Models of Mercy

I find in this book a carefully laid out, step-by-step catechesis on fundamental Christian virtues with corresponding biblical passages for support. There is no doubt that all our acts of piety and all established Christian action find their ultimate source in the scripture. The very remarkable thing about this little publication is the easy and effortless way in which the author draws out from the wealth of scripture sources for this age-old list of pious deeds known by their common name of corporal and spiritual works of mercy, understood as one of the indelible mark of Christs disciples. The age-old teaching of the church is here given with every simplicity in presentation and lucidity of thought. A lot of the biblical citations are words and teachings of Christ, while a good number of other biblical passages are drawn from different parts of the Old and New Testament but with equal force. The biblical reflections are equally deepdrawing biblical, historical materials for enrichment of the reflections. Welllaid out in sequence and in sections of biblical passages, commentaries, deep reflections, and concluding prayers for the grace to live out the virtues, the pedagogical arrangement makes the book reader-friendly. This work, in my view, has the quality to be one of our spiritual classics that would be a good companion in our spiritual journey, for meditation during retreats and recollections, as well as for spiritual readings for different occasions. By Rev. Augustine Ogar, MSP

Rev. Anthony Mbanefo MSP, PH.D is a Nigerian American Catholic priest. Born in Ogidi, of South Eastern Nigeria on November 25 1965, he is a native of a neighboring town Eziowelle. He had his primary and secondary education at Uzubi Central School Eziowelle and Notre Dame High School Abatete respectively. He was trained for the missionary priesthood at the National Missionary Seminary of St Paul Iperu Remo and Gwagwalada Abuja from 1983 to 1991. After his ordination in 1992, he worked for two years in Nigeria before proceeding to the Gambia where he worked for ten years for the strengthening of the Catholic faith in the predominantly Moslem country. He came to United States in January 2005 and has worked as the pastor of different Catholic Parishes in Texas and Georgia. He is presently the Parochial Vicar of St Bartholomew Yonkers New York. Fr Mbanefo holds Masters of Theology from St Thomas University Houston and Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Graduate Theological Foundation Indiana. As a prolific writer, he has written many inspiring and thought provoking books on theology and spiritual life. As a linguist, Fr Anthony speaks four languages.