by Francis J. Conklin

There have been many books written of late, or republished from the last century, whose purpose is to awaken Catholics out of their spiritual lethargy and confront them with the reality of their principal enemy’s malice. In The Dereliction of the Cross, Francis Conklin, the author of this twenty-two page call to arms, has achieved a synthesis of the best of such trumpeting productions into one certain clarion call that anyone could find time to read. Many, however, prefer not to heed the alarm.  They have their temporary comfort zone. And slumber is so much easier than active warfare. But, as a certain philosopher once put it: “Reality is that which does not go away even when you stop thinking about it.” Or, again, as a certain good general said to the pacifist: “You may not be interested in war [the devil], but war [the devil] is interested in you.”

Mr. Conklin explains in truly inspiring tones why we must not be afraid of facing the reality of a world gone diabolically mad or of engaging the anti-Catholic forces in battle. First, he causes us to question ourselves as to whether or not we would pray with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Would we prefer slumber?  Would we, too, abandon Him on the Cross, as He is being crucified by His enemies in our day?  Are we adding, not only to the pain of His “dereliction” on the Cross, but also, by our habitual sins, to His physical torment as well?  This little book is a powerful “introduction” to our sorrowful Exemplar, whom, perhaps, we non-confrontational Catholics have avoided really getting to know — not as mere acquaintances, but as a beloved Friend. The author also provides a magnificent introduction to our Lord’s most loyal friends (the martyrs), who truly understood, and sought for themselves, the abandonment of Calvary.  As the valiant English martyr, Saint Richard Hurst, taught from his cell in the Tower of Death: “The more malicious my enemies are, the greater is my comfort: for I do constantly believe that my religion is the cause of their malice, and my greatest desire is to offer my blood in so good a cause.” This man was a simple farmer. He left behind a pregnant wife and six children.  He had attained the science of Heaven. This is a book to read and read again.  It would make a wonderful gift for any and all occasions.      

Published by Neumann Press, 1993

Paperback, 22 Pages