A Lost Shepherd, Michael Ripple

I received a phone call today...an old Episcopalian parishioner wanted to introduce me to a friend of his who was getting ready to travel to Medjugorje on pilgrimage.  He thought it innocent enough to invite his 'old rector' for lunch to the local country club. "I'm not dressed for country club."  I responded over the phone. "You'll be fine, they have a place there for people like you and me!" He continued, "I want you to met my friend and tell her all about the Mother of God, you know our great great great great great...Mom!" What to many may appear to be his trivializing the spiritual is actually the opposite---he has a knack for being open to the Holy Spirit and I was grateful he was arranging this impromptu gathering. "Have a drink on me while you wait for us...put it on my tab!" I arrived and made my way to the lounge area.  There were about 30 tables with no one present. A TV played above the bar. A gentlemen made h...

I am honored to have been asked by an editor in Ireland to pen a story for a publication in the works concerning Medjugorje.  Fr. Svet is writing the forward.  The invitation came via my friend Wayne Weible.  I will let you know the working title and possible publication date soon.

Along with Wayne and New Hope Press I will be attending the Catholic Trade Show in New Jersey this August.  Since I've never been to a 'trade' show this will be interesting.  I do remember handing out paint sticks for my father's paint store when I was a small boy at a home show. Maybe I ought to get some paint sticks. Better yet, perhaps since the book is titled A Lost Shepherd--I ought to get little shepherd's crooks?