The Catholic Book Club discussion

In a time when there is more and more noise, and technology and materialism continue to exert their hold on us, Cardinal Robert Sarah presents a bold book about the strength of silence. The world generates so much noise that seeking moments of silence only becomes more necessary. For Cardinal Sarah, modern man, in repressing the divine, finds himself in a deep dilemma, an oppressive and anguishing trial. The Cardinal recalls that life is a silent relationship between what is most intimate in man and God. Silence is indispensable for hearing the music of God: prayer arises from silence and returns to silence with ever greater depth.

In this long and profound conversation with Nicolas Diat, done within the hallowed walls of silence in the famous Carthusian monastery of La Grande Chartreux in France, the Cardinal proposes the question: can those who do not know silence ever attain truth, beauty, love? The response is undeniable: all that is great and creative is formed by silence. God is silence.

After the great international success of God or Nothing , translated into fourteen languages, Cardinal Sarah seeks to restore to silence its place of honor and importance. "Although speech characterizes man, silence is what defines him, because speech acquires sense only in terms of this silence." This is the beautiful and significant message of The Power of Silence.

In this book, Cardinal Sarah has only one aim, which is summed up in this thought from his book: "Silence is difficult but it makes a human being able to allow himself to be led by God. Silence is born of silence. Through God the silent one we can gain access to silence. And a human being is unceasingly surprised by the light that bursts forth then. Silence is more important than any other human work. For it expresses God. The true revolution comes from silence; it leads us toward God and others so as to place ourselves humbly and generously at their service."

As a high functioning introvert I crave silence and solitude. The first hour of the day when I am up alone and have a long walk to my bus for work and once my children are all in bed and remaining upstairs alone with prayer and books is my favorite part of the days. But I work in It and am on call not having my device on me is rare, but I do mute it when not actively on call. I look forward to this book and reading it together with this group.

Loving the location of Carthusian Monastery of La Grande Chartreux in France, near Grenoble. Very close to the places of origin of the Saint Cure of Ars (Lyon) and of Saint Francis de Sales (Chambery). Also near the Marian Sanctuary of La Salette-Favalloux. A truly inspiring environment, which would well deserve a pilgrimage. Another part of the story happens in the
Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse, where the soul of Brother Vincent ascens to the house of God (Carcassonne area)

I probably won't be able to start this book till next week.

I've only read the introduction so far, but I felt like it started in the middle, since I wasn't at all familiar with Cardinal Sarah before. Is he a Carthusian? If not, how did he come to know Vincent and be so attracted to this form of religious life? And how is silence compatible with his many responsibilities in the Church?

Jill wrote: "I've only read the introduction so far, but I felt like it started in the middle, since I wasn't at all familiar with Cardinal Sarah before. Is he a Carthusian? If not, how did he come to know Vinc..."

Jill, cardinal Robert Sarah is not a Carthusian. He was named Archbishop of Conakry when he was just 35 (1979), and remained there until he was moved to the Vatican by St. John Paul II in 2002.

Silence is compatible with every responsibility. It is a form of prayer, and I suppose you don't think prayer incompatible with responsibilities (:-)

I have just begun chapter 1 and may not finish this within the month because I am using it as my Lenten reading. I am enjoying it very much so far.

"Nothing will make us discover God better than His silence inscribed in the center of our being."

God bless...

Just started and feel blessed already.