Spirituality of St. Patrick, The

The Spirituality of St. Patrick. By Lesley Whiteside. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 1997. 79 pp. $7.95 (paper).

While one is taught from childhood that "You can't judge a book by its cover," I confess that I was strangely attracted to both the stained glass cover as well as the title of Lesley Whiteside's The Spirituality of St. Patrick.

Whiteside's slender book functions as a very general survey of Patrick's life and spirituality. Following a brief introduction and an authorial note concerning Patrick's problematic Latin as well as the translations employed, the book is broken down into fifteen short chapters. These chapters are topical in orientation and meditative in character. Each chapter is clearly distilled for the benefit of those who are new to Patrician studies while demonstrating the author's expertise in this material.

Each chapter follows a kind of threefold structure which begins with a discussion of a particular topic. The first section is always offset by a Celtic illuminated letter. This is followed by extended quotations from Patrick's two extant and authentic writings, "The Letter to Coroticus" and "The Confession." Scriptural reflections, hymns and poems are frequently woven into this second section. Finally, extended Scripture quotations end each chapter and are always offset by an ancient cross patee.

Two problems that the reader will encounter in reading this book are in the areas of eclecticism and anachronism. In the spirit of many current books on Celtic spirituality, Whiteside attempts to weave divergent sources and traditions into Patrick's own words and spirituality. Patrick's words and works are often explained through anachronistic sources which at times have the effect of reinforcing "traditional" misunderstandings of the historic Patrick.

Nevertheless, Whiteside's slender volume functions well as an attractive book of meditations on Patrick and Celtic spirituality. Its pleasing visual presentation and relatively simple structure could easily make it a popular and useful parish tool. During the month of March when many look forward to "St. Paddies Day," this book could be ideal as a valuable introduction and reminder that March 17 has been historically understood and celebrated as this saint's feast in the Church.

JAMES V. SMITH

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

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