The Heart of Hope
Contemplating Life, Awakening Love
Michael Downey

A physical journey turned into a deeply spiritual experience. As he and a former student traveled through Vietnam, Dr. Michael Downey encountered the “heart of hope”. The exotic flowers, the spicy dishes, the flamboyant ao dai worn for celebrations, the clang of bicycles—spoke with subtle intensity of life fully lived.
“His Vietnamese students and friends call Michael Downey’ Teacher of the Heart’. With a theologian’s probing intellect, a storyteller’s mastery of narrative, and a Christian’s loving heart, Downey offers real-life stories that brilliantly illuminate the gospel message of compassion, love, and hope. These heartfelt tales from around the globe—by turns touching, funny, surprising, affectionate, and always inspiring—show how the Word is ever alive in our world, and in our hearts.”

—James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints

“A penetrating gaze into the very heart and soul of a people branded by suffering … yet buoyed up by unwavering hope.”

—Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man, Archbishop of Saigon