"This book marks the church's openness to welcoming and recognizing the integrity of deaf people and people with disabilities through their full participation in church life and community. It relates valuable information about the existence of pastoral service and missions to deaf people all over the world, bringing forth the deep meaning of God's wonderful gifts of Sign Language and deaf culture and affirming the contributions of people with disabilities"—Cyril Axelrod, author of And the Journey Begins

"Being born deaf and baptized Catholic shortly before the onset of World War II, I felt honored to be asked to review a new book about the Catholic Church and deaf people entitled Be Opened!. This extraordinary book is written from the viewpoint of a hearing scholar, Lana Portolano. This author did not know much about deaf people until she and her husband adopted a four-year-old deaf girl . That was how her family began a journey to the Deaf World with the new adoptee as a guide. I encourage you to read the book and learn as much as I did about the church's pastoral work with Deaf Catholics and other areas affecting us."—Deacon Patrick Graybill, Diocese of Rochester, N.Y.

"I warmly welcome this account of women and men who have taught us to receive this blessing: our deaf sisters and brothers, the eye people. We recognize each other as members of the Body of Christ. Each member needs the others and is needed by them. In words, signs, deeds, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have shown their joy in this widening and deepening of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit."—Patrick Kelly, Archbishop Emeritus of Liverpool, Founding President of the International Catholic Foundation at the Service of Deaf People

"As a Catholic priest, I feel this book is a giant leap forward in our understanding of the history, culture,and pastoral challenges of deaf Catholics. As a hearing- impaired person, it was a consolation to read, a powerful sign of faith and hope."—Matt Malone, SJ, Editor-in-chief, America Magazine

"This landmark book on the Catholic Church and deaf culture opens a window on a fascinating aspect of church history and social history, which has been hidden, downplayed, or ignored for centuries. Be Opened!, in scope, clarity and power, is that rarest of achievements by an author: a groundbreaking scholarly work that will also move and inspire. Highly recommended."—James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage and Learning to Pray

"The excellent historical and cultural picture of deaf Catholics presented by Portolano in Be Opened! is essential reading for those Catholics, deaf and hearing, who wish to engage in ecclesial service to the wider deaf community."—Jurist