I was recently asked to review a new book written by the Catholic author, Heidi Hess Saxton, titled, Lent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations. A convert to Catholicism, she is a wife and mother, and also holds a Masters in Theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. She has written other books, notably, an Advent daily meditation book focusing on Saint Teresa of Calcutta. You can also read her blog – A Mother on the Road Less Traveled.

In a time when so much is being offered to help us engage in the Lenten Season, here is a simple little book that will engage you to fully understand the themes of Lent by reflecting on the writings and teachings of the great saint of Calcutta – Mother Teresa. It’s simple not because of it’s content, since some of it is rather deep and challenging, but it’s simple because of it’s pedagogy. The simple approach focuses on one main teaching, written by the author, and then you are given two short sections that will help you focus during the day – A Moment to Reflect and A Moment to Pray.

For many of us, we remember the life of St. Teresa of Calcutta, however, for most of us we remember what we read in newspapers or in magazines, but we really don’t know much about the inner toils and struggles of St. Teresa and what she endured to bring the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to poorest of the poor in Calcutta and throughout the world. I believe this well-written daily mediation will do just that – it will allow you to practice the Lenten themes by experiencing, as much as one can, the daily sufferings of the modern saint. She will bring us out of our comfort zones to a place where Our Lord most needs us today. The Introduction, which grabbed my attention from the start, alone will prepare you for what’s to come during the 40 days of Lent.

If you are late on deciding how to engage your prayer life during this penitential season, then this daily meditation book might just be your answer to an incredible and fruitful Lent focusing on the mercy of God through the words and life of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta…Pray for Us.