Joshua author prolific in retirement

Twenty-five years ago Rev. Joseph Girzone published “Joshua” himself. Since then the best-selling book, a parable based on Christ’s life, has been translated into nearly a dozen languages and made into a movie. Later this fall, “Joshua the Musical” will debut in New York City. 

There are also numerous sequels to the original that feature the main character Joshua. The priest didn’t anticipate the book would be so popular. “It’s hard to tell why people are drawn to them,” he said.

Global audience 

Fans of “Joshua” often write to Father Girzone. “I’ve gotten tens of thousands of letters from around the world,” he said. “People say they felt Jesus’ presence and healing while reading the book. I’ve heard from alcoholics and drug addicts who stopped drinking or using drugs after reading the book.”

The retired priest has heard from people raised in Communist countries with no religious background who were changed after reading the book. “Once they get to know what Jesus has to offer they crave Him,” he said.

While the books have many fans, Father Girzone acknowledged that there are also many critics of the books. “A lot of people don’t like them,” he said.

Rather than focusing on those who don’t enjoy them, the priest is concerned with those who do. The people who are drawn to the books are often in need of healing, he said.

Healing words

Reading about Joshua is often the first step of a spiritual journey, he said.
Father Girzone was surprised to hear from a Southern Baptist minister who had read the book and come to hear a talk by the priest. The man told Father Girzone that reading the book and attending the lecture made Jesus real to him. The man converted to Catholicism. “He said ‘Now I am a Catholic and the greatest joy in my life is receiving Communion,’” Father Girzone said.

While traveling to Rome the priest was surprised to see the “Joshua” book series in the window of the Vatican book store. “I went in and asked why they had them in the front window,” he said. “They told me ‘your books are the most popular books in the Vatican bookstore.’”

He’s heard from Jewish and Hindu leaders who recommend the books to people for spiritual direction. He has also heard from counselors who use the books for those who are in need of healing.

Writer’s block 

Penning a popular book series was not something that Father Girzone would have pictured himself doing. “I hated writing,” he said. “I didn’t like English in school.”

While involved in the Human Rights Commission, he had to write reports. This practice helped him get over his dislike for writing. After 25 years of writing he now says, “I’ll keep writing as long as I can.”

His current project is combining 68 lectures he has given on Jesus into a manuscript. He is also advising the producers of the upcoming “Joshua the Musical.”

He continues to get requests from around the world to give talks; however, he now prefers to stay closer to home. “I do a lot of local talks and retreats,” he said.

He splits his time between two retreat houses: Joshua House in Altamont and Joshua House in Lothian, Maryland.

(For more information on “Joshua the Musical” visit www.joshuathemusical.com.)

(9/18/08)