Dear Friends! I’m happy to share that my latest book has just been published! A little over a year ago, Our Sunday Visitor asked me to write a book for them of spiritual reflections on the night sky. I’m happy to report it’s finished!!!
Here are some really top shelf promotional photos I took of the book… yes… I say that with a twinge of humor. For those who are faithful readers of Sacred Space Astronomy, you should know that about me by now! 🙂
Here’s a shot of me with the promotional copy I was sent. I really like the cover!!!
The structure of the book is to combine reflections with Scripture passages and images. This combination is to provide for a “visio-divina” experience, or prayer through images.
I tried to provide key Scripture passages that compliment the night sky images. Therefore, no need to dig through your Bible – It’s all right in front of you!
Of course, you can always explore other passages from Scripture that I don’t provide on your own.
Also, for you who will be attending the Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME), you can get a sneak peak of the Redemptorist Renewal Center where we will have our next ACME conference this coming January.
The Redemporist Renewal Center is an amazingly beautiful place of sacred rest. I can’t wait to see you in January!
Click on the book cover to the left or on this link if you would like to purchase a copy.
Thank you!!!
I want to thank Br. Guy for writing the Forward to this book and the scholars below for offering their endorsements. Your support of me is so appreciated! Thank you.
“Behold the Heavens: Discovering God Through the Night Sky offers to its readers a rare combination of reflections on faith and gorgeous astrophotography. Fr. James Kurzynski, who helped found the Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME) program of the Vatican’s astronomical observatory, is not a Vatican scientist, and not a scientist at all, in any formal sense. Rather, he is (as he puts it) “simply a diocesan priest who also has a deep interest in and passion for science, especially astronomy” — and who has an eye for the beauty of the night sky and also the skill with a camera needed to capture some of that beauty and share it with others. We humans did not make that beauty. ‘Behold the heavens’ is ‘look up at the sky!’ Fr. Kurzynski’s book emphasizes how, in looking up at the sky, noticing it, and studying it, we can learn about the One who did, in fact, make that beauty.” — Prof. Christopher M. Graney, Vatican Observatory
“Fr. James provides a book that harmonizes faith and science through contemplation, not lengthy treatises. He leaves the images to speak for themselves within the text, and only at the end includes the captions and the necessary acknowledgments. In doing so, they become part of the readers’ contemplation, just as they were part of Fr. James’ contemplation when writing the book.” — Fr. Chris Corbably, Vatican Observatory
“Fr. James’ new book seamlessly weaves images of space with thoughts on their larger meaning, and on faith. Faith and science — so easy to say but hard to do. This book provides a beautiful opportunity for readers to bridge the two concepts. And the photos are spectacular!” — Dr. Brenda Frye, Associate Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona, and Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory
In Behold the Heavens: Discovering God Through the Night Sky, Fr. James Kurzynski introduces his readers to the wonder and beauty of astronomy, drawing parallels between the grandeur of the natural world and the timeless truths of the Catholic faith. As a diocesan priest who has participated in Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME), Fr. Kurzynski shares his insights into how faith and reason are both compatible and mutually enriching. — Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester
