Book description

While on a pilgrimage with his family, poet Tim Bete decided not to take along a camera but rather a notebook. He jotted down thoughts, ideas and images that struck him while traveling through Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. He wrote a handful of poems during the pilgrimage and after returning, meditated upon the pages of the notebook until they became additional poems. Some of the poems are about places Tim visited, while others were simply inspired by Scripture and prayer during the journey. As he reflected on his longer pilgrimages, many of his ordinary, routine pilgrimages came to mind—things such as his commute to work each day and the slow passing of seasons. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we meet God as much on the road as at our destination.This book of poetry will provide an experience of our most-loving God, who is even more excited about journeying to us than we are to Him.

Reviews

"Simply incredible! As someone who has arranged Catholic pilgrimages for three decades, I can confidently say Tim captures the deeply personal and transformational journey that is a pilgrimage. These beautiful poems illustrate the quiet transformation that only a pilgrimage can ignite. Reading this book will deepen your connection to God."

-- Milanka Lachman, LCHS, President & Owner, 206 Tours

"Tim Bete shows us with his sly, self-effacing humor and authenticity, a music in search of the deeper meaning of things to be found in focusing on the ineffable mystery of God...here is a poet who returns us again and again to the God who really matters."

-- Paul Mariani, poet and biographer, is an emeritus professor of English at Boston College and winner of the John Ciardi Award for Lifetime Achievement in Poetry

"These poems from an insightful poet sensitive to the movement of the Spirit in the world, and his journey to know God’s will for his life, provide 'fodder for prayer' and a reason to contemplate our own pilgrimage."

— Matthew Gambino, Director, CatholicPhilly.com