Breakfast, Books, Sisterhood - Quarterly Book Club

On a bright Saturday morning in early December, some friends and I gathered for breakfast. It wasn’t just another meet-up—it was the birth of something new: Breakfast, Books, Sisterhood. 

BBS is a quarterly get-together where we share our lives in conversation, and share our thoughts on a good Catholic book over breakfast. 

The idea first came about after we met last September for breakfast to offer sisterly love and support to a friend who was grieving. The encouragement, support, and eventual laughter over breakfast and hot coffee not only uplifted our friend, but each one of us as well. Not stopping there, we decided to elevate our get-togethers by including a good Catholic spiritual reading book. 

Scott Hahn, in his book Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots, wrote:

“Spiritual reading differs from other reading because it's a study we take on…to guide our growth in virtue, knowledge of doctrine, and union with God.  It’s not reading for entertainment, really, or even for education.  It should lead to prayer, and it is itself a form of prayer.” 

The first book we read in BBS was Coached by Joan of Arc by Alexandre Havard. My initial impression of the book was that it had a cool cover, and it was only 120 pages.  Short and sweet. The book is written like a conversation between the reader and St. Joan of Arc.  It is compact, filled with encouragement, spiritual hacks, and advice on virtuous leadership.  Full of fire, Joan got things done, always with the grace of God. 

While enjoying the view around us, we filled our bellies with delicious food, and of course, cups of brimming hot coffee. We traded the latest stories about our families, work, and the roller coaster we call Life.  As we were winding down, we opened our books to discuss and share our thoughts on the “words” of the national heroine of France, who by the guidance of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Margaret of Antioch, led the French army, won Orleans, and foiled the English attempt to conquer France during the Hundred Years’ War. 

“I was violent like a thunderbolt.” – St. Joan of Arc. 

As we discussed St. Joan of Arc’s words, I realized how deeply they challenged my own spiritual habits. 

“Since early childhood, you were told that we should trust in God, not in ourselves.  But if God trusts you, is it right that you do not trust yourself?  If God rejoices in the talents he gave you, should you not do the same?” – St. Joan of Arc. 

I learned from St. Joan that to be truly grateful to God for all the graces He has given me, I need to multiply them and to share them, despite my weaknesses.  With this, I not only show God my immense gratitude, but I also glorify Him. 

One of our friends said, “Like Joan of Arc, my lesson is to meet every circumstance with grit and unwavering faith in God”. 

“I am a daughter of God and I will kick the English out of France. This is what I was born for.” – St. Joan of Arc. 

Time passes quickly when you’re having a good time. With our bodies, minds, and spirits filled with good things, we parted ways with warm hugs, encouragement, and compliments, already excited for the next book to read and the next breakfast place to try out. For now, words of St Joan of Arc ring in my ears… 

“God has a plan for you. Discover this plan and carry it out. This is the great task of your life.” – St. Joan of Arc. 

- Kathleen Diaz