Blessed Are The Meek
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
"Father Hamish,” I whispered, “I’m giving you a head start. Leave by way of the sacristy.” “Leave you alone? Nonsense.” “I saw a window. Climb out and wait for me with Señor Guardia.” We both ducked down as a stone knocked over altar candles. Hamish cut a terrified glance at me. “You are my assistant pastor,” I said. “I’m telling you to go.” A stone hit me in the shoulder. Father Hamish ran for the sacristy. I counted in my mind to give him a head start. A fight broke out. Benches crashed. I rushed for the sacristy, shutting the door against a barrage of stones. I spotted a chest of drawers and shoved it in front of the door. A voice shouted, “It’s locked. ¡Vamanos!” I went to the window and saw no one in the yard. I climbed out and made my way along a stone wall in the churchyard. I heard men talking and ran for the bridge. A voice called out. “He is over there!” A bright flash made me look up. I saw Señor Guardia’s Jeep in flames. Shots were fired. The ground beneath me reeled. Then everything went black.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
In 1965, Father Martin, a Roman Catholic priest, is working as a high school teacher in Chicago when he runs into his friend, Bishop Keegan, on the El train. The bishop asks him to replace his former pastor, Father Bernard, who has disappeared without a trace in the Peruvian Andes. Father Martin reluctantly agrees. When he arrives at his assigned mission, he is chased out by an angry mob that threatens his life. Father Martin is taken to a nearby clinic for his injuries. There, he is treated by a beautiful Peace Corps nurse who warns him of the dangers of remaining in Valle Sagrado, but he refuses to leave. Over time, Father Martin realizes that there is more to his predecessor’s disappearance than anyone could have imagined. He also notices that the meticulous, rigid expressions of church dogma threaten the ancient traditions of the people of the Sacred Valley, sometimes with tragic results, so he strives to embody a more transcendent experience of charity, forgiveness, and love. Based on the actual stories of missionaries who served in the Peruvian Andes, Blessed Are the Meek teaches the importance of community and acceptance, even in the most trying of times.
About the Author
Diane King grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, where she has spent most of her life. She has published feature articles for local newspapers, as well as short biographies for various businesses, including underwriters for public radio. Blessed Are the Meek was a finalist in a national contest sponsored by the Heekin Group Foundation.