Contact: Rose Trabbic, Publicist, Ignatius Press, 239-867-4180, rose@ignatius.com 

SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In today's anti-life society, the world needs the example of women who are beacons for the culture of life. A new book from Ignatius Press, "The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God," recounts the powerful story of one such woman. This is the story of an amazing woman, Ruth Pakaluk, who converted to Catholicism at Harvard University, married her college sweetheart and joyfully welcomed seven children. She became a renowned pro-life leader and brilliant debater who was struck with breast cancer and died at the young age of forty-one.

Ruth's inspiring story is told primarily through her humorous, sparkling and insightful letters, through which her realistic cheerfulness shines. A biographical overview by her husband fills in important details about her life, and a collection of her talks on abortion, faith, and being a Catholic wife and mother conclude the volume.

Ruth Pakaluk exemplified the powerful integrity of someone who lived what she believed. She was steadfastly committed to Christ and to the culture of life, and this commitment was manifested in her consistent affirmation of life in her family, in society, and even in the face of her own death.

Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College and a widely published author, referred to Ruth Pakaluk as the best, most effective and inspiring pro-life speaker he had ever heard. She was such a compelling, articulate pro-life debater that eventually Planned Parenthood spokeswomen refused to spar with her in public. All of Ruth's virtues -- her love as a devoted wife and mother, her zeal for the truth and her hope while battling a terminal illness -- offer inspiration and encouragement to anyone striving to put Christian faith into action.

Michael Novak, Philosopher, Author, and Diplomat, has high praise for Ruth's story: "I have never read a more beautiful and touching book - a book about a joyous life and overpowering death, and grief and joy. Michael and Ruth Pakaluk's account of love and grief towers head and shoulders above the justly acclaimed accounts of C.S. Lewis in 'A Grief Observed' and Sheldon van Auken in 'A Severe Mercy.' Throughout, I felt in my heart that Ruth is a marvelous saint for our times."

To request a review copy or an interview with Editor Michael Pakaluk, please contact:

Rose Trabbic, Publicist, Ignatius Press, (239)867-4180 or rose@ignatius.com