Passion Flowers in Bloom (Review)

Passion Flowers in Bloom is a beautiful collection of art and poetry centered on the Gospels and the Christian spiritual life. The book contains 51 poems, each well-suited for contemplation and prayer. The poems serve as meditations—focused on the truths and mysteries of the faith—and reflections on creation, personal struggles, or the simple beauty of life. Many are written from the perspective of a Passionist nun, yet they remain accessible to both lay and religious readers. The rhyming nature of the poems helps draw the reader into each mystery or reflection.

As I read and prayed through the poems, I found that they teach Catholic theology and apologetics in a relatable and appealing way. For example, one of my favorites illustrating this is the poem “Truth,” which echoes Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” In our modern world, truth is often viewed subjectively or relativistically. However, the poem then reveals that Truth is a person (i.e., Jesus is the Truth). This theological point is made simply yet profoundly, in a way that is relatable.

The collection covers a wide range of themes, including convent life, God’s call, the beauty of creation, various aspects of the Gospels (such as Christ’s agony, the Eucharist, and the wedding feast at Cana), and personal struggles. Readers should be able to find a favorite poem that resonates with them. Additionally, because of their rhyming structure, many of the poems could be adapted into hymns or set to music, offering creative possibilities for prayer or worship settings.

I recommend Passion Flowers in Bloom for spiritual reading, particularly during times of adoration, meditation, and personal prayer. It will surely help draw the reader deeper into the mysteries of faith and reflections of life.