He Leadeth Me

Who wrote He Leadeth Me?

Walter J Ciszek

What is SJ?

Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

Where is Walter from?

Shenandoah, Pennsylvania

What kind of priest is Walter?

American Jesuit priest

How did Walter spend most of his life?

In several confinement camps in Russia

When did Walter write the book?

After he was released from the confinement camps

Where was Walter a Jesuit priest?

Albertyn, Poland

What did Walter do in the confinement camps?

Mined for coal and endured long hours with physical pain and mental suffering

When did Walter hit rock bottom? Why?

During the interrogations; not 100% willing to surrender to God, tried to go through his decisions alone without allowing God to walk with him, tried to everything on his own, felt guilty and shameful for losing sight of God

What is humility?

"Learning to accept disappointments and even defeats as God-sent, learning to persevere and carry on with peace of heart and confidence in God, secure in the knowledge that something worthwhile is being accomplished precisely because God's will is at work in our life and we are doing our best to accept and follow it"

How does Walter relate himself to St. Peter?

St. Peter denied Christ as well as did Walter, yet he was still forgiven

Why did Walter go to Russia?

Always wanted to go; mission of "Jesuits accompanying labor brigades to the Soviet Union and to minister to their needs"

Did the Oriental rite mission in Albertyn close?

Yes, but only for the time being due to the war

What war does the novel take place in?

World War 2

What does Walter also call his four years of interrogations?

Four years of purgatory in which he especially needed to rely on God

How long was Walter imprisoned for?

Approximately 23 years

Did Walter have siblings?

Yes, he had sisters

What are the names of Walter's parents?

Martin and Mary

Why was Walter captured?

He was convicted of being a "Vatican spy"

Where did Walter spend his 23 years?

In Soviet prisons and Siberian labor camps

What are some major themes of the novel?

Dedication to God's will/providence, faith, courage in prayer, trust in God, the power/impact of Mass (pg 122, 157