The Gift of Self: A Spiritual Companion for Separated and Divorced Faithful to the Sacrament of Marriage

nThese pages were written by one hand and many hearts ... by separated spouses faithful to the sacrament because they are convinced this total gift of self is not an anachronism imposed by the Church to be accepted with patient resignation, but a path of sanctification lived out in the joyous paradox of the Gospel. This book, besides offering numerous points for reflection on the theme of separation, proposes a true and proper path subdivided into stages for groups of people who, living with the suffering of a spouse's separation, wish to remain faithful to the sacrament of their marriage. Among the many suggested prayers and meditations, one in particular, the renewal of the I Do, has captured the attention of many churches both at home and abroad. The Marriage Vows Renewal, included in the last stage, is publicized by the Pontifical Council of the Family. An imprimatur has been given to the book by Biishop Richard G. Lennon. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a recommendation for the book on their Marriage Resource Center: The greatest strength of Campanella's book is her articulation of the vocation of the separated person to live out his or her marriage vows as a particular witness of God's eternal love for fallen humanity, and the practical path she offers to the realization of this call. Although she does not include personal details of her own situation, it is apparent that Campanella has walked this path herself. This imbues a sense of hope and inspiration to the reader.n