Fr. Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can -- even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise -- listen to the voice of God.
In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:
You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God's plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.
Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life's battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and be still in the silence of His love.
Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself), explains Fr. Nortz. The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.
In charming rhyming verse, Christmas in Heaven tells the poignant story of a little boy who is sad because his grandmother has passed away. It is Christmastime, and the boy asks his grandfather where his grandmother might be. The grandfather responds by telling the boy his fondest hope--that his grandmother is in Heaven.
The boy closes his eyes as his grandfather describes that Christmas is Jesus' birthday and that a great, festive party is taking place in Heaven. It's a scene filled with angels and saints, music and laughter, joy and love, and most of all, abundant life!
This beautiful little book will give children an unforgettable vision of Heaven while strengthening in them the theological virtue of hope -- a hope that will assist them throughout their lives in dealing with fear, grief, pain, and suffering.
It will also introduce them to the incredible world of the saints. Indeed, the most beloved saints and angels make appearances in Christmas in Heaven, all doing the things they're best known for:
The book includes a helpful two-page glossary with short descriptions of each saint depicted.
Christmas in Heaven combines a delightful teaching on the saints with a sweet story of a boy who, through the eyes of faith, gets to see his grandmother again in Heaven. It is sure to tug at the heartstrings of readers young and old, bringing yuletide joy to all.
Convert us, O God; and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved (Psalm 80:3).
Although many are familiar with the Holy Face Devotion, key fruits and wonders remain untold, and various of its most important spiritual treasures have yet to be discovered -- until now.
In these extraordinary pages, Mary Jane Zuzolo unveils for you how this devotion is prefigured in the book of Job, complements Fátima and other Marian apparitions, encompasses the spirituality of St. Thérèse, crowns the insights of the great Carmelite mystics, affirms the Mariology of St. Louis de Montfort, and has generated more miracles than the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Words of Christ from approved private revelations describe the Holy Face Devotion as the most beautiful work under the sun and the greatest source of grace second to the sacraments. Zuzolo further reveals:The Holy Face Devotion, Zuzolo explains, was bestowed by Christ as a new pledge of mercy. Its graces flowing though Our Lady of the Holy Name of God and its preference by God to all other devotions together give the affectionate title Mother of All Devotions dual significance.
In our time of heightened sin and darkness, the Holy Face Devotion is a means of imploring the Countenance of Christ to turn toward us and restore life and light to the world through conversion of the masses. Unlike any other, the Holy Face Devotion is centered on reparation to the Godhead Itself. In recompense, Our Lord promises to imprint His Image, the very seal of the Divinity, upon the soul of the devotee. Practicing this devotion is therefore an invaluable aid to our individual salvation, as well as that of our brethren. It is spiritual armament to assist Our Lady in the celestial battle of the age.Embark on an enlightening journey through the wonders of transformation and renewal in this delightful children's book that unlocks the profound mysteries of the Eucharist in a way that is understandable, engaging, and deeply meaningful for young readers.
Through charming rhymes and vivid illustrations, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano explores the many evolutions that take place in the world around us -- from the shifting seasons to the growth of plants to the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies. Each change serves as a framework for children to ultimately recognize and embrace the greatest miracle of all: the change of bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
But the wonder doesn't stop at the altar. From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine gently guides young hearts to understand that this miraculous change in the Eucharist invites a change within us, too, nurturing our souls and shaping us to be more like Christ. It's about how receiving the Eucharist with faith brings graces and can inspire courage, truth, and love, drawing us closer to God.
Perfect for children, families, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith, this book not only shows why the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life but also how it can empower us to grow in holiness.
Join us on this enchanted voyage through the mystery of faith and discover how the seemingly smallest changes can lead to the most divine transformations.
Dive into the fascinating and overlooked aspects of the Catholic faith with Weird Catholic Handbook by Michael Lichens. This book takes you on a Chestertonian romp through the peculiar and intriguing elements of Catholic history, offering a refreshing perspective on the faith that combines humor, curiosity, and profound insights.
Lichens invites you to discover the bizarre and extraordinary stories that have shaped Catholicism. From saints who faced mythical monsters to the eerie beauty of bone chapels, this book uncovers the spiritual and historical significance behind these oddities. With a blend of scholarly research and engaging storytelling, Lichens brings to life the unique relics, ghostly encounters, and unusual miracles that have been part of the Church's rich tapestry.
In this book, you will discover:
Weird Catholic Handbook is not just a collection of odd stories; it is an invitation to see the profound truths and spiritual lessons embedded in the peculiar. Each chapter sheds light on how these unusual elements of faith have inspired devotion, art, and a deeper understanding of the divine.
Whether you're a devout Catholic, a curious skeptic, or someone who loves a good story, this book offers something for everyone. Discover how the oddities of the past can inspire and enrich your faith today.
Society is lost and confused about God, morality, and eternity. Catholics face persecution, from outside and inside the Church, for living their Faith. Priests speak out against errors and corruption in their own hierarchy, only to be marginalized and punished by their superiors. The few bishops who remain faithful to the changeless teaching of Christ are rebuked and canceled, even by the pope himself, and sent into exile. Catholics longing for reverent worship are forced out of their parishes and into makeshift venues.
This is a description of the Catholic Church in the fourth century.
With similar patterns recurring in our time, one Catholic bishop is calling out to souls:
Know the errors and embrace the truth!
In Flee from Heresy, Bishop Athanasius Schneider -- raised among persecuted Catholics in the Soviet Union -- offers a systematic treatment of more than 130 doctrinal errors, from ancient times down to our own day, along with English translations of the Church's major anti-heresy documents of the past two centuries.
In this fascinating exposé, you will discover the ideological roots of our own unsteady times and be better equipped to test all things; hold fast what is good (1 Thess. 5:21). You will learn:
Combining theological precision, superb historical insight, and concrete principles for action today, Flee from Heresy is a timely and trustworthy guide to errors old and new.
This Advent, lead your family closer to Christ as you prepare for the Lord's coming at Christmas. Engage with the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets who are the branches in Jesus' family tree and come to understand fully how, in Christ, this family history becomes the history of our salvation.
As you explore Jesus' fascinating ancestry, you'll see how God's plan of salvation unfolds from Adam and Eve, through the Old Testament prophets, to the birth of Christ, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and the sacraments of the Church. Marvel at the parallels between Adam and Christ, the New Adam; Eve and Mary, the New Eve; the patriarch Joseph and St. Joseph, guardian of the Redeemer; and others.
You will also learn about the rich, faith-building customs surrounding the Jesse Tree throughout the centuries - and how to create your own. The image of a beautiful ornament signifying an important person or event in the Bible is provided for each day. The daily meditation explains the mystery of the ornament that is featured. And extra information is included for families with older children who want to dig deeper into the significance of what is foretold.
The devotion in practice takes five to fifteen minutes per day, depending on family needs and style. Each day features the following:
Grow in the wisdom of Solomon! Learn to hear God's voice like Samuel! Develop the trust of Elijah and the humility of Isaiah! Families will be enthralled as they learn about key biblical figures and discover the reasons for our beliefs, from why God created us to the origins of the Mass and the sacraments.
A key tool for instilling the virtues and strengthening your family's faith, hope, and love, this Jesse Tree tradition will be passed on in your family for generations to come.
Italy: a storied land of saints and the travel destination of dreams.
For those wishing to experience this remarkable country to the fullest, just knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Enter bestselling author, Catholic media personality, and Italy aficionado Teresa Tomeo to provide the choicest sites, best routes, and most inspiring and satisfying journeys to help you soak in all the beauty Italy has to offer and make your Italy excursion utterly unforgettable.
Tomeo draws from her experiences of more than sixty trips to her motherland, as well as from the many travel-coaching sessions she has given through her much-loved travel company, T's Italy, to take you on a unique journey that combines major attractions with off-the-beaten-path dream destinations, offering her best advice as a true daughter of Italy and half-time Italian resident.
There is nothing quite like a Tomeo-inspired journey to Italy. Tomeo believes that no Italian excursion can be complete without embracing la dolce vita, the uniquely Italian way of life that prioritizes gastronomic pleasure and slowing down to enjoy God's majestic creation and natural wonders, which open one's mind and imagination to life's possibilities. Her descriptions of the trattorias and delectable meals, as well as the home-cooked recipes she recommends, are sure to make you hungry for the fullness of the Italian cultural experience.
Tomeo includes practical, time-tested travel tips and faith and culture gems to help you navigate this lively land and catch the many unique regional feast days and celebrations it has to offer.
Whether you are traveling from the Vatican to Venice, Assisi to Amalfi, Turin to Tuscany, Pisa to Positano, or from Sorrento to Sicily, Tomeo shares the best of the best, from magnificent churches, to stunning hilltop chapels filled with brilliant Renaissance masterpieces, to the best places for cappuccino and limoncello, to the best shopping and exploring options. She guides you to the tombs and relics of the most beloved saints and introduces you to the lesser-known heroes whose miraculous and inspiring stories will lift your mind and heart to Heaven.
Tomeo believes that Italy, more than any other place on earth, captures the meaning and essence of Psalm 19:1: The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament the work of His hands. Join her on a one-of-a-kind exploration of this sacred and enthralling land so that planning your bucket-list trip to Italy becomes a joy rather than a chore, and your dream of Italy becomes a true la dolce vita reality.
The most up-to-date catechism in print! For the first time in over fifty years, a Catholic bishop has published his own comprehensive presentation of the Faith--what to believe, how to live, and how to pray as Christ taught.
Sure to be a classic for generations to come, Credo: Compendium of the Catholic Faith offers a clear and readable summary of Catholicism as a whole, given in the pastoral style of the apostles. Using the simple and direct Question-Answer format so popular among instructors (and internet search engines), Bishop Athanasius Schneider shares a bold new articulation of timeless truths, while also engaging current issues with courage and kindness.
After an Introduction outlining Christian identity and doctrine, Part I unpacks what Catholics believe, following the articles of the Apostle's Creed. Part II explains the principles of right moral action, following the Commandments. Part III teaches on grace, the sacraments, prayer, and worship. Appendices include the five major Christian Creeds, and a stellar Index (plus unique headers and bleed tabs) makes navigating the book delightfully easy.
Including treatments of several contemporary issues:
The Spider Who Saved Christmas tells the tale of what happened to the Holy Family on their way to Egypt after receiving the message of the angel. When Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are in danger of being discovered and harmed by Herod's murderous soldiers, a cave-dwelling spider named Nephila risks her and her children's safety to help her hallowed visitors.
Majestically illustrated by artist Randy Gallegos, EWTN host Raymond Arroyoï 1/2ï 1/2ï 1/2s moving story sheds new light on a family of Golden Silk Orb Weavers, whose silk is considered the most precious of all and is displayed at Christmastime in the sparkling tinsel that glints from evergreen trees the world over. After reading this book, you'll always remember Nephila in the twinkling tinsel. Though small and feared, she met divinity and reflected His light as only she could.
Like each of us - she was there for a reason.
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are endlessly fascinating for those who long for Heaven or are just curious about the things we cannot see (yet). Lost in all the discussion of NDEs, however, is their long, rich history. Saints and mystics have been visiting Heaven for thousands of years, and here, for the first time, Scott L. Smith provides you with a glimpse of what they've been seeing these past two millennia.
In these heart-pounding pages, you will first learn about the ancient origin of NDEs and seven characteristics that describe them. Then, through studies of present-day cardiac and comatose patients, you will see what modern medical research says about NDEs. (You will be surprised!)
You will see remarkable similarities between the NDE stories of biblical figures, such as Jonah, St. Paul, and St. John the Evangelist, and those of more modern individuals, such as Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, and Padre Pio. Smith shares an array of God's merciful messages from the great beyond through people's visits to Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, documenting current-day stories, including:
You will learn of how St. Teresa of Ávila returned to life after being dead for four days and the details of her stunning visits to Heaven and Hell. You will also be treated to the NDE account of Pope St. Gregory the Great and the incredible NDE of one of St. Padre Pio's priestly spiritual sons, while in battle, and how Padre Pio accompanied him.
Smith reveals why some souls remain in Purgatory for decades -- and how others choose Hell. But throughout, you will be consoled by stories of God's limitless mercy, which never ceases calling us to repentance and inviting us to share in the glories of His heavenly kingdom.
Meet the mighty spirits sent by God to enlighten and guide us, defend us from harm, and lead us on the path to eternal life. Learn how angels are invisibly present at every moment of your life, and how they can pray with you and for you, amplifying your praise by reflecting it directly to God face-to-face.
Angels do not form a separate universe -- they are an integral part of our own world sent forth for the sake of our salvation. They are pure spirits who communicate to us God's grace, His goodness, and His truth.
In these pages, Fr. Horgan unveils the surprising role of the angels in our lives -- and what you must do to gain their help. You'll learn how to imitate the angels in prayer and how they offer you the enlightenment and the encouragement God so desperately wants to give you. By praying with the angels, you will be strengthened for what lies ahead, better able to discern and do the Lord's will in all your actions. You'll also learn:Meet a modern-day Joan of Arc. Whether in scrubs, camouflage, or a religious habit, Sr. Dede Byrne, in her threefold calling as a professed religious sister, renowned surgeon, and U.S. Army colonel, inspire us to both virtue and action.
If the apostles had remained hidden in the Upper Room, we would never have a Church today. Similarly, Sister's inspirational life serves as a call to emerge from the safety of the Upper Room and enter the public square to courageously infuse culture with an unapologetic defense of Christ's beauty, truth, and goodness. Whether saving lives on battlefields or outside the doors of abortion clinics, this exciting narrative offers a rare glimpse into the life of a contemporary heroine who dedicates herself to care of the poor, love of God and country, and an unwavering defense of the unborn. These exhilarating pages detail:
Sr. Dede ministered at Ground Zero on September 11, served as St. Mother Teresa's personal physician, was deployed as a surgeon to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, facilitated the rescue of citizens hiding from the Taliban, and travels regularly to the war-torn Nuba Mountains in Sudan to provide life-saving medical care to inhabitants under siege.
The key to happiness from one who found it in joyful abundance: St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
This spiritual classic has long been beloved by Catholics for its wondrous distillation of the teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux into a reader-friendly set of meditations. It's perfect as a personal retreat when you have only a few moments to spare each day - and for spiritual reading anytime and anywhere.
Fr. Jean C. J. d'Elbée, a French priest deeply imbued with St. Thérèse's spirit, brings you St. Thérèse's teachings on God's love and the confidence in Him that it should inspire in your soul; humility, peace, and fraternal charity; the apostolate; the Cross; and what it means truly to abandon yourself to Divine Providence. I Believe in Love has helped countless souls embark on the way to the Father. It will help you focus on Him throughout each day, rest in Him amid your troubles, and live joyfully with Him at every moment!
You'll learn:
Nothing warms the heart like Christmastime. All of us have precious memories of yuletide cheer, from the excitement of anticipation to the frenzy of preparations to the heartfelt family moments.
Buoyed by the contagious joy of Christmas among his congregations in Buffalo and Boston, Fr. Francis X. Weiser compiled a treasure trove of Christmas lore to enrich holiday celebrations for generations to come. Fr. Weiser, who was born in Austria and emigrated to the United States, had long been fascinated by American Christmas culture, which he saw as a consolidation of all the most beloved traditions from the nation's diverse immigrant communities.
He relied on interviews with parishioners, once-lost documents, and well-known material culture to get to the root of such cherished customs as Nativity plays, gift giving, and Christmas caroling.
In addition to exploring the cultural origins of beloved Christmas traditions, Fr. Weiser reveals their spiritual significance and explains their symbolism, including:
Fr. Weiser considered holiday celebrations at home a radiation of the liturgy, a beautiful opportunity to cultivate the domestic church in family life.
Packed with historical and liturgical references, literary excerpts, and charming anecdotes, this book will become a family favorite that's revisited year after year in homes that welcome it.
Join Fr. Weiser as he embarks on a tour of the jubilant celebrations that manifests the sublimity of the Incarnation in the American melting pot, from sea to shining sea.
St. Manuel González García, renowned as the Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle and acclaimed the greatest Eucharistic priest since the Curé of Ars, reflected: I intend to awaken the curiosity, which in this case can truly be called holy, to understand and uncover what the Heart of Jesus in the Tabernacle does, says, and feels. I promise delightful surprises, invaluable discoveries, unimagined horizons, to those who allow themselves to be piqued by this curiosity.
Through these profound yet practical meditations, sometimes written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you, you will be guided into deeper intimacy with our Eucharistic Lord and inspired to share His love with others. Through this refreshing and transformative experience, you will discover:
There is also a stirring section at the end of the book about what the Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist says to priests.
St. Manuel tirelessly wrote these reflections, originally published as articles, to preach to active souls the necessity, importance, and fruitfulness of staying in the tabernacle because the Love who dwells there is not loved but is abandoned! St. Manuel will show you how to cultivate awe and reverence as you bask in our Lord's Eucharistic Presence and let His power permeate your life. As your love of Jesus' Eucharistic Heart deepens, you will learn how to console Him as He consoles you and be inflamed to offer your life in witness to your faith.
Above all, in the Holy Eucharist, you will encounter the Friend who always waits to listen to you with His Heart and always speaks to your heart. In the light of the tabernacle, you will learn how to grow in virtue, overcome temptation, and live without fear.
There are as many paths to holiness as there are saints in Heaven . . . but you can't follow them all. Yet there's one thing every saint practices that you can imitate: the simple art of loving God, which the beloved St. Francis de Sales explains for you here.
Under his wise and gentle guidance, you'll discover the secrets to growing holier through the simple things in life -- work, play, and rest. You'll learn to avoid the distractions (even religious distractions) that trouble and weary your soul . . . and you'll soon be able to focus your energy simply on loving God.
Listen to the holy words of this saint; take them to heart; make them a part of your life. Soon you'll be well on your way, following that path to Heaven that God, from all eternity, has given you as your very own.
St. Francis de Sales himself will teach you the secrets of developing:
A note for the skeptical and discouraged:
Have you tried to grow closer to God using one technique after another, yet still find you haven't made much progress? That's a common problem in today's world, where devotion has become so complicated that the simple art of loving God has been lost.
Don't despair. Generations of Christians have made finding God harder than it need be, which is why, every few hundred years, God sends us a saint like St. Francis de Sales to remind us that anyone can love God and that it's not really so hard to do. Listen to St. Francis, and, no matter how many times you've failed in the past, you'll soon be a master of the art of loving God.
How do the Habsburgs approach family life? In a world that has gone mad, building a wholesome family cradle is daunting and often seems impossible. At the same time, many dare to dream of happiness in family life even today. How can you find the right spouse -- and make a lifelong marriage work -- in a culture that values transaction over commitment? How do you decide on core values and pass them on to your children? What are some practical ways to raise a family in the Faith?
Let Archduke Eduard Habsburg guide you on the ultimate adventure of building a family. As a father of six and now a grandfather, the Archduke of Austria shares his own experiences and recipes for a wholesome family life, bolstered by 850 years of Habsburg family history.
With his humorous and relatable style, Eduard dives deep into his family's storied past to give you true principles to live by and a Great Plan for lifelong joy. You will journey with the Habsburgs step-by-step through the centuries -- from falling in love to engagement, marriage, pregnancy, birth and Baptism, and everyday life, to seeing your children grow up and start families of their own.
With candor and affability, Eduard provides practical and spiritual tips on dating, engagement, and cultivating a happy marriage. Through fascinating real-life stories and examples, he explores:
As you discover inspiring paragons of loving marriages in the Habsburg family history, you will find concrete ways to nurture and educate your children to be truly happy in a world in which wholesome family life has become countercultural. As this scion of one of the great Catholic families in Western history reminds us, This is the way!
For too many of us, life is harder than it needs to be. We have forgotten the ancient system of super habits -- a specific set of habits for making decisions, managing our emotions, and dealing with other people that fosters lives of greater ease, happiness, and power.
Ancient civilizations relied on these habits to produce some of the greatest achievements in human history. Now, contemporary researchers in psychology, education, and management are rediscovering these habits and empirically demonstrating the power and goodness that they bring to everyday life.
As many self-help gurus will tell you, we are the summation of our daily habits. What has so far been missing is a comprehensive guide to which habits are most valuable to us and how they work together as a system, for the best impact on our lives.
This invaluable book by Dr. Andrew Abela shows how attaining virtue requires not a herculean effort but, rather, steady daily practice, which is accessible to all. He explains how the genius of a thirteenth-century philosopher-monk codified the super habits into a veritable human operating system, one that's more relevant today than ever.
Abela highlights:
In a culture that prioritizes short-term fixes over long-term solutions, Super Habits offers a foundational, back-to-basics plan that produces both immediate and enduring results.
Whatever issue you are struggling with right now, whatever challenge you may be facing, there is a super habit to help you overcome it.
Dr. Abela equips readers with the tools needed to embrace the lifelong pursuit of self-improvement to attain a life of greater ease, joy, and strength.
Sister Marie describes in detail the life of a Carmelite Nun and shows us by what means and in what manner rich spiritual treasure is being gathered for the benefit of all of us.
-- Thomas L. Noa, Bishop of Marquette, in the original foreword
This gem of a book is essential reading for anyone interested in knowing the hidden details of life in Carmel -- the powerhouse of prayer. Sr. Marie, a young novice, addressed this revealing series of letters to her parents and family about her life in the Carmelite convent. Her letters provide a treasure trove of timeless information about the lives of these spiritual warriors from the moment they rise early in the morning to their praise of God at the end of each rich, joy-filled day working for His glory and souls.
In her letters, Sr. Marie answers all of her family's questions in an endearing, conversational way and explains all aspects of her new life as a Carmelite nun. Her profound reflections and the down-to-earth, often humorous stories she tells will enable you to taste the Carmelites' life-giving vocation and discover how you can imitate their devotion in your own daily life. As you journey on this retreat, you will also learn about:
A diocesan priest described the Sisters as priests' silent partners in saving souls -- silent partners in the eyes of the world but atomic blasts at the foot of God's throne. Through their secret sacrifices and love, you will see how the Sisters of Carmel aid in the redemption of the world. Above all, you will be motivated to more intentionally pray and work for souls in the hidden, ordinary tasks of your own life.