From biblical scholar Bergsma, two-time teacher of the year at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, comes this fresh, creative, and authentically Catholic introduction to the big picture of salvation history.

    Launched amid post-partying regrets in a Milwaukee dorm room, that search takes her from the baths of Lourdes and the ruins of Auschwitz to the Oval Office and the papal palace. Along the way, she wrestles with the quintessential dilemmas of her generation: confusion over the sexual chaos of the hookup culture, tension between her dueling desires for professional success and committed love, ambivalence about marriage and motherhood, and anguish at her father's descent into dementia and her own infertility.Dissatisfied with pat answers from both secular feminists and their critics, she finds grace and inspiration from an unexpected source, spiritual friendship with six female saints: Teresa of Ávila, Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina of Poland, Edith Stein of Germany, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Mary of Nazareth. Their lives and writings speak to her deepest longings, guide her through her most wrenching decisions, and lead her to rethink nearly everything she thought she knew about what it means to be a liberated woman.

    Nearly two decades later, Immaculée continues to pray the rosary every day and marvels at how she is constantly renewed and richly rewarded by rejoicing in this glorious prayer. It has helped her in every aspect of her life, from literally saving her life to strengthening her faith, easing sorrows, changing heartache into happiness, healing illnesses in herself and others, solving family problems, landing a dream job, finding long-lost friends, and even locating lost keys! She received so many blessings from the rosary, in fact, that she decided to study its history and origins. She soon discovered that it was not just meant for Catholics, but that the Virgin Mary promised a life filled with blessings to everyone from any religion who faithfully recited the rosary daily . . . and this was such wonderful news that she vowed to share it with as many people as she could. In The Rosary: The Prayer That Saved My Life, Immaculée reveals how the rosary’s many blessings can be reaped by each and every one of us. In this moving and uplifting book, the New York Times bestselling author recounts her personal experience of discovering the power and the beauty of the ancient beads—and shows all of us how to enrich our own lives by exploring and embracing the mysteries, secrets, and promises of the prayer that became her “lifeline to heaven.”

    It is therefore one of the earliest works of St. Alphonsus. The Saint entitled it: "A method of conversing continually and lovingly with God;" and to the title he added a note to say that it had been translated from the French, but that he had " augmented it with holy thoughts, affections and practices." It was surely the Saint's humility that made him thus minimise his part in the composition of the book, for as a matter of fact he entirely recast the little French treatise and made it all his own. His biographer, Father Berthe, could write of it: "In this golden little book are to be found the most familiar thoughts of the holy author." (Life Vol. I. P. 575).

    Far from being a scholarly or academic read, The “One Thing” is Three makes deep theology accessible to every-day Catholics. What’s more, it makes even what’s familiar or forgotten appear in a way that’s new, exciting, and relevant. Thus, The “One Thing” is Three brings its readers a unique and powerful experience of the faith. It’s the perfect book for the Year of Faith.

    What do Adam and Eve, Moses and David, and Jesus and the Apostles have to do with my life? In The Real Story, Edward Sri and Curtis Martin break open the Word to examine how all the pieces fit together into one cohesive narrative—a story of how, little by little, God has drawn His people into closer union with Himself, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church.

    Mother Theresa, Francis of Assisi, John Paul II, Catherine of Siena and Ignatius of Loyola all have in COMMON?THEY ALL PRACTICED THE FOUR SIGNS.Over the course of the past few years, The Dynamic Catholic Institute has conducted research to explore the difference between engaged and disengaged Catholics.  The results of this research are staggering. 6.4% of parishioners contribute 80% of the volunteer hours at a parish, 6.8% of parishioners donate 80% of financial contributions at a parish, and there is an 84% overlap between the two groups.  These “Dynamic Catholics” are accomplishing more than 80% of what the Catholic Church is doing today – proving that engaging just 1% of Catholics could change the world. As human beings we are constantly engag- ing and disengaging in everything we do. We engage and disengage at work, in marriage, as parents, in our quest for health and well- being, in personal finances, environmentally, politically, and, of course, we engage or dis- engage spiritually.If you walk into any Catholic church next Sunday and look around, you will discover that some people are highly engaged, others are massively disengaged, and the major- ity are somewhere in between. Why? What is the difference between highly engaged Catholics and disengaged Catholics?Answering this question is essential to the future of the Catholic Church. If we truly want to engage Catholics and reinvigorate parish life, we must first discover what drives engagement among Catholics. Matthew Kelly explores this question in his groundbreaking new book, and the simplicity of what he discovers will amaze you.Four things make the difference between highly engaged Catholics and disengaged Catholics: the four signs of a Dynamic Catholic.Whether you are ready to let God take your spiritual life to the next level or want to help reinvigorate your parish, The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic promises to take you on a journey that will help you to live out the genius of Catholicism in your everyday life.The central idea in this book should change the way we live our faith and the way we teach our faith. This book is a game changer.

    Alphonsus LIguori's classics in one volume. Written in 1755, Uniformity with God's Will is a wonderful little treatise on the true love of God. Saint Alphonsus de Liguori writes to encourage believers to unify their wills with that of God's, so that they may love God perfectly: "the more one unites his will with the divine will, the greater will be his love of God." To choose otherwise--i.e. to choose not to unify one's will with God's--is "a kind of idolatry." These seven short chapters, not simply prone to abstract speculation, explore concretely how to make one's own will uniform with God's through the hardships of this life. Further, the book discusses the fruit of such a union with God's will: happiness. De Liguori concludes by noting how, in all things, Christians must remain steadfast in their union with God's will. For in so doing, God will "press us to his heart." Challenging and encouraging, Uniformity with God's Will has the power to remind us of what true love of God really is. In The Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ, Saint Alphonsus Liguori points out the practical wisdom contained in St. Paul's meditation on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Divided into seventeen small chapters, each preceded by prayers and intercessions, it offers practical prescriptions for living a holy life.

    Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible scholars Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church. These helpful study notes explain what the biblical authors often assumed. They also provide rich historical, cultural, geographical and theological information pertinent to Exodus.The Ignatius Study Bible also includes Topical Essays, Word Studies and Charts. Each page includes an easy-to-use Cross-Reference Section. Study Questions are provided for Exodus. These can deepen your personal study of God's Holy Word. There is also an introductory essay covering questions of authorship, date, destination, structure and themes. An outline of Exodus is also included.

    I was on two committees at my parish. I read the Catechism of Catholic Church. I didn't eat meat on Fridays during LentToo often we approach our faith like we would a checklist or a resume.While the knowledge of our faith and the experience of faith is certainly important, how would our lives be different if we had a real, living relationship with God?As a Catholic, a lay leader, a parish staff member, or a pastor, it is critical to understand this growing chasm that is allowing even active parishioners to slowly fade away from the Church.This book provides parishes and individuals with a foundation on which to build a new formation process that establishes a relationship with God. Ultimately every person can become a true disciple of God, leading to a profound change in the individual and the parish, creating a vibrant and active faith community.

    The bestselling author, speaker, and teacher of John Paul II's Theology of the Body explores the yearning we all have for God and each other.Fill These Hearts is a book about desire.  Not trivial wants or superficial cravings, but the most vital powers of body and soul, sexuality and spirituality, that haunt us and compel us on our search for something.  Weaving life-altering lessons together from classical and contemporary art, pop music, movies, and the Christian mystical tradition, popular theologian Christopher West explores the ancient but largely forgotten idea that the restless, erotic yearnings we feel in both our bodies and our spirits reveal the cry of our hearts for God.  Along the way, West blows the lid off the idea of Christianity as a repressive, anti-sex religion by demonstrating that Christ came to stretch and inflame our desire for love and union to the point of infinity.

    What is spiritual direction and my spiritual direction? What are my “blind spots” and how can I uncover them? What keeps me from all the spiritual riches Christ has for me? How can I better understand where I am in my spiritual progress? Daniel Burke’s Navigating the Interior Life will give you the tools you need to understand how and why we grow and die in the spiritual life and what we can do about it.

    One part biography, one part prayer book, The Life and Prayers of Saint Michael the Archangel is an essential book for any Christian. Saint Michael is the Defender of the Faith and of our Church. As Christians we pray each day that he stands with us through this life and beyond. Saint Michael the Archangel is the most revered archangel within the Church throughout history and today but his pre-eminence transcends the history of the Christian Church.All books in The Life and Prayers series come complete with a Touch-or-Click Table of Contents, divided by each section.

    In this superb book, based on Pope Benedict's weekly teaching, he examines the foundational principles of the life of prayer. Believers of various backgrounds and experience in prayer--from beginners to spiritually advanced--will be enriched by this spiritual masterpiece. Benedict begins considering what we can learn from the examples of prayer found in a wide range of cultures and eras. Next, he turns to the Bible's teaching about prayer, beginning with Abraham and moving though Moses, the prophets, the Psalms to the example of Jesus. With Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict considers not only the Lord's teaching about prayer, but also his example of how to pray, including the Our Father, his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, and prayers on the Cross. The prayers of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the early Church are also explored. Benedict also draws on insights from spiritual masters, the saints, and the Church's liturgy. He challenges readers to live their relationships with God even more intensely, as it were, at a 'school of prayer'. Although Benedict provides a sweeping survey of great figures of prayer, his discussion centers on Jesus Christ and even invokes him in the study of prayer. It is in fact in Jesus, writes Benedict, that man becomes able to approach God in the depth and intimacy of the relationship of fatherhood and sonship. Together with the first disciples, let us now turn with humble trust to the Teacher and ask him: 'Lord, teach us to pray' (Lk 11:1).

    Struggling with the contrast between his desire for justice and the lack of justice in the world, he adopted existentialism and its explanation of life: everything is absurd. But if everything is absurd, why paint? For that matter, why even live? Such questions led Arguello to the brink of despair. He called out to God and personally experienced the reality of divine love as revealed in Jesus Christ. Dedicating his life to Christ, Arg?ello began living among the very poor. While in a slum on the outskirts of Madrid, Arguello met the lay missionary Carmen Hernandez, and together they began proclaiming the good news of salvation to the poorest of the poor. Their method of transmitting faith in Christ and building Christian community has become a model of evangelization. Now known as the Neocatchumenal Way, it has spread to cities throughout the world and received the approval of the Holy See.

    It was hailed as the finest translation of the 20th Century, approved for liturgical use & endorsed by Pope Pius XII, Archbishop Fulton Sheen etc. In the early 20th century, Msgr. Ronald Knox embarked on an entirely new English Bible. He wanted a Bible that didn't merely translate the original but made it read as if an Englishman had written it. His translation is spiritual & literary, graceful & lyrical, making it one of the most beautiful vernacular versions of the Holy Bible. The unique features of the Knox Bible are: Translated from the Latin Vulgate and compared with the Greek & Hebrew Texts single handedly by Ronald Knox over nine years. Uses timeless English, which is both sacral and reverent. Set in a single-column format with verse references placed at the side of the text in order to provide a clear and easily readable Bible. The full Bible is now available again for the first time in over 50 years, in an edition from Baronius Press, beautifully bound in leather with gilt edges.

    Chaput, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, offers a powerful manifesto on the need for Americans to protect religious freedom. As he notes, principles that Americans find self-evident—the dignity of the human person, the sanctity of conscience, the separation of political and sacred authority, the distinction between secular and religious law, the idea of a civil society pre-existing and distinct from the state—are not widely shared elsewhere in the world, and in recent years seem to be in jeopardy on our own shores. Archbishop Chaput offers a call to action for leadership both here and abroad to challenge this damaging trend. By thoughtfully interpreting and applying Catholic values to this confusing moment in history, he provides hope for an American audience hungry for courage and counsel. (from amazon.com)

    Become a prayer warrior on behalf of the suffering souls in purgatory and bring comfort to them and to yourself along the way.

    Throughout our Lenten journey, Pope Benedict helps us drink deeply from the well of Scripture in order to lead us to an encoutner with the crucified and risen Christ.

    Barry, SJ, helps us deepen our friendship with God by examining how to approach God, at any time and with any problem, in complete honesty. Fr. Barry reflects on how secrecy can hurt families, the Church, and ourselves, and how what we are keeping secret can get in the way of our connection with God. He acknowledges that we may fear God's reaction when revealing our most intimate truth; but just like with friendships, we risk not developing our relationship with God if we are dishonest about who we are and how we feel.Praying the Truth helps us realize that if we do not approach God in complete honesty, we may be holding back a part of ourselves that needs to be healed. By learning how to communicate honestly with God, our friendship with God and our faith in God's promise to love us unconditionally will be strengthened.

    

    Not afraid to examine the raw emotions that accompany such an experience, the author tells women that they are not alone in reacting strongly, even frighteningly, to their loss and reassures them that hope and healing will come. Having experienced multiple miscarriages herself, Karen shares excerpts from her personal journals, as well as other women’s stories, rich quotes about grieving and the healing process, and practical advice. A helpful resource section includes a wide variety of information from both Catholic and secular sources.

    James Kubicki, S.J., national director of the Apostleship of Prayer, offers a lively introduction to one of the greatest Catholic devotions--the Sacred Heart of Jesus--showing clearly how the Heart of Christ can be a source of joyful transformation for contemporary Catholics.The Sacred Heart of Jesus, an age-old and often misunderstood devotion, is presented in this persuasive and engaging guide by Rev. James Kubicki, S.J. He delves into the devotion's rich theological and spiritual roots and demonstrates how the faithful may encounter the Heart of Jesus in one another, scripture, the sacraments, and especially in the Eucharist. Kubicki brings to life the rich imagery associated with the devotion's history and provides a contemporary look at traditional devotions like the Twelve Promises, family consecration and enthronement, the Sacred Heart Badge, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, holy hours, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

    

    A broken crucifix with no face, no legs, a no cross that does not wish to be restored. He wants us to lend him our arms to embrace humanity, our legs to travel far away roads, our eyes to see all the misdeeds, and lend Christ our ears to hear all the complaints. Let's entartain this discussion with Father Cue and the deep dialoge with the broken Christ to move toward a new vision of God's unrelenting love.

    Delving into the rich history of God's covenant with us, each day's reading gives the reader much to reflect on throughout Lent, culminating with Easter and ending with Divine Mercy Sunday. In addition to the reflection, there is a daily Scripture verse, a prayer, and a relevant question, all designed to deepen the reader's Lenten experience.The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

    Romantic poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850) referred to Dante's crowned "visionary brow." Irish novelist James Joyce (1882-1941) said "Dante is my spiritual food!" Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922) called Dante "the most eloquent singer of the Christian idea." Even the 20th century literary critic T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) famously wrote that "Shakespeare and Dante divide the world between them, there is no third." Yet today this great poem is often dismissed by modern scholars for its unabashed Catholic theology and deep spiritual vision. Shrug off these skeptical scholars disdain and discover for yourself the true grandeur, Christian nature, and sheer artistry of Dante's Divine Comedy. Just as Dante needed Virgil to lead him through the bowels of Hell, you also need a true and trustworthy guide. Dr. Anthony Esolen serves as your Virgil in this course on the Inferno, the first canticle of the Divine Comedy. An expert who has taught Dante to college students for more than twenty years, Professor Esolen is also the preeminent modern translator of the entire Divine Comedy from the original Italian. With Professor Esolen you will enter the terrible gates of Hell and progress level by infernal level to its diabolical depths. Professor Esolen places a special emphasis on the drama of the poem, leading you through each canto in succession. Along the way, he will highlight Dante's astonishing human and theological insights and discuss the destiny of man, how to find our way out of the wilderness of sin, the relationship between love and knowledge, and the integral unity between body and soul. Professor Esolen will more than satisfy your curiosity about Hell and the fate of the damned. He will reveal in all its starkness the horror of sin, and awaken in your heart a longing for divine love.

    

    Eric Sammons tells how twentieth century Spanish priest and canonized saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, recovered the message of the universal call to holiness.

    Years I and II for weekdays.Spiritual reflections on the lectionary readings.Proper of Saints.Liturgical Calendar.Treasury of Prayers.Gilded edges and ribbon markers.

    Does Jesus belong on that list? After all, in the Gospel of Matthew he seems to indicate the end will come within a generation, yet many generations have now passed and the world is still around. Was he mistaken, then, and was the early Church fooled by his mistake into expecting the Second Coming in the first century? In What Jesus Really Said About the End of the World, author David Currie author of Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic examines Christ s end-times prophecies in an attempt to get to the bottom of this profoundly important question. Using the tools of biblical scholarship, the wisdom of the Church Fathers, plus Old Testament history and typology, he presents a fascinating and highly readable interpretation of Jesus words echoed by St. Paul and other early Christians that harmonizes with Catholic tradition and resoundingly answers the charge that Christ predicted an end that never came. In so doing he rebuts both skeptics (who crow about Jesus mistake ) and many Evangelical Christians (who resort to extrabiblical theories like the Rapture ) while giving comfort to other Christians, who have been confused or embarrassed by this seeming blow to Christ s credibility. Currie also unlocks for you the most important message behind Jesus prophecies and warnings, which is not to inspire fearful calculations about the day and hour but to remind us that our own end will surely come, so we must be always ready. Let us not look for signs to be troubled by, the Lord says to us, but instead trust in his mercy and power.

    It brings together all his writings on the subject, short and long, giving his views on liturgical matters and questions over many years and from various perspectives.He chose to have his writings on the Liturgy for the first volume published of his collected works (though listed as vol. 11) because, as he says in the Introduction: "The liturgy of the Church has been for me since my childhood the central reality of my life, and it became the center of my theological efforts. I chose fundamental theology as my ?eld because I wanted ?rst and foremost to examine thoroughly the question: Why do we believe? But also included from the beginning in this question was the other question of the right response to God and, thus, the question of the liturgy."By starting with the theme of liturgy in this volume, Ratzinger wants to highlight God's primacy, the absolute precedence of the theme of God. Beginning with a focus on the liturgy, he said, tells us that "God is first". He quotes from the Rule of St. Benedict, "Nothing is to be preferred to the liturgy", as a way of ordering priorities for the life of the Church and of every individual. He says that the fundamental question of the man who begins to understand himself correctly is: How must I encounter God? Thus learning the right way of worshipping is the gift par excellence that is given to us by the faith.The essential purpose of his writings on the liturgy is to place the liturgy in its larger context, which he presents in three concentric circles. First, the intrinsic interrelationship of Old and New Testament; without the connection to the Old Testament heritage, the Christian liturgy is incomprehensible. The second circle is the relationship to the religions of the world. The third circle is the cosmic character of the liturgy, which is more than the coming together of a circle of people: the liturgy is celebrated in the expanse of the cosmos, encompassing creation and history at the same time.

    Designed to help expectant mothers embrace pregnancy as an opportunity for spiritual growth, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy prepares mothers for the trials and joys of pregnancy, childbirth, baptism, and, ultimately, motherhood.

     St. Bernard (1090 1153) See How She Loves Us: 50 Approved Apparitions of Our Lady is an amazing collection of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary from best-selling TAN author Joan Carroll Cruz. Ranging across twenty-three countries and two millennia the visions chronicled here show Mary s deep love for mankind, her Son, and the Church. Joan Carroll Cruz has meticulously researched fifty apparitions of Our Lady. Discover lesser known apparitions like Our Lady of La Vang in Vietnam and Our Lady of Las Lajas in Columbia, and learn more about the visions of Mary at Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe. Approved by the local bishops or the Vatican, these miracles show Mary s great love for man, her constant intercession on our behalf, and her role as protector of the Church. Perfect for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, See How She Loves Us sheds light on the many mysteries of the Catholic Church and Catholics love for the Blessed Mother.

    From the very first days of our membership in the Mystical Body of Christ, we are, in essence, commissioned officers in the Church Militant. This Church Militant Field Manual will test you in your resolve to become strong in the Lord and His mighty power. You will also learn the special operations (special ops) techniques and procedures for search and rescue missions of fallen comrades (family and friends whose faith has grown weak). Discover what it means to be "God strong."

    Raniero Cantalamessa offers new reflections on living in the power of the Holy Spirit. From personal conversion to ongoing renewal, his focus is on the source of our strength—the living action of the Spirit. Given to us at baptism and renewed in all the sacraments, the Spirit breathes life daily into the Church and to each believer. This book offers spiritual refreshment to those who are weary, encouraging us all to find restoration and comfort through the Advocate who inspires us.

    Pope Benedict XVI eplains the Apotle's Creed line by line.

    Dawn Eden, internationally known speaker and author of the bestselling The Thrill of the Chaste, tells how the lives of the saints have given her hope and aided her journey of spiritual healing after childhood sexual abuse.

    Aquinas begins his famous Summa Theologiae by getting right to the heart of what every person longs to see: the face of God. With Latin and English side-by-side, this edition is perfect for students, teachers, pastors, or anyone wanting to have a deeper understanding of God.

    Few saints have done this more intentionally than St. Francis of Assisi. He lived the teachings of Jesus, often quite literally, from the time of his conversion until his death. In doing so, he inspired people of his own time as well as millions from his day to our own, to do likewise. By pairing the words and deeds of Francis with the Scripture readings for Lent, "Lent With St. Francis: Daily Reflections" helps readers reflect on how they, too, can live the Gospel in the circumstances of their daily lives. It is written in a simple and engaging style that will draw readers in to the life of Francis, as they grow in their faith and spiritual practice through the inspiration of this beloved saint.

    1193) was the ninth prior of the Grande Chartreuse. His Ladder of Monks is one of the great spiritual classics that has inspired the method of lectio divina -spiritual reading of the Holy Scriptures- since the early Middle Ages. We find its influence, for example, in the reflection of Saint John of the Cross on lectio divina -see: "When God Speaks: Lectio Divina in Saint John of the Cross," and it provides the key to understanding William of Saint-Thierry's "On Contemplation."

    Each of 52 reflections for Eucharistic Adoration—one for each week of the year—features four parts that address the spiritualadvice of St. Clare to gaze, consider, contemplate, and imitate Christ. Each reflection encourages us to: Gaze upon Christ, using a quote from a Franciscan source, primarily the letters of Clare of Assisi, but also the writings of St. Francis.Consider Christ, using a brief reflection that will inspire you to reverence the Real Presence, the Body and Blood of Christ.Contemplate Christ, by praying a few lines that help you go deeply into the spiritual experience of adoration.Imitate Christ in your daily life with a challenge to act like Christ after time spent in adoration.

    This account looks beyond the pretense of neutrality and objectivity often found in secular study, and brings to light the appropriation of scripture by politically motivated interpreters. Questioning the techniques taken for granted at divinity schools worldwide, their origins are traced to the writings of Machiavelli and Marsilio of Padua, the political projects of Henry VIII, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke, and the quest for an empire of science on the part of Descartes and Spinoza. Intellectual and inspiring, an argument is made for bringing Christianity back to biblical literacy.

    In this beautifully illustrated book, Amy Welborn, well-known author and blogger, brings to life the Pope’s words, showing children how only God can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts.

    Here's an unabashedly Catholic history that documents scores of sustained and unprecedented assaults on our Catholic Faith these past five centuries and delineates our Church's brave response to each one.

    Joseph and the Blessed Virgin in silent adoration of the incarnate Son of God.This year, you won’t (as so often happens) arrive at Midnight Mass distracted, exhausted, and frazzled, having neglected your Advent devotions and your ordinary prayers, too. Instead, you’ll find yourself stepping lightly into church, ready and eager to adore the newborn King, your soul what it should be: a fit dwelling place for the Redeemer.Don’t waste another Advent!Let Meditations for Advent keep you prayerful amidst the worst distractions of the holiday season. Let it draw you daily closer to Jesus, whose birth the season celebrates, and whose birth your soul yearns to celebrate, too.

    How should Christians respond? With his illuminating Theology of the Body, Pope John Paul II challenged the modern world not to stop at the surface, but to enter the depth of the “great mystery” that the body and sex reveal: a mystery that lies at the heart of the Gospel itself.Since he first discovered John Paul II’s teaching in 1993, Christopher West has devoted himself to sharing its life-transforming message with the world. In this highly anticipated work, West leads us into the depth of Christ’s “nuptial union” with the Church, demonstrating how authentic Catholic teaching on the body and sex saves us from both the libertine perspective of popular culture and the cold puritanism that has sometimes infected Christianity. In the process, West provides a blueprint for reaching our sexually broken world in the “new evangelization.”

    In the process, she offers us a road to healing that leads us right into the loving embrace of Jesus. Questions for reflection, healing prayers, and a list of resources are also included."Every one of us faces the challenge of forgiving those who have hurt us. This book is a wise guide that will help many people who have been deeply hurt to be transformed so that they can forgive as Jesus does." -Francis MacNutt, PhD, cofounder, Christian Healing Ministries, and author, The Practice of Healing Prayer: A How-To Guide for Catholics"This is a book full of hope and inspiration, rounded out by practical insights and helpful tools. I look forward to recommending this resource to friends and family in my own life and in our reading community." -Lisa M. Hendey, founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and author of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms

    In fact, the images of the "Hidden Mountain" and the "Secret Garden" are ancient metaphors for contemplative prayer, a kind of prayer that begins and ends in faith. This book is especially for those whose prayer is a search for the loving eyes of One who has conquered death. This kind of prayer beholds the wonder of Christ's living but hidden presence in one's highest thoughts and most noble aspirations as well as in one's instinctual urges and deepest longings. The ecstasy of this kind of prayer extends beyond even the vast unexplored horizons of the human heart and opens to an immensity of such excessive mercy that all else is forgotten -- and only love remains. The whole world needs this love: it is the secret garden, the hidden mountain, the inexhaustible riches only prayer knows and an excess of grace only prayer can make known. This is why Blessed John Paul II told the Church not to be afraid to open wide the doors of our hearts to Christ and it is why He told the young people of the world to be proud to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord. For those brave souls who have faithfully open their hearts to the Lord through this discipline of this kind of prayer, every Christian owes you a debt of gratitude. For those who want to join them, this work encourages you along the way -- for the journey you endeavor is at once the most perilous, the most heart-rending and the most wonderful adventure this world has ever known. “Dr. Anthony Lilles has authored an introduction to prayer that is inspiring and encouraging. For those desiring to pray this is a resource that is full of practical advice – written simply and attractively. This book bears the mark of a man – husband, father and teacher – who is not only imbued with the wisdom of the Saints, but who has also, through his own prayer, learned how all of us can, through prayer, foster faith in and love for Jesus and his Gospel.” THOMAS G. WEINANDY, O.F.M., CAP. Executive Director for the Secretariat for Doctrine United States Conference of Catholic Bishops This is a wonderful book. I’ve taught spiritual theology many years and I wish I had had this text use. In fact, I wish I had written this book. It is scriptural, patristic, historical, theological, mystical, experiential and user friendly. Dr. Lilles takes us through the spiritual journey of prayer, citing Fathers and doctors, saints and even sinners to guide us on our Christian way toward contemplation. Weaving many themes into a harmonious whole, he opens up the life of contemplation for all Christians, our baptismal birthright in a way that is accessible and attractive. This is a book one will read more than once. FR. GILES DIMOCK, O.P., S.T.D University Parish of St. Thomas Aquinas At the University of Virginia In this book we find the real meat of the new evangelization. The church in America will not be renewed by “facts about Jesus” but only through one’s choice to let Christ reach the heart and change it from within. It is an ancient message received by only few: Do not be afraid of letting go of what now defines you. Let Christ tell you who you are. Dr. Lilles is one of the ablest guides to lead us through to such a choice. Will I stay with knowledge about Jesus or will I enter the garden of prayer and finally come to know Him!! Do not be afraid to be loved, read this book. DEACON JAMES KEATING, PH.D, Institute for Priestly Formation, Omaha, NE

    In Bilbo's Journey go beyond the dragons, dwarves, and elves, and discover the surprisingly deep meaning of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel The Hobbit. Bilbo's quest to find and slay the dragon Smaug is a riveting tale of daring and heroism, but as renowned Tolkien scholar Joseph Pearce shows, it is not simply Bilbo's journey, it is our journey too. It is the Christian journey of self-sacrifice out of love for others, and abandonment to providence and grace. In Bilbo's Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit you will relive the excitement of Tolkien's classic tale, while discovering the profound Christian meaning that makes The Hobbit a truly timeless adventure.

    by Deborah LipskyForewordThis book was written for priests, religious, and lay people who take spiritual warfare quite seriously and for those who would like to know what spiritual warfare is all about. It was written by someone who could rightly be called an expert in this field because of her many years as a prisoner in a satanic cult. In this book, Deborah Lipsky uses the experiences of her sordid past to help people who are caught up in an occult lifestyle to escape from the slavery of the satanic movement. In so doing, she continues to suffer the attacks and assaults from the “other side”.Deborah’s inspired words of wisdom are also directed to individuals who need to be protected from the “wickedness and snares of the devil”. Her last chapter is a practical guide for those who desire to defend themselves from evil influences that plague our culture as a result of atheism and various attacks on human life.Many priests will be very grateful to Deborah for writing this book, as indeed I am. She writes about things that are not taught in seminaries and are sometimes actually ridiculed. Having worked with Deborah, along with Sr. Francanne, on the production of this book, chapter by chapter, I have come to recognize the awesome respect she has for truth. Because of her autism, it seems that she has a heightened awareness of TRUTH, which has come to her in a number of mystical ways. I shall always appreciate what she has taught me about the spiritual life in general and the spiritual warfare in particular. I hope and pray that you will have a similar experience. Fr. Joseph M. Doyle, SSJWho Should Read This Book?As a recovering Satanist I still battle temptations like so many others caught in addictions of all sorts. With the help of the Blessed Mother and all the Holy Angels in this book I will share some of these struggles and strategies to overcome them so that those who are undergoing similar experiences can take comfort in knowing that they are not alone and that no matter how desperate or how dismal your circumstance may be, Heaven is waiting to assist you. Maybe you aren’t afflicted by the occult but know of someone who is. This is a book that will help you better understand what and who you are up against. There will be strategies throughout this book to help you be victorious in your daily battles against the forces of evil that spend every minute of every day plotting against you whether you are a devout Catholic, born again Christian, agnostic, or even an atheist. Demons don’t discriminate… if you are human and made in the image of God, trust me they will come after you. The key in winning this battle is to know and understand your enemy. It is also my sincere desire that this book reaches the person who is struggling now with trying to break free from occult practices because this book is a message of hope; our God is an all loving God ready to forgive even our most grievous faults. All you have to do is ask. If that seems too simple it is because the devil doesn’t want you to embrace that simple truth because when you do, God WILL take over and help you through the darkness and back into His light.It is important to understand that usually (there are always exceptions to any rule) children don’t say, “When I grow up I want to be a Satanist,” or “There is no God”. More times than not unfortunate life circumstances and/or a personal history of abuse starts this downward spiral into the abyss. Children learn morals or a lack there of from their parents.

    But she often asked herself if her love was pure and authentic. With sensitivity and insig

    This is the authors third book on the topic of temperaments, sharing not only their professional expertise but also their personal life experiences. They have been married for thirty-four years and have four children one each of the four temperament types!

    Young Josef Ratzinger faces a number of challenges growing up in German Bavaria: all he wants to do is learn, but the Nazis keep closing down his schools. His father, Captain Ratzinger, a retired police officer, has been trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazis, but as Josef grows older, Germany moves towards war, and every German youth must serve in the army Hitler has taken over. Little does Josef realize that the plan God has for him goes beyond books and the academy - and even beyond Germany! This graphic novel about the life of Pope Benedict XVI is an expanded version of Gabrielle Gniewek's book that was officially published for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain, and distributed to 300,000 people. Also included is a nine page appendix with fun facts about the Holy Father, his vehicles, and the Swiss Guards.

    Paul Center for Biblical Theology. This volume responds to the call of Pope Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini for a thoughtful return to the Fathers of the Church and how they approached Sacred Scripture. This is not in any way to jettison historical-critical methods and the valuable insights that modern biblical scholarship has brought to light. It is simply to acknowledge what Pope Benedict calls for, a measured return to the interpretive methods employed by the Church Fathers as well as the theology that flowed from their exegetical labors. As he said, "The Church Fathers present a theology that still has great value today because at its heart is the study of sacred Scripture as a whole. Indeed, the Fathers are primarily and essentially commentators on sacred Scripture." Highlights include original articles by Fr. William Kurtz, SJ, Matthew Levering, Father Stephen Ryan, OP, Stephen Hildebrand, Owen Phelan, and Michael Barber, as well as an original translation of Joseph Ratzinger's (Pope Benedict XVI) foundational essay "Vicarious Representation" by Father Jared Wicks, SJ.

    These works have lasted centuries and continue to inspire millions around the world even today!* Now with updated Table-of-Contents! *Every book in this collection has been spell-checked, is fully searchable and is linked with an optimized Table of Contents for easy navigation.Included in this collection are the full texts of:• ON LOVING GOD – by Bernard of Clairvaux (12th Century)• THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING – unknown author (14th Century) ** Featuring updated language **• THE DIALOGUE OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA – by Catherine of Siena (1378 AD)• THE IMITATION OF CHRIST – by Thomas A Kempis (15th Century)• THE INTERIOR CASTLE – by St Teresa of Avila (1577 AD)• THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL – by St John of the Cross (16th Century)• THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – by Brother Lawrence (17th Century)

    Kheriaty that the confessional can't cure neuroses, nor can the couch forgive sin. Healing comes only when we integrate the legitimate discoveries of modern psychology and pharmacology with spiritual direction and the Sacraments, giving particular attention to the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the saints.Here, with the expert help of Dr. Kheriaty, you'll learn how to distinguish depression from similar looking but fundamentally different mental states such as guilt, sloth, the darkness of sin, and the sublime desolation called "dark night of the soul" that is, in fact, a privileged spiritual trial sent to good souls as a special gift from God.You'll come to know how to identify the various types of depression and come to understand the interplay of their often manifold causes, biological, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and, yes, moral.Then you'll learn about exciting breakthroughs in pharmacological and other medical treatments, the benefits and limitations of psychotherapy, the critical place that spiritual direction must have in your healing, and the vital role that hope -- Christian hope -- can play in driving out depression.

    But coming of age and falling deeply in love for the first time in the early 1970's-in the wake of the 60's "sexual revolution" and the historic Roe v. Wade decision-presents true challenges for young people who are trying to live chastely. Grace realizes that without the help of God, the Blessed Mother, and all the saints in Heaven, navigating the thorny path to sainthood would be an almost insurmountable task.

    these are just some of the ways families can bond and deepen their faith, building a "domestic church" of their very own!

    Discover the inspiring story of how a precocious young girl from upstate New York became a servant and apostle to the poor in the jungle missions of Papua New Guinea, and, eventually, a prisoner of the Japanese in World War II."Selfless: The Story of Sr. Theophane's Missionary Life in the Jungles of Papua New Guinea" was written in 1946 by a fellow sister of the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, but it is just now being published for the first time.Long held in anonymity, Sr. Theophane's amazing life of service and apostolic zeal is now finally being revealed to the world. Her story is a breathtaking tale that will inspire a new generation of Catholics to heed the call of service to Christ and others.

    Can Catholic teaching provide answers relevant to your life today? In this book you will find 200 daring questions from young people about God, faith, prayer and morality. Fr. Michel Remery thoughtfully answers them all in Tweets of 140 characters or less, and provides expanded explanations based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible.Fr. Remery shows how faith is logical, even in the 21st century! He introduces you to Jesus, shows you how to pray, and explains the sacraments. He explores some of the more difficult chapters of Church history, and helps you to discover what it means to live a good and purposeful life.This book is ideal for:- young men and women who are curious about the Catholic faith- new Catholics and current catechumens- anyone who wants to share his faith or freshen up his knowledge of the faith- those who want to speak with others about the faithIt is lavishly illustrated with color images on every page of the book.“Combines the timeless teaching of our faith with the best of modern technology.”– @cardinaldolan, Archbishop of New York“Provides a sound, concise summary of Church teaching.” – Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco “Important pages for helping us to become the missionary disciples that we are meant to be.”– Most Rev. Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

    Paul Bible Study for Catholics during the year of St. Paul, Fr. Mitch Pacwa once again leads Catholics to a deeper understanding of Pope Benedict's call to action for the year.Perfect for individual or group study, this book is a wonderful guide to experiencing a conversion, growing in faith, and following Jesus Christ more closely.

    Murray demonstrates how important and relevant for us today are the writings of authors such as Catherine of Siena, John of the Cross, Meister Eckhart, and Teresa of Avila. To the often bewildered hearts and minds of our generation, the writings of these remarkable men and women speak with a unique authority.