This book examines the abduction of a medieval Bohemian bishop by heretics and the forced consecration of over one hundred candidates to holy orders. The author clarifies the significance of the kidnapped bishop and his coerced acts of consecration.

It was like thick darkness during the day; not an eclipse that is predicted months and days ahead, but an unexpected event, very unexpected. The fact that one serves God Almighty does not exempt him from problems, suffering etc. Job in the Bible was a righteous man, yet, he had his own share of tribulations. It is in such situations that God demonstrates His power. Such situations can lead one to an extreme: either to adhere more closely to God, or to have doubts about God and His ability to perform. Archbishop Kattey slept on bare, wet ground for nine days and nine nights, under rains and sun surrounded by unknown and dangerous people, but in all these, he held steadfastly to his faith in God. Reptiles and wild animals seemed to avoid him. The world was praying for him. Archbishop Kattey summarises everything as “It’s all about God”.

This book examines the abduction of a medieval Bohemian bishop by heretics and the forced consecration of over one hundred candidates to holy orders. The author clarifies the significance of the kidnapped bishop and his coerced acts of consecration.

Moving to the Middle East at the height of the war on terror, Rev. Baul becomes the priest of the international Episcopal church in Cairo, Egypt. Paranoid of danger imagined at every turn, Mrs. Baul is convinced that this assignment is proof that her gifted husband is working as a secret agent, in addition to his priestly duties, a double opportunity, as she comes to call it. Quite oblivious to her meddling, Rev. Baul dotes on his wife with great admiration despite her disapproval of his pigeon-racing hobby. Behind the scenes, their two savvy children, in league with their gadget inventing Grandpa Baul, expend huge efforts to keep peace intact as Mrs. Baul ventures to blow the lid off brewing deception involving a Donkey Rescue charity and a kidnapped bishop whose trail leads the entire Baul entourage to a climatic pigeon race in the remote desert oasis of Siwa.

How do we respond in the face of evil, especially to those who inflict grave evil upon us? Abducted in Iraq is Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna’s firsthand account of his abduction in 2006 by a militant group associated with al-Qaeda. As a young parish priest and visiting lecturer on philosophy at Babel College near Baghdad, Fr. Hanna was kidnapped after celebrating Mass on August 15 and released on September 11. Hanna’s plight attracted international attention after Pope Benedict XVI requested prayers for the safe return of the young priest. The book charts Hanna’s twenty-eight days in captivity as he struggles through threats, torture, and the unknown to piece together what little information he has in a bid for survival. Throughout this time, he questions what a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq means for the future, as well as the events that lead the country on that path. Through extreme hardship, the young priest gains a greater knowledge both of his faith and of remaining true to himself. This riveting narrative reflects the experience of persecuted Christians all over the world today, especially the plight of Iraqi Christians who continue to live and hold their faith against tremendous odds, and it sheds light on the complex political and spiritual situation that Catholics face in predominantly non-Christian nations. More than just a personal story, Abducted in Iraq is also Hanna’s portrayal of what has happened to the ancient churches of one of the oldest Christian communities and how the West’s reaction and inaction have affected Iraqi Christians. More than just a story of one man, it is also the story of a suffering and persecuted people. As such, this book will be of great interest to those wanting to learn more about the violence in the Middle East and the threats facing Christians there, as well all those seeking to strengthen their own faith.

Moving to the Middle East at the height of the war on terror, Rev. Baul becomes the priest of the international Episcopal church in Cairo, Egypt. Paranoid of danger imagined at every turn, Mrs. Baul is convinced that this assignment is proof that her gifted husband is working as a secret agent, in addition to his priestly duties, a "double opportunity," as she comes to call it. Quite oblivious to her meddling, Rev. Baul dotes on his wife with great admiration despite her disapproval of his pigeon-racing hobby. Behind the scenes, their two savvy children, in league with their gadget inventing Grandpa Baul, expend huge efforts to keep peace intact as Mrs. Baul ventures to blow the lid off brewing deception involving a Donkey Rescue charity and a kidnapped bishop whose trail leads the entire Baul entourage to a climatic pigeon race in the remote desert oasis of Siwa.

The Vatican has just assigned auxiliary Bishop Gus Quill to the Archdiocese of Chicago over the violent protests of Bishop Blackie Ryan's boss Sean Cardinal Cronin, Archbishop of Chicago. Quill is under the illusion that he's been sent from Rome to replace the good Cardinal, when in fact, he was booted out because of his incompetence. No sooner does he arrive in Chicago that he -- and the L Train he was riding - disappear. It falls on the inimitable Bishop Blackie Ryan to search for the missing bishop no one really wants to find.