Treasuring the Treasure: Exploring Spirituality

An inspirational guide to finding deeper spirituality and meaning in life, by Ronald N. Beshara, STL, JCL. While grounded in the author's Christian experience, this is a book for everyone who wants to explore a relationship with God, self and others, and to becoming a more active participant in one's own life. In his book, Monsignor Beshara urges us to celebrate the journey of life rather than anticipate the completion of some quest or goal. Whether in recovery from chemical dependency or not, readers will resonate with Msgr. Beshara's descriptions of spirituality within the Twelve Step Journey. In engaging style, the author explores such profound questions as "Is this all there is?" "What is Spirituality and how do I 'get' it?" With scripture, personal stories, and insights from philosophers, world history's religious leaders, authors and scholars, Msgr. Beshara vividly draws in the reader to explore spiritual fulfilment. He employs exercises and capsuled lessons at the end of each chapter. The seemingly simple is often the most illusive. To find spirituality, Msgr. Beshara leads us back to a truth that life itself in the treasure. In a society that is consumed with achievement and acquisition, there is little time for contemplation, self-knowledge or appreciation of the moment. The author shows that "love serves life," that service is ultimately fulfilling.

As vice president of Mission and Spiritual Care for Hanley Center, Monsignor Ronald Beshara joined Hanley Center in 1991, bringing a rich ministry history to his position. He has been a parish priest, and a counselor in various settings, including hospitals, healthcare systems, prisons and chemical dependncy treatment centers. He has coordinated and advised corporations for corporate culture issues in consolidation of healthcare systems' mergers, and is a highly skilled facilitator of mission, conflict-resolution, crisis counseling, bereavement, stress management and customer service programs for staff and families. At Hanley Center, Ron supervies a spiritual conseling staff as well as the expressive arts therapy program, and participates in the center's key leadership. Ron has been pastor of Mary, Mother of Light, Greenacres, Florida and professor of Ethics and Spirituality at Barry and St. Vincent College Seminary. He is a volunteer and board member for a number of organizations including Hospice, Vicker House, St. Mary's Hospital, and Cenacle Spiritual Center of West Palm Beaches. He is Promoter of Justice for Eparchy of Palm Beach, where he has been director of the Office of Outreach. Ron is a frequent guest lecturer for professional, academic and community-based organizations.