I Call You Friends

As well as an account of Father Radcliffe's life from his childhood and education at Ampleforth to his calling to a life of poverty and religious observance, this book also contains a series of addresses and talks which he has given to audiences world-wide.

Timothy Radcliffe looks impish on the cover of I Call You Friends, too young and mischievous to be the Master of the Dominican Order worldwide. But a youthful spirit and a deep humility mark the style of the man and the style of this book. Throughout its pages, erudition is mixed with humor and a down-to-earth approach that is common to the best communicators. He is a good preacher and a suitable Master for the Order of Preachers.

I Call You Friends is a grab-bag sort of book. The first half is made up of a series of penetrating interviews conducted by French journalist Guillaume Goubert, and the second half is a collection of Radcliffe's articles, lectures, and sermons. The writings are gathered into three groups. The first is on commitment, the second on the Church's mission, and the third on the difficulties of the Catholic faith. Articles range from the problems of Europe to storytelling, doctrine, and sexual ethics. Each section and chapter are self-contained, making for an accessible read. Radcliffe's vision of the Dominican Order and the Catholic Church is constantly optimistic, creative, and refreshing. He clearly loves learning, loves people, and loves God. The only criticism is that some of the articles may be a bit too scholarly for a popular audience. Nevertheless, the author has a real gift to communicate the faith in a vital way. St Dominic used to preach to crowds in the marketplace. I Call You Friends is a good attempt to follow in his footsteps. --Dwight Longenecker, Amazon.co.uk