One Catholic Ohana

Many of us can’t afford to leave the island for vacation, especially in these difficult times. That doesn’t have to keep us from traveling, however. A good book or film can transport you away to places you never even thought about going. A trip to the Library will get you started. Last summer, I suggested a number of interest­ing books. I managed to read all of them and learned a lot in the process. During June and July, I’ll offer some great suggestions for this year. None of these books are religious but all of them offer ideas about the themes of Catholic Social Teaching.

Last year, one of the best books was Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson.  I know that many of you read it. This was the story one man’s resolve to provide an education to young girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is responsible for the construction of 130 schools. His work, however, did not finish there.

This year there is a follow-up book called Stones into Schools. In this book, Greg describes his venture to continue building schools in the heart of Taliban terri­tory. You will be amazed at the assistance he received from the most unlikely men. You can learn about the  tri­umph of the girls who graduated from the schools and are now able to serve their people in education and health care.

I have a copy that anyone is free to borrow.  The three connections to CST are the following:

• Perseverance in the face of adversity
• Being fully human in community
• Rights of girl children to receive an education