He Leadeth Me: An Extraordinary Testament of Faith
2 min readFeb 21, 2024
The life-changing story of Walter J. Ciszek
He Leadeth Me is a deeply personal and inspiring true story written by Jesuit Father Walter J. Ciszek, along with Daniel L. Flaherty.
The book is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration on how to approach and find meaning in life in any situation. I don’t want to give away too much, so I have kept the summary brief:
- Captured by a Russian army during World War II, Father Walter J. Ciszek was convicted of being a “Vatican spy.”
- He endured twenty-three agonizing years in Soviet prisons and labour camps in Siberia.
- Through unwavering faith and reliance on God’s will, he found courage in prayer, which eased his loneliness, pain, frustration, and despair.
- Despite the harsh conditions, he accepted the inhuman work in Siberian salt mines as labour pleasing to God.
- Spiritual contemplation provided him with inner serenity amidst the “arrogance of evil” surrounding him.
- The book inspires all Christians to trust in God even during their darkest hours.
- As Father Ciszek asks, “What can ultimately trouble the soul that accepts every moment of every day as a gift from the hands of God and strives always to do His will?”.
This extraordinary testament of faith serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating the power of unwavering trust in God’s providence.