Episode 191: Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem. on his book Coached by Josemaría Escrivá: Lessons in Discipleship (July 22, 2025)

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem. on his book Coached by Josemaría Escrivá: Lessons in Discipleship (July 22, 2025)

Born at the turn of the twentieth century, St. Josemaría Escrivá spent his life as malleable clay in the Potter's hands. He took on a very visible leadership role as a priest and as the founder of Opus Dei, with a substantial collection of writings and recorded talks "revealing the personality, tone of voice, mannerisms, and spirit of the man."In these pages, author Fr. John Henry Hanson explores the role of leader and coach that the “Saint of the Ordinary” lived while on earth and continues to live today, drawing practical lessons on everyday sanctity, including:

• Why we should treat great saints like Joan of Arc as role models, not historical anomalies
• How a healthy spiritual life requires both prayer and work in balance
• Why recreation is important—and how to avoid laziness and dissipation
• How to recharge our spiritual batteries using the tools God provides
• The importance of abandonment to God—giving and entrusting without restraint
• How God uses our persistent faults to drive us toward sainthood

Never one to mince words or refrain from action, St. Josemaría coaches us in work and rest, in times of struggle and ease, through confusion and certainty. He is for all of us—men and women of today, living and working in the midst of the world. He is for us all a coach, a father, and an excellent teacher of the elevated, virtuous, and courageous life.

https://scepterpublishers.org/products/coached-by-josemaria-escriva