Life through the eyes of an Archbishop

So yesterday I went to a book launch - an unusual one as it was not the Exclusive Books kind of book launch with the author reading a snippet from his book and answering questions about how, when and where he writes and what inspires him.

This was the launch of the Memoirs of Archbishop Emeritus George Daniel of the Catholic Church and it took place at his Jubilee Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Pretoria.

George Daniel became a priest in the Anglican Church before making the difficult decision to enter the Catholic Church.  He was ordained a Catholic priest after training in Rome and served in the Pretoria Archdiocese as a parish priest.  In 1975 he was appointed Archbishop of Pretoria and served in this position for 34 years.  I was Confirmed by him.

The book is a very enjoyable read so far.  Richly seeped in facts and beautifully told, it follows his journey from birth.  So far I have learnt of his studies in Architecture, his job writing water and lights accounts at the Municipal offices, his lineage to the poet C. Louis Leipoldt and his decision to enter the priesthood.  He writes with honesty and great wit ...

Reading about his school days at Pretoria Boys High and Grey's College, one learnt about a young man who also got caned at various stages for bad behaviour - this beautiful more "human" side is brought out in various parts of the book.

The book has clear footnote references at the back so if you are not familiar with religious terms or names of items in the church, you can quickly find them there.  I had fun first mentally checking if I knew the meaning before having to revert to the back ...... wonderful what you learn after a couple of years working in the parish office!

The book is very detailed, astoundingly so, and it paints a vivid and vast picture of a man who dedicated his life to God and serving others.  The realness of the person, the joys, sadnesses, anguish and happiness he experienced and his forthright way of sharing this, make this a joy to read.

The extensive amount of travelling done by him is mind blowing and he weaves a wonderful tapestry of these trips and his experiences.

One of my favourite anecdotes is when he left his new Episcopal ring on the washbasin on the day of his Ordination as Archbishop.

So put down your novel for a moment .... get your hands on this book via the Catholic Centre and travel a wonderful road with him.

Till tomorrow

K xxxx