Dear Everyone,
Last year, I read NT Wright’s book “Surprised by Hope” during Lent and thoroughly enjoyed it. Reading it was a way to reflect on the Lenten season in anticipation of Easter. I invited you to read along with me and a number of you joined me.
This year, Lent begins on February 22nd and ends April 6th. I’ve chosen to read “The Art of Lent” by Sister Wendy Beckett. Sister Wendy was from South Africa. She studied English at Saint Anne’s College, Oxford, (which you may recall was an important location in “Gabriel’s Redemption”), and she sat for examinations under the supervision of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. In fact, Tolkien encouraged her to stay on at Oxford and continue her studies, but she chose to live as a contemplative nun.
Sister Wendy was an avid student of art history and eventually became a television presenter for the BBC. Many of you may remember her series on Western art. In “The Art of Lent,” she includes forty paintings, one for each day of Lent, along with her commentary and reflections. This small volume will fit in your pocket, and I think it will offer an interesting journey through art history.
I’m inviting all of you to read along with me. You don’t have to observe Lent in order to read along; I think art speaks to all of us, no matter our beliefs and traditions. Pick up the book and join me by starting with the first painting on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. We’ll read and reflect on a painting a day for forty days. I’ll post weekly reflections here, and you’ll be able to interact with me on social media. Also, I’ll make a special visit to the “All Things SR” podcast chatroom in order to discuss the readings. The date will be announced.
I’m hoping many of you will join me on this special journey.
All the best and thank you for reading,
SR
I am honoured to have had all three of my novels appear on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. I was a Semifinalist for Best Author in the 2011 and 2012 Goodreads Choice Awards. {
I remember Sister Wendy well. She was on PBS as well. I look forward to reading along with you.
Thank you for the invitation I look forward to this years Lenten read
Cheers kk
Thanks, SR, This will be my first Lenten read. Looking forward to it?
I was going to read this book for Lent this year! Great minds think alike. I’m looking forward to reading with you. (:
Hi SR,
I am not catholic, but my family embraces several religions. (Catholic/Judaism/Protestant)
For my teacher competence I have studied Religion History. I decided to read this book with you, which I just bought. Looking forward reading with you SR.
Thank you SR, I’ll join you. And I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you SR looking forward to reading this book with you
I am looking forward to reading this along with you.
I was looking for a Lenten meditation, if you will, apart from ordinary prayer etc. You answered the call. Thank you, as ever.
Thank you for inviting us to read along with you. It sounds like it will be a thoughtful, beautiful experience. I’m really looking forward to it.
Thank you so much for inviting us to join you in this special Lenten reading. It sounds like it will be a thoughtful, beautiful experience. I’m really looking forward to it.
Thank you SR…always appreciate your recommendations and look forward to this Lenten read-along. I 🙂🙏
I think I will also join you and may I suggest it to Father J. our school priest and close friend. February 22 is three important days for me, Ash Wednesday for one, my niece birthday and my first grandchild is due. Then off to Florence to see Dante again as his place is next door to my sons home.
That’s great, Lisa.
Safe travels, SR
Thank you for inviting us to read with you. It’s been ages since I participated in a discussion about art. (And don’t I feel my brain rotting because of it!) I’ve just bought the book and am looking forward to your/everyone’s thoughts.
Thank you for sharing some of the author’s history with Tolkien. Ash Wednesday brought to mind the poem by T. S. Eliot. And in Gabriel’s Rapture Gabriel lays on his bed reading that very poem, “Ash Wednesday”. You have taught us so much over the years, SR, and I thank you for making our days happier. I will look forward to reading with you. God Bless and be with you always.
Ellie 🙏🙏🧡