Solidarity and Mercy - by Chris Herlinger (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From an international correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter's Global Sisters Report comes a powerful investigative work into the poignant acts of humanitarianism he witnessed during the Ukrainian war. In this touching, eye-opening book, award-winning journalist Chris Herlinger spotlights the Catholic sisters, clerics, and humanitarian workers who came together to assist those affected by the war in Ukraine. Drawing from his remarkable field reports and comprehensive research into the history of the crisis, Chris recounts how people of different backgrounds joined forces to help Ukrainian survivors and refugees get to safety and survive the war. Complemented by evocative color photos taken on Ukrainian soil, Solidarity and Mercy: The Power of Christian Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine explores the limitless bounds of compassion, the indomitable power of faith, and the central role coming together plays in alleviating human suffering. As readers will come to discover, standing in solidarity with the oppressed and forsaken is foundational to the faith and key to changing the world"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

2025 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner, Journalism & Investigative Reporting

From an international correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter's Global Sisters Report comes a powerful investigative work into the poignant acts of humanitarianism he witnessed during the Ukrainian war.

In this touching, eye-opening book, award-winning journalist Chris Herlinger spotlights the Catholic sisters, clerics, and humanitarian workers who came together to assist those affected by the war in Ukraine. Drawing from his remarkable field reports and comprehensive research into the history of the crisis, Chris recounts how people of different backgrounds joined forces to help Ukrainian survivors and refugees get to safety and survive the war.

Complemented by evocative photos taken on Ukrainian soil, Solidarity and Mercy: The Power of Christian Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine explores the limitless bounds of compassion, the indomitable power of faith, and the central role coming together plays in alleviating human suffering. As readers will come to discover, standing in solidarity with the oppressed and forsaken is foundational to the faith and key to changing the world.

Review Quotes

"A veteran author of the struggles in Haiti, Sudan, and wherever hunger looms, Chris Herlinger now tells in his penetrating and compassionate style the stories of refugees and their caregivers in war-torn Ukraine. He finds solidarity in Ukraine, Poland and other nations where religious people and their communities have banded together, opened their wallets, hearts, and homes to the victims of Vladimir Putin's heinous aggression. The stories of generosity will overwhelm you and rekindle faith, hope and love in a world hungry for stories of charity seasoned by mercy."

"Chris Herlinger's writing takes us inside the crisis that Ukrainians have endured during two years of Russian assault by recounting both the challenges and resilience of the people and the dedication of Catholic sisters and clerics who have come to their aid. This is a powerful story told with compassion and care."

"There are countless sadnesses and tragedies stemming from Russia's brutal invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Solidarity and Mercy shines a light on something incredible happening amidst the darkness: the often-selfless efforts by Catholic religious sisters and other faith-driven exemplars to hold together Ukrainian communities torn apart by the senseless violence. With uncommon journalistic sensitivity, Chris Herlinger provides a truly valuable account of their efforts. Thanks to his work, we have the honor of meeting those who, as one sister says, "do what we need to do" -- despite the myriad difficulties."

"A veteran author of the struggles in Haiti, Sudan, and wherever hunger looms, Chris Herlinger now tells in his penetrating and compassionate style the stories of refugees and their caregivers in war-torn Ukraine. He finds solidarity in Ukraine, Poland and other nations where religious people and their communities have banded together, opened their wallets, hearts, and homes to the victims of Vladimir Putin's heinous aggression. The stories of generosity will overwhelm you and rekindle faith, hope and love in a world hungry for stories of charity seasoned by mercy."-- "David Bonior, author, former congressman from Michigan, and former Democratic whip"

"Chris Herlinger's writing takes us inside the crisis that Ukrainians have endured during two years of Russian assault by recounting both the challenges and resilience of the people and the dedication of Catholic sisters and clerics who have come to their aid. This is a powerful story told with compassion and care."-- "Barbara Borst, adjunct professor at New York University's Center for Global Affairs"

"There are countless sadnesses and tragedies stemming from Russia's brutal invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Solidarity and Mercy shines a light on something incredible happening amidst the darkness: the often-selfless efforts by Catholic religious sisters and other faith-driven exemplars to hold together Ukrainian communities torn apart by the senseless violence. With uncommon journalistic sensitivity, Chris Herlinger provides a truly valuable account of their efforts. Thanks to his work, we have the honor of meeting those who, as one sister says, "do what we need to do" -- despite the myriad difficulties."-- "Joshua J. McElwee, Vatican correspondent, Reuters"

About the Author

Chris Herlinger is an international correspondent for Global Sisters Report, a project of National Catholic Reporter, for which he covers the impactful humanitarian work of Catholic nuns from across the globe. A prolific journalist and author, Chris has co-authored three powerful investigative works into international crises, including Food Fight: Struggling for Justice in a Hungry World, Rubble Nation: Haiti's Pain, Haiti's Promise, and Where Mercy Fails: Darfur's Struggle to Survive, which the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu "commend(ed) as required reading for all caring people." Chris has reported from South Sudan and Darfur, as well as numerous other locales, including Haiti, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Israel and the Occupied Territories, Kenya and Ethiopia and Liberia, and most recently, Ukraine. "Hope Amid Turmoil," a Global Sisters Report series on the war in Ukraine to which Chris contributed, has been honored by the Associated Church Press, the Religion Communications Council, and the Religion News Association. Chris has been named one of its 2024 Writers of the Year by The Catholic Media Association. He lives in New York City.