A Lost Shepherd, Michael Ripple

This is a book that speaks to our time... Our Lady and Pope John Paul II Signed Copies are available. Please use the contact page for more information.

Truly the story of A Lost Shepherd continues... As Providence has it, I will be traveling and staying in Vatican City for the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. For those who have read the story, John Paul II figures largely in my return to the Roman Catholic Church. Together with Our Lady of Medujgorje they guided our return. It was on the night he died that I happened to be outside St. James Church in Medujgorje.  On that very night I was brought to my knees and uttered a prayer--a prayer from an ex-communicated ex-priest. "John Paul, pray for me. pray for my wife. pray for our son..." (the rest is in the book) So, an old friend offered the possibility of my traveling and staying with him. At the urging of my lovely wife (I didn't want to go, the older I get the more of a hermit I have become), I said yes. Of course I will carry intentions with me, one of which is for the 'lost'.

“ 5.0 out of 5 stars   A Must Read for Catholics and Non Catholics.....   By   Lovin this Purchase Format: Perfect Paperback An informative and wonderful read about a priest's journey; allowing the reader to go into the depth of his heart. As a devoted Catholic I have never known how very important it is to understand that our priests have struggles too and how very important it is for us to pray for them; for all of our "shepherds" doing God's work. I always looked "up" to our priests; once ordained and seeimingly unapproachable; so sacred. I never gave it much thought that they are human and have struggles too. We have all had "Doubting Thomas" experiences but it should never prevent us from wanting to preach the good news. I am such a Michael Ripple fan. Thank you Mr. Ripple for writing this much needed book. " A hope that despite all our faults, God is truly for us and he will help us with our journey, just  ASK.  ...

I offer this from a reputable source... Our Lady of Tihaljina----m ripple taken on a pilgrimage

praylium: Going Retro Part II : Well, my quest for getting rid of the 'noise' has been ongoing. Since the loss of the iPAD (see previous entry)--I've taken it ...

--Thanks for sharing this and helping to get the word out!!  God Bless, -Michael

The other evening we attended a rather remarkable performance of the local junior philharmonic.  On the way out, my lovely wife struck up a conversation with a lady.  I paid little attention and went about my business of going to get the car and have it warmed up for the return home.  Where we live, during this time of year, getting in a warm car when it is cold, snowy, and dark (at 5 pm) is truly a luxury. It's the little things. Anyways, it turns out that the conversation my wife was having had an almost immediate affect on our living room. The lady was looking to unload an old spinet organ. Three days later, my son and I braved a snowstorm and brought home the gift. Here is the cool thing.  While I was very happy to have an organ--it wasn't just any organ.  It ended up being a 1962 Hammond m-100 model (nicknamed the baby b3 for all you hammond junkies).  That's right, the old hammond tube sound/reverb/leslie/toggle switch motor--I was in heaven...

Mary said 'Yes.' What do you say?

praylium: Its Been A While (and here is why) : It has been a while since I last posted. And here is why. I'm losing hope. I was trying to be up-beat, optimistic, positive. I sti...

praylium: Personal Change : After close to fourteen years out of it...I'm back in. After trying to make a go at several other 'endeavors'...I went back to...

praylium: Ahh, the priest shortage... : Ahh the priest shortage. It's rearing its head... Recently, a friend and fellow blogger offered some eye-opening theological and pasto...

praylium: Good and Bad Roots of Reform--(or Reform pt III) : I came across a book authored in the mid 70's.  It was written by a religious brother who was later accused of inappropriate behaviors. ...

praylium: Reform and Humility : I am still thinking about the topic-- 'reform' Like most people who read these meanderings--I have a love for Jesus. And, like the...

praylium: The Mission of a Parish Mission? : I have sat in almost every seat in the church. As a child, a teen, a musician, a priest, a husband, and a dad. I've listened to many t...

I have another blog--Praylium--which began prior to this blog for A Lost Shepherd.  On occasion I will post a few thoughts here. praylium: Cello Jokes : Yes, I have heard a bunch of cello jokes since my last entry. By far the shortest and best one was---"There is always room for cello&q...

Perhaps the title of the book--says more about me than I ever thought. I am in the center of Catholic Marketing, here with the good people from New Hope.  I am a 'nobody' in the world of Catholic Authors.  In fact today someone asked me directions to the Garden State Parkway. "I'm sorry, I don't know where the parkway is."  I replied. "Oh, I thought you worked here at the hotel." Yep, A Lost Shepherd

I have to admit...Years ago, I would have poked fun at such an event. Heading out to Catholic Marketing Network Show for the east coast. Stop by New Hope Press Publications table and say hello. Sadly, I will miss (for the second time) a local showing of The Triumph. God Bless.

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.