Perennes has written a well researched and very moving biography of Pierre Claverie, a native Algerian who, as Bishop of Oran, led the Catholic Church in that country. The book inevitably details the political and historical development of Algeria as an independent state, but also highlights the struggles and persecutions the Church in that country faced, and continues to face. Through the wonderful insights given into Claverie's Dominican spirituality, one sees the true force behind the man who spent his life finding ways for the Christian Church to witness in a Muslim country, even to the point of giving his own life.

The book contains many extracts from the personal writings of Bishop Claverie. Rather than going on holiday, Claverie found his relaxation in leading retreats for religious communities in Algeria and France. I hope a publisher will make available many more of these works, not only as a testimony to this great man's faith, but as a means of opening up his almost mysic writings to a wider audience. (Posted on 30/01/2011)