5 Loaves and 2 Fish

After being made an archbishop in 1975, Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận was arrested by the Communist government in Vietnam and imprisoned for thirteen years without trial. He spent nine of those years in solitary confinement. While in prison, people would smuggle him little bits of bread and some wine so he could celebrate Mass. When asked later how he survived his imprisonment, Cardinal Văn Thuận always responded, "The Eucharist." Five Loaves and Two Fish contains Cardinal Văn Thuận's powerful remarks to young people at the 1997 World Youth Day in Paris, in which he recounts the spiritual growth he experienced in prison. In this humble and passionate address, Cardinal Văn Thuận reflects on his life and relationship with God and his Church, noting how the God who feeds thousands with five loaves and two fish continues to do great things through those who give him what little they have. His spiritual insights, encouragement, and joy are a powerful testimony of faith and a stirring reminder that a life devoted to God is the only life worth living, no matter the circumstances. This gem of a book is a moving and essential read for any Catholic.