplain, and hero
on the pages of this book.”
Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio,
Archbishop for the Military Services, USA
“The Father Kapaun story has long been in need
of more widespread knowledge.”
James V. Schall, S.J., Georgetown University
MFK-H . . . Sewn Hardcover, Illustrated, 200 pp, $19.95
Also - The Miracle of Father Kapaun (Film)
j MFK-M . . . 45 min, $19.95
E indicates availability as an e-Book on ignatius.com
A indicates availability as an audio download on ignatius.com
5
Bakhita From Slave to Saint
Roberto Italo Zanini
When she was about nine years old, Josephine
Bakhita was kidnapped near Darfur, Sudan,
by Arab slave traders. For several years she was
subjected to brutal and humiliating treatment until
she was ransomed and taken to Venice, Italy, where
she became a Catholic and a nun.
Joyfully and serenely Bakhita served in a convent,
school and infirmary run by Canossian sisters
in a small, obscure town in northern Italy until her
death in 1947. Then something even more remarkable
than her redemption happened.
Hundreds of ordinary people came to see
Bakhita lying in state, and along with these visits
came stories about how the simple nun had given
comfort, advice and encouragement as she went
about her tasks as cook, doorkeeper, nurse, etc.
Almost immediately graces and miracles attributed
to Bakhita’s intercession began to be reported.
Ever since, the place where Bakhita died and the
wonders began has been a shrine visited by people
from all over the world. It is here, in this sparsely
furnished room, where Italian journalist Roberto
Italo Zanini begins his story of Bakhita and her
journey from slavery to sainthood.
The book is based on Bakhita’s autobiography,
which she dictated to a Canossian sister in obedience
to her superior, the canonization files and
many other sources.
““Every story of sanctity is that of a person who
takes her life whole—the gifts and the sorrows,
wounds and wonders all—and opens to the grace
of God. Such is the story of St. Josephine Bakhita
told beautifully and with careful scholarship
by Roberto Zanini. By choosing Christ and
choosing forgiveness, Bakhita illuminates the
darkest shadows of the human condition with the
transforming light of faith in the one true Master.”
Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B.,
Regina Laudis Abbey
Roberto Italo Zanini is an editor and writer
for Avvenire, the daily newspaper of the Italian
bishops. His articles have appeared in many Italian
publications, both Catholic and nonreligious.
BAKH-P . . . Sewn Softcover, 210 pp, $16.95
1-800-651-1531
www.ignatius.com