He Leadeth Me

An Extraordinary Testament of Faith

By: Walter J. Ciszek S.J., Daniel L. Flaherty S.J.

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

He Leadeth Me is a deeply personal story of one man’s spiritual odyssey and the unflagging faith which enabled him to survive the ordeal that wrenched his body and spirit to near collapse.
Captured by a Russian army during World War II and convicted of being a “Vatican spy,” Jesuit Father Walter J. Ciszek spent some twenty-three agonizing years in Soviet prisons and the labor camps of Siberia. In He Leadeth Me, he relates how it was only through an utter reliance on God’s will that he managed to endure. He tells of the courage he found in prayer—a courage that eased the loneliness, the pain, the frustration, the anguish, the fears, the despair. For, as Ciszek recalls, the solace of spiritual contemplation gave him an inner serenity upon which he was able to draw amid the “arrogance of evil” that surrounded him. Learning to accept even the inhuman work of toiling in the infamous Siberian salt mines as a labor pleasing to God, he was able to turn the adverse forces of circumstance into a source of positive value and a means of drawing closer to the compassionate and never-forsaking Divine Spirit.
He Leadeth Me is a book to inspire all Christians to greater faith and trust in God—even in their darkest hour. As the author 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?”

Great content and narration

What a great book! I’m so glad to know Walter’s story; it’s full of spiritual wisdom I’m truly grateful for.

moving in parts, Russia in spirit

If you have read Russian literature, you will appreciate the cadence of this book. without it, you may think it too slow or drawn out. Russian literature is not sensational with bam, bam, bam all the time. They develop an atmosphere, which you don't even realize has enveloped you until the lesson sets in. At which point you find yourself saying, "da."

Some really good spiritual gems especially about obedience and faith.

How to follow the Will of God

In the truly stark environment of the Soviet Union’s communist society, prisons, and forced labor camps, Fr. Ciszeks’ spirit soared. This book describes his story - his suffering, struggles, and gradual learning both what WAS God’s Will for him and HOW to recognize and follow it. His inner true joy and happiness testifies to his insights and unshakable belief in God. His book helps me live a better life. Thank you Fr. Ciszek for this precious gift!

Faith and God’s Providence

It does not focus on explicit details of life in the prison or work camps. Rather on his growth in faith and in God’s providence while he lived in there. He also talks about the people he lived with and ministered to. It’s an inspiring book.

Such a wonderful life

He was humble and loved God and it showed in all he did. So amazing!!!