GIFT AND MYSTERY - Hardcover

"In Gift and Mystery we read 'For every priest, in every age, the greatest task is each day to discover his own priestly "today" in the "today" of Christ.' John Paul II understands that the event of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in world history continues daily in a special way in the priestly brotherhood of those who have been chosen to follow in his footsteps--and indeed in every man and woman, all called through the gift of faith to a life of holiness. In concluding Gift and Mystery, the pope writes to his brother priests, 'Learn to see in your priesthood the Gospel treasure for which it is worth giving up everything.' Surely in the life of this pope we see an extraordinary example of someone who has treasured the gift of his priestly ministry for more than fifty years."
- From the foreword of Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus

Blessed Pope John Paul II (1920-2005), born Karol Jozef Wojtyla, was beatified on May 1, 2011. He reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from October 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005, at the age of 84. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century, and known for his humanitarian and peace-keeping efforts worldwide. His books include Crossing The Threshold of Hope, Love And Responsibility, and Gift and Mystery.