The Desert Walk

Leslie Albizzatti is a Catholic Christian author and ministry leader based in Atlanta. A wife, mom, and student of Jesus, she writes from a life shaped by prayer, Scripture, motherhood, and healing ministry to help others encounter God's presence daily.

Leslie has her B.A. from Sweet Briar College and her MBA in International Business from the University of Miami. She is a writer, blogger, and speaker. Leslie is also a board member of The Barnabas Initiative which seeks to introduce and support evangelistic and discipleship initiatives in the Atlanta, GA area.

The Desert Walk is her first book; she has an ardent heart for women’s ministry, inner healing, and prayer groups. She shares weekly faith-based reflections and a monthly devotional newsletter at lesliealbizzatti.com.

I would describe Leslie as a spiritual midwife and prayer warrior. I begin with that because I’ve experienced firsthand her closeness with the Lord. I trust her prayer and discernment, and because of that, I trust her as a guide through the desert that is Lent. The meditations in this book echo the timeless spiritual classic ‘He and I’ in the way Leslie vulnerably shares her conversations and encounters with Jesus. In doing so, she not only allows the reader to witness the beauty of a relationship with God but also invites them to go deeper into their own walk with the Lord.

Sarah Kroger - Catholic Singer/Songwriter

The Desert Walk is a beautifully written gem that offers much needed hydration for the parched, distracted, noise-saturated, and weary soul. Against the backdrop of the desert’s stark and sacred landscape, Leslie invites us to journey with her through forty days of honest, intimate, and challenging reflections—drawing us into the heart of Lent and, more deeply, into the heart of Jesus.

This Lenten companion offers not only a rich banquet to feast upon—Sacred Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and the insights of spiritual masters—but also gently teaches us how to engage the imagination, linger and wrestle in prayer, and vulnerably open our hearts to a fresh and transforming encounter with Jesus. Clearly, Leslie lives and prays under the influence of Jesus. The Desert Walk is not only an invaluable companion for Lent, but a soul-nourishing guide for any season. 

Mary Guifloyle, ACTS XXIX Missionary, Leadership Team

It’s physical, this journey through Lent offered by Leslie Albizzatti.  Jesus is tangibly with us every step of our journey.  We feel his gaze even when we are silent together.  We walk a long way, up hills and down again, feeling desert sands, then resting at the base of a cliff.  All the while Jesus coaxes us into the desert, knowing the interior treasures that await us there.  Sometimes he speaks but usually he quietly awaits our initiative.  Jesus lifts our chins, looks into our eyes and hearts and speaks strong, encouraging words to Lenten pilgrims, through this book.

Fr. Tim Hepburn, Pastor St. Michael Church, Gainesville, GA

Any journey with Jesus is worth taking. Leslie gracefully invites each of us to leave behind our comfort and complacency, drawing closer to Jesus and following Him on a journey that reveals not only more of Him but also more of our own hearts. With humility, gentleness, and honesty, Leslie assures us that we can find Him on The Desert Walk. The question is, will you come, will you follow where He leads? I'm certain you won't be disappointed if you say yes. 

Sarah Kaczmarek, Director of Pastoral Ministry, Encounter Ministries