Synopsis
Pilgrimage is Patrick McCaskey’s third book on Sports and Faith. Pilgrimage explores various Christian shrines and holy places popular with today’s trekkers and seekers. Awakened by modern fascination with places like the Way of Saint James, many athletes whose achievements are celebrated in this Sports and Faith book, have made pilgrimages part of their faith journey. The Holy Land, Rome, Lourdes, Fatima, Assisi, and several other places of interest and their origins are examined. Author Patrick McCaskey has peppered the book with his own poems and narratives on all things McCaskey. The popular author’s poems and his own literary and papal pilgrimages are here. McCaskey shares personal episodes that readers will find simple, insightful, and touching. Pilgrimage shares stories of exemplary athletes and others who are successful in sports and life. These writings are often the product of the author’s efforts on behalf of Sports Faith International, an initiative that honors devout athletes and coaches. In Pilgrimage, some of those featured have left sports for religious vocations—a college volleyball star, an Olympic Speed-skater, and a professional (female) football player! Add to these, stories on coaches, teams, and athletes of all shapes and sizes, including some who have struggled mightily with their sport and their calling.Sports training as a metaphor for religious growth and is found throughout. Athletes train seriously for sustaining endurance, improving their skills, and maximizing performance. Many faithful Christians use such training to make a difference for the unfortunate, teaching young people, and working tirelessly for others. These efforts are featured.Pilgrimage includes some stories you may not expect: The story of Lou Gehrig, the great Christian gentleman of baseball. EWTN sensation, Bear Woznick, devout Catholic, radio and TV host who challenges people to abandon themselves to God, and live a life in pursuit of God’s will in the boldest, most rewarding way possible. Then there is Mark Philippi, a nationally recognized Strength and Conditioning Coach and Power-lifting champion. Another story features West Point graduate and army officer, April Ortenzo, who is following her family’s example of service and sacrifice to others.Pilgrimage is a well-rounded offering that helps readers on their own faith journey through the examples of many others. Some readers may not be able to make a life-changing journey across continents and oceans, but this book can give readers some insights and enrichment. For those seeking adventure and travel in their future, here’s a personal introduction.
About the Author
Patrick McCaskey was born at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston. He played basketball and baseball for Saint Mary’s School in Des Plaines. He played football and ran track for Notre Dame High School in Niles. He ran cross-country and track for Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. Pat was a contributing editor to the literary magazines at Loyola University in Chicago and Indiana University. He started working for the Chicago Bears in 1974. He went to DePaul University at night during the off-seasons and earned a master’s degree. Pat is a Chicago Bears’ Board Member and a Bears’ Vice President. He is the Chairman of Sports Faith International which recognizes people who are successful in sports while leading exemplary lives. Sports Faith has a radio station, WSFI, 88.5 FM, which broadcasts in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Pat is the author of five books: “Bear with Me: A Family History of George Halas and the Chicago Bears,” “Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout,” “Pillars of the NFL: Coaches Who Have Won Three or More Championships,” “Sports and Faith: More Stories of the Devoted and the Devout,” and “Pilgrimage: A Sports and Faith Series Book.” Pat and his wife, Gretchen, have three sons: Ed who is married to Elizabeth, Tom, and Jim. They also have a granddaughter, Grace, and a grandson, Pat.
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