Let the Fire Fall

Another book done.  I just love not having to be constantly with my nose in a text book or two so that I can actually enjoy reading during these summer months.  This book is one that my mom bought a few years ago, loved, and I am just now getting around to it.  Let the Fire Fall is a book by and about Fr. Mike Scanlan the Franciscan friar who made Franciscan University of Steubenville what it is today. 

If you don't know- they very very basic story of Franciscan is that it was a huge party school on the cusp of closing its doors forever.  Because Fr. Mike listened to God's call and first became a friar and then years later said yes to becoming the president of Franciscan University the school has undergone radical changes.  Fr. Mike decided to make the Catholic faith the backbone and priority in every aspect of  Franciscan University and as they say the rest is history.  Franciscan University is now known around the world, and even by the Pope (just ask the Bishop of Steubenville who upon introducing himself to the Pope, Pope Benedict said "Oh the one with the school") as being passionately Catholic. 

This book however doesn't just talk about changing Franciscan into the school it is today.  It also inspires you to live you faith purposefully.  To live radically for Christ.  To put Him at the center of your life and nothing else interfere with that.

So you still need to be convinced to read this book.   Let me just leave you with a handful of quotes.

"I write with a sense of urgency.  There's a war going on, people are dying, and many of us are asleep."

Boom. 

"If the Lord does not shape our way of thinking, the world will"

Boom x2

"Our task is to renew the Church and equip it to do His work"

"Build an environment of faith.  Take care of your primary constituency.  Get good people to join you.  Expect opposition.  Seek the Lord.  When you hear Him, do whatever is necessary to obey Him."

"I have fallen in love with the Church"

Boom.  Boom. Boom.