Review
Michael Gaitley, MIC, has given us a very special gift in his thoughtful and prayerful Do-It-Yourself Retreat. He brings together several spiritual traditions and blends them in the pattern of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. We will find inspiration in the quotations from the saints which he gathers carefully and in his deep, but humble, understanding of the principles of holiness that they proclaim. This is a good way for a soul to begin the journey in responding to the call to embrace the Divine Mercy of the Lord. --Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick
Michael Gaitley, MIC's book is a form of a weekend retreat accessible to those at the beginning stages of a simple way to holiness. While reading this book, I wished I could have had it in conversing with people of little or practically no faith who yet had a longing for the faith that lies at the core of human existence. These hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, Lord and this book guides them on a journey to resting in God. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa
This retreat, which is so well fitted into the busy life of the layperson, nonetheless includes all the essential parts of a genuine retreat of the Spiritual Exercises. Although focused on the Divine Mercy, it also includes the insights of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Louis de Montfort. It is also influenced by the Venerable Father Lanteri, who brings his own intensity and devotion into the retreat. All of this should make a devout person at home and yet push the person on to higher levels of devotion and spirituality. --Fr. Benedict Groeschel
Michael Gaitley, MIC's book is a form of a weekend retreat accessible to those at the beginning stages of a simple way to holiness. While reading this book, I wished I could have had it in conversing with people of little or practically no faith who yet had a longing for the faith that lies at the core of human existence. These hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, Lord and this book guides them on a journey to resting in God. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa
This retreat, which is so well fitted into the busy life of the layperson, nonetheless includes all the essential parts of a genuine retreat of the Spiritual Exercises. Although focused on the Divine Mercy, it also includes the insights of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Louis de Montfort. It is also influenced by the Venerable Father Lanteri, who brings his own intensity and devotion into the retreat. All of this should make a devout person at home and yet push the person on to higher levels of devotion and spirituality. --Fr. Benedict Groeschel
About the Author
Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC was ordained to priesthood Saturday, October 16, 2010. Father Michael holds a Masters Degree in Theology from St. John Seminary in Massachusetts, and a Licentiate Degree in Spiritual Theology from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. After 8 years of working on his book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus it was released in February 2010 with the creative campaign, Don t Give up Chocolate for Lent, Do this retreat instead. With some incredible endorsements from Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Danielle Bean of Faith and Family magazine, and many more, the book is now in its 3rd printing. The uniqueness of this do-it-yourself retreat is that it combines the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius with the teachings of Saints Therese of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska and Louis de Montfort. Fr. Michael is the director of the Association of Marian Helpers in Stockbridge, Mass holding the honorary title of Fr. Joseph.