Alfred J. Garrotto offers Victor Hugo's flawed protagonist as a model for anyone in search of practical wisdom for everyday living. One of fiction's most beloved characters, the former convict and life-long fugitive represents humanity in both its brokenness and its potential for selfless-even saintly-living. Reflection topics range from forgiveness and the primacy of conscience to the joys and sorrows of parenthood. Each Reflection explores a universal theme, including the daily call to spiritual and moral conversion and the life-lessons parents impart to their children. Questions at the end...

A Roman Catholic nun, Mother Marie-Therese, is the surviving victim of one of Belgium's most notorious crimes, involving kidnap, torture, and murder. It all took place in enchanting, picturesque Bruges, Belgium, the Venice of the North. Her co-victim, an American priest, Father Thomas Jensen, did not survive. Although his body was never found, Piet Van Kampen confessed to killing the priest, for which he received a life sentence without parole. Twenty years later, on the day after the convicted killer's death, journalist Celeste De Smet draws a career-making assignment, an exclusive,...

"The Soul of Art" invites professional and aspiring artists, writers, composers, singers, actors, dancers, musicians (of all instruments and genres), playwrights, fimmakers, potters, quilters, et al., to reflect on the intimate relationship between their gifts and talents and the Creator-Spirit, who inspires them and uses their creations to speak hope, love, and compassion to the whole world.