Murray Bodo, OFM, is a Franciscan priest and an award-winning author of numerous books, including the bestselling, Francis: The Journey and the Dream. He has had poems, stories and articles published in magazines and literary journals in the United States, England, and Ireland. A founding staff member of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, he led yearly pilgrimages to Assisi, Italy for over 40 years before retiring in 2020.

Father Murray recently wrote his 12th book of poetry, Brother Wind and Air: A Lifetime in Verse, which is the focus of this episode. This interview was recorded last April when this book was originally released, but when Franciscan Media discontinued its book line, people were no longer able to find the book and order it. That is, until now. The book can now be ordered exclusively through Ascension Press’s website. The themes of wind and air permeate this work, as Father Murray likens them to the divine breath that animates us all. No title could be more fitting, for Father Murray has spent a lifetime turning “momentary stays” into verse, breathing life into all who read.

The show notes are available here.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:46) Why Write this Book?

(00:06:34) Poem No. 1: "Fountain Pen"

(00:12:52) Poetry as a Journey Into God

(00:17:34) Poem No. 2: "Thin Air"

(00:25:32) Poem No. 3: "Why I Write"

(00:32:43) Poem. No. 4: "Thunder and Rain"

(00:42:30) Poem No. 5: "Playing at Solar Eclipse"

(00:51:42) Poem No. 6 "An Illuminated Miniature"

(00:56:41) Poem No. 7 "Snow, Christmas Morning"

(01:08:37) Poem No. 8 "When We Were Meteors"

(01:11:11) Conclusion

Murray Bodo — Brother Wind and Air