Absolution

Paul Martin Midden
Millennial Mind Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781589824188
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/07)


Paul Martin Midden’s “Absolution” depicts a struggle common among those who serve the Church as ordained celibate clergy. Radko Slopovich, a Roman Catholic priest is a man overwhelmed by powerful desires. When he meets and falls in love with Ursula, Radko is torn between his call as a priest and an urgent passion to give expression to his natural affections. Unable to choose between his call to the priesthood and the woman he loves, Radko marries Ursula.  They begin a life of duplicity while Radko is assigned to a large diocese in Chicago, working as a legal consultant. For several years Radko is able to maintain anonymity, begin a family, and remain a priest.

Without his knowledge Radko has become a part of a behind-the-scenes conspiracy plotting to make changes in the Church position on celibacy, marriage, and the priesthood. When Radko learns he is about to be named bishop of a rural diocese, conflicting loyalties are stirred up. Radko grapples with the question, “Can I still have both?”

Ursula forces the issue by taking the children, relocating, and assuming life as a single working mother.  Although devastated Radko assumes the duties of his new appointment as Bishop of Bismarck, North Dakota, serving his as a celibate priest in the eyes of his constituency.

Although a fictional account, the story describes the dramatic personal conflicts common to all. It is a story of compromised integrity and the damaging consequences of well-meaning efforts gone wrong. It is about life, specifically about life as it is lived by those who endeavor to serve the Church, while being true to their inner drives and convictions.

Paul has done an outstanding job of creating strong, genuine characters.  I particularly appreciated the element of personal growth seen in Radko, Ursula, and Silas as they considered their choices in handling difficult conflicts.  Radko grows from a naïve, self-centered seminary student and diocese worker into a caring, effective leader, as a Bishop in the Catholic Church.

Midden orchestrates an extremely poignant and complex plot. Just when I thought I could relax with an ending in sight, Radko was faced with a new conflict to resolve.  A remarkable buildup to an unexpected conclusion keeps the reader captivated until the final amazing paragraph.

As a psychologist with Catholic priests over two decades, Paul Martin Midden understands the issues of Catholicism and the humanity of its people.  Thought-provoking and timely, this is a book that will stir up questions in the minds of the Catholic reader, both lay and clerical. “Absolution” also gives strength as the reader grapples with pursuing personal resolution in matters of conflict, faith, and the healing power of redemption.

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