In a time when the Covid-19 pandemic separated countless families, 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 kept her from holding his hand as he died alone. This personal tragedy became the catalyst for 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.
For years, Riccardi had held the hands of the sick and dying as a hospital chaplain, offering prayer, comfort, and Christ's presence. What she didn't realize was that those encounters were preparing her for the moment when her own hand could not be there for her husband. The book weaves together stories from her chaplaincy with the central spiritual lesson of surrender to God's will. As she ministered to others, she was unknowingly being readied for the greatest trial of her life.
The memoir is more than a personal account; it is a testament to the grace of surrender. A Benedictine monk and priest of over 50 years, who has known Riccardi for many years and asked to remain anonymous, said, "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." The book's message resonates beyond individual experience, touching on universal themes of love, loss, and faith.
Cynthia Zack, composer and host of Mary, Mother and Queen of the Divine Will on Radio Maria, described the book 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." This perspective elevates the memoir from a personal narrative to a reflection on collective faith and resilience.
Riccardi's background lends depth and credibility to her story. Her Catholic life and ministry include 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, mother of four, and longtime homeschooling mom. Her diverse experiences inform her writing, making the book accessible to a wide audience.
A Thousand Hands But One is published by A.J. Neal Publishing of Jackson, New Jersey, and is available in paperback and ebook editions through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers. The book's official website is www.athousandhandsbutone.com. A.J. Neal Publishing, founded by author Christopher Holl, is an independent publisher dedicated to bringing distinctive stories and ideas to readers. Their titles span fiction, satire, memoir, faith, culture, and family.
In a world where uncertainty often prevails, Riccardi's memoir offers a message of hope: where human hands fall away, God's grace remains. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, faith can provide strength and comfort. The book's release on September 8, 2026, comes at a time when many are still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, making its message particularly timely and relevant.
