Product Overview
After twenty-five years of leading pilgrim groups to Catholic shrines across Europe, tour guide K. Troy has seen it all—long lines, strikes, broken-down buses, rebellious tourists, and countless experiences of God's immense providence. Crafted with wit and charm, In the Stars the Glory of His Eyes gives a first-hand account of Christ's hand at work in all the beautiful messiness of pilgrimage.
The stories unfold in some of the most evocative Catholic settings: Vatican City, the Holy House of Nazareth in Loreto, the shrine of Saint Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, the Carmel of Saint Thérèse in Lisieux, the Cathedral of Wawel in Krakow, the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino, and many other sacred places. Traveling alongside these Irish pilgrims—and helped by Troy's rich historical knowledge—the reader will see these famous shrines with new eyes.
With humour and a sense of wonder, the book also gives fascinating details from the lives of such great saints as Mother Teresa, John Paul II, Thérèse of Lisieux, Padre Pio, Catherine of Siena, and many others. Troy shows that through pilgrimage, it is still possible to have a personal encounter, even a friendship, with these heroes of the Church.
Editorial Reviews
"Captivating. A behind-the-scenes look at the faith, providence, and hard work in leading pilgrimages, divulging surprising tidbits of history unknown to even the most assiduous travelers. Amid Troy's humorous tales of human frailty, he reveals moving glimpses of the extraordinary graces of pilgrimage, signs of divine favor poured upon those who undertake these journeys of love."
— Elizabeth Lev, Professor of Art History, Rome, Italy
"I am delighted that K. Troy has set down in writing some of his vast experiences of guiding pilgrims. I've had the privilege of taking part in some of these pilgrimages, and this entertaining volume gives a flavor of them and illustrates that they are times of great happiness and satisfaction."
— Cardinal Seán Brady, Archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland
"European sights, anecdotes of saints and pilgrims, and marvels of providence are in abundance in this book, but it's the wry humor and great humility of the author that holds it all gloriously together. I laughed out loud many times, and told the stories to others who laughed just as hard. Recommended for armchair travelers and real travelers in search of the best holy tours in Europe."
— Sally Read, Author, Night;s Bright Darkness: A Modern Conversion Story
"Troy is a much-loved tour guide in Rome. He enchants pilgrims with stories from the past along with his knowledgeable reflections on dogmas, rituals, and relics. This book offers so much to savor. The significant experiences of pilgrims that he recounts provide readers with a real sense of being on tour."
— Bishop Brendan Leahy, Diocese of Limerick, Ireland
"A unique and insightful perspective. Troy' faith shines through amidst the challenges he has encountered in the places he leads pilgrims to. He shares a great deal of his own spiritual journey with the reader, and he communicates his love and regard for the treasury of Christian faith— visible and invisible."
— Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly, Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, Ireland
"This book not only recounts Troy's amazing knowledge of European Christian history and its geography, but links that knowledge to the backgrounds of the various groups he has escorted through Europe. An engrossing read."
— Justice Teresa Doherty, High Court of Sierra Leone