If you are like me you probably have no difficulty accepting the supernatural character of the apparitions and other phenomena associated with the events of Fatima of 1917 since they have received the ‘nihil obstat’ and the approval of the Holy See.   Also, like me you are probably troubled by the controversies surrounding all other such events and private revelations that have occurred since Fatima.

The failure of the Holy See to disclose the findings of the commissions that have investigated Medjugorje and to either condemn or approve it make acceptance by Catholics around the world difficult and, conversely, the events of Garabandal  assume increasing importance in view of the present growing crisis in the Church.

Edward Kelly’s book, A Journey of Happiness and Hope is not the usual compilation of reporting on the Church’s treatment of the apparitions and revelations, but is instead  an autobiographical record of how his life was changed after he stumbled upon the village of Garabandal as a tourist in Spain in the 1960″s.  But his book is not simply autobiographical because it gives the reader insight into the lives of the visionaries, their families and the other residents of the small village of Garabandal.  In addition, he does provide a record of the way the Church, both local and Rome have dealt with the supernatural element of the events of Garabandal.

A Journey of Happiness and Hope is eminently readable.  I could not put it down once I started reading it and the fact that Saints Padre Pio and Mother Theresa of Calcutta were such strong supporters of the visionaries of Garabandal came as a welcome surprise to me in view of the reprehensible way in which the bishops of Santander have mishandled  Garabandal from the beginning.

The book is available from Amazon and costs only $15.00.  I highly recommend it.

+Rene Henry Gracida