Religion Catholicism

One part biography, one part prayer book, The Life and Prayers of Saint Padre Pio is an essential for any Christian. The foundation for Padre Pio's work in the world was love. His love of God became intertwined with his love of humanity so that the two became inseparable and unwavering. Padre Pio is notable not for his erudition or even his teachings, per se, but for the man he was and the intercessor he continues to be. Pio gave himself to Christ as a spiritual victim for the souls of sinners.

What is "the one great thing to love on earth", according to J. R. R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings? The Eucharist! Tolkien made sure his one great love was woven throughout his books. It's easy to find if you know where to look. In Smith's new book, find Tolkien's hidden Eucharist!

The Spiritual Combat is considered one of the two greatest ascetic classics, the other being The Imitation of Christ. The authors of both are shrouded in mystery. There are many 17th-century editions which have the name Spanish Benedictine, John of Castanzia. Some Jesuit writers have ascribed the book to the Jesuit Achilles Gagliardi. However, most critics consider Fr. Lawrence Scupoli the author.

Saint Louise de Marillac was born in France, but lost her mother when she was still a child, and then her beloved father when she was 15. She desired to become a nun, but was discouraged by her confessor. So, she was married and had one son. However, Louise soon was nursing her beloved husband through a protracted illness in which he finally died. Louise was lucky to have a wise counselor Francis de Sales.

Decisions, decisions . . . life presents us with so many, big and small. How can we confidently make choices that bring us true happiness? The life of the virtues holds the key, and among those virtues, prudence holds the reins. No, this isn't your grandmother's definition of prudence. This virtue actually inspires practical wisdom, allowing us to choose well and to bring order into our lives. In Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly, Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, aims to work prudence back into the conversation and explain how it can transform us along our path toward what really matters.

Though there has been a resurgence in the domestic arts and a desire to live a simpler lifestyle, the role of a homemaker is still unpopular. Viewed as an unfulfilling and even oppressive way of life, many women feel a sense of shame or futility in managing the world of their home. Theology of Home: The Spiritual Art of Homemaking turns this misguided notion on its head, shining new light on the role of a homemaker as it relates the deepest truths of the Faith with an honest and fearless understanding of the modern world.

There is no better way to Christ than through his mother. That’s why St. Louis de Montfort’s traditional method of total consecration to Jesus through Mary is the time-honored, saint-tested way to grow closer to our Lord. This is the traditional method devised by St. Louis de Montfort himself. And now, we’ve made it available in this audiobook, perfect for preparation for a total consecration and for yearly renewal. This classic and revered devotional is essential for every Catholic home.

The story for children 10 and up of St. Catherine of Siena, the young woman who brought the Pope back to Rome from France and converted thousands of people.

In his most challenging and evocative book yet, Pope Francis reflects on ten vital issues the world is facing today. This unflinching and inspiring work celebrates the tenth anniversary of Francis’s papal election and encompasses his hopes and dreams for the Church and for all of humankind. This isn’t just a world leader’s reflections on spirituality. I Am Asking in the Name of God is a wake-up call for all of humanity, a practical path toward unity, and a lighthouse of hope in the darkest of eras.

Because of the prophetic nature of her messages, Our Lady of Fatima has been the subject of much controversy and speculation. In this audiobook, Father Andrew Apostoli carefully analyzes the events that took place in Fatima and clears up lingering questions and doubts about their meaning. He also challenges the reader to hear anew the call of Our Lady to prayer and sacrifice, for the world is ever in need of generous hearts willing to make reparation for those in danger of losing their way to God.

St. Benedict was not interested in fame, power, or legacy. He was only interested in living the Christian life to the fullest and helping those around him do the same. The rest is history - and the work of Providence. Not only consecrated religious, but also many lay people, find inspiration in his call to balance, discipline, and prayer. Historically, St. Benedict helped bridge the early Church with the medieval period by standing on the shoulders of the fathers of the monastic tradition.

They're an iconic part of history's most celebrated birth. But what do we really know about the Three Kings of the Nativity, besides the fact that they followed a star to Bethlehem bearing strange gifts? The Bible has little to say about this enigmatic trio. But leave it to Seth Grahame-Smith, the brilliant and twisted mind behind Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies to take a little mystery, bend a little history, and weave an epic tale.

This audiobook includes the details of the divine visions of saints recorded across different centuries. Learn about the visions of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Saint Margaret of Cortona, Saint Gertrude, Saint Clare of Montefalco, Saint Catherine of Siena, and many others.

The way to perfection is simple - to unite one’s will with God’s, putting into action the prayer “Thy will be done". In this precious short work, Uniformity with God's Will, St. Alphonsus Liguori explains the importance of conforming one’s will to God’s and how to do so; how God is glorified by our resignation to his will even more than by our acts; how to gain peace of mind and serenity by trusting in God, accepting what he wills for our lives, and following his commands.

In this newly updated, expanded version of his popular work of apologetics, Shea presents a lively and entertaining look at his conversion to Catholicism from Evangelicalism and his discovery of Christian tradition. As an Evangelical, Shea accepted the principle of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the basis of faith. Now as a Catholic convert, he skillfully explains how and why Sacred Tradition occupies a central role in Divine Revelation.

Catholic Stories of Faith and Hope provides a Catholic response to the big question, "Why would a loving God allow evil, pain, and suffering?" This includes exploring why God would allow disease and natural disasters (natural evil) and evil human behavior (moral evil), as well as how suffering can help us find a deeper meaning and purpose in life. This book contains poignant and inspiring personal testimonies of present-day Catholics who have dealt positively with significant suffering. These stories provide accounts of how suffering can lead to personal and spiritual growth.

‘A second’s silence and then an almighty scream. It was the most moving thing I had ever seen … A baby, a real live baby, another human life had entered the world. It didn’t seem possible and yet I had witnessed it with my very own eyes.’ Born into a happy working-class North London family in the mid-twentieth century, Katie is determined to ‘do something’ with her life. Working in the impoverished East End in the 1950s, she meets the Sisters of St John the Divine – a community of nuns dedicated to nursing and midwifery.

What does the Bible really say about the birth of Jesus? How did the celebration of Christmas become associated with things like Santa Claus and decorated trees? In The True Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus and the Origins of the Season, biblical scholar Michael Patrick Barber offers an inspiring look at the Bible's accounts of Jesus' birth and the development of the Christmas season. As Dr. Barber will show, to find our way "home" at Christmas, we need to first return to Christmas' home in the story of the Bible.

Maybe you’ve wondered just what the Church has to offer. Or maybe you’ve been tempted to give up on it as you realize its weaknesses. The Compact History of the Catholic Church sweeps through the centuries offering a clear-eyed view of the Church’s development and contributions to world history.

The world-changing appearance of Our Lady at Fatima ushered in a continuing series of remarkable apparitions worldwide that the Church has either officially approved or marked as likely authentic. Author and Mariologist Wincenty Laszewski summarizes the powerful and urgent messages of these apparitions in this unparalleled, encyclopedic work—instantly the new standard on the subject. Most of these riveting chapters include portentous warnings—some are ominous, others more hopeful.