Father Isaac Karoor
August 22, 2006

At the very outset in the Introduction itself, I state my support of the Church's teaching that women cannot be ordained to Presbyterate. As far as ordination to deaconate of women is concerned, a Vatican Commission is studying the question. In my novel at different places I give arguments in support of the Church's teaching that women cannot be ordained to sacerdotal priesthood.

B. Reynolds
August 21, 2006

I'm unclear here. Does Fr. Karoor support the ordinations of women to the diaconate or the priesthood? Just curious.

Carolyn Horton
August 20, 2006

The characters in the novel are well developed, and I felt I knew each of them. I was able to sense their strengths as well as some of the weaknesses. Phoebe is an inspiring hero. Just yesterday my Emily was complaining about the way the Church does not let women into the priesthood. I am not sure she is yet old enough to read the Lost Moonflower, but I think she will be encouraged by your perspective when she does reads it.

Theresa Bethune
August 16, 2006

Father Isaac, I haven't read your book but am anxious to do so. I understand that St. John will not sell this in the Portico Gift Shop. I would highly recommend you or your publisher contact Locust Books on Main Street in Westminster. I suspect they will gladly embrace your novel, which will make it very accessible to your past parishioners. Congratulations, and Good Luck!

Dru Blackburn
August 12, 2006

When I finished The Lost Moonflower, I sat in my chair, holding the book close to me and feeling very moved by all the events that led to its conclusion. The novel is marvelous. Father Karoor has a wonderful gift of imagery and vivid descriptive language that enables one to become part of the story and feel as if they are sitting among the early Christians listening to Peter, Phoebe, Priscilla or Aquila, or traveling with Paul and Luke on their journey to spread the Good News. One can very easily picture the fever pitch of the Roman crowds as they watch their blood thirsty games and how this blood and the bravery and courage of the early church became the seed that spread the Christian faith. All the history and background make the story easy to understand and enjoyable reading. Father Karoor's insight into the suffering of women and how they were treated by society at that time is very clear from the beginning of his book. He does a wonderful job portraying how early Christians treated not only the women, but slaves as well, and how the women were held as important members of the body by the followers of Jesus. They served the people well and were valued for the part they played in the Church's early beginnings. This book is a love story on different levels that all Christians can enjoy.

Camilla Buczek
August 10, 2006

The thing I loved best about the Lost Moonflower is that the characters I read about in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul's letters come to life, with real, credible personalities. Most importantly, Paul comes to life, with his stubborn side, and his gentle, loving side. Isaac Karoor has done a marvelous job of character development on these real-life leaders of our early Church. Even though the plot is great, the book is worth the read for the character development alone! Cam Buczek, Maryland

Mrs. Clay Katchmar
August 08, 2006

I was fascinated to read a book by an author I knew and admired for his knowledge of biblical history, ethics, and of the emotional, historical, and humanness of ordinary people. He portrays an imaginary scenario of life in the first century after the crucifixion of Jesus, as people mentioned in the New Testament went about their lives, travels, and making decisions about "The New Way", or the beginning of the Church as it spread from the Jewish population to the Gentiles and all the world. I was caught up in the story of Luke and Phoebe as if I were there, living my life with them, feeling their sadness, exhilaration, and emotional roller coaster. 

Father Isaac developed the personality of Phoebe, who became a leader in a New Way gathering by default of a lack of a male leader in the area. As she learned more about Jesus, Phoebe searched to find her place in the movement, where she could serve, lead, and grow in faith. She is mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Romans (Rom 16-1). She was a capable, intelligent leader who loved to server her Lord as a Minister of Service, and did an excellent job. 

The New Way discarded the idea of an inferiority of women, who were now allowed to prophesy in meetings, while wearing a veil. Paul outstretched his hands over Phoebe’s head and said, “I charge you, in the name of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, to be a servant of the Church in the Ministry of Service, to stay with the task whether convenient or inconvenient, constantly serving and never losing patience.” 

I recommend this book to all believers and unbelievers. You will enjoy it and learn much from it.

Betty N.
August 03, 2006

I loved the book! I plan to re-read it. What a love story on several levels.

Jim Carr, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 31, 2006

I just finished reading The Lost Moonflower. I’m not an intellectual or a Biblical scholar, and the names of the people and places that I could not pronounce slowed the time it took me to finish the book. I only wish I had taken Ancient History in high school so that I could follow Phoebe and Luke to Rome and Corinth, and Jerusalem. I did enjoy the book, I learned so many things, but mainly the realization that Jesus was the one that made women equal to men. I never realized that at one time they were considered inferior. The descriptions of people and places were extraordinary. The book did something else, it gave me a much greater knowledge of my faith. In a short time, I know I will be reading it again.

Cathy Putgenter
July 25, 2006

July 25th,2006 After receiving Father's book "The Lost Moonflower", it stayed on the end table a couple of days. Well when I started to read it, I just couldn't put it down. When I was reading about Rome and the different places it just made me feel like I was almost there. "The Lost Moonflower" not only had romance (the love of Phoebe and Luke) and how he tells of Phoebe's sheer white tunic that she had on and of Lukes olive complexion and his high cheekbones, it was just so beautiful that you just cling to every word wondering where it is going to lead you. Thanks for writing such a wonderful book and about how it was in the early days of the Church.

J. Mathew -Trivandrum, India
July 25, 2006

I began reading The Lost Moonflower on my flight to India. Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down! Isaac's vivid descriptions of the various religious, historical places and writing style made me feel as though I was a character in the novel, seeing things through the eyes of Phoebe and Luke. This novel is appropriate and captivating for readers of all ages. The Lost Moonflower entails romance along with important lessons on church history throughout its fast-pace, exciting plot!

Skip Van Kleeck
July 23, 2006

The Rev. Karoor takes us back to the early church times and puts a face and actual lifelike characteristics to the builders of our church. Although this book is "fictional history" you feel as though you know Luke, Peter, Paul and Phoebe through Isaac's writing. It brings the Bible back to life and makes the writers more human and real. We also see how the early church has to struggle from both within as well as outside sources, - similar to today. Rev. Karoor's decriptive style shows a true love and knowledge for his subject. I look forward to his next project.

L. Schaum
July 20, 2006

Dear Fr. Karoor, I was stunned to find this book in The Catholic Review. Not for any scandal but the fact that my husband and I are expecting a special little girl (she has arthrogryposis) next month who we're naming Phoebe! I didn't know that there was a Phoebe in the Bible until my husband told me! I cannot wait to purchase our copy. Good luck and God Bless, The Schaums

Mairzie
July 19, 2006

In The Lost Moonflower Isaac Karoor weaves a story of love, danger and intrigue so artistically that I soon discovered its heroin clinging to my heart much like the tenacious vine of the book’s title. I found myself touring the ancient world with Luke and Phoebe whose courageous journey of love took on a deeper meaning when introduced to the followers of Jesus and the early Church. The pages are splashed with historical figures whose lives are skillfully entwined with events that create a story that spans a generation. The drama and suspense fashioned by the many twists and turns of the plot held me captive – the ending paralyzing. I soon realized the book, while being a great source of history, reaches far beyond the perils that the early Christians faced as they embraced the New Way. The story illustrates an atypical view of women in the early formation of the Church as depicted in The Acts of the Apostles and letters of Paul. Karoor’s scripture study makes it clear that women played an important role in the assistance they provided to the early Church pioneers and his testimony is masterfully expressed by the historical references and annotated footnotes. The Lost Moonflower is a fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about our brothers and sisters who were tested and tried by their faithfulness to Jesus and the early Church.