Hidden Holiness

Hidden Holiness: Discovering the Saints Among Us by Michael Plekon Are you searching for holiness in grand gestures and miraculous events? Michael Plekon's "Hidden Holiness" offers a refreshing and profound alternative, inviting readers to find the sacred in the everyday. This groundbreaking work challenges traditional notions of sainthood, arguing that the extraordinary lives often highlighted by the Church can inadvertently obscure the universal call to holiness inherent in Christian faith. Plekon masterfully blends theological insight with compelling personal stories to reveal a "hidden" holiness, a sanctity not defined by exceptional feats but by quiet acts of faith, compassion, and witness within the ordinary fabric of life. He draws inspiration from diverse sources, including contemporary writers like Rowan Williams, Kathleen Norris, Sara Miles, Simone Weil, and Darcey Steinke, and iconic figures such as Mother Teresa, Thomas Merton, and Dorothy Day, demonstrating the myriad ways individuals embody this everyday sanctity. Plekon showcases that being a saint doesn't require spectacular events, but is about the daily dedication to living a life reflecting Christ's teachings. "Hidden Holiness" is more than just a theoretical exploration; it introduces readers to four remarkable individuals who exemplify this hidden holiness: Olga Arsumquak Michael, a Yup'ik Alaskan whose faith is intertwined with her native culture; Joanna Reitlinger, an artist who finds the divine in creative expression; Elisabeth Behr-Sigel, a lay theologian who passionately advocated for inclusivity and social justice within the church; and Paul Anderson, a human rights activist tirelessly working for the marginalized. Their stories, richly detailed and deeply moving, serve as powerful illustrations of how ordinary people can embody extraordinary grace. Plekons writing is both scholarly and accessible, making complex theological concepts understandable and engaging for a wide audience. He encourages readers to look beyond the conventional markers of holiness and to recognize the sacred potential within themselves and others. In a world often preoccupied with celebrity and spectacle, "Hidden Holiness" offers a timely and necessary reminder that true holiness resides in the everyday acts of love, service, and faithfulness that shape our lives and communities. This book encourages reflection on how we engage with our faith and how we can find the divine in our neighbours and in ourselves. It is a powerful testament to the idea that we are all called to be saints, not in some distant, unattainable future, but in the here and now. This First Edition paperback from the University of Notre Dame Press, published in 2009, with 238 pages invites you to embrace a broader vision of holiness, one that recognizes the divine spark within each person and celebrates the hidden saints who quietly transform the world through their ordinary lives. Weighing 308 grams, this book is a valuable addition to any theological library.