MODERN" TUNES PRINTED IN SHAPE NOTES

I recall this was about a Catholic priest, his youth and work in China. I believe I enjoyed this book. ( )

Here is a story of a Catholic priest, Francis Chisholm, whose life story is laid before you. Starting with his earliest years of losing both of his parents and being raised by a selfish relative. Eventually being rescued by another beloved Aunt Poly, he becomes a priest in China. What follows is the horrific circumstance he finds himself and must suffer through, including the plague and warring warlords. Prior to going to China the understanding Bishop summarized his feeling toward Francis.
“And now you are discovering how terribly human we are. Yes, it’s unholy that your ‘rebellious nature’ should fill me with joy, but I find it a wonderful antidote to the monotonous piety I am subjected to. You are the stray cat, Francis, who comes stalking up the aisle when everyone is yawning their head off at a dull sermon. That’s not a bad metaphor—for you are in the church even if you don’t match up with those who find it all by the well-known rule. I am not flattering myself, when I say that I am probably the only cleric in this diocese who really understands you. It’s fortunate I am now your bishop.”
“I know that, Your Grace.”
“To me,” His Lordship meditated, “you are not a failure, but a howling success. You can do with a little cheering up—so I’ll risk giving you a swelled head. You’ve got inquisitiveness and tenderness. You’re sensible of the distinction between thinking and doubting. You’re not one of our ecclesiastical milliners who must have everything stitched up in neat little packets—convenient for handing out. And quite the nicest thing about you, my dear boy, is this—you haven’t got that bumptious security that springs from dogma rather than from faith.”

This is a book to read and enjoy and learn from the good father. ( )

Very old book about a priest and his life in China as a missionary. A bit of a slow read but good. ( )

Bought it for the movie, which follows the book pretty well. Still, as usual, there are things in the book that movie goers will miss completely. ( )