Twenty-Three Converts Share Stories of Being 'Chosen' by Christ and Their Incredible Paths to the Catholic Church

by Martin Barillas Monday, November 02, 2009

ImpactWire

To: National Desk
Contact: Rose Trabbic, Publicist, Ignatius Press, 239-431-4025, rose@ignatius.com

Twenty-Three Converts Share Stories of Being 'Chosen' by Christ and Their Incredible Paths to the Catholic Church

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2 /ImpactWire/ -- A remarkable new book, "Chosen," is showing the exciting ways that God is at work in the Church today. The twenty-three men and women who tell their conversion stories in these pages were not drawn to the Church by sound evangelization programs, beautiful buildings and liturgies, or saintly witnesses among the clergy. On the contrary, many of them were attracted to Catholicism in spite of a now decades-long stretch of deficient catechesis, mediocre Masses, and uninspiring leadership.

Donna Steichen, an investigative journalist who compiled this consoling collection of testimonies, writes, "Despite their marked differences in origin, education, and field of service, each one makes it clear that it is Christ who did the choosing. They testify that Christ touched their hearts and intervened in their lives in unexpected, sometimes even miraculous, ways." After reading this book, you will agree with Steichen, who concludes that Christ himself led these souls to his Church, and it is the Lord who set them to work replanting his devastated vineyard.

George Neumayr, editor of "Catholic World Report," says about these amazing stories, "These conversions in the midst of the post-Vatican II crisis of faith seem particularly pure and often entertainingly improbable, bearing testimony to the central truth...That the Church is not a man-made institution, but a divine one -- a perpetual repository of truth and grace so powerful that not even the darkness of scandal can overshadow it."

About the Author:

Donna Steichen is an investigative journalist who has written numerous articles in various Catholic publications. She is the author of two books published by Ignatius Press, "Ungodly Rage" and "Prodigal Daughters."

To request a review copy or an interview with Donna Steichen, please contact Rose Trabbic to arrange contact.

www.Ignatius.com

Ignatius Press