Best of
Catholic

2008

Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa


Immaculée Ilibagiza - 2008
    Through these visionaries, Mary and Jesus warned of the looming holocaust, which (they assured) could be averted if Rwandans opened their hearts to God and embraced His love.Mary also sent messages to government and church leaders to instruct them how to end the ethnic hatred simmering in their country. She warned them that Rwanda would become "a river of blood"-a land of unspeakable carnage-if the hatred of the people was not quickly quelled by love. Some leaders listened, but very few believed. The prophetic and apocalyptic warnings tragically came true during 100 horrifying days of savage bloodletting and mass murder.Much like what happened at similar sites such as Fátima and Lourdes, the messengers of Kibeho were at first mocked and disbelieved. But as miracle after miracle occurred in the tiny village, tens of thousands of Rwandans journeyed to Kibeho to behold the apparitions. After the genocide, and two decades of rigorous investigation, Our Lady of Kibeho became the first and only Vatican-approved Marian (related to the Virgin Mary) site in all of Africa. But the story still remained largely unknown.Now, however, Immaculée Ilibagiza has changed all that. She has made many pilgrimages to Kibeho, both before and after the holocaust, has personally witnessed true miracles, and has spoken with a number of the visionaries themselves. What she has discovered will deeply touch your heart!

Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us


Wilfrid Stinissen - 2008
    According to Carmelite Father Wilfrid Stinissen, surrender to God, abandonment to the One who loves us completely, is that central reality. The life of Jesus shows us the centrality of abandonment, for it is truly the beginning and the end of his mission on earth. In this simple but profound book, Father Stinissen distinguishes three degrees or stages in abandonment. The first stage consists of accepting and assenting to God's will as it manifests itself in all circumstances of life. The second is actively doing God's will at every moment of one's life. In the third stage, abandonment to God is so complete that one has become a tool in God's hands. At this stage it is no longer I who do God's will, but God who accomplishes his will through me.

Mother Angelica's Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures


Mother Angelica - 2008
    The founder of the world's largest religious media empire shares her beloved wit and down-to-earth spirituality in MOTHER ANGELICA'S PRIVATE AND PITHY LESSONS FROM THE SCRIPTURES. Editor Raymond Arroyo draws on hundreds of never-before-released private lessons to present the renowned nun's definitive take on the Good Book. Angelica provides readers with guided meditations, probing personal questions, and reveals an often-overlooked practical spirituality. She doesn't just explain the stories, she relates them to our daily lives, helping even those who've never opened the Bible experience its power and life-altering lessons. The apostles Paul ("the little shrimp"), Peter ("that great bungler") and all the characters of the Scriptures are suddenly human again, complete with their foibles and triumphs. Here is the Greatest Story, newly told as only Mother Angelica can. The Bible and you will never be the same.A portion of the royalties from this book goes to support the work of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery

Eucharist


Robert Barron - 2008
    As festive as the film "Babette's Feast" and as profound as the work of Ronald Knox, this fresh look at the Eucharist brings to light the meanings of meal, sacrifice, and real presence in our lives.

Calvary and the Mass


Fulton J. Sheen - 2008
    An excellent book for use with the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Dominus Est: It Is the Lord: Reflections of a Bishop of Central Asia on Holy Communion


Athanasius Schneider - 2008
    Originally published in Italian by the Vatican Press, this book offers readers insights into the sacrality which ought to surround the distribution and reception of Holy Communion  Relying on accurate history and good theology, the author makes a plea for a return to distributing the Eucharist to kneeling communicants on the tongue — the practice now restored at papal liturgies by Pope Benedict XVI.  The book comes with the endorsement of the two highest officials in the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The Gospel of Mark


Mary Healy - 2008
    In October 2008, a meeting of the world Synod of Bishops scheduled by Pope Benedict XVI will focus on "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." Coinciding with that meeting is the launch of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), a series that responds to the desire of Catholics to access the living Word of God. The Gospel of Mark is the first of seventeen volumes, which will cover the entire New Testament. Written by trusted Catholic biblical scholars, these commentaries interpret Scripture in the light of Catholic tradition. Accessibly written yet substantive, the CCSS fills a gap in the available literature by offering commentaries that cover more than brief study guides but are less daunting than scholarly commentaries.

Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life


Charles J. Chaput - 2008
    They will often disagree about doctrine or policy, but they won't be quiet. They can't be. They'll act on what they believe, sometimes at the cost of their reputations and careers. Obviously the common good demands a respect for other people with different beliefs and a willingness to compromise whenever possible. But for Catholics, the common good can never mean muting themselves in public debate on foundational issues of human dignity. Christian faith is always personal but never private. This is why any notion of tolerance that tries to reduce faith to private idiosyncrasy, or a set of opinions that we can indulge at home but need to be quiet about in public, will always fail."--From the IntroductionFew topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver.While American society has ample room for believers and nonbelievers alike, Chaput argues, our public life must be considered within the context of its Christian roots. American democracy does not ask its citizens to put aside their deeply held moral and religious beliefs for the sake of public policy. In fact, it "requires "exactly the opposite.As the nation's founders knew very well, people are fallible. The majority of voters, as history has shown again and again, can be uninformed, misinformed, biased, or simply wrong. Thus, to survive, American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry --people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square--respectfully but vigorously, and without apology. Anything less is bad citizenship and a form of theft from the nation's health. Or as the author suggests: Good manners are not an excuse for political cowardice.American Catholics and other persons of goodwill are part of a struggle for our nation's future, says Charles J. Chaput. Our choices, including our political choices, matter. Catholics need to take an active, vocal, and morally consistent role in public debate. We can't claim to personally believe in the sanctity of the human person, and then act in our public policies as if we don't. We can't separate our private convictions from our public actions without diminishing both. In the words of the author, "How we act works backward on our convictions, making them stronger or smothering them under a snowfall of alibis."Vivid, provocative, clear, and compelling, Render unto Caesar is a call to American Catholics to serve the highest ideals of their nation by first living their Catholic faith deeply, authentically.

Heaven's Song


Christopher West - 2008
    Peter’s Square. What is it about music?  Consider what happens when you chance upon your favorite song on the radio.  What emotions does it stir?  What season of your life does it zoom you back to?  Now, imagine if you can hear the greatest song ever written.  To what heavenly places would it lift you? The Bible actually claims to contain the song of all songs: the boldly erotic Song of Songs.  Here, as countless saints attest, we discover that sexual love provides the mystical key enabling us to enter into everlasting union with God.  Heaven’s Song takes you there.  With profound insight, Christopher West guides you through the “unabridged” version of John Paul II’s talks on the erotic poetry of the Song of Songs and the great spiritual contest surrounding the marriage of Tobias and Sarah.  If you are already familiar with the Theology of the Body, you will delight in this new material. If not, this book serves as a superb introduction to John Paul’s revolutionary teaching and is certain to whet your appetite for more. In this book, intended for married, single and celibate alike, you will discover: What makes the Song of Songs the “authentic soundtrack” of Christianity What’s at the root of the sexual chaos in our culture and how to find peace in the midst of it Why there is a violent spiritual attack on marriages today and how to be victorious over it How to live an integrated sexual life as a path to union with God The “secret” of Mary (according to St. Louis de Montfort) in living an embodied spirituality Real-life stories of men and

The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of Future Life


Charles Arminjon - 2008
    This marvelous book will show you how to read the signs of the times and prepare you to bear yourself as a Christian no matter what the future holds. "Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life!" St. Therese of Lisieux

Church Fathers: From Clement of Rome to Augustine


Benedict XVI - 2008
    Benedict tells the true story of Christianity's against-all-odds triumph in the face of fierce Roman hostility and persecution. He does this by exploring the lives and the ideas of the early Christian writers, pastors, and martyrs, men so important to the spread of Christianity that history remembers them as "the Fathers of the Church".This rich and engrossing survey of the early Church includes those churchmen who immediately succeeded the Apostles, the "Apostolic Fathers": Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus of Lyon. Benedict also discusses such great Christian figures as Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian of Carthage, the Cappadocian Fathers, as well as the giants John Chrysostom, Jerome, and Augustine. This book is a wonderful way to get to know the Church Fathers and the tremendous spiritually rich patrimony they have bequeathed to us.

An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer: Scriptural Reflections According to the Spiritual Exercises


Timothy M. Gallagher - 2008
    Following the spiritual itinerary of the Spiritual Exercises by Ignatius of Loyola, forty reflections offer a great resource for those beginning to pray with Scripture. They provide accompaniment in the first, tentative steps of such blessed prayer. For those who already practice prayer with Scripture, and who seek new depth in that prayer, these emotionally rich reflections can provide an opportunity for such growth. They are also useful for spiritual directors, retreat directors, small groups in parishes, and in the home.

Holy Sex!: A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind-Blowing, Infallible Loving


Gregory K. Popcak - 2008
    This witty, frank, and refreshingly orthodox book draws from the beautiful truths of Catholic teaching to show people of all faiths about rich and satisfying sexuality. Hailed by Christians across the spectrum from Christopher West and Janet E. Smith to John L. Allen, Jr., Holy Sex! includes dozens of questionnaires, quizzes, and valuable lessons from real-life stories.

Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit


Jude Winkler - 2008
    In Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit, beloved Catholic Book Publishing author, Reverend Jude Winkler, O.F.M. Conv., offers readers the opportunity to use Scripture, reflection and prayer to deepen their experience of the Holy Spirit every day. Covered in vibrant red vinyl with ribbon marker, Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit will enable readers to more intensely apply the fruits of their relationship with the Holy Spirit to their daily lives.

The Fathers


Benedict XVI - 2008
    Pope Benedict XVI carefully explains the stories of early Church fathers, their rich history, and the vital role each one played in not only preserving the Church at the time, but anchoring the Church of today as well as the future.

Pray the Rosary


Patrick Peyton - 2008
    This extended edition of Pray the Rosary is designed to provide a greater context for praying the Mysteries of the Blessed Mother and Jesus, her Son. The additional text, which can also be used as alternative text, enhances the celebration of the Rosary by focusing more deeply on the Mysteries.

Puritan's Empire


Charles A. Coulombe - 2008
    For Catholics, history has an even higher purpose beside. For them, history is the unfolding of God's Will in time, and the attempts of men either to conform themselves to or to resist that Will. But American Catholic historians have generally refrained from exploring their own national history with these principles, preferring instead to adopt the analysis of their non-Catholic colleagues, save when looking at purely Catholic topics (and sometimes not then). It is vital then, for Catholics, especially young Catholics, to have a good and proper understanding of their country's history. To exercise their patriotism, they must work for the conversion of the United States; to do this effectively, they must understand the forces and events which brought forth not only the religion of Americanism and the country itself, but also the sort of Catholicism which, in 300 years, failed so dismally to bring this conversion about. This book attempts to reinterpret the better known episodes of our history in accordance with the Faith, and to point up lesser-known details which will give factual proof of the truth of this reinterpretation.

Word on Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ


Robert Barron - 2008
    Based on specific Bible readings from the Old and the New Testament, Fr. Barron shares enthusiastically from the riches of Christian belief and tradition. His lively presentation of Catholicism uses art, music, painting, poety, philosophy and the saints' lives to illustrate the Biblical message. With sections on God, Jesus, the church, the liturgy, living the spiritual life, and the saints—each one featuring a beautiful illustration by Michael O'Neill McGrath—this book offers passionate evangelism for discerning readers interested in Catholicism, whether in private reflection or in group discussion.

Haystack Full of Needles


Alice Gunther - 2008
    In this book Alice shows that "Socialization is not the weakness of home education it is its strength and joy." Alice chronicles her own path from skepticism about home educating's ability to provide sufficient social experiences for her children, to the flowering of a local home school group that provides its members with meaningful social experiences within the context of home educating. Full of examples and practical suggestions, this will be an extremely uplifting addition to your cache of home education resources.

Spiritual Freedom: God's Life-Changing Gift


Dave Pivonka - 2008
     "Be men and women of freedom! But remember: Human freedom is a freedom wounded by sin. It is a freedom which itself needs to be set free. Christ is its liberator." —John Paul II, from the Introduction No matter where you are on your journey of faith, God wants you to be freer. "There is always more freedom, more grace, more forgiveness, more mercy, more God," Father Dave Pivonka says. But can you be freer than you already are? Maybe you're in a position to do whatever you want, whenever you want, the common definition of freedom. Maybe you've tried to free yourself from bad habits, had no luck and decided to accept the status quo. Maybe you want greater freedom but can't quite get there. Maybe you feel like God has given up on you and freedom is the least of your concerns. Spiritual Freedom not only defines the true nature of freedom, it also gives you the practical tools you need to achieve the conversion, healing and restoration that God has for you. Through Scripture, teaching, stories, humor and questions for reflection, Father Pivonka will inspire you to embrace the truth of who you really are, a son or daughter of a God who made you in freedom, for freedom.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living Catholic Faith: 101 Stories to Offer Hope, Deepen Faith, and Spread Love


Jack Canfield - 2008
    Whether you are a cradle Catholic or a convert; lay, clergy, or religious; simply curious or struggling; these 101 stories will deepen your faith and hope in God. A great gift for Confirmation, RCIA, graduations, weddings, new parents, and holidays! People of all ages and religious experiences share humorous, poignant, faith-filled true stories about: Catholicism as part of daily modern life fun stories of growing up Catholic serious stories of sacraments and miracles God’s unconditional love the role the Church plays in personal and professional lives renewing and affirming your faith

Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture


Timothy M. Gallagher - 2008
    In the process, the deeper structure of the spiritual practice is illuminated, and advice about adapting it to individual needs is offered. Topics include methods of praying, struggles and growth, and the importance and role of grace. Individuals who desire to pray with scripture, spiritual directors, and all who teach prayer with scripture will benefit from the counsel in this resource.

Christ in His Mysteries


Columba Marmion - 2008
    These are the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter — and each is the source of a particular grace, each has its own special gift for us.     Christ in His Mysteries is Blessed Columba Marmion’s great meditation on the treasure-house of grace Christ offers to us in the Church’s liturgical year. Writing in the lively, compelling style that made him a favorite of Popes and lay faithful alike, Marmion explains:          •  How the Mysteries of Jesus are now our mysteries — springs of living              water we are meant to drink from.          •  How Christ’s wisdom, His holiness, His strength, are now our wisdom,              our holiness, our strength.          •  How to acquire special graces during each liturgical season.     This new edition of Christ in His Mysteries features a Foreword by Fr. Benedict Groeschel (a long-time admirer of Blessed Columba Marmion), and an Introduction by Aidan Nichols, OP.     It also features a vibrant new translation that captures all of Marmion’s depth and spiritual power while remaining meticulously faithful to the French-language original. Aidan Nichols praises translator Alan Bancroft’s work as “felicitous... a supremely natural and fluent translation.”Praise for Christ in His Mysteries“Splendid... Powerful... This classic of Christian spirituality can easily serve as an excellent introduction to the monumental library of Abbot Columba Marmion.”– Fr. Benedict Groeschel, writing in the Foreword“Brilliant... Readers of Christ in His Mysteries have opened to them the theological and spiritual treasures of Catholicism at its best.”– Aidan Nichols, OP, writing in the Introduction“Writings of deep insight and great value... I owe more to Columba Marmion for initiating me into things spiritual than to any other spiritual writer.”– Pope John Paul II“An outstanding master of the spiritual life.”– Pope Paul VIThe works of Marmion are “outstanding in the accuracy of their doctrine, the clarity of their style, and the depth and richness of their thought.”– Pope Pius XII“He revealed the soul of the liturgy to us, by which I mean all those elements of doctrine and of life which it holds in reserve within the visible envelope of its rites and symbols: he is the theologian of the liturgy.”– Dom Lambert Beauduin“Always, at each of his pages, one is bathed in a spiritual atmosphere — an atmosphere of prayer. Hence also light, security and peace.”– Dom Raymond Thibaut“Luminous, profound and elevating doctrine... The very breath of life seems to come from his pages because all the truths he expounds have first been lived in his own soul.”– Abp. Guerry of Cambrai“Dom Marmion makes you touch God.”– Cardinal Mercier

Holiness of Life


Bonaventure - 2008
    Bonaventure composed "Holiness of Life" as a manual for the Poor Clares. Writing clearly, practically, and movingly, he outlines central themes of Christian spirituality, moving from the purgative way (self-knowledge, repentance, humility) through the illuminative way (prayer, meditation on the Passion) to arrive at last at a description of union with God, the summation of all desires. More than 200 citations and allusions to Scripture and the Fathers demonstrate Bonaventure's deep synthesis of Christian theological thought even in a short work designed to be accessible to any reader. Publisher: Catholic Way Publishing

Simply Surrender


Thérèse de Lisieux - 2008
    Each day you will discover the profound truths in the “Little Way” and the insights about prayer and holiness that this great saint shared in her autobiography, The Story of a Soul.Each book in the 30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity's most beloved spiritual guides. For each day there is a brief and accessible morning meditation drawn from the mystic's writings, a simple mantra for use throughout the day, and a night prayer to focus one's thoughts as the day ends. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.

Following Christ in the World


Anne W. Carroll - 2008
    Anne Carroll, an excellent senior high school apologetics text covering traditional topics, as well as issues pertinent to the modern world. Grade 12. Now with full color images.8.5 x 11 inches.

The Bible at a Glance (Faith Charts)


Scott Hahn - 2008
    This is a 6-panel, laminated, "cheat sheet" for the Bible: what it is, who wrote it, how to read it, the books of the Bible, where to find..., and more An irreplaceable resource for all ages and all stages of familiarity with Scripture.

The Quest for Shakespeare


Joseph Pearce - 2008
    Unabashedly provocative, with scholarship, insight and keen observation, Pearce strives to separate historical fact from fiction about the beloved Bard.Shakespeare is not only one of the greatest figures in human history, he is also one of the most controversial and one of the most elusive. He is famous and yet almost unknown. Who was he? What were his beliefs? Can we really understand his plays and his poetry if we don't know the man who wrote them?These are some of the questions that are asked and answered in this gripping and engaging study of the world's greatest ever poet. "The Quest for Shakespeare" claims that books about the Bard have got him totally wrong. They misread the man and misread the work. The true Shakespeare has eluded the grasp of the critics. Dealing with the facts of Shakespeare's life and times, Pearce's quest leads to the inescapable conclusion that Shakespeare was a believing Catholic living in very anti-Catholic times.Many of his friends and family were persecuted, and even executed, for their Catholic faith. And yet he seems to have avoided any notable persecution himself. How did he do this? How did he respond to the persecution of his friends and family? What did he say about the dreadful and intolerant times in which he found himself? "The Quest for Shakespeare" answers these questions in ways that will enlighten and astonish those who love Shakespeare's work, and that will shock and outrage many of his critics. This book is full of surprises for beginner and expert alike.

Ratzinger's Faith


Tracey Rowland - 2008
    It is a common observation that Pope Benedict has been influenced by the thought of St. Augustine in contrast to many of his predecessors in the papacy who were much more strongly influenced by St. Thomas Aquinas. This work therefore addresses the topic of in what way Benedict is an Augustinian. The volume also includes a bibliography arranged thematically for those who want to explore his thought more deeply in a particular area. A penetrating account of the thought of the reigning pontiff, this volume offers a wealth of insight for everyone interested in Pope Benedict.

From Resentment to Forgiveness: A Gateway to Happiness


Francisco Ugarte - 2008
    Perhaps the greatest obstacle to happiness for most people is resentment. It's easy to see how widespread this problem is: just notice the critical tone of so many conversations, the anger, the complaints and lamentations, the excuses, negative thoughts, frustrations, the distancing of person from person, family divisions, marriage breakdowns, eagerness for vindication or vengeance, labor disputes, social problems, even conflicts between nations. This short book confronts this problem, studies it, and offers solutions to resolve it.

The Context of Holiness: Psychological and Spiritual Reflections on the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux


Marc Foley - 2008
    Thrse of Lisieux. The basic premise of this book is that the spiritual life is not an encapsulated sphere, cloistered from the realities of our human existence. Rather it is our response to God within the physical, psychological, social and emotional dimensions of life.

Beatitudes: Eight Steps to Happiness


Raniero Cantalamessa - 2008
     Anyone who has tried to live the beatitudes will confirm that the task can be daunting. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Do you really want to be "reviled" by others? If you're not rich compared to your immediate neighbors and friends, but you're rich compared to most of the world, what are you supposed to do about that? Father Raniero Cantalamessa will lead you not only to a deeper appreciation of these famous words of Jesus, but also into the presence of Jesus himself who lived them perfectly and who will give you the ability and enthusiasm to do the same. The beatitudes are not a burden to be shouldered but an invitation to a joy-filled life of surrender to the Lord who came not to be served, but to serve.

The Excellence of the Rosary Conferences for Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Virgin


Math Josef Frings - 2008
    Many other Pontiffs have reaffirmed the importance of the rosary. “Since the introduction of the rosary by St. Dominic, all great victories have been credited to the devotion of the rosary (p. 18).” This book, though only 75 pages, after an explanation of the Power of the Rosary proceeds to explain the excellence of the various prayers of the rosary and the Mysteries commemorated. A book written 107 years ago with Catholic theology written in a clear, easy to read manner, sure to encourage fresh love and devotion for the rosary.

Mary and Me: Catholic Women Reflect on the Mother of God


Ginny Kubitz Moyer - 2008
    She's the woman with a thousand faces and a thousand titles, transcending the boundaries of culture and age. She also walks with us on our individual journeys, engaging us in any number of different ways as our circumstances shift and change…You never can predict when or how she'll show up, smiling with gentle recognition, taking up residence in your heart." —From the Epilogue How does Mary, the Mother of God, speak to the modern female experience? Does she comfort, challenge or inspire? Ginny Moyer wanted to know how women today would answer those questions, so she invited women of all ages, some cradle Catholics and some converts, some lay and some religious, to share their thoughts on Mary. In the process of collecting women's stories, Moyer learned that the answers to these questions are as diverse as the women themselves. In Mary and Me you will discover:An eating disorder activist who describes how Mary helped her overcome her struggles with anorexia. An attorney who reveals how a trip to the Holy Land inspired her to see Mary not as a passive figure but as a tough and resilient woman. A religious sister who shares how the Visitation inspires her work with recovering drug addicts and prostitutes. A music teacher and mother who explains her difficulty in relating to Mary's perfection, but how she still treasures Mary as a personal friend and ally.Woven with commentary and Scripture references, Mary and Me offers a fresh, compelling look at the depth and breadth of Mary's influence on women today.

150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know


Patrick Madrid - 2008
    —Psalm 119:105 Scripture is your guide to what matters most in life. If you're not familiar with it, Patrick Madrid's choice of 150 key verses can ease you in. If you regularly read and pray with Scripture, these verses will provide you rich food for thought. No matter what your situation, the Bible will help you evaluate the choices and make the decisions that confront you every day. Either explicitly or implicitly, Scripture addresses all of life's problems, worries, dangers, questions and uncertainties. 150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know offers you a window into Scripture revealing how God's eternal wisdom relates to your life.

Meet Mary


Mark I. Miravalle - 2008
    She's the Lord's humble servant, yet an icon of female strength. She's mother of all, yet ever-virgin, lowly and exalted. Sinners fly to her but angels bow. Mary, mother of Jesus, is the most recog-nized woman in history . . . and the most misunderstood.Non-Christians paint her as an earth goddess. Skeptics say she's a fictional projection of male psychological needs. Many Protestants grudgingly acknowledge that someone had to bear the Savior, but otherwise regard Mary as an ordinary, sinful woman in whom Christians have tragically misplaced the faith and devotion due only to her Son.Even many Catholics don't know Mary as well as they should. Do you know the Church's five essential Marian doctrines, and how they're rooted in Scripture and Sacred Tradition? Can you explain the difference between the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin Birth?

The St. Therese of Lisieux Prayer Book


Vinita Hampton Wright - 2008
    Thérèse of Lisieux—for all who want to prayHow did this saint’s precious—even precocious—childhood devotion to God develop into such wisdom? Thérèse Martin entered a Carmelite convent at age 15 and died of tuberculosis at age 24. In that short time, her “little flower” of a life came into vibrant, spiritual bloom.Millions of people know and adore St. Thérèse—the world’s most popular saint during the first half of the 20th century—from her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, an international bestseller.This warm, wise little book will help you to discover firsthand how to receive God’s presence and love. You will: • Walk with Thérèse through days of humility, suffering, beauty, and spiritual sensitivity. • Discover how, through prayer and growing faith, you too can follow your own Little Way to authentic Christian experience.

Jesus Is My All in All: Praying with the "Saint of Calcutta"


Mother Teresa - 2008
    Jesus is My All in All follows the Roman Catholic novena format; derived from the Latin word for nine, the novena provides a nine-day rhythm of prayer and reflection. A prayer to Mother Teresa herself is the foundation for each day’s reflections, which illuminate such topics as:• Finding Jesus in your heart• Becoming convinced of Jesus’ love for you• Seeking guidance from Mary the Mother of Jesus• Drawing on Jesus’ thirst to quench the needs of those around youAccompanied by striking full-color images, JESUS IS MY ALL IN ALL immortalizes the words and wisdom of one of humanity’s most radiant women.

Fatima: A Message More Urgent Than Ever


Luiz Sergio Solimeo - 2008
    They were ten, nine and seven years of age respectively. Basing much of his book on The Memoirs of Sister Lucia, author Luiz Sergio Solimeo offers the readers an insightful and detailed account of their story, Our Lady's message and its continual relevance for our times. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, the Fatima apparitions were "without doubt, the most prophetic of all modern apparitions."

Thoughts for Daily Living


Fulton J. Sheen - 2008
    Bishop Sheen discusses a wide range of subjects and shows how we can grow and prosper spiritually.

Jesus Present Before Me: Meditations for Eucharistic Adoration


Peter John Cameron - 2008
    “You were made for this presence,” Father Cameron says. Jesus, Present Before Me includes thirty separate Eucharistic meditations, Eucharistic reflections on the twenty mysteries of the rosary, a Eucharistic colloquy, a litany and a Way of the Eucharist, all designed to help you offer your time of adoration wholeheartedly, without weariness or distraction.

Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: The Letters of St. James, St. Peter & St. Jude


Scott Hahn - 2008
    Each volume in the series contains numerous Bible study helps and tools that include insights from the Church Fathers, topical essays, word studies and charts, maps, study questions and a cross-reference section. "Once a generation a truly unique Bible tool is given to the Church. The Ignatius Study Bible is a gift for our generation. This is the most important book since the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Every parish study group and every student of Sacred Scripture should own and use this Bible."—David Currie, Author, Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic

Mary and the Christian Life: Scriptural Reflections on the First Disciple


Amy Welborn - 2008
    Learn about Mary's life, about prayers and devotions inspired by her, and even about plants and interesting places associated with Jesus' mother. The book was originally published by Word Among Us Press in 2008, but has been out of print for several years.

Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering


Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle - 2008
    The recipe theme may be lighthearted, fun even, but there's real nourishment to be had in this wonderful dish too. Inspiriting entrees practical ways Catholic women can live out their familial vocation are seasoned with simple suggestions for answering Christ's universal call to holiness. Lovely poems conclude each chapter on a note of warmth that will lift hearts beyond the kitchen and up the path toward heaven.

Holy Spirit, Make Your Home in Me: Biblical Meditations on Receiving the Gift of the Spirit


George T. Montague - 2008
    Both an eminent bible scholar and a humble pastor, Fr. Montague meditates here on the gift of the Holy Spirit in Scripture. He employs popularly presented biblical interpretation, warmly described personal experience, and the inspiring testimony of others to show us how God's gift of the Spirit is meant to powerfully transform our lives.

From Holidays to Holy Days: A Benedictine Walk Through Advent


Albert Holtz - 2008
    In a string of colored lights, a crowd of shoppers, or the window of a toy store, he uncovers such traditional Advent themes as watchful waiting, repentance, and selfless love. On the bustling sidewalks, he introduces us to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself, all speaking their ancient Advent and Christmas messages of peace and hope and good will.

Real Women, Real Saints: Friends for Your Spiritual Journey


Gina Loehr - 2008
    —from Chapter Eight What would it take for you to become a saint? If you're thinking of quiet cloisters and hours in undisturbed prayer, think again. Real women who became real saints run the gamut from quiet to boisterous, single, married, divorced, post-abortive, social activists, hermits, academics, doctors and more. Among these women there is a friend for you, someone even a bit like you. Sanctity will never fit into a formula, but the women in Real Women, Real Saints have this in common: their deep love for God and the determination to live life in harmony with his will. The brief biographies in this book will help you learn to abandon yourself to God, as these women did, and live a rich, full life in return.

The Mass of All Time: The Hidden Treasure


Marcel Lefebvre - 2008
    From the Mass, the liturgical and unbloody re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, the efficacy of all good works proceeds. -Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. The Mass of All Time is a collection of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre's sermons, classes and notes on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass...a compendium of what he taught on the Mass - its rites, spirit, prayers, theology, spirituality, and grace. Many of these texts have never been published before. Fr. Patrick Troadec, rector of the Society of St. Pius X's seminary in Flavigny, France, collected and organized the Archbishop's manifold writings and speeches on the Mass and presents them here, in two parts. Part one is a running commentary, gleaned from all the works of the Archbishop, on the prayers, parts and actions of the liturgy. Part two covers the New Order of Mass promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969 and includes commentary on liturgical history, the liturgical revolution and the history of the SSPX's defense of the old and rejection of the new. Again, the words are those of Archbishop Lefebvre, woven together by Fr. Troadec. The Archbishop is known for his courageous defense of the Tridentine Mass but never before have his insights been collected in such an accessible and complete format. Especially now, with a renewed interest in the Extraordinary Form due to the Holy Father's motu proprio, this book is ideally timed because it is primarily a positive book coming from him who is too often known as the Rebel or Renegade Archbishop. Here we see the love and depth of understanding that Marcel Lefebvre had for the Mass of All Time. Polemics are not excluded, but they take a back seat in this volume. With the release of the motu proprio, it seems there has never been a more ideal time for traditionalists AND those new to the Old Mass to see this side of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre...indeed, the more important side as it was his love of truth and the Mass as handed on to him that fueled his battle to defend it. Indexed.

Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life: A Practical Guide to Prayer for Active People


Robert J. Spitzer - 2008
    Some develop very quickly, but do not achieve significant depth; while others develop quite slowly, but seem to be almost unending in the depth of wisdom, trust, hope, virtue, and love they engender. The best way of explaining this is to look at each of the pillars individually.Before doing this, however, it is indispensable for each of us to acknowledge (at least intellectually) the fundamental basis for Christian contemplation, namely, the unconditional Love of God. Jesus taught us to address God as Abba. If God really is Abba; if His love is like the father of the prodigal son; if Jesus' passion and Eucharist are confirmations of that unconditional Love; if God really did so love the world that He sent His only begotten Son into the world not to condemn us, but to save us and bring us to eternal life (Jn 3:16-19); if nothing really can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Rm 8:31-39); and if God really has prepared us "to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all understanding, so that we may attain to the fullness of God Himself" (Eph 3:18-20), then God's love is unconditional, and it is, therefore, the foundation for unconditional trust and unconditional hope. There can be nothing more important than contemplating, affirming, appropriating, and living in this Unconditional Love. This is the purpose of contemplation; indeed, the purpose of the spiritual life itself.

Saint Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait


Dianne Marie Traflet - 2008
    Author Dianne Traflet explores the three pillars of her spirituality: the Eucharist, which enabled her to receive and extend God's love; the Blessed Mother, who taught her to obey the call to serve; and the cross, which gave her the courage to live Christ's example, suffering to save others.

A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic's Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe


Joe Paprocki - 2008
    The eighteen-chapter book—at times profound, at times humorous, always practical—follows the structure of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer). Taking otherwise difficult topics about the Catholic faith and making them accessible and relevant to the lives of average Catholics, acclaimed author and teacher Joe Paprocki does so in a way that never compromises the rich depth of Catholic teaching and tradition. From the Trinity to the seven sacraments, from the Ten Commandments to the Lord’s Prayer, A Well-Built Faith will help Catholics nail down the facts of the faith and tear down the barriers keeping them from sharing their beliefs with others.'Also available in Spanish! Una Fe Bien Construida

Words of Light: Inspiration from the Letters of Padre Pio


Padre Pio - 2008
    The other great saint of the last half century - Padre Pio - offers similar revelations of his own in this enlightening collection of short excerpts from his letters.Many books have been written on the life and works of Padre Pio, but Words of Light is not a book about what others think or say about him. Here, he speaks for himself. If you are interested in the complexities and challenges of contemporary faith, you will benefit from these short teachings, counsels, and recollections culled from some of Padre Pio's most personal writings.In these letters I quickly discovered the same states of soul that were described by the great mystics. Padre Pio's own 'dark night' was in no way inferior to that described by John of the Cross, and equally the 'living flame' of his love for God dazzles the reader and allows them to catch a glimpse of another world.- Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, from the Introduction

Vatican II: Renewal Within Tradition


Matthew Lamb - 2008
    After thousands of speeches, resolutions, and votes, the Council issued sixteen official documents on topicsranging from divine revelation to relations with non-Christians. In many ways, though, the real challenges began after the council was over and Catholics began to argue over the interpretation of the documents. Many analysts perceived the Council's far-reaching changes as breaks with Churchtradition, and soon this became the dominant bias in the American and other media, which lacked the theological background to approach the documents on their own terms. In Vatican II: Renewal Within Tradition, an international team of theologians offers a different reading of the documents fromVatican II. The Council was indeed putting forth a vision for the future of the Church, but that vision was grounded in two millennia of tradition. Taken together, these essays demonstrate that Vatican II's documents are a development from an established antecedent in the Roman Catholic Church.Each chapter contextualizes Vatican II teachings within that rich tradition. The resulting book is an indispensable and accessible companion to the Council's developments, one that focuses on theology and transcends the mass-media storyline of liberal versus conservative.

His Broken Body: Understanding and Healing the Schism Between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches


Laurent Cleenewerck - 2008
    The ideal complement (or even antidote) to such books as Upon this Rock; Jesus, Peter and the Keys; Two Paths; The Primacy of Peter; etc. Discusses Peter's Primacy and Succession, Ecclesiology, Infallibility, the Filioque, Celibacy, etc.

The Religion of the Plain Man (1906)


Robert Hugh Benson - 2008
    Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

The Life of Saint Joseph


Maria C. Baij - 2008
    Saint Joseph lived his life hidden in the Divine Light of Sacred Mysteries. He was a living prayer of faith and trust and dedication. Read this beautiful account of St. Joseph's life, as revealed by Jesus to Sr. Maria Baij in 1736. 418 Pages

First and Second Timothy, Titus


George T. Montague - 2008
    The new Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture promises to directly serve that purpose. Drawing on sound biblical scholarship, the commentaries present the reader with the rich harvest of that study, reflecting on the message of the biblical text and engaging the life of faith from a Catholic perspective."—Donald Senior, CP, president, Catholic Theological Union"When the Scripture is read in the liturgy, it is heard as a living voice. But when expounded in a commentary, it is too often read as a document from the past. This fine new series unites the ancient and the contemporary by offering insight into the biblical text—verse by verse—as well as spiritual application to the lives of Christians today."—Robert Louis Wilken, University of Virginia"By bringing together historical background, exegetical interpretation, church tradition, theological reflection, and pastoral application, this series promises to enkindle thoughtful discussion about the implications of the New Testament for lived Christian faith in the Church today. Its accessible format and multi-angled approach offer a model for teaching and ministry."—Katherine Hayes, Seminary of the Immaculate Conception"This series is a landmark achievement in theological interpretation of Scripture in and for the Church. Everything about it is inviting and edifying. It is a wonderful gift to the Catholic Church and a model for the rest of us. Highly recommended for all!"—Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore"The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is an ideal tool for living our faith more deeply. This extraordinary resource combines superior scholarship and a vivid, accessible style that will serve the interested layperson and the serious scholar equally well. It feeds both the mind and the heart and should be on the shelf of every committed Catholic believer. I highly recommend it."—Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Denver

Meet John XXIII: Joyful Pope and Father to All


Patricia Treece - 2008
    —from Chapter Seven The world loved Pope John XXIII—who could resist his cheerful, affectionate nature?—and he admitted that he was incorrigibly optimistic: "I never met a pessimist who accomplished any good," he wrote in his diary. But Pope John was at heart nothing more than a man in love with God. He maintained his good humor in spite of decades of difficult assignments and considerable ill treatment, never complaining but instead choosing to "seize the good…and multiply it." If you're looking for a big-hearted friend within the communion of saints, Blessed John XXIII is your man. This lively portrait will sweep you into the warmth of his spirit while anchoring you in his solid, practical spirituality. "Never mind thunderbolts from heaven!" he once said. "Charity, charity and simple, direct, loving truth!"