The Soul of Sponsorship: The Friendship of Fr. Ed Dowling, S.J. and Bill Wilson in Letters

Reading actual letters from their private library collections brings on more awe that "things" are still in place as they are today...it's a miracle!!! If you are ever visiting St. Louis eat lunch at the St. Louis Bread Company (Panera) on Grand Avenue...look across the street and you will see the Queens building still in existence where Father Ed worked. Fasten your seat belt...your program is about to go a step deeper!!!!! I recommend reading "My Name Is Bill" BEFORE reading this book.

The Soul of Sponsorship: The Friendship of Fr. Ed Dowling, S.J. and Bill Wilson in LettersAn excellent historical portrait of Bill Wilson and his relationship with a spiritual sponsor.

I found this book to be of interest in my addiction. It shows that the incurable can be greatly helped in restoring the alcoholic(addict) in returning to a productive life among his fellow man by following a spiritual path.

I read Fitzgerald's book while I was on a 30 day Ignatian retreat, journeying on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. I have been in the A.A. program for almost a year and somewhere along the line came to sense a connection between the spiritual program of A.A. and some of the roots of my own Catholic tradition. Just as, at 54 years of age, I found myself "ready" for the 30 day retreat, so did I find myself in January of this year "ready" for the gift of the 12 Steps for me. Like the protagonist in Francis Thompson's Hound of Heaven, God and the peace of sobriety FOUND ME. I knew that I had to understand more about how the 12 Step spirituality was in sync with my Catholic faith. This book on the correspondence and long friendship of Fr. Dowling and Bill W. gave me tremendous insight, knowledge and inspiration to help make my own 12 Step Walk one that resonates and deepens my own Catholic Christian journey. It is worth the read!!!

This story has its roots in the friendship of two remarkable men of different backgrounds and experiences. Although, both men thirsted for the 'Direction of God's will' in their lives, they approached it from vastly different experiences. Whether you come to these pages from A.A. or the contemplative prayer of Ignatiun spirituality, this is a must read. We are shown how ones weakness and sortcomings can become overcome and transended by following a 'few simple rules'. the openess of their letters is evidence of the trust and love these two men shared with each other. I do think that a personal understanding of the Tweleve Steps and Twelve Traditions of A.A., as well as the exercises of St. Ignatius would allow a better grasp of this spiritual journey, but is in no way necessary to appreciate the remarkable transformation that these two men achieved with and through each other's friendship and guidance. Much can be absorbed by reviewing these letters and the simple set up that 'Fr. Bob' gives their communications in his explanatory prose. This book allows a hightened understanding of the foundations of A.A. and the rewards of a life based in 'Love and Service', as well as the true nature of discernment.