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From Newsday: ASKING THE CLERGY: What are your favorite religious reference books?

Father Andrzej Koterba, St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church, East Meadow:

“The Little Prince,” by Antoine de Saint Exupéry tells stories about a little stranger from a tiny planet. On this planet were three volcanoes, including an expired one, and there was a rose, an exceptionally beautiful and capricious rose. Her appearance totally fascinated the Little Prince. After some time, the hero of the book decided to go on a journey. He visited seven planets. The last one was Earth. On his journey and on Earth he met the mysteries of our existence while learning and teaching valuable lessons. This book allows us to be released from the stereotypical thinking that, for instance, a fox is sly, a child is unwise. We learn that children are the smartest, because they are able to love and see beauty. The fox, no, well, not everyone has to be leery. The Little Prince finds a friend in him – and learns the most valuable lesson from him. Saint Exupéry wrote this book during World War II. It helps us understand that, even in a world seized by violence, good exists. Even if we are adults, we can love, we can be free and think beyond ourselves, beyond money and possessions to real human wealth. I really recommend “The Little Prince,” because it is more than a story about the good and nice. You can find through it life’s meaning and guidance. I heartily suggest reading this book for children and adults, and especially during Christmastime.

The article was picked up by the Chicago Tribune as well.