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Theology

Spiritual Memoir Reflects on Memory and God’s Presence  

Gregory FloydCenter for Diaconal Formation at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) reflects on the meaning of memory – what it is, what stays in the mind, and why – in his newly published book, Unforgettable: How Remembering God's Presence in Our Past Brings Hope to Our Future.

Based on Floyd's own experiences, Unforgettable highlights the presence of God in one's life and the unforgettable sights, sounds, words and experiences that can draw oneself closer to God. Floyd explores the question, 'Without memory, who are we?', inviting readers on a journey of sights, sounds, words and experiences that become, over time, unforgettable.

"The writing of Unforgettable allowed me to reflect on memories that would frequently enter my mind and come back to me, including a key moment when I was a teenager and felt the calling of the Lord," reflected Floyd. "It was an opportunity for me to prayerfully meditate on each of the experiences, celebrate what they reveal of God's presence in my life, and encourage fellow readers to experience the presence of God which appears in unexpected ways."

Published in January 2022, the spiritual memoir has touched readers across the country and beyond, including Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, who reviewed the book saying:

"Gregory Floyd has fashioned a fine spiritual memoir, tracing how one man could hear the call of Jesus as a teenager, and strive to answer that call as a student, husband, father, believer. Unforgettable is just that, helping us to see how we can come to know, love, and serve God through the everyday ups and downs of our lives."

Dianne Traflet, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at ICSST, also emphasized the inspirational qualities of the book in her review:

"'Home.' This is the word that reverberates throughout Unforgettable. From the very first pages, I felt that I had been welcomed into Gregory Floyd's various homes and introduced to the wonderful people who have shared his life. What an honor to be invited! And, what an inspiration to glimpse the home of his soul, joining him there on an adventure of faith where we, too, are encouraged to encounter God who loves us dearly and wants to create a Divine home within each of us.

Described as a "modern-day Augustine's Confessions," by author of Deep Mysteries: God, Christ and Ourselves Father Aiden Nichols, Nicholas additionally noted the book shows "what the life of a Catholic layman, husband, father, can be in and for the Church" with theology "saturating the text from the start."

Unforgettable is Floyd's second book, having published A Grief Unveiled: One Father's Journey Through the Death of a Child (Paraclete Press) in 2012.

For more information or to purchase Unforgettable, please visit its listing on the Paraclete Press website »

About ICSST
Immaculate Conception Seminary is a House of Formation for the Roman Catholic priesthood and the School of Theology of Seton Hall University. Forming priests for God's people has remained the Seminary's constant focus, and the Seminary faculty—well-educated authors and scholars in their own fields—devote their time and energy to preparing these men for priesthood amidst the challenges of the 21st century. The School also focuses on the education of lay men and women in theology, permanent deacons, religious who are not studying for ordination, and already-ordained priests—not only providing for them academically, but also for their personal, pastoral, and spiritual formation.

Categories: Faith and Service