Cranbrook resident Jiri (George) Horak is officially launching his book Witness: Voices and Choices on Friday, Feb. 28 at Christ the Servant Hall.

Turning 85 in April, Horak’s story takes the reader from him growing up as a devout Catholic in the former Czechoslovakia, experiencing the grotesque madness of the Second World War, with the invading Nazis eventually being replaced by the equally oppressive Communists controlled by the Soviet Union to his escape to South America.

As the book back liner notes state, “that’s just his first 20 years.”

It continues, “Experience his struggle to fulfill his promise to become a priest and his intense emotional and spiritual dilemma as he makes the decision that will change his life forever. Through every twisting turn on his journey, as bookbindery foreman, businessman, priest, psychiatric chaplain, husband, taxi driver, parole officer and staff training officer, he has been a witness to his faith.

“There is so much more to this compelling memoir: a mystic’s view of God and human experience, women and the church and living an authentic life. His stories will evoke questions and reflections on the complexity and joy of our human transitory journey.”

On Friday evening, starting at 7 p.m., George will be reading passages from the book and signing books, with refreshments and snacks provided.

Christ the Servant Hall is located at 1100-14^th Avenue South.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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