Come to Me: Living the Nine First Fridays, by Anne Flanagan, fsp (Pauline Books and Media, Boston) received high recognition this year from two professional organizations: the Association of Catholic Publishers in Excellence in Publishing Award (first place in the category of Prayer), and from the Catholic Media Association, another first-place award, again in the category of Prayer.
In Sr. Anne’s book, the nine First Fridays become a path of discipleship and prayer at the school of Blessed James Alberione. The book is in fact an introduction to Pauline Eucharistic-apostolic spirituality. Each month the reader is introduced to a new virtue or quality of heart that is attuned to the Heart of Christ through a reflection, an example of a saint, and a guide to Eucharistic adoration, developed according to the Pauline Way-Truth-Life method. The virtues culminate in the formation of an apostolic heart.
The text includes the history and biblical theology of the Sacred Heart and an appendix of prayers. Prayer groups are already starting to use the book as a springboard for faith sharing and worship.
With Pope Francis’ announcement of a forthcoming document to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Come to Me offers a precious opportunity to present the Eucharistic spirituality of the Pauline Family in an attractive way.