Former Catholic Chaplain's Memoir Reveals How Ministry Prepared Her for Unthinkable Loss

In a time when the Covid-19 pandemic separated families and left many to die alone, former Catholic chaplain Laura Riccardi experienced a profound loss that tested her faith. Her husband, Len, was hospitalized with the virus, and rigid hospital protocols prevented her from being at his side. For years, Riccardi had held the hands of the sick and dying as a chaplain, but when it mattered most, she could not hold her own husband's hand. This painful irony is the heart of her new memoir, A Thousand Hands But One: How GOD Prepared a CATHOLIC Chaplain For the Surrender She Never Expected, published by A.J. Neal Publishing.

Riccardi's story is not just one of personal grief; it is a testament to how a life of service can prepare a person for the ultimate test of faith. As a chaplain, she offered prayer, comfort, and Christ's presence to countless patients. Little did she know that those encounters were quietly preparing her for her own trial. The book's central lesson is surrender to God's will—a theme that resonates far beyond her individual experience.

The memoir has already drawn praise from those who know Riccardi's work. Cynthia Zack, composer and host of Mary, Mother and Queen of the Divine Will on Radio Maria, described it as "a story of spousal love both on earth and as the Bride of Christ—a story for every soul seeking understanding of God's eternal plan, with lessons for us as a people and as a nation." A Benedictine monk and priest of more than 50 years, who asked to remain anonymous, added, "A Thousand Hands But One is more than a memoir. It is a testimony to the grace of surrender—to trusting God when the path ahead is uncertain."

Riccardi's background lends weight to her message. She has eighteen years of formation with the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, fifteen years as an RCIA catechist, seven years as a hospital chaplain, and five years cohosting Radio Maria's Mary, Mother and Queen of the Divine Will. She is also an award-winning former teacher, a mother of four, and a longtime homeschooling mom. Her life has been steeped in Catholic ministry, and her memoir reflects that depth.

The book is available in paperback and ebook editions through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers. More information can be found at www.athousandhandsbutone.com.

In a world still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, Riccardi's story offers a message of hope and trust. It reminds readers that even when human hands fall away, God's grace remains. The implications of her testimony extend to anyone facing loss, uncertainty, or the challenge of surrendering control. As a nation and as individuals, the lesson of finding strength in faith during the hardest moments is timeless. Riccardi's memoir is a poignant reminder that preparation for life's greatest trials often comes through the quiet, faithful service we offer to others.

A.J. Neal Publishing, an independent publisher based in Jackson, New Jersey, is dedicated to bringing distinctive stories and ideas to readers. Founded by author Christopher Holl, the company's titles span fiction, satire, memoir, faith, culture, and family. A Thousand Hands But One joins works such as The Kano, The Teacher, & The Lola: A Filipino-American Fable and The Schiff Who Cried Wolf…Blitzer.