The world’s largest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, once again opened its doors from October 15–19, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany—welcoming dreamers, storytellers, and innovators from across the globe. Known as the beating heart of the publishing world, this grand event gathers more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, with an expected 280,000 attendees and 10,000 media professionals. It’s not just a fair—it’s a global celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
This year’s fair raises the bar even higher, offering more than 4,000 seminars and roundtable discussions that spotlight the evolving future of books and storytelling. From bold new voices to literary legends, the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 remains the ultimate hub for discovering stories that inspire, unite, and challenge perspectives.
Adding a splash of cultural pride, this year’s Guest of Honour—Philippines—brings its vibrant literary tradition and storytelling heritage to the world stage. With colorful themes of faith, family, and identity, the Philippines’ participation breathes new life into this year’s fair, reminding everyone that imagination knows no borders.
https://www.messemasters.com/shows/frankfurt-book-fair/
As the fair celebrates another successful year of bringing together the brightest minds in publishing, Citi of Books proudly joins the festivities at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, showcasing inspiring titles from its talented authors. Among the featured works in the Book Gallery is “Holy Smokes! Golden Guidance from Notre Dame’s Championship Chaplain” by Paul Dykewicz — an inspiring, motivational book filled with hope about the wit and wisdom of a great chaplain, Fr. Riehle.
Paul Dykewicz works in Washington, D.C., as a seasoned, award-winning journalist, columnist, commentator and book author. Paul dreamed as a boy of playing running back for Notre Dame but he subsequently redirected his focus to write “Holy Smokes!, an inspirational sports book. He also has two other faith-based books in the pipeline. Paul’s past employers include USA Today, Dow Jones and the Journal of Commerce. After receiving his MBA in Finance from Johns Hopkins University to go with his master’s degree in journalism, Paul became the top editor of investment newsletters and trading services at Washington-based Eagle Financial Publications. You also may enjoy reading Paul’s recent free-lance article in the Wall Street Journal that focused on whether Notre Dame had a prayer of a chance to beat then-No. 1 ranked and undefeated Kentucky in their Elite Eight match-up in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament: http://www.wsj.com/articles/when-notre-dame-beat-the-unbeatable-1427481097?KEYWORDS=Dykewicz#livefyre-comment.
“Holy Smokes! Golden Guidance from Notre Dame’s Championship Chaplain” by Paul Dykewicz is an inspiring and heartwarming tribute to one of Notre Dame’s most beloved spiritual figures, Fr. James Riehle. Through a blend of humor, wisdom, and heartfelt storytelling, Dykewicz captures the legacy of a man whose quiet strength and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on generations of athletes, students, and leaders. The book not only celebrates Fr. Riehle’s life but also reveals how his words, actions, and guidance continue to influence those striving for excellence both on and off the field.
Rich with anecdotes and endorsements from sports legends such as Joe Montana, Joe Theismann, “Rocket” Ismail, Ara Parseghian, Dick Vitale, and many more, Holy Smokes! shines with authenticity and camaraderie. Each story reflects the humor and humility that defined Fr. Riehle’s ministry, painting a portrait of a man who embodied discipline, compassion, and faith in every arena of life. With a powerful foreword from Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz, the book connects the spiritual lessons of the locker room to the deeper lessons of life—reminding readers that victory isn’t just measured in points, but in purpose.
Before he became Notre Dame’s revered chaplain, Fr. Riehle was an athlete and leader in his own right, serving as captain of his high school hockey team. His transition from sports to the priesthood at age 39 reveals a man who understood the power of second chances and divine timing. His cameo in the film Rudy—reciting the “Hail Mary” prayer before the underdog’s shining moment—epitomizes the hope and belief he inspired in others. Whether on screen, in an Adidas commercial alongside Joe Montana, or behind the scenes guiding Notre Dame through turbulent eras like the Vietnam War, Fr. Riehle remained a steadfast source of strength and calm.
Dykewicz’s “Holy Smokes! Golden Guidance from Notre Dame’s Championship Chaplain” is more than a sports biography—it’s a guidebook for life, faith, and perseverance. Through the lens of Fr. Riehle’s journey, readers discover how humility, discipline, and faith can turn challenges into triumphs. The book’s message transcends football fields and university walls, offering timeless lessons on leadership, integrity, and service. With every page, Paul Dykewicz honors a man whose golden guidance continues to illuminate the path toward greatness, both in competition and in character.
Purchase the book through this link: https://a.co/d/f1xODFb