This slim but substantive book belongs on the shelf of every pastoral worker committed to welcoming people with mental disabilities into the life of the Christian community. After establishing what we mean by mental handicap and what human flourishing demands, the author—drawing on extensive fieldwork—turns to the specific question of how the handicapped person belongs in the church. He takes on catechesis and sacramental access directly. Rondini's approach to these sensitive matters is notably open and constructive. He draws heavily on work emerging from the Ambrosian church, especially the insights of Cardinal C.M. Martini. Beyond the reactive responses these questions often provoke, what we need is serious theological and pastoral reflection on challenges this delicate. They demand both human compassion and Christian wisdom. An appendix describing one parish's catechesis program for children with severe mental disabilities, plus a thorough bibliography, make this an even more valuable resource.
- E.C.