Spirituality Catholicism

Alfred Bessette (later known as Brother André) came from very humble beginnings, much like those of Jesus. He was born on August 9, 1845. The baby was so frail and sickly, his parents were afraid he would not live; and so, Alfred was baptized the moment he was born. He was conditionally baptized (when there is doubt concerning a previous baptism) the following day in the church. With the loving care and prayers of a very pious mother, our future Blessed lived to an old age!

In Many Are Called, Dr. Scott Hahn, one of the most celebrated scholars and influential Catholic writers living today, enthusiastically encourages Catholics around the world to renew their focus on the sacred role of the Catholic priest. Using his unique ability to present deep spiritual and theological ideas in the language of everyday life, Dr. Hahn examines the biblical and historical roots of the priesthood to explain the centrality of the priest in the life of the church.

Jesuit priest John Gerard hid from English authorities for eight years before his eventual capture and torture in the Tower of London. Risking everything to preserve Catholicism in Tudor England, Gerard moved from house to house, converting many people and evading capture by mere seconds. Following a hair's-breadth escape from the Tower to the continent, he survived to tell his tale and pass on his experience to future missionaries and martyrs in The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest, a fascinating tale of espionage, disguise, priest hunters, and brilliantly designed hideouts.

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.

Lovely short anecdotes from the lives of the saints, showing us in a warm, encouraging, and inspiring way the importance of prayer and the ease with which we can all derive great benefits therefrom, without yet being saints ourselves. Covers the meaning of the basic Catholic prayers; plus, the Mysteries of the Rosary and the wonders of the Mass. Written for all and all should listen to it.

In this memoir, Luke Timothy Johnson draws on his rich experience to invite listeners into the scholar’s life—its aims, commitments, and habits. In addition to sharing his own story from childhood to retirement, Johnson reflects on the nature of scholarship more generally, showing how this vocation has changed over the past half century and where it might be going in the future. He is as candid and unsparing about negative trends in academia as he is hopeful about the possibilities of steadfast, disciplined scholarship.

Selections from St. Alphonsus' writings covering virtually every aspect of Hell. This book shows it exists, describes its torments, proves it is eternal, demonstrates it is not unjust, and answers a host of questions. Best short antidote for today's irreligion that we know.

Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) was a Latin archbishop of Milan from 1564 to 1584 and a cardinal in the Catholic Church. During his time, he was perhaps the leading figure of the Counter-Reformation movement against the Protestant Reformation. In his role, he was responsible for significant reforms within the Catholic Church. One of his strategies was to provide education to many clergy, and so he went about founding schools and seminaries and colleges.

The Art of Dying Well gives a rough sketch of how to live life well, so that one can die well, and have confidence before the judgment seat of Christ. It is a timeless classic of the Catholic world, and the advice St. Bellarmine gives rings as true now as it did 400 years ago.

The intentional deprivation of one's most physical and carnal needs is a concept that has existed since the beginning of time, more commonly known as "mortification". The Bible makes one of the earliest references to "mortification of the flesh", as seen in Colossians 3:5, which reads, "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

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.

We know Our Dear Lady was upset about how her priests and nuns, as well as the laity were being treated. She had always been so loving to her children. It was she whom Jesus allowed to intercede on our behalf. We drove him beyond reconciliation, and yet, because of her, he allowed his arms to be held back. It did not seem that mankind was going to get any better. It was time for tribulation. But the Mother, the loving Mother, asked again for one more chance to reason with her children, and again, the gift was given by the Son to the Mother.

See How She Loves Us is an amazing collection of approved apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ranging across 23 countries and two millennia, the visions chronicled here show Mary's deep love for mankind, her Son, and the Church. Joan Carroll Cruz has meticulously researched 50 apparitions of Our Lady. Perfect for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, See How She Loves Us sheds light on the many mysteries of the Catholic Church and Catholics love for the Blessed Mother.

In the school of Mary, says St. John Paul II, we are "led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love". Mary - refuge of sinners, help of the sick, cause of our joy - is the model for all believers. The Manual for Marian Devotion will deepen your relationship with Mary and, in doing so, draw you closer to her son. Use it to nourish your love of Mary with the scriptures and stories of the saints, and turn to its prayers throughout the day.

Though often thought of as a towering intellect and theologian, Cardinal Newman’s writings reveal a man who possessed a simple devotion to Jesus and Mary. These powerful meditations on the Stations of the Cross, originally written for his parishioners in the Birmingham Oratory Church, can aid us with the simple and singular focus on Christ’s passion and our own failings that contributed to it.

Rerum Novarum, the opening words and the title of the Encyclical issued by Leo XIII, May 15, 1891, on the "Condition of Labor". Although the Encyclical follows the lines of the traditional teaching concerning the rights and duties of property and the relations of employed and employee, it applies the old doctrines specifically to modern conditions.

Starting with the birth of Jesus Christ and ending with the Eastern Orthodox/Roman Catholic split, Catholicism: Nine Events That Shaped the Early Catholic Church takes a vast subject and breaks it down into easy-to-understand pieces that form a whole. By focusing on just nine events, we are able to dive deeply into relevant history and politics while still bringing you a short history that covers the major occurrences in the early period of an important institution.

Revelations of Divine Love is a classic work of medieval Christian mysticism. Dame Julian of Norwich received these visions in 1373, at the age of 30. It appears from her writings that she was born in 1343 and died after 1416. The visions appeared to her over two nights when she was gravely ill. After her miraculous recovery, she described and reflected upon the 16 visions. Her theology is one of love and mercy, which has inspired and comforted many believers down the ages.

In this devotional treasure, you’ll find 40 daily reflections on the passion and death of Our Lord. Each day’s reflection - suitable for Lent or for any time of the year - includes a scriptural text, a meditation, a brief prayer, and an excerpt from the visions of two celebrated Catholic mystics: Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Venerable Maria de Agreda (1602-1665).

In Roman Catholics: The Greatest Deception of All, the first book of two, author Joe Tango tackles the problem of the Catholic dogma, taking exception to their arguments and claims of scripture that backs their beliefs.