The Shadow of His Wings

The Shadow of His Wings by Fr. Gereon Goldmann 

347 pages 

Non-Fiction 

Translated from German. Published 1964. I originally read this book in the winter of 2017 while a massive electrical power outage left our home without heat. This book might have added to my stress level a bit as we bounced between guest bedrooms and hotel rooms with two kids in tow, but it certainly put things in perspective too.

This is an amazing true first-person tale, rich with military detail, of a Catholic German seminarian forced to leave the Franciscan monastery shy of obtaining priesthood, when he was drafted into the German army during WWII. His intelligence, bravery and loyalty to his fellow soldiers caused him to rise through the ranks and even be selected for SS officer training, despite his steadfast opposition to Nazi ideals and his unwavering loyalty to his Catholic faith.

A remarkable story and a remarkable man. Reminiscent of Sir Thomas Moore - a highly intelligent man seeking to serve his country and keep himself safe when faced with troubling state powers. Always willing sacrifice everything for his Catholic faith, if necessary. A unique perspective on a popular historical period. And a love story about the Catholic faith.

RECOMMENDED FOR: WWII Buffs. Catholics. Germans. Franciscans. People seeking perspective on their current discomfort and struggles.