Happiness in This Life, Pope Francis
Happiness in This Life, Pope Francis
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Happiness in This Life
A Passionate Meditation on Earthly Existence

Author: Pope Francis, Oonagh Stransky

Narrator: Arthur Morey

Unabridged: 6 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/05/2017

Synopsis

A collection of homilies, speeches, and “messages of the day” that brings together Pope Francis’s wisdom on finding happiness in the here and now

“Readers will be encouraged to clear away the cacophony of modern society and embrace the simplicity of joy.”—Booklist

For Pope Francis, the appreciation of our everyday lives is a spiritual undertaking. Joy is a divine attribute, and creating joy around us an essential part of faith. Every homily and speech in this book delivers, in warm, engaging language accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike, a key lesson, instructing readers on finding love and happiness in a chaotic world.

Along the way, Pope Francis discusses the sanctity of women’s rights, talks about how the love of sports can bring out our best qualities, and explains why fighting discrimination is the essence of loving thy neighbor. He shares personal stories and anecdotes from his life, provides comforting messages of hope, and discusses the ways flawed families can make you a better person. The core ideas of Francis’s papacy—mercy, support for marginalized people, and diplomacy—shine through.

About The Author

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, son of Italian migrants, the first of five children born in the working-class barrio of Flores. He qualified as a chemical technician, graduated in philosophy in 1963, became a priest in 1969, joined the provincial of the Jesuits of Argentina in 1973, was named auxiliary bishop in 1992, archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, created cardinal in 2001, and since March 13, 2013, Bishop of Rome and the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.Oonagh Stransky’s first translation of Pope Francis, The Name of God Is Mercy, was published by Random House in 2016. She has also translated Roberto Saviano, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Giuseppe Pontiggia, Carlo Lucarelli, and others. She currently lives in Tuscany.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Trish on January 29, 2018

I don’t have anything against popes per se. It seems to me that some men are genuinely holy men, in that they have thought long and hard about life on earth and prefer the alternative: heaven. Pope Francis seems to have absorbed more than a few of the lessons taught in Christianity, and he is a good......more

Goodreads review by Friar Stebin on May 28, 2018

This is a compilation of several talks and writings of Pope Francis. I enjoyed this book. As we know the way Pope Francis is dealing with each topic are entirely different. In a special way, I appreciate the editing. Wonderfully edited by giving each chapter a heading and on the several sub-headings......more

Goodreads review by Kathleen on January 03, 2024

Pope Francis speaks in small messages of hope, love, joy and faith to all ages of peoples in this small book. I have dog-eared numerous passages and prayers that I will return to in times of joy, times of doubt, and in times of grief. Originally from Buenos Aires, he is speaking in Italian and then......more

Goodreads review by Joseph on May 09, 2020

The book is composed of quotes from various interventions that Pope Francis said in homilies, messages, Angelus, letters, etc. It focuses on the theme of Joy and happiness which we really need in our stressful times. My take on the book is that it should have been edited and simply pasted as it was......more

Quotes

“Though the title of the book mentions happiness, this collection of thoughts addresses something much deeper—joy. Bringing together excerpts from Pope Francis’s sermons, speeches, prayers, and addresses,
these pieces address a range of themes, from mercy and humility to simplicity and family. . . . Readers will be encouraged to clear away the cacophony of modern society and embrace the simplicity of joy. A book as loving and encouraging as the man himself seems to be.”—Booklist
 
“With this wide-ranging collection of writings, homilies, and addresses, the current pontiff dispels any notion that religious practice is dour and antiquated. . . . It brings together the pope’s most affecting passages to inspire Catholics (and those of other faiths) to lift up those around them.”—Publishers Weekly
 
“Reminiscent of the gentle encouragement of the Dalai Lama . . . Family-centered and practical—especially on difficult matters of familial contention—these homilies are, on the whole, gentle encouragements to do the right thing. . . . [This] collection offers clear insight into the pope’s doctrinal concerns.”—Kirkus Reviews

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