Rev Francis Gerry
$25, available from the Mission Office,
Divine Word Missionaries,
Locked Bag 3, Epping NSW 1710
Email: prov.aus@divineword.com.au

An Australian MIssionary Priest shares his reflections: “At the heart of our being there is this inner space for the other”, says Father Francis Gerry in the prologue of his new book, The Golden Threads of My Life. The prologue, exploring the conversation of Jesus with the Woman at the Well, sets the scene for the book, which is a personal story as well as collected writings and an extended meditation on the inner journey of every soul.

Francis Gerry grew up in Brisbane, joined the Society of the Divine Word in 1948, and completed his theological studies in the USA in 1959. On his return to Australia, he helped many young men and women to discern and develop their personal calling in life. In the 1980’s, a move to the Philippines was the turning point that took his inner journey to a new depth. Meeting the poor, especially women, in the slums of Manila opened his eyes to “the dramas of the heart” that people in desperate circumstances experienced as “they came home to their deepest selves”.

Since then, Francis’ life has been devoted to honouring and serving the hidden beauty that is the presence of God in the heart of each person.

In this book, Francis also reflects on travels in Asia and Third Age Spirituality. In all his writings, he grasps for the ‘golden threads’ of a primal story, and invites his readers to do the same.

Bill Burt SVD, Preston