The book release function was held in Don Bosco School where the author, Fr. John Alexander SDB, as a student learned the habit of reading and appreciating different books and authors. During the release function he said, “I am immensely grateful to the Salesians and teachers for having encouraged me to read books at that early age which is now bearing fruit.”
The author is well-known in the spiritual circles with his book Jesus Everyday and “Faith Express” series in The New Leader, Magazine. Earlier, he has published two research books and 50 articles in the areas of social justice, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, ethics and political philosophy.
A wide range of educationists including Fr. Antonyraj Chinnapan SDB, Sr. Ignatius SCB, Fr. Xavier Packia SDB, Fr. Thaddeus SDB, and Fr. Amirthraj SDB gave their views and reflections on the book. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Jayaceli FMA said,” Ruth of the Old Testament, St. Teresa of Avila of 15 th Century, St. Catherine of Siena of 14 th century and Blessed Virgin Mary have been wonderfully brought alive in this book as models of women leaders.” “The book offers a unique feminist angle to spirituality,” she added. Media specialist Fr. Rajkumar Fernando emphasized that this book is full of profound insights on spirituality. “The book,” he said, “redefines spirituality as being fruitful and not merely about fighting our weaknesses.” Social activist Fr. Arul Valan said that the thoughts on social justice offered in the book should trigger a movement against corruption which in fact should begin first in our religious communities and Christian institutions. The new book, Lilies of the Field, calls us to secure our life with God’s abiding love and providence, infusing spirituality into everyday life. In this short 123-page work, Fr. Alexander offers profound reflections on what it means to be holy and courageous in the face of the anxieties and challenges of today’s modern and media-driven world. Green activist Fr. Savio Silveira SDB from Mumbai has acclaimed the book as an “outstanding gem in the contemporary spiritual literature.” Scripture scholar Bishop Anthonysamy Peter Abir of Sultanpet (Palakkad) has noted that the book “brings us in front of God and helps us to be convincing followers of Christ.”
The book is published by the New Leader Publications and is available for sale in Good Pastor Centre, Chennai, and Pauline Media and Book Centre, Bengaluru and Trichy. For orders please contact 044-2536 2371/newleadereditor@gmail.com