Cardinal Mahony
by Robert Blair Kaiser
Published by Humble-bee Press
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Reviewed by Diane Keyes
As far as I can see, only one thing is wrong with Robert Blair Kaiser’s new book Cardinal Mahoney, it’s a novel—as Kaiser so deliberately states on the front cover. If only it was non-fiction.
I must tell you up front that it is not possible for me to review this book objectively. Is it well-written? Definitely. Does it have a compelling storyline? I think so. Does it explain the canonical issues of the Catholic Church in an absorbing, and intelligible way? Absolutely. Was it thoroughly entertaining? I could not put it down. Would it be as utterly fascinating to everyone else? I’m simply not sure.
You see, I am Catholic, a product of Catholic schools and Vatican II. I am a spiritual director and my husband is a deacon. Much of my adult life has been spent in and around Catholic ministry. There is much about my faith that I hold dear—wonderful liturgies, beautiful traditions and a history of many holy men and women.
But as for the institution, I believe it is like most big business, more interested in its own welfare than that of its flock. I have a friend who is a Catholic theologian. He says the Church is guilty of idolatry because it puts itself first, not God.
Kaiser weaves a wonderful story around this very premise—a hierarchy more interested in keeping its job than doing its job. The irony is that the story is simplicity itself. All that’s required is some chutzpah on the part of a few American bishops and a little gumption on the part of the faithful. The beauty of Cardinal Mahoney is that it presents a way to create change within the canonical text itself. How cool is that?
I called the director of a religious order the other day to tell her about this book—she already knew. It was being passed from person to person. Cardinal Mahoney is finding its market. I only hope this book becomes a testament to the power of the written word to exact change. If you are Catholic, you must read this book.
Armchair Interviews says: Most thought-provoking read by this very prolific writer.
Web site: http://www.TakeBackOurChurch.org