Book Review: “Power From the Margins”

According to the Pew Research Center, “Latinos now make up one-third of the Catholic population.” This significant growth brings both new challenges and opportunities for the Latino population as well as for the Catholic community.
 
Bishop Ricardo Ramirez has written a thought-provoking, insightful and encouraging book about this issue titled, “Power From The Margins.”
 
Bishop Ramirez utilizes personal experiences, statistics and Catholic teaching to communicate the significance of this recent emergence of the Latino population in the United States, and introduces fresh ideas for addressing many of the challenges and opportunities faced.
 
Perhaps one of the most influential forces for Bishop Ramirez’s book came from his work with the poor in Mexico. During this service, he discovered, “there was a richness that only the poor can bring to others. No matter how deep the deprivation at the margins, there are always gifts that the poor can give.” As I read this book, I found myself repeatedly thinking of this simple, but powerful notion.
 
Bishop Ramirez does a great job of relating personal story, reflection, Catholic teaching and a call-to-action as he describes the changes in the Church and in society along with the “Power From The Margins.”
 
This book definitely increased my awareness and understanding of some of the challenges and opportunities related to the growing Latino population in the United States.
 
We are blessed to have other cultures in parishes that bring some of their traditions with them and share the joy of the faith. This book will deepen the reader’s understanding and appreciation for the “Latino Catholic heart.”
 
John H. Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.