Title: ANJONIUS: The Celebration of Life and Reality of Death
Author: Rev. Msgr. Dr. Theophilus A Joseph
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-5144-9167-3
Pages: 82
Genre: Bibles / God’s Word
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
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Anjonius: The Celebration of Life and Reality of Death is the heartwarming tale of the bond between a priest, Rev. Monsignor Theophilus A. Joseph and Anjonius, a child that’s fighting cancer. Rev. Joseph pays tribute to one of his bravest parishioners and dispenses inspirational advice in this powerful book.
Anjonius is the child that faces the grave news of having a brain tumor stemming from neuroblastoma, a devastating form of cancer. His mother asks Joseph to pray with the boy, and soon they form an unshakable bond. While dealing with the sad reality of Anjonius’ impending mortality, Rev. Joseph draws from his strong faith in God to cope with the news and to fortify his own faith. Counseling other young people battling with illnesses also fortifies Joseph’s optimism that faith can help people cope with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Rev. Joseph honestly writes about his faith while ministering his unrelenting optimism to his parishioners and how they gave him hope. Joseph reinforces the belief that prayer and hope can help everyone as they battle serious illnesses. Though Rev. Joseph is an experienced minister, he often confesses to drawing strength from Anjonius to remain positive. The book also includes prayers and sermons that have helped him remain faithful in the face of death. Even though he is a Monsignor, he questions why God lets children like him suffer. Anjonius is a deeply spiritual book, but also has unflinching looks at how to overcome doubt in faith. Rev. Joseph captures the full spectrum of a complex spirituality.
Anjonius would be perfect for readers who like inspirational books like Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, or any book by authors whose lives are changed by coping with illness. The book can also be read after C.S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed, about how the author of the The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe maintained his Christian faith after the death of his wife. Religious readers who like books by ministers like T.D. Jakes or Joel Osteen will also want to add this book to their collections. Rev. Joseph’s writings and sermons would be ideal for readers that need help coping with serious illness or death. Anjonius: The Celebration of Life and Reality of Death by Rev. Msgr. Joseph is an emotional and moving book that will make readers think and hopefully embrace the fullness of life.
