"it means letting Christ work in our actions. That His thoughts may be our thoughts, His feelings our feelings, His choices our choices. This is holiness, doing as Christ did is Christian holiness."

    . . .  The Church of Africa is committed in the name of the Lord Jesus to keeping unchanged the teaching of God and of the Church."— Robert Cardinal Sarah In this fascinating autobiographical interview, one of the most prominent and outspoken Catholic Cardinals gives witness to his Christian faith and comments on many current controversial issues. The mission of the Church, the joy of the gospel, the “heresy of activism”, and the definition of marriage are among the topics he discusses with wisdom and eloquence.Robert Cardinal Sarah grew up in Guinea, West Africa. Inspired by the missionary priests who made great sacrifices to bring the Faith to their remote village, his parents became Catholics. Robert discerned a call to the priesthood and entered the seminary at a young age, but due to the oppression of the Church by the government of Guinea, he continued his education outside of his homeland. He studied in France and nearby Senegal. Later he obtained a licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, followed by a licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum of Jerusalem.At the age of thirty-four he became the youngest Bishop in the Catholic Church when John Paul II appointed him the Archbishop of Conakry, Guinea, in 1979. His predecessor had been imprisoned by the Communist government for several years, and when Archbishop Sarah was targeted for assassination John Paul II called him to Rome to be Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. In 2010 Pope Benedict XVI named him Cardinal and appointed him Prefect of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum. Pope Francis made him Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in 2014.

    Michael Gaitley, MIC, reveals St. John Paul II’s witness for our time. Building on the prophetic voices of Margaret Mary Alacoque, Thérèse of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, and Faustina Kowalska, The Second Greatest Story Ever Told is more than a historical account of the Great Mercy Pope. This book expounds on the profound connection between Divine Mercy and Marian consecration. It serves as an inspiration for all those who desire to bear witness to the mercy of God, focused on Christ and formed by Mary. Now is the time of mercy. Now is the time to make John Paul’s story your own.

    John Paul II said, “We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has ever experienced…the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-church, between the gospel and the anti-gospel, between Christ and the Antichrist. The confrontation lies within the plans of Divine Providence. It is, therefore, in God’s Plan, and it must be a trial which the Church must take up, and face courageously...” In this booklet, Ralph Martin takes a look at what Scripture says about the final confrontation and the work of the Evil One. He exposes the lies of the enemy and the truth about Divine Mercy. He also identifies what we must do to face the present trials with courage.

    I don’t know Jesus anywhere near as well as I would like to know him. The desire is there, but life gets in the way. There are times when I seem to be making great progress, and other times when I wonder if I know him at all. But I always arrive back at the same inspiring and haunting idea: If there is one person that we should each get to know in a deeply personal way, it is Jesus – the carpenter from Nazareth, the itinerant preacher, the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Lamb of God, the new Adam, the Messiah, the Alpha and the Omega, the Chosen One, the Light of the World, the God-Man who wants good things for us more than we want them for ourselves, the healer of our souls.

    In 2006, Pope Benedict stressed that "Divine Mercy is not a secondary devotion, but an integral dimension of Christian faith and prayer." Now Pope Francis has proclaimed an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, which will begin on December 8, 2015. These three Popes have made it very clear that Divine Mercy is a major part of the Christian faith, and now this powerful new book reveals why.Best-selling author Vinny Flynn continues his popular "7 Secrets" series with a book that brings him back to his roots. Vinny was one of the original editors of the official English edition of the actual Diary of St. Faustina, and he has written and edited a vast number of the Divine Mercy materials that are used today.Through his "secrets" of Divine Mercy, Vinny shows how Divine Mercy is not just another worthy "private devotion"; it is the key devotion, the umbrella devotion over everything else. Every other devotion in the Church, every ritual, every activity, every teaching is under that umbrella of Divine Mercy. It’s all there to help us understand and enter into Divine Mercy. He shows us how everything in our lives can become more meaningful, more powerful, more life-changing once we really embrace the gift of Divine Mercy — the overflow of love from the Holy Trinity.In this compelling and timely book, Flynn draws from Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and the Diary of St. Faustina to not only reveal the heart of Divine Mercy, but to offer you an invitation and a road map so that this mercy can transform your life.If you're not yet convinced of the impact Divine Mercy can have on your life, if you've never heard of this message and devotion, or if you're curious to learn more about it, this book is perfect for you. It shows us all how to respond to the call of Pope Francis "to live lives shaped by mercy", and benefit greatly from the "Year of Mercy".

    His beautifully written meditations on the passion and the cross invites you to a new understanding of redemption and offers insight into the meaning of your own loss and suffering. Take a journey into the deeper meaning of pain with guidance from a trusted spiritual advisor.The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

    Through stories, domestic insights from Zelie's correspondence, and running commentary on their faith and family, we see in vivid detail how Louis and Zelie created a joyful Catholic home amid the daily stresses of ordinary life with their children.

    Using simple illustrations and the same clear, conversational style that characterized his earlier book, Bergsma introduces four of the most important writers in the New Testament: Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John.With humor and simple illustrations, theology professor John Bergsma focuses on Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John, whose writings comprise about 90 percent of the New Testament. The gospel of Matthew, written for Jewish Christians, illuminates the life and teachings of Christ as the long-promised Messiah. In Luke's gospel, readers will delve into the infancy and Triduum narratives, as well as the Acts of the Apostles and the life of the early Church. This leads the reader to discover St. Paul and his first and arguably greatest theological treatise: Romans. Finally, "the beloved apostle" St. John draws us in to the unsurpassed beauty of the fourth gospel, as well as the most mysterious book of the New Testament: the book of Revelation. A concluding chapter offers suggestions for further study.Intended as an introductory work for those who are new to scripture study, this New Testament book does not aspire to be a comprehensive guide to all twenty-seven books of the New Testament, but is intended to lay the foundation for a lifetime of scripture reading.

    The simple truths of the gospel became so obscured by worldliness and pagan idolatry—kicking off the Dark Ages of Catholicism—that Christianity required a complete reboot. This theory is popular… but it’s also fiction. This idea of a “Great Apostasy” is one of the cornerstones of American Protestantism, along with Mormonism, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and even Islam. Countless millions today profess a faith built on the assumption that the early Church quickly became broken beyond repair, requiring some new prophet or reformer to restore the “pure” teaching of Jesus and the apostles. In The Apostasy that Wasn’t, Rod Bennett follows up his bestseller Four Witnesses with an account of the historical events that led him out of his own belief in apostasy theory and into the Catholic Church. With the touch of a master storyteller, he narrates the drama of the early Church’s fight to preserve Christian orthodoxy intact even as powerful forces try to smash it to pieces. Amid imperial intrigue, military menace, and bitter theological debate, a hero arises in the form of a homely little monk named Athanasius, who stands against the world to prove that there could never be a Great Apostasy—because Jesus promised his Church would never be broken.

     Pope Francis, beloved for his down-to-earth understanding of pastoral life, recommends that this Holy Year become a time for each person to grow rich in "living out in our daily lives the mercy" which God "constantly extends to all of us." Always the pastor of souls, he reminds us that mercy makes demands of us and offers suggestions so that everyone, lay and ordained, may give concrete expression to mercy in words and deeds. In this way we may all become "merciful like the Father," the motto of this extraordinary Holy Year. To deepen our understanding of mercy, the document develops three main themes. First, the theological understanding of mercy is accessibly explained, along with its foundational role in the lives of individuals and in the pastoral ministry of the Church. Secondly, practical suggestions for living out the Holy Year are offered, ranging from making a pilgrimage to refraining from judgment and gossip. Lastly, specific appeals for conversion and the acceptance of God's mercy are made to those involved in corruption on various levels. The Catholic Church's tradition of Holy Years dates back 700 years. Until now, the Church has celebrated 25 jubilees, but only two "extraordinary" jubilees. Pope Francis, with The Face of Mercy, has now proclaimed the third extraordinary jubilee, which will come to a close on November 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King.

    No matter how charred or distorted the fragments, we can always uncover inklings of the Gospel, which can then lead people to God. Through this evocative collection of essays, Father Robert Barron finds those "seeds" in today's most popular films, books, and current events. How do Superman, Gran Torino, and The Hobbit illuminate the figure of Jesus? How does Bob Dylan convey the prophetic overtones of Jeremiah and Isaiah? Where can we detect the ripple of original sin in politics, sports, and the Internet culture? Finding the "seeds of the Word" requires a new vision. This book will train you to see.

    Foley’s Drinking with the Saints.

    We want to believe, as the Centurion did, that God will grant healing, but we wonder. And if we as Catholics have doubts, what does this mean to a hurting world, also in need of healing?In her new book Healing: Bringing God's Gift of Mercy to the World, Mary Healy answers to these questions and more -- Is Jesus still healing people today? Are these healings real and do they last? How do we know if God wants us to pray for healing? Isn't God asking us to endure suffering and hardships instead of asking for healing? How can we pray for healing? Can my broken heart be healed as well as my body? Through the study of Catholic tradition, the lives of the saints, and ordinary people, you'll begin to understand how the message of inward healing is also a message that we as Catholics are empowered to take outward to the world.

    Belet wages war against one of the worst sins of his (and our) time - backbiting - better known to us as detraction (telling the faults of others without cause). Most of us do not realize how evil this sin is. In fact, many of us don't think it's a sin at all. After ruining someone's reputation, or satisfying our anger (and yes, our hatred) by spewing out every bad thing we can say about someone, we justify ourselves by saying, "Well, it's true!" We even think we are acting justly by giving someone what they deserve.. Due to our lack of charity and also to our pride, little do we see things from God's point of view, to whom these are vile sins - a form of hatred of neighbor - a failure to do the two things necessary - to love God and our neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40). In explaining this sin of backbiting, properly called detraction, Fr. Belet quotes the best men of Western Civilization: Aristotle, Plato, Horace, Seneca, Pliny, the Roman Emperor Constantine, King David, Isaiah, Saints James, Luke, Matthew, Paul, John Chrysostom, Jerome, Cassian, Gregory the Great, Augustine, Bernard, Thomas Aquinas, and many others. A very helpful book for those who wish to know to meaning of backbiting---and how to avoid it.

    The Devil plots to defeat you. Meet some battle-tested warriors who fight at your side.Satan is real. He’s a formidable foe who wants to snatch us away from God, and the thought of doing battle with him can seem daunting.Even so, the saints who have gone before us have engaged the Devil, armed with the power of Christ … and emerged victorious! These fellow warriors in heaven now fight on our behalf. In Saints Who Battled Satan, Paul Thigpen, author of Manual for Spiritual Warfare, details the heroic combat of 17 saints who defeated the Enemy.In Saints Who Battled Satan, discover:How Satan attacks us through extraordinary assaults and everyday temptations. How these 17 saints used prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and other spiritual weapons against the Enemy.How the virtues served these saints as combat armor. How these victorious saints now offer their aid to those of us still battling on earth.Read the inspiring and triumphant stories of Padre Pio, Francis of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, John Vianney, and a dozen other saints who battled Satan. You’ll find the strength, the courage, and the faith to win your own war against the Enemy.

    The word "sloth," however, can be misleading, for acedia is not laziness; in fact it can manifest as busyness or activism. Rather, acedia is a gloomy combination of weariness, sadness, and a lack of purposefulness. It robs a person of his capacity for joy and leaves him feeling empty, or void of meaningAbbot Nault says that acedia is the most oppressive of demons. Although its name harkens back to antiquity and the Middle Ages, and seems to have been largely forgotten, acedia is experienced by countless modern people who describe their condition as depression, melancholy, burn-out, or even mid-life crisis.He begins his study of acedia by tracing the wisdom of the Church on the subject from the Desert Fathers to Saint Thomas Aquinas. He shows how acedia afflicts persons in all states of life-- priests, religious, and married or single laymen. He details not only the symptoms and effects of acedia, but also remedies for it.

    His life is senseless if love is not revealed to him, if he does not encounter love, if he does not experience it and make it his own, if he does not participate intimately in it. — John Paul II, Redemptor HominisIf you were asked what immediately comes to mind when you hear the words "Catholic Church", would you answer "an intimate relationship with the God who loves me"?If not, you would do well to read this engaging and thought-provoking book which explains why such a relationship is the reason for everything the Church does and teaches. Professor Edward Sri will show you how all the pieces of the Catholic faith, including the most baffling ones, fit together to make one beautiful mosaic of God's love for us and our own participation in that all-encompassing love.Using the Catechism of the Catholic Church as his itinerary, Sri will walk you through all the important aspects of the Catholic Church—what Catholics believe about God and the difference it should make in life. Along the way he addresses such often-heard questions as:Why do I need the Church—can't I be spiritual on my own?Isn't one religion just as good as another?How is the death of a man two thousand years ago relevant for my life today?Why does the Church talk so much about morality? Can't I make up my own morals?Is it really our responsibility to care for the poor— doesn't God help those who help themselves?Why do Catholics and Protestants disagree? Must Catholics worship Mary and always obey the pope?More than an intellectual enterprise, this work is also a deep spiritual reflection and a practical guide to living out our faith in Christ. It aims to form both the head and the heart, not only helping us to understand Jesus and his plan of salvation, but inspiring us to love God and our neighbor better.

    Increasingly scholars see the importance of putting historical analysis of the scriptural texts in dialogue with theology, spirituality, and the dogmatic tradition. Francis Martin and William Wright have produced just such a reading of the Gospel of John. Their commentary is textured, smart, accessible, and spiritually alert. I would recommend it to novices and scholars alike."--Robert Barron, rector/president, Mundelein Seminary"Commentaries on John are beyond counting. But amid the many books devoted to this great Gospel, this volume stands out for its easy accessibility, academic thoroughness, and enthusiastic support of the Roman Catholic tradition, its liturgical calendar, and its teachings. Abundant fascinating sidebars draw the reader back in time to both the biblical world and the great voices of the Catholic Church. An ideal commentary for lay leaders, teachers, and priests in the Catholic tradition."--Gary M. Burge, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate SchoolPraise for the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture"The Word of God is the source of Christian life, and the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is an ideal tool for living our faith more deeply. This extraordinary resource 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 Philadelphia"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 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 VirginiaFor more information on the series, visit www.CatholicScriptureCommentary.com

    The explanation for this current fixation seems to lie in the contrary phenomenon—unhappiness. Despite the fact that we have tremendous access to every imaginable form of entertainment, we experience a pervading sense of insecurity, emptiness, and malaise amid sporadic peak experiences.The problem seems to lie less in the external environment than in the internal one. We seem, in the words of Viktor Frankl, to be suffering from an absence of meaning that pervades both individuals and societies, giving rise to a collective emptiness, loneliness, and alienation.Finding True Happiness attempts to provide a way out of this personal and cultural vacuum by helping people to identify and then reach for happiness. As Aristotle noted 2,400 years ago, happiness is the one thing we can choose for its own sake—everything else is chosen for the sake of happiness.After an exhaustive investigation of philosophical, psychological, and theological systems of happiness, author Fr. Spitzer developed the “Four Levels of Happiness”, which he based on the classical thinkers Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas; the contemporary philosophers Marcel, Scheler, Buber, Ricoeur, and Jaspers; and the modern psychologists Maslow, Frankl, Erikson, Seligman, Kohlberg and Gilligan.Finding True Happiness is both a philosophical itinerary and a practical guidebook for life’s most important journey—from the mundane and the meaningless to transcendent fulfillment No other book currently available combines such breadth of practical advice and such depth of philosophical, psychological, and spiritual wisdom.

    Yet these accounts, both by the Gospel writers and by Paul, are widely neglected by contemporary Jesus research.   In this book Pitre fills a notable gap in historical Jesus research as he offers a rigorous, up-to-date study of the historical Jesus and the Last Supper. Situating the Last Supper in the triple contexts of ancient Judaism, the life of Jesus, and early Christianity, Pitre brings to light crucial insights into major issues driving the quest for Jesus. His Jesus and the Last Supper is sure to ignite scholarly discussion and debate.

    Reading her biography, we get to know Lucia intimately through the eyes of the Carmelite Sisters who shared in her daily life for 57 years at the Carmel in Coimbra, Portugal. Drawing upon Sister Lucia's oral narrations, letters and writings, including private notes never before published, readers will experience her pathway of joys and sufferings as she fulfilled the mission given her. Through her simple trust and great love for the Hidden Jesus and the Lady brighter than the sun, Lucia shows us how to live the Message of Fatima, a plan of peace and salvation for the whole world, still relevant today.

    False accusations.... A coded message.... When all they can see is each other's flaws, how can Jake and Sophie work together to figure out what's really been happening at the abandoned silver mine?Follow Sophie and Jake into secret tunnels as they unravel the mystery and challenge each other to become who God wants them to be.2016 First Place Catholic Press Association Book Award2016 Silver Medal Illumination Christian Book Award2018 Gold Medal Reader's Favorite Book Award

    Blogger and author Sarah Reinhard invited forty of the most popular Catholic voices, including Lisa M. Hendey, Lisa Mladinich, and Brandon Vogt, to write a brief reflection on one word of the Hail Mary.In Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary, popular Catholic author Sarah Reinhard compiled an accessible, profound, and unique meditation on each word of the Hail Mary, one of the most important prayer traditions in Catholic life. Each of the reflections encourages readers to “slow down” with the Hail Mary and experience previously unseen dimension in the popular devotion, making it come to life in a new way. This unique, formative, and informative exploration of the beloved prayer is a gift to anyone who wants to be continually changed through it—learning to slow down and examine things more closely. The book is based on a blog series Reinhard facilitated with popular Catholic writers and social media experts, including Lisa M. Hendey, Brandon Vogt, Paula Huston, Kate Wicker, Pat Gohn, Kevin Lowry, Lisa Mladinich, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Fr. Patrick Toner, and Jeff Young.

    Now he has declared an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, a holy year beginning on December 8, 2015 and lasting until the feast of Christ the King on November 20, 2016. This faith-sharing guide will give readers, and even entire parishes, an opportunity to participate in this holy year in a meaningful way.Each of the eight sessions features a Gospel passage followed by a homily on that passage given by Pope Francis. Questions for reflection and discussion focus on both the Scripture text and the homily. Related Scripture passages are included, as well as an action step that can be used to grow in the practice and understanding of God s mercy.

    In these pages, Fr. George Rutler — acclaimed author and EWTN television host — unveils these deceptively simple stories, showing you their hidden meanings and how they apply to our own age and way of life.

    Bernard of Clairvaux still ring true: “Of Mary, there is never enough!” She is a mystery that faithful Christians seek to understand more fully, an ocean “full of grace” still awaiting deeper exploration. In A Year with Mary: Daily Meditations on the Mother of God , best-selling Catholic author Paul Thigpen sets sail on that ocean, using as his map the profound insights of saints and other spiritual writers. These 365 reflections, drawn from their writings, reveal Mary’s role in God’s plan, the virtues she so perfectly models, and the rich benefits of Marian devotion. Premium Ultrasoft with two-tone sewn binding, ribbon marker and gold edges.

    In this book, you'll find 51 one-minute teachings about the Catholic Mass. From the names of the vessels and vestments to the deeper meaning behind the rituals and gestures, this book will help Catholics and non-Catholics alike come to a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of the Mass...in a minute!

    He became noted for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation. He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR: INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE TREATISE ON THE LOVE OF GOD THE CATHOLIC CONTROVERSY THE SPIRITUAL CONFERENCES PRACTICAL PIETY THE CONSOLING THOUGHTS OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES THE SECRET OF SANCTITY LETTERS TO PERSONS IN THE WORLD LETTERS TO PERSONS IN RELIGION THE SPIRITUAL MAXIMS OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES THE MYSTICAL EXPLANATION OF THE CANTICLE OF CANTICLES BOOKS ABOUT THE AUTHOR: THE SPIRIT OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES by Jean-Pierre Camus MONTH OF MARY: ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF SAINT DE SALES by Don Gaspar Gilli A MAN OF GOOD ZEAL: A BIOGRAPHICAL NOVEL BASED ON THE LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES by John Edward Beahn SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL’S DEPOSITIONS: IN THE CAUSE OF THE BEATIFICATION AND CANONISATION OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES by Saint Jane Frances de Chantal SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES by Various PUBLISHER: CATHOLIC WAY PUBLISHING

    Mike Driscoll answers all these questions and more. Drawing on his experience as a priest and counselor, and on his research with exorcists, Fr. Driscoll clears up many popular misconceptions about demons and the spirit world and offers sound information and pastoral advice rooted in Catholic tradition, including:•What we know about demons from history, Scripture, and Church teaching•How to tell whether personal problems come from mental illnesses or demonic attacks•What exorcists actually do—and don’t do—when they help people suffering possession•Why homemade “deliverance ministries” are not a truly Catholic way to counter the influence of demons•Authentic prayers and practices that will make evil spirits flee—and invite God’s grace into your heartThe devil has designs on our soul and hosts of wickedness who want to win it for him. Know your enemy—read Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment and prepare yourself for the fight.

    We want to know! We want to know the purpose of our life, why we are here on earth, where we came from, whether there is a God, who this God is, whether there is an afterlife, and so much more! These most basic and fundamental questions are hopefully in the forefront of our minds. And if they are not, it's never too late to start! This book offers some of the answers to these questions. It offers the answers found is our Creed. At first, the Creed can seem dry and unimpressive. It can even seem confusing and overly academic. But when properly understood, the Creed holds the answer to the questions we so deeply seek.

    

     Each day of the week, a different way to experience and live the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy: - Poetry that helps you contemplate the miracle of mercy (Sundays) - Meditations from saints and spiritual masters who share their profound insights into this divine gift (Mondays) - Profiles of saints whose lives exemplify extraordinary witness to mercy (Tuesdays) - Teachings of the Catholic Church that explain and highlight this virtue (Wednesdays) - Stories and testimonies of people who have chosen the path of mercy, including non-canonized faithful, literary figures, and victims of tragedy (Thursdays) - Reflections on essential Scripture passages that reveal God’s merciful nature (Fridays) - Devotions and prayers that draw us closer to God’s merciful heart (Saturdays) A practical way for individuals, families, and parishes to walk with the Church in this year-long celebration. An excellent resource to encourage ongoing conversion and fruitful discussions at home, in parish groups, in schools, and in RCIA.

    This one-year devotional for women provides you with godly wisdom and insight to strengthen your faith and encourage your heart. Spend a few quiet moments in the presence of God each day, and be refreshed as you find the hope, peace, joy, and strength that is abundant there.

    Joseph.After the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is no saint in the Catholic Church who is more highly honoured than St. Joseph.Devotion to St. Joseph is meant to complement devotion to Our Lady. This little book will help readers learn more about the foster father of Jesus. It is also a guide for preparing readers to entrust themselves to St. Joseph. When we entrust ourselves to St. Joseph, we are imitating Jesus and Mary who entrusted themselves to this just man.

    We ask it when we run out of answers to our problems. We ask it when we face big decisions. We ask it when we get out of bed in the morning: How should I live this day as well as I can?We can find answers through learning the art of discernment-the wisdom that enables us to see and interpret the leading of the Holy Spirit as it is manifested in the inner lives of our hearts. The great master of this art was St. Ignatius Loyola, author of The Spiritual Exercises, who believed that the ability to discern the spirits is one of the most important skills a Christian could have. Ignatius believed that the answer to the question "What Should I Do?" is found in the shifting sea of feelings, insights, leadings, and intuitions of our affective lives. What Do You Really Want? shows us how to understand these emotions and use what we learn to make the choices that best serve God and bring his love to the people in our lives. It shows the truth of one of Ignatius's greatest insights-that when we find what we really want, we find what God wants too, because the deepest desires of our hearts were placed there by God.

    He has infused what some consider a staid institution with openness and optimism. He has faced off against established power interests within the Vatican. He has reformed the Church’s finances. And, most importantly, he has asked that Catholics approach one another and non-Catholics with candor, humility, and love. He has made the papacy and the Church relevant once again.A pope of the people, Pope Francis’ teachings have been praised and shared by the faithful and nonreligious alike. Exploring themes such as faith and prayer, love and family, peace and poverty, this collection is accessible to all who admire the man and are inspired by his wisdom. Included in this gift-format edition are fifteen chapters on wide-ranging topics including:On FamilyOn the Law of LoveOn the Nature of GodOn Humility and FaithOn Sacrifice and SufferingOn PrayerOn Peace

    We know that with Jesus life becomes richer."-Pope Francis, The Joy of the GospelIn her first book, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, Sherry Weddell, cofounder of the Catherine of Siena Institute, captured the attention of Catholics across the globe as she uncovered the life-changing power that accompanies the conscious decision to follow Jesus as his disciple.Now, in the groundbreaking Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples, she has gathered together experienced leaders and collaborators whose exceptional field-tested wisdom and enthusiasm for transforming Catholic parishes into centers of discipleship and apostolic outreach is both inspiring and practical.The authors consider: The role of intercessory prayer in parish transformation How "fireside chats" can help a pastor connect with his parishioners and call them to personal discipleship and mission The co-responsibility of lay people andpastors in the work of making disciples The revolutionary impact of a discipleship approach to youth ministry How one parish successfully fostered a culture of intentional discipleship, and much more As Sherry asks in her own chapter, "Are we willing to answer the call and pay the price necessary to become a new generation of saints through which God can do extraordinary things in our time?"

    While she has entranced and encouraged Mexican Catholics for several centuries, believers and even nonbelievers the world over are inspired and intrigued by her. Millions of pilgrims visit her shrine in Mexico City every year. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have travelled there to pray for her motherly intercession. And scientists from many disciplines have studied the amazing attributes of her mysterious image.In this glorious, lavishly illustrated book, the renowned author-photographer team Grzegorz Górny and Janusz Rosikon take the reader on an illustrated pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. They tell the amazing story of her apparition to Juan Diego in 1531 and its dramatic impact upon the destiny of an entire people. They interview the various experts on the image and reveal its symbolic messages, those of the past and those speaking to us today.

    The moving story of a simple parish priest from Oklahoma who would not abandon his Guatamalan parish and was martyred during the Guatamalan civil war at the age of 46.

    Embedded with the Pope inside the Vatican for 6 months, award-winning photographer David Yoder captures intimate moments in never-before-seen photographs presented here for the first time--including in the Sistine Chapel with the Pope alone on Christmas Day. These extraordinary images reveal the majesty and splendor of the Vatican alongside the humbleness of the man changing it--a compelling juxtaposition. The pontiff's public life and personal crusades are exposed as never before, as well as the inner workings of the Vatican--a uniquely powerful state.Complementary essays by acclaimed journalist and author Robert Draper--drawn from interviews around the world with many who had never spoken publicly before--insightfully cover Pope Francis's personal story, his journey to the papacy, and the heart of his ministry. The book also features a timeline, maps, and Pope Francis's most inspiring words of wisdom. The "people's Pope" has electrified the world with his message of mercy and humility, energizing the Catholic Church and appealing to people of every faith. National Geographic's vivid reporting and world-class photography present a captivating view of Pope Francis and his remarkable papacy. This glorious celebration of the new pontiff is timed to coincide with his first visit to the U.S. and is a lasting keepsake of a historic event.

    Following his successful Thomas Aquinas in 50 Pages, Taylor Marshall, PhD provides a fun and short introduction to Saint Augustine of Hippo and his influence on the Catholic Church, the Protestant Reformation, and Christian Theology.

    Says, "Impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part." A treasure; filled with insights. Buy copies with confidence for all your friends!

    Faith wants so badly to make new friends. She wants to feel like she belongs in her new surroundings. It all can’t happen fast enough for Faith. Journey with Faith as she struggles to make new friends; yet, learns the value of the virtue of patience in the process.

    An Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men, my Spiritual Sons in theDiocese of Phoenix

    In addition to our own suffering, we also encounter the suffering of those around us. While the world of medicine attempts to relieve suffering and the media tries to sell us on a life without pain, only the Church offers the perspective that suffering has meaning. St. John Paul II  said that suffering without meaning can lead to despair, but if we can attach meaning to our suffering, we are capable of going through anything.When You Suffer is a refreshing look at the mystery of pain and suffering and how to find meaning and even joy in the midst of it. Jeff Cavins discusses why we suffer and how our suffering can draw us closer to God. He explains that suffering is the greatest opportunity to love as Christ loves and how, by “offering up” our suffering, we join in Christ’s mission to redeem the world.

    Disarming Beauty is the English translation of an engaging and thought-provoking collection of essays by one of the principal Catholic leaders and intellectuals in the world today. Adapted from talks given by Fr. Carrón, these essays have been thoroughly reworked by the author to offer an organic presentation of a decade-long journey. They present the content of his elaboration of the gospel message in light of the tradition of Fr. Giussani, the teachings of the popes, and the urgent needs of contemporary people. Carrón offers a broad diagnosis of challenges in society and then introduces their implications in contexts such as families, schools, workplaces, and political communities. In a dialogue with his listeners, he inspires and encourages them to lay out a new path for the Catholic church and the world. Throughout his essays, Carrón addresses the most pressing questions facing theologians today and provides insights that will interest everyone, from the most devout to the firm nonbeliever. Grappling with the interaction of Christian faith and modern culture, Carrón treats in very real and concrete ways what is essential to maintaining and developing Christian faith, and he invites an ongoing conversation about the meaning of faith, truth, and freedom.

    Gregory Popcak.  “Not THE God—omnipresent, all-knowing, all-powerful—but a god in the classic sense. That is to say, you woke to find that you were perfect, immortal, utterly confident in who you are, where you were going in life, and how you were going to get there. It might seem ridiculous to consider at first, but allow yourself to imagine this truly miraculous transformation.  What would it be like to live without fear? How would it feel to be completely at peace with yourself and the people in your life? Imagine what it would be like to be able to resolve—once and for all—the tension that currently exists between all your competing feelings, impulses, desires, and demands. What would change in your life as a result of your having become that sort of divinely actualized person?” Bold questions are in need of bold answers. And in Broken Gods, a work that is both practical and inspirational, Dr. Greg explores what our deepest desires--and even our darkest desires-- tell us about our ultimate destiny and reveals a commonsense approach to fulfilling our true purpose in life.

    

    Since the seventeenth century, Catholics facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles have turned to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots through a special novena-nine days of prayer for divine intervention. Catholic columnist Marge Fenelon resurrects this ancient tradition, also known as the Unfailing Novena, by reflecting on nine sacred sites associated with Pope Francis's 2014 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Reflecting on such holy places as Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, and the Temple Mount, Fenelon helps readers explore the "knots" or impossible situations in their own lives in order to find peace.

    A chapter on the Council describes in detail how Pope Paul VI diverted it by placing it under the exclusive control of European liberals. An equally close study is devoted to the liturgical "reform" entrusted by the same pope to a group of radicals whose work undermined the spiritual and devotional legacy of the faithful. The loss of orthodox teaching and the disorientation following upon these changes produced a grave crisis in both clergy and laity, but the movement of return to tradition visible today promises a revival of the full Catholic life of the Church. Catholic readers now have a complete and eminently accessible account of the last 50 years of momentous changes in the Church, right up to the pontificates of Benedict XVI and Francis I. "This wide-ranging account of the self-destruction of the Roman Catholic Church and its identification of her only realistic route back to the land of the living simultaneously strikes a blow at history's two most prevalent temptations: rejection or twisting of evidence in the service of an ideological thesis, and honest dedication to intense research on subjects whose ultimate existential value the 'unbiased' historian somehow fears to reveal to his readers. Henry Sire courageously shuts no doors and stifles no evidence, employing a passionate and lively prose that leaves no doubt regarding his sense of the crucial moral and cultural importance of his topic."--JOHN RAO, author of Black Legends and the Light of the World and Removing the Blindfold"For Catholics feeling lost at sea as a result of the turbulent crisis tossing and flooding the Barque of Peter, Henry Sire's work identifies clear landmarks to steady our gaze. He situates the present disarray within the larger historical context of the Arian heresy and Protestant revolution, and points to the buoys of tradition--liturgical, doctrinal, and philosophical--as sure guides to our way out. Sire distills entire epochs of history, from the first centuries of the Church through the current pontificate, into a highly readable and thought-provoking story. In the course of his tale he exposes the radical progressivism of the Second Vatican Council and its after-effects as well as the tepid conservatism of the Reform of the Reform and the Hermeneutic of Continuity."--BRIAN M. MCCALL, author of To Build the City of God"Historian H.J.A. Sire has compiled a balanced assessment of the revolution in the Roman Catholic Church. His mastery of the material is complete. The book flows along easily and readers will finish it confident that they have a comprehensive understanding of the last 60 years in the Church."--ROGER MCCAFFREY, President, Roman Catholic Books"Thanks to Henry Sire's penetrating book, we have some profound answers to nagging questions. How did the West end up so quickly in a post-Christian age, when only decades ago one could still speak of a Christian culture? How did we go from the seemingly healthy Roman Catholic Church of the 1950s to the mass apostasy and grave scandals of recent years? As Sire shows, the antecedents go back quite far, in fact many centuries, but the possibility of healing and regeneration is not as remote as we think."--STEPHEN KLIMCZUK-MASSION, Senior Adviser, Hildebrand ProjectH.J.A. SIRE was born in 1949 in Barcelona of a family of French ancestry and was educated in England, at Stonyhurst College and at Exeter College, Oxford, where he took a degree in Modern History. He has written several books on subjects of Catholic history and biography and currently lives in Rome, where he works professionally as a historian.

    In this life, all of us are suspended between heaven and hell. Few people understand what Jesus did or how it affects us. Worse yet, there are endless squabbles between Christians of different persuasions, leading to confusion on a massive scale. In this book, Jimmy Akin uses his expertise in Scripture and Church teaching to cut through the confusion and provide clear answers on important issues like: • What we need to do to be saved • Whether salvation is a one-time event or a process • Whether penance is part of God’s plan • What indulgences are • How faith and works relate • What the Church teaches about justification • How far apart Protestants and Catholics are on this question • Whether you have to be a Catholic (or a Christian) to be saved No other book takes on these questions with the clarity and precision that Akin brings to them…and the answer will affect you and those you love . . . forever.

    Unlike other books that simply present God's design for human sexuality, Freedom guides a young man on his journey to sexual purity and freedom in Jesus Christ.Topics include:The crisis of manhood facing our modern cultureWhy true masculinity is rooted in sexual purity, virtue, and sacrificial loveHow to heal from sexual addiction through a deeper relationship with the Holy SpiritA step-by-step process for developing the disciplines needed to win the battle against temptationCast off the shackles of impurity and find freedom by pursuing authentic love. Learn to become a man of virtue and the man God created you to be.

    "A Friar's Tale is an inspiring, moving, and sometimes humorous biography that invites readers to immerse themselves in the fascinating details of a remarkable life, one animated by faith and devoted to love"--

    In this volume, Barron sets forth a thoroughgoing vision for an evangelical catholic theology that is steeped in the tradition and engaged with the contemporary world. Striking a balance between academic rigor and accessibility, the book covers issues of perennial interest in the twenty-first-century church: who God is, how to rightly worship him, and how his followers engage contemporary culture. Topics include the doctrine of God, Catholic theology, philosophy, liturgy, and evangelizing the culture. This work will be of special interest to readers concerned about the so-called "new atheism."

    In this addition to the series, highly acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Robert Barron offers a theological exegesis of 2 Samuel. He highlights three major themes: God's non-competitive transcendence, the play between divine and non-divine causality, and the role of Old Testament kingship. As with other volumes in the series, this book is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

    These unedited letters of Teresa of Avila to her friends offer a rare window from which to gaze upon the Saint’s genuine witness and pragmatic advice on pursuing an intimate friendship with God. Dan Burke and Anthony Lilles provide rich reflections to encourage a deeper and more prayerful reading of these fascinating letters to those who want to sit at the feet of this great doctor of the interior life. About the series: Dan Burke’s Navigating series brings the wisdom of the saints into your hands. This series is a goldmine for Catholics to deepen your relationship with God and to grow into a deeper union with Jesus Christ. About the author: Dan Burke is the executive director of EWTN’s National Catholic Register. His award-winning blog, SpiritualDirection.com, has helped hundreds of thousands seeking faithful Catholic spirituality. Anthony Lilles is an author, theologian, and academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA and Juan Diego House for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. His doctoral work was dedicated to the wisdom of the saints and mystics of the Church.

    Return To Paradise is the story of a physical detour that turns in to a spiritual journey. A detour and a freak accident result in David finding himself in the small farming community of Spring River. Is David's arrival in Spring River purely happenstance, or is there a reason for him to be there? As David learns more about the corrupt practices of the local bank he must decide what role, if any, he will play in trying to stop the foreclosures. Complicating his decision is Sarah, a local waitress. With plans to only be in town a couple of days, David knows that Sarah will likely be just a passing acquaintance. But is that all she really is to him? Through prayer and faith, the town of Spring River is given new hope. Through prayer and learning to surrender to God's will, David is shown the path that God has for him.

    Therese of Lisieux. This study guide helps you explore her teachings more deeply while inspiring you to integrate them into your daily lives. Although this guide is published primarily for book clubs and small group discussions, individuals will find it to be an important resource for deepening their spiritual life. By using this study guide and reading I Believe in Love, you will embark on the way to the Father and learn how to focus on Him throughout each day, rest in him amid your troubles, and live joyfully with Him at every moment! A Leader's Edition is also available.

    - Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium, or The Joy of the GospelThis Advent, prepare to celebrate Jesus' arrival as an infant born into poverty in the small village of Bethlehem. He brings us the good news that God loves us and calls us to give of ourselves to others. Let the example of Pope Francis, as he models the humility and generosity of our Savior, inspire you. Reflect on the pope's teachings, accompanied by Scripture, prayer, and action. Then go out and share the message: Jesus Christ is born!

    If the world of nature needs a designer, they ask, then why wouldn't the designer itself need a designer, too? Or if it can exist without any designer behind it, then why can't we just say the same for the universe and wash our hands of a designer altogether?Interweaving its pursuit of the First Cause with personal stories and humor, this ground-breaking book takes a fresh approach to ultimate questions. While attentive to empirical science, it builds its case not on authoritative pronouncements of experts that readers must take on faith, but instead on a nuanced understanding of universal principles implicit in everyone's experience.Here is essential reading for all people who care about contemplating God, not exclusively as a best-explanation for the findings of science, but also as the surprising-yet-inevitable implication of our commonsense contact with reality. Augros harnesses such intellects as Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas, ushering into the light a wealth of powerful inferences that have hitherto received little or no public exposure. The result is an easygoing yet extraordinary journey, beginning from the world as we all encounter it and ending in the divine mind.

    With a new introduction and conclusion, as well as a foreword by author Simcha Fisher, Like Living Among Scorpions is a fresh look at the most popular humorous posts that chronicle Jen's attempts to keep her sanity while managing a house full of babies and scorpions. Longtime readers will love reliving these moments with Jen, and new readers will enjoy this introduction to her unique perspective on life.

    

    Sheen (18951979), whose radio and television broadcasts, including Life Is Worth Living, have reached millions of homes since the 1950s. With more than thirty of his works still in print, Sheen is one of the most beloved Catholic evangelists of all time.

    They need to listen to the stories of those who experience SSA and the stories of those who have accompanied them on their journeys. They also need to ground their responses in a genuine Christian understanding of the human person and of human sexuality.This volume includes essays that lay out the Christian view of the human person and of human sexuality, essays that challenge the bifurcation of sexualities into "heterosexual" and "homosexual".  Topics include an explanation of the meaning of the word "disorder", a discussion of the therapeutic power of friendship, and an application of Saint John Paul II’s personalism to the question of same-sex attraction.  Psychologists and counselors explain various ways of affirming those who experience SSA and of leading them to experience the power of Christ’s healing love. Several of those who experience SSA tell their touching and inspiring stories.

    Most of us won't get to heaven through heroic feats of sanctity, but by learning to live the devout life through our everyday activities.St. Francis de Sales has developed for you a spiritual plan of action - a plan that will help you acquire holiness despite the many responsibilities and mundane realities that take up all your time and effort.In these pages, Fr. Thomas Dailey - an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales - gently guides you through St. Francis de Sales's spiritual plan, showing how you can balance time devoted to God with the time needed to complete your many tasks each day. You'll learn St. Francis de Sales's technique of daily prayer and grace-filled awareness that will transform your life one day at a time - no matter how busy your lifestyle.From making a spiritual retreat during the day to fending off the many temptations you face, Live Today Well will help you commune with God throughout your day. And by practicing the little virtues you learn here, you'll soon find yourself moving toward the heavenly heights as you become the saint you are called by God to be.You'll also learn:-Four ways to become aware of God's presence-Tips for spiritual time-management-Simple methods of praying, whether in Church or notHow to avoid the three dangerous tendencies that appear in conversationsHow to conquer your greatest temptations-The one virtue which gives greatest assurance for reaching perfection-The two critical elements of any good confession

    For many people it has negative connotations, but for the Carthusian monks it is a blessing. They have given up everything in order to share in the desert experience of Jesus and to continue the ancient traditions of the Desert Fathers, who searched for God in the realms of silence. When Silence Speaks uncovers the deep spiritual foundations on which this remarkable and mysterious order of hermits has built for more than nine centuries: solitude and silence, separation and simplicity, contemplation and prayer, asceticism and perseverance. It includes an anthology of the original spiritual literature of the Carthusian tradition, the testimonies of monks who still follow the Carthusian way today, and a selection of photographs that provide a rare window into their world away from the world. ‘To understand what is almost incomprehensible,’ writes author Tim Peeters, ‘we will take a walk with Saint Bruno and the Carthusian monks. We will climb into the high mountains of the Chartreuse massif near Grenoble [in France] where the origins of the order are situated. We will watch over the walls of the monasteries and enter into the cells and the hearts of the monks. And we hope you will taste something of the ultimate goal of this solitary and silent life: God, who speaks when the Carthusian listens and keeps quiet.’ The original Dutch version of this book received the award for Religious Book of the Year in Belgium. It has also been published in French and Italian.

    

    Ltd. from the Third revised edition. It is fully edited with linked footnotes and a detailed table of contents. “A Manual of Catholic Theology” is Joseph Wilhelm and Thomas B. Scannell’s classic two-volume English adaptation of Joseph Scheeben’s “Dogmatik.” In his preface Cardinal Manning quotes St. Anselm, saying, “. . . the right order of things requires that we should first believe the deep things of the Christian faith before we presume to discuss them by reason, so it seems to me to be negligence if . . . we do not study to understand what we believe.” This work addresses this negligence by scientifically examining the first principles of faith. Originally begun by Scheeben in 1873, it takes the fundamentals of the Christian faith and sorts through them with a fine philosophical knife. Volume one covers the epistemology of faith and the nature of God, while volume two covers the narrative of the Gospel: fall, redemption, grace, the Church, and the new creation. Scheeben (1835 - 1888) is considered the greatest dogmatic theologian of the nineteenth century; a most illustrious theologian of prodigious learning, of sure and profound judgment, of eminently speculative gifts; and possessing extraordinary profundity, originality, and wide erudition. A thinker of the first order with an exceptional genius for speculation, he was deeply versed in patristic as well as Scholastic theology, resulting in his rediscovery of the Greek Fathers, one of Scheeben's greatest achievement. As the indefatigable defender of traditional doctrines against the rationalists, he played an important part in the resurgence of Scholastic studies in his native Germany. He can rightly be regarded as a pillar and an unflagging apologist of the Church. His undertaking was to uncover again the glorious life that is the right of all Catholics. His objective was not to conduct men to the temple of Catholic faith by a chain of lengthy deductions, and there bid them marvel at the facade; he wished to lead them inside and enable them to live the life that is possible there alone.

    The perfect book for every little (and not so little one!) on your list! Marian apparitions featured in the book are: Our Lady of Guadalupe; Our Lady of China; Our Lady of Knock; Our Lady of Fatima; Our Lady of Vailankanni; Our Lady of Aparecida; Our Lady of Czestochowa; Our Lady of Kibeho; Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Our Lady of Lourdes; Our Lady of Charity (Cuba)

    Peter's Basilica, and various other buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Catholic Church. It has done so for nearly two millennium ever since the first Pope, St. Peter, made it his home. Thousands of Catholics flock to the Vatican and its iconic basilica each year. But what do you really know about this great basilica and the city that houses it? Here, Father Jeffrey Kirby takes you on a whirlwind tour of this little country (yes, Vatican City is its own country, Fact # 2) and uncovers the secrets and surprising facts about the city, and its famous church. Discover what language degree you need to work a Vatican ATM, what archi tectural feature of St. Peter’s is a map of the universe, and even what the pope’s license plate number is. Along the way, you’ll find the deep theological meaning woven into the design and architectural features of St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican. Whether you’ve already been to Rome or are still planning your first trip, 101 Surprising Facts About the Vatican will transport you to Basilica and City at the heart of the Catholic Church and enable you to appreciate them like never before.

    We bury ourselves in pursuits big and small, afraid to face the shame, unworthiness or loneliness echoing in the silence of a question unasked.Yet something in us needs to know. We long to feel that we are unconditionally, extravagantly, irresistibly loved. This book is your invitation to experience that lavish love finally and fully. In these pages you will begin a journey of discovering the good news Jesus revealed: that the Father loves you. You will uncover the lies that have kept you from Him and from His mercy. And you will sense the incredible joy of the strength, acceptance and love flowing from His heart into yours. You are loved. You are accepted. You are home. "A powerful invitation to know God as our Father, to experience His fatherly love and to witness that love to others in our everyday lives."--Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Philadelphia"A wonderful, enlightening and moving book."--Randy Clark, D.Min., founder and president, Global Awakening and the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening "For those who feel empty, lonely or thirsty. . . . it would be impossible to read this book and not fall more deeply in love with God."--Mary Healy, associate professor of sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary"This is a beautiful and hope-filled book."--from the foreword by John Eldredge, president, Ransomed Heart; bestselling author

    Walled in next to a chapel for 14 years; abandoned by her parents at a shrine, she grew in virtue and fame. Her body remains incorrupt. One of the most inspiring stories we have ever read!

    

    Based on fifteen hundred years of liturgical prayer within the Benedictine monastic tradition, Benedictine Daily Prayer offers a rich diet of classic office hymnody, psalmody, and Scripture.This fully revised edition includes: A new organization for the Office of Vigils, structured on a two-week cycleDaily Offices also arranged on a two-week cyclePatristic readings for each SundayConcluding prayers for the daily and seasonal officesA more user-friendly layoutBenedictine Daily Prayer is designed for Benedictine oblates, Benedictine monastics, and men and women everywhere. Small enough to fit in a briefcase for travel, it is arranged by date. Scripture readings are from the NRSV.

    

    This series is a goldmine for Catholics to deepen your relationship with God and to grow into a deeper union with Jesus Christ. Finding God Through Meditation by St. Peter of Alcantara is little known, as is the saint himself. Don’t let that fool you. He directed the great mystic St. Teresa of Avila on difficult questions she had about prayer, for which she has written about in her Interior Castle. St. Teresa turned to this great treatise on meditation by St. Peter for guidance. St. Peter of Alcantara’s work is a sure antidote to much of the false teaching of our day. His insights on prayer are profound and far reaching. You will find here the gems that God has in store for all who truly desire to grow in relationship with Him in prayer. Finding God Through Meditation gives you a window into perspectives on prayer that should challenge and enrich you for years to come. About the Series: Dan Burke’s Navigating series brings the wisdom of the saints into your hands. This series is a goldmine for Catholics to deepen your relationship with God and to grow into a deeper union with Jesus Christ.

    But in this exploration of history and early theological writings, Papandrea (a former Protestant minister) shows that there's actually a stunning similarity. The essence of Christianity is this: we hold fast to what we were given by those who came before us. From Jesus and the apostles to believers throughout history, God's saving revelation has been proclaimed, preserved, and passed on, each generation staying true to the tradition it received. In Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians, James L. Papandrea examines that most crucial era in the transmission of Christian truth: the time of the early Church, when the brilliant and holy teachers known as the Church Fathers took the apostolic faith they received and from it shaped the Christian religion. And that religion of the Fathers continues todayfaithfully kept, vibrant and alivein the Catholic Churc

    In this lighthearted yet realistic look at the ups and downs of daily life, Teresa Tomeo provides daily reflections to soothe the souls of  Christian women everywhere. Her wisdom and humor will show you how you can experience God's presence in the most ordinary moments.The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

    Robert Bellarmine is perhaps one of the greatest controversial writers of all time. Though a humble, short and unassuming Italian Jesuit, he came to dominate the European theological scene until the time when the loss of Latinity relegated him to a more general obscurity. On the Marks of the Church is the 4th book of Bellarmine's 2nd volume of the Controversies. In it, he proposes 15 Marks all of which are an extension of the 4 marks which are put forth in the Nicene-Constantinoplan Creed. In proposing each mark, Bellarmine examines what it entails, how it is proved in the history of the Church and how it disproves the teachings of Protestantism. This is more than an apologetic work, however, as it also brings to the fore many important distinctions of consequence in Theology. Cardinal Franzelin taught, in his work De Divina Traditione, that the teaching of the Theologians often serves as a foundation for later Ex Cathedra definitions of Popes and Councils. Just as St. Thomas Aquinas featured so prominently at the Council of Trent so also Bellarmine, more than any other theologian influenced Vatican I. In this highly readable translation, provided by Ryan Grant (The Translator for the Canisius Catechism), you can read firsthand Bellarmine's mastery of the Scripture and the Fathers as he combats the errors of his day which, more often than not, are the errors of our own day or at least their root. It is the first of what will constitute a full translation of all of the Controversies which will be available from Mediatrix Press.

    The Catholic Church values both Faith and Reason, and Catholicism has given rise to extraordinary ideas and whole schools of remarkable thought, not just in the distant past but throughout the troubled decades of the twentieth century.Royal presents in a single volume a sweeping but readable account of how Catholic thinking developed in philosophy, theology, Scripture studies, culture, literature, and much more in the twentieth century. This involves great figures, recognized as such both inside and outside the Church, such as Jacques Maritain, Bernard Lonergan, Joseph Pieper, Edith Stein, Alasdair MacIntyre, Charles Taylor, Romano Guardini, Karl Rahner, Henri du Lubac, Karol Wojtyla, Joseph Ratzinger, Hans Urs von Balthasar,Charles Peguy, Paul Claudel, George Bernanos, Francois Mauriac, G. K. Chesterton, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Christopher Dawson, Graham Greene, Sigrid Undset, J. R. R. Tolkien, Czeslaw Milosz, and many more.Royal argues that without rigorous thought, Catholicism – however welcoming and nourishing it might be – would become something like a doctor with a good bedside manner, but who knows little medicine. It has always been the aspiration of the Catholic tradition to unite emotion and intellect, action and contemplation. But unless we know what the tradition has already produced – especially in the work of the great figures of the recent past – we will not be able to answer the challenges that the modern world poses, or even properly recognize the true questions we face.This is a reflective, non-polemical work that brings together various strands of Catholic thought in the twentieth century. A comprehensive guide to the recent past - and the future.

    So widespread is this persecution that Pope Francis called it a "third world war, waged piecemeal ]]a form of genocide." In "To the Martyrs: A Reflection on the Supreme Christian Witness," Cardinal Donald Wuerl urges solidarity with today's persecuted Christians and recounts the recurrence of martyrdom throughout Church history. His Eminence's poignant insight into the spirituality of martyrdom will challenge all Christians to courageously emulate the steadfast commitment of those who have followed Christeven unto death.

    We stumble and rise back up, ready to take on another day. King explains that “virtue” is the right way to deal with what life places in front of us. Stumble will encourage you to look at your challenges in a new way.

    Sheen). THIS EDITION ALSO INCLUDES clarifying notes within the Marquis’ original text. Marie-Julie, who was known for her admirable obedience to her spiritual directors and her Bishop, received a great number of apparitions of Our Lord, Our Lady, angels, and saints. She was also given prophecies that foretold future events for the universal Church, as well as for the world and, also in particular, the country of France, which has long been called “the first daughter of the Church” since France, under King Clovis of old, was the first country to publicly declare the Catholic Faith as the nation’s religion. In this comprehensive introduction to the life and prophecies of “The Breton Stigmatist,” the reader will discover that Marie-Julie Jahenny foretold the World Wars I and II, the election of Pope St. Pius X, the various persecutions of the Church, the chastisements and the fate of apostate France, the “first daughter of the Church.”Prophecies of two individuals, a future Great Monarch and of a future Pope, were also given to Marie-Julie, but she is not alone in foretelling these two persons. Other saints and mystics have also predicted the coming of a “Great Monarch” (also known as the “Great Catholic Monarch”), as well as an Angelic Pastor (a holy and firm Pope), both whom will cooperate with God’s will during a formidable period of danger for the Church and the entire world.Foretelling a terrible crisis in three parts, three days' darkness (as well as a separate two day period of darkness), spiritual and physical protection is also promised to those truly devoted to Our Lady and the Rosary, St. Joseph, and St. Michael. This work is a helpful addition for those who wish to recognize “the signs of the times.”

    Brown in this book covering the breadth of natural and spiritual healing -- how we can improve our health and well-being -- and often longevity -- through changes in lifestyle and spiritual outlook. For when there is darkness inside, it is often reflected in sickness outside. Can disorders be demonic? What about nutrition? What kind of spiritual approach is the most effective? What are the changes must we make in our lives? Read of those who have recovered almost Lazarus-like, of the man who was in a state of rigor mortis when a simple prayer brought him back, of those whose simple faith has rescued children and others from autism, paralysis, cancer. This is a book of miracles. It is a book that follows what Scripture says about supernatural cures. It is a book that clearly and powerfully demonstrates that Jesus heals as much -- or more -- today than He did when He walked this earth. Mental, physical, or spiritual: our health is important to God, and while there are cases of "redemptive" suffering or sacrifice, there are times in our lives when we bring poor health and disease upon ourselves, sicknesses that we often have the power -- with Jesus -- to cast out of our lives and live life with joy, fearlessness, and more abundantly! "We're in a time when we live longer but in a way that drags on with chronic disease plaguing large segments of our society and the final years -- sometimes the final decades -- ones of lingering, degenerative disorders," says the author. "It doesn't have to be this way. God did not plan it this way. And He provides us with both the natural and spiritual means to tackle many disorders, when a healing is in His Will -- as often it is." From demonic affliction to poor nutrition, Brown relates account after account of those who have recovered in a striking and sometimes incredible fashion from surefire "death" sentences. "There is no such thing as 'terminal' disease," says Brown, a former contributor to Science Digest and American Health, as well as the author of twenty Catholic books such as The Other Side and The God of Miracles. "We're all 'terminal.' But in many, many cases, we can take steps to live longer and approach 'incurable' disease in a way that gives great hope."

    It is also a subject of perennial controversy and confusion. Some see the Darwinian theory of evolution as a major agent in discrediting the Church’s doctrine on creation, undermining biblically-based morality and the concept of human exceptionalism. Others regard Darwinian theory as compatible with biblical faith and Catholic tradition. Has the Church itself “evolved”? Or are there certain truths that are permanent and irreplaceable?Fr. Michael Chaberek is a Polish Dominican who has studied creation doctrine from Old and New Testament accounts to the Church Fathers, to the Medieval Scholastics (especially St. Thomas Aquinas), to the Vatican’s internal and public papers of the 19th and 20th centuries—and on into our own times and the pronouncements of recent popes. His new book gathers all doctrinal statements on evolution and presents the history of the engagement of Catholicism with natural science since Darwin presented his theory in 1859. What he finds is a clear path that gradually became twisted and over-grown. His exploration of that path is both scholarly and engrossing.“Finally, a book that tells the full story of Catholic reflections and Magisterial statements down through the centuries on issues of creation and evolution. From the meditations of the ancient Church Fathers to the statements of Popes Pelagius I and Leo XIII, there are many hidden treasures to be found here. Fr. Chaberek combines historical, philosophical, and theological scholarship in a book that is both comprehensive and engaging. This book will be an eye-opener for many, and will quickly become the standard and essential work on the subject.”—ROBERT STACKPOLE, director, John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy“In Catholicism and Evolution, Fr. Michael Chaberek surveys perennial Catholic teaching, plumbs the depths of Catholic philosophy and historical theology, and analyzes the best scientific evidence to date. In the process, he shows that certain elements of Darwinian evolution are not only incompatible with Catholic belief, but largely lacking in evidence. He shows also that despite her clear historical teaching, the contemporary Church lacks an unambiguous statement of how Catholics should understand this question. I expect this to become the definitive book on Catholicism and evolution.”—JAY W. RICHARDS, co-author of The Privileged Planet; editor of God and Evolution"Darwin and his contemporaries thought the cell was a simple blob of jelly, protoplasm. Modern science has discovered the exact opposite, that astoundingly sophisticated technology undergirds life. Father Michael Chaberek probes the implications of this and other surprising developments in his erudite study of Catholicism’s collision with Darwinism."—MICHAEL BEHE, author of Darwin’s Black Box“Catholicism and Evolution is a thorough exposition of the history of the debate over evolution, especially the theory’s proponents and opponents within the Catholic Church. Fr. Chaberek carefully and completely lays out the history of the controversy so that readers can form their own opinions. This book should be on the shelves of any concerned with this subject, or indeed any who would like to fully grasp the controversy’s roots in the Church.”—ANN GAUGER, Senior Research Scientist, Biologic Institute“Fr. Chaberek has done Catholics and all Christians a great service by describing the progression of the present controversy over creation, intelligent design, and theistic evolution from the Bible and early days of Christianity until today. His book will open eyes.

    Ignatius’s rules for discernment. Faith, Hope, and Clarity addresses the big, life-changing decisions and the many small, day-to-day choices that influence the course of our lives. It offers practical advice on accepting difficult circumstances and truly embracing God’s will, even in challenging circumstances. This book will help you answer the question all sincere Christians ask: What does God want me to do?

    Murray Bodo. Enter Assisi takes you on a journey through the gates of the city, where you will discover in your own life the way to follow Jesus as St. Francis did. The walls of the medieval town surround a place where your imagination can explore spiritual holy ground.Picture the daring midnight journey of St. Clare through the streets to the Moiano gate and down to St. Mary of the Angels, where Francis and his brothers welcomed her into a new way of life. Spend time in the caves of the Carceri, reflecting on the gift of solitude. Meet twentieth-century residents of Assisi who have absorbed the Franciscan spirit and seek to impart it to others.Fr. Murray Bodo draws on over three decades of leading pilgrimages in Assisi to bring the home of St. Francis to life in the words of a poet and spiritual director.

    They lose everything they know and are forced to start all over. Reeling from the drastic life changes and without the proper guidance, their faith is challenged through intense peer pressure. Andrew sees the darker side of life through vandalism, blackmail, degrading music and friends that objectify women. From cheerleading and dating, to partying and the prom, Angela struggles with her morals and values. The lure of sin is strong, but is their faith stronger? Will they overcome peer pressure and temptation? Will they ever seek purity and strengthen their relationships with God and each other?

    But if it’s so great, why are more people leaving the Church than joining? The message clearly isn’t getting through. We must be doing something wrong.Matthew Warner has spent the last twelve years passionately sharing the life-changing truths of the Christian faith with others. As a student of the Information Age, he is eager to use every means of communication at his disposal to help the Church share her message. In his attempts, he’s reached millions of people by developing faith-based websites, blogs, and email lists, and engaging a large audience through social media. And as the creator of his own innovative communication tool used by thousands of churches worldwide, he's experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to evangelization.Along the way, he’s made a lot of mistakes trying to share the faith with others — but he’s also seen what works. That's what this book is about.Messy Foolish presents a fresh vision for evangelization that will inspire you to quit the lesser pursuits of your life and accept nothing less than the joyful, adventure-filled, contagious life God intends you to live.Pope Francis was right. It’s time to make a mess. It’s time to change the world. And we are just the fools to do it.

    Mitch Pacwa has a gift for opening up the Scriptures, and he offers Catholics such a gift in this book of meditations on the beginnings of Jesus public ministry. Based on Ignatian principles, the thirty-nine mediations are meant to help readers use their imagination to enter into the Gospel scene and experience the presence of Jesus. From Jesus baptism in the Jordan to his temptation in the desert and the wedding feast at Cana, Fr. Pacwa provides fascinating background information about the text, such as the geography of Palestine and Jewish customs and ideas. Then he asks a series of questions that are intended to lead readers into a deeper examination of their own life and mission in the world today.

    In Humdrum to Holy, popular priest and radio host, Fr. Ed Broom, will stir in you a holy reverence and spiritual joy that'll point your soul to heaven. By following the wise counsel of this experienced spiritual advisor and confessor, you'll first learn how to identify your "kryptonite" those hidden sins in your life that keep God from working in your soul. Fr. Ed will walk you through the simple steps to creating a plan of life your roadmap to the heights of holiness. In a clear, methodical, and practical way, you'll learn how to cultivate virtues like patience and purity virtues that are difficult to attain but essential for happiness in this life and getting into heaven in the next!

    Inspired by the stories of their saints, we join the Dominicans in celebrating the Jubilee of their first 800 years. In these pages, we draw inspiration and spiritual strength from the lives, lessons, and legacies of their intellectual giants and enrapt mystics, the men and women who scrubbed floors, and those who cared for the dying. You'll discover countless fascinating and pious stories, prophetic dreams and visions, apparitions of Christ and Our Lady, appearances of the devil in disguise, miraculous healings, episodes of bi-location, stigmata, incorruption after death, and more.

    Based on their presentations at the 2014 Symposium on Women in the Church, these women help move the conversation forward through their intriguing insights and analysis of established teachings and traditions combined with original scholarship and new ideas. Through their personal experience, spiritual depth, and professional expertise, you'll examine: Threshold issues and important context to expand the role of women in the Church Several important aspects of complementarity that require further theological development theologically Practical issues related to the place of women in the church The promise and challenge of the future With insight, clarity, and great love for the Church, these women touch on both the challenges of today and the promise of tomorrow for women in the Church.

    Underscoring that deep love and concern for the family, the Pope has spent many months speaking on this subject in his weekly Wednesday audience talks. This book is a collection of all of those talks about the family from Dec. 17, 2014 to Sept. 16, 2015.The Pope covers a wide variety of important subjects directly related to family life, speaking in his personal style that offers wisdom and practical insights for the modern family. His words are for families in general, and also directed to the important roles of all those specific persons who make up family life husbands, wives, parents, children and grandparents. He emphasizes the deep crisis that the family and marriage are undergoing in the Western world, and says that the family is "a new mission field for the Church." He challenges families today to be witnesses to the world of love, fidelity, and service.Some of the specific topics his talks address include: the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth; transmitting the faith; educating the children; family prayer; complementarity of male and female; celebration in family life; mercy and forgiveness; dealing with illness and death; learning the value of work; poverty and economic struggles; evangelizing the culture, and much more.Throughout his addresses, the Holy Father especially emphasizes the primary role of God and faith in family life, and the crucial importance of regular family prayer to draw on God's grace for strength, love, joy and unity within the home."The true joy which we experience in the family is not superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that everything seems to be going well. . . . True joy comes from a profound harmony between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts." Pope Francis"

    So the monks go about their work, study and prayer, while offering up their belly grumble for the love of God. This beautifully-illustrated book will be enjoyed by children and their caregivers for its humorous pictures, for fun rhymes reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, and for the heartfelt message of sincere trust in the Lord's providence.

    Originally published under title: Suffering in other words: a presentation for beginners: Springfield, Ill.: Templegate, 1964.

    But she is too little to do big things for Jesus...or is she? The Little Flower: A Parable of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is a wonderful way to introduce children to the spirituality of St. Thérèse’s “little way” with its lesson that even the littlest act, done with great love, is beautiful in Jesus’s eyes. Writer Becky Arganbright has adapted St. Thérèse’s lesson of the little flowers into a delightful parable for children. The young Thérèse learns that even though she might be little, with God’s help, her littleness can be a way of doing great things for God. Illustrator Tracey Arvidson brings the young Thérèse Martin (and the flowers of her parable) to life in gorgeous illustrations. A Peanut Butter & Grace Book.