The Hour of Testing

The Hour of Testing

Spiritual Depth and Insight in a Time of Ecclesial Uncertainty

 

Author: Fr. Donald Haggerty

Publisher: Ignatius 2025

Mitchell Score:

91/100

 

Reviewed by M.T. Mitchell

Book Summary

Fr. Haggerty’s book springs from his expressed feeling of uncertainty regarding the state of the world and the Catholic Church. The subtitle mentions this “Ecclesial Uncertainty”. Fr. Haggerty, notices among his flock many who feel the proximity of the end times, others who feel persecuted for their traditional faith, and in many, a general unease with where we are going as a society. These themes make their way into the first half of this book.

The second half provides an explanation and an answer. If there are problems around us, we should expect them, Fr. Haggerty affirms, because we are part of the Mystical Body of Christ. Truly, in the Church’s role as Bride of Christ, she will walk the path the Savior trod: Calvary. The Church should not expect to achieve great historical and temporal victories in this passing world. Rather, she should expect to undergo the suffering and passion of Calvary, arriving thereby at the deepest union with Christ.

Bringing the spirituality of woundedness, suffering, and crucifixion into the spiritual realm, Haggerty provides a deep and powerful path to personal holiness.

Why we like it:

Fr. Haggerty’s writing style is beautiful and poetic. His command of the English language makes the reading deeply engaging and meaningful. His command of the spiritual life beyond the beginning stages is outpaced by no one today. As such, for those Catholics seeking more than simplistic and moralistic approaches to the spiritual life, for those who wish to climb to the heights of holiness, Fr. Haggerty is, as usual, a reliable and clear guide.

Suggestions:

The book’s opening section, acknowledged by Fr. Haggerty himself, while perhaps necessary, is gloomy. But he does give an answer to the gloom that is not cheap or false. It's a tough solution because it involves the Cross. But it's an attractive and consoling proposal because it involves the Truth.

Score by Category:

Fides: 15/15

Ratio: 13/15

Originality: 14/15

Theological Depth: 15/15

Clarity: 8/10

Aesthetics: 9/10

Evangelization: 7/10

Audience Target: 10/10

Bottom Line:

It isn’t a book you hand to a new convert to the faith. Instead, Fr. Haggerty’s book, like his previous books, is speaking to those ready for the solid food of the faith.  Unfortunately, there aren’t always many.