The summer of 2022 saw an unprecedented heatwave in Spain and the author, a Jesuit priest was accompanying a Dublin taxi driver on a walking retreat on the Ignatian Camino to Manresa, near Barcelona. This book tells the story of that testing pilgrimage: trying to find a way through severe heat; the challenges of walking together, finding accommodation and negotiating unexpected hurdles; and the retreat that they did together that looked at faith, prayer and blocks to progress. On one level it is a story of friendship between two very different personalities, and also a story of two souls on a spiritual search for God.

As in his other books, Brendan highlights the Ignatian learning points (e.g. how to discern in a heatwave), outlines the spiritual journeys of the people they came across including a contemplative nun, and narrates the many adventures they went through to cope with exceptional circumstances. The pressure of the intense heat forces them to adapt their walking and find balance and discernment in making good decisions on the road. The pilgrimage took in some key Ignatian sites such as Montserrat and Manresa, but readers are given a unique perspective into the experience of St Ignatius Loyola through the eyes of these two pilgrims' unique journey, as well as illustrating how a customised Ignatian retreat works. This is a pilgrimage story of finding God in the messiness of less than ideal situations, developing a heartwarming friendship, and finding a way through using Ignatian principles of reflection and flexibility.

About the Author
Brendan McManus SJ is a Spiritual Director and retreat giver in Belfast. He has published several books with Messenger Publications including Contemplating the Camino, Surviving Suicide Bereavement, and, with Jim Deeds, Discover God Daily, Finding God in the Mess and Deeper into the Mess.

Reviews

[Brothers in Arms] will provide readers with something very different, something powerful, very moving and very instructive... it overflows with a deep sense of humanity.'

* The Irish Catholic *

'I absolutely loved Brothers in Arms - the reflections, the songs, the stories of people you met along the way. I've no doubt it will help many people make the right choices along their chosen path in life.'

-- Patricia McCann * Playwright and author of Bring Me Back Alive *

'Brothers in Arms is the story of two pilgrims, one saint, a minibus of nuns and finding the freedom to follow the path God had revealed. A very worthwhile read.'

* Intercom magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781788126144
Author Brendan McManus
Format Paperback
Page Count 134
Imprint Messenger Publications
Publisher Messenger Publications