Having read "Healing of Families" three times—in 2014, 2021, and most recently in 2024—I can confidently say it remains a deeply enriching and spiritually invigorating book. Each reading has uncovered new layers of insight, with passages I had previously overlooked taking on fresh significance. Annotating these discoveries has been a rewarding process, as the book’s emphasis on faith, prayer, and healing provides a profound opportunity for personal and familial renewal.
Fr. Ssemakula’s work excels in offering readers a "personal reset" through structured prayers and exercises rooted in Catholic spirituality. It effectively encourages introspection and trust in God’s power to heal generational and personal wounds. The prayers included are particularly impactful, offering clear and actionable steps for individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God and address persistent familial issues.
However, the book has not been without controversy, and this critique deserves attention. A primary concern raised by some, including members of the Fathers of Mercy, revolves around the lack of ecclesiastical approbation—a formal review and approval by Church authorities that ensures theological and doctrinal soundness. The Fathers of Mercy, a missionary community based in Kentucky, initially noted that "Healing of Families" was reviewed and rejected for Church approval. Although this statement has since been removed, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee—where Fr. Ssemakula serves—issued a clarifying statement in 2018. They affirmed that while the book does not carry an imprimatur or nihil obstat, it has received largely positive feedback from readers who found the teachings helpful. Nevertheless, the diocese acknowledged that some remained skeptical of its theological conclusions.
This mixed reception highlights a tension between the book’s practical effectiveness and its adherence to doctrinal rigor. While many readers, including myself, have found it deeply valuable, the absence of formal Church approval raises valid questions about its theological foundations. For Catholics who prioritize alignment with official Church teachings, this could be a point of concern. Moreover, some critics argue that aspects of the book’s focus on breaking generational "curses" might lean toward overly simplistic or overly deterministic interpretations of complex spiritual and psychological issues.
Despite these critiques, "Healing of Families" remains a compelling resource for those seeking spiritual growth and healing. Its strength lies in its accessibility and its ability to inspire readers to take their faith seriously as a means of addressing life’s challenges. Readers should approach it with an open mind but also with discernment, mindful of the broader theological context and the guidance of the Church. For those willing to engage deeply and critically, it offers a wealth of spiritual tools that can genuinely transform lives.
YouTube review: https://youtu.be/8LNBKVuzpOQ
Photo caption: Ramses Coly reading "The Healing of Families" inside a chapel at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg, WV, in December 2024.