Rocco Leonard Martino

The Real Presence Rocco Leonard Martino

In a time when so many Christians, even Catholics, do not believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, Dr. Rocco Martino's book is a welcome apologetic. His historical-styled fiction is a real pleasure to read-both engaging and, at times, playful. The Real Presence is an excellent follow-up to Rocky's earlier book, the Resurrection. The protagonist, Quintus, again, finds himself investigating the central Christian mysteries but, this time, it is the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. As readers travel through history, well-known biblical figures come to life and share their own witnesses of faith in the Eucharist. Along the way, many readers will be forced to ask fundamental questions about their own faith. To be sure, Quintus' constant refrain that he is a "believer but not a follower" should cause us all to examine our consciences. Rocky is a man of deep faith, a fact that is evident in his latest novel. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, inventor, and even rocket scientist-Rocky has accomplished many important things in and outside of the Church and I am grateful for this most recent addition.- Bishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, Maryland