In Silent Prayer: a History of Ministry with the Deaf Community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

In 1847, Mother St. John Fournier, a nun who had been trained to teach the deaf, was given a position in a Philadelphia parish. Thus began well over a century and a half of ministry to the deaf.

Written by Father Anthony Russo, who has devoted himself to the deaf community for over forty years, IN SILENT PRAYER traces the history of this special ministry in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Through insightful text, as well as historical documents and photographs, Father Russo not only tells the story of the great men and women who have provided this important service, but also looks forward to the coming years and considers how this service can be further shaped and improved. Specific examples of how to establish an effective ministry are included along with a discussion of the ideas and attitudes necessary to effect change and progress in ministry today.