STEVE BELL’S PILGRIM YEAR SERIES – FOR PILGRIMS OF ALL KINDS

I didn’t know of Steve Bell when I first came across his Pilgrim Year series. Each of the seven books explores one of these rich liturgical seasons:

• Advent
• Christmas
• Epiphany
• Lent
• Holy Week
• Easter
• Ordinary Time

Each season hold its own mystery and challenge, reflecting our larger faith story. “We Christians are many things,” Steve writes, “but for sure we are keepers of The Story. We tend it like a fire in the darkest of nights, and we live by its blaze and glory during the day.”

The beauty of the books is that they are down to earth yet soar to the heavens, taking the reader along with them. As they draw on tradition, poetry, scripture, songs and stories, these reflections for long-time Christians and newcomers alike bring faith to life, wrestle with it and celebrate it. These are books we can return to season after season, year after year, no matter what our circumstances, our questions or our doubts. They are food for the mind, the heart and the soul.

In addition to offering some song lyrics on the page, the author provides links to his songs that the reader can listen to online to enhance and extend their experience. The music carries us to another level of reflection and wonder, before we return to the book to learn, ponder and even pray some more.

Steve Bell is a gifted writer, in addition to being a popular speaker and a beloved musician and songwriter. (He has had a 25-year solo career.) His songs can be heard on YouTube: “Turn it Around,” “Here by the Water,” “Wings of an Eagle,” and many more.

I wish I’d met Steve sooner. This Christian troubadour and poet from Winnipeg is an inspiring and accessible guide for any pilgrim who wishes to see with eyes of faith in a new and deeper way.

–Anne Louise Mahoney, Managing Editor