Some years ago the critic George Steiner published a provocative book called Real Presences . As far as I know, Steiner wasn’t a believer, but his book was a respectful look at something he considered a serious problem: the loss of the sacramental sense in Western culture. It can be read as a kind of […]
The Little Way of Lent: Meditations in the Spirit of St. Therese of Lisieux is a very good tool to use in one’s Lenten journey. It is written by Fr. Gary Caster, a priest of the Diocese of Peoria. He is a contributor to the popular Magnificat magazine and to the EWTN TV network and […]
I had a good laugh with my sister today. This last year has been a tough one for my family. My father Angelo, who was never supposed to die, died in June — of cancer. My youngest sister still pretends he is alive. I know that most people would suggest that she see a therapist […]
I’ve looked high and low for years for the Catholic equivalent of the Bible story books I had as a child. It’s not that I don’t like the ones I had as a child; it’s that I want to share the delight of Tobit, the wonder of Sirach, and the adventure of Maccabees with my […]
An excerpt from Jesus of Nazareth PART TWO Holy Week From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection by Joseph Ratzinger Pope Benedict XVI Jesus before Pilate Jesus’ interrogation before the Sanhedrin had concluded in the way Caiaphas had expected: Jesus was found guilty of blasphemy, for which the penalty was death. But since only […]
An excerpt from Jesus of Nazareth PART TWO Holy Week From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection by Joseph RatzingerPope Benedict XVI The mystery of the betrayer he account of the washing of the feet presents us with two different human responses to this gift, exemplified by Judas and Peter. Immediately after the exhortation […]
Let’s face it; Catholics love Mary and the Rosary. Trying to sift through all the Marian devotions and offerings is testament to that fact. Some Catholics are accused of “worshipping” her and relying on rote, impersonal prayers while holding beads; but those of us in the know understand that our love for her and for […]
If you are tired of sugar coated Catholic prose, and want a more raw account of a person who tries to lead a Catholic life, drop what you are doing and buy Breakfast with the Pope. Click the link and insta-order. Seriously. Susan Vigilante chronicles her struggle with infertility, her quest to become a writer, […]
Prayer is important, so critical to the believer’s daily regimen that there are books out there to guide him/her through the process if need be. Meditation is one of the most misinterpreted and under utilized form of prayer. Probably due to the busyness of daily life, it would bring such peace in the same amount […]
Burst: A Story of God’s Grace When Life Falls Apart is the Catholic memoir to read when you want a well-written, inspirational story that won’t take weeks to complete. It’s a small book with a big message and one-of-a-kind stories I met Kevin Wells through our editor. We both went through the same publishing house, Servant […]
The priest upon whose experience the book and movie The Rite are based, Father Gary Thomas gives an extended interview to Leticia Velasquez, about the writing and purpose of the book, the realism of the movie, and his experiences with the Rite of Exorcism: Velasquez: I’d like to ask my first few questions about the […]
God makes every one of us unique, giving us each special gifts and talents. In the newly released book Joseph’s Hands (Bezalel Books, April 2007, paperback, 36 pages), author Kety Sabatini shares a compelling tale which aptly illustrates God’s love and creativity. Beautifully illustrated by Marie Sabatini, Joseph’s Hands is the story of six year […]
While exorcists admit that their ministry can sometimes be a heavy burden, it would be a mistake, they say to overstate the power of the Devil. As Father Amorth writes, “A priest who is afraid of the Devil is like a shepherd who is afraid of a wolf. It is a groundless fear.” The Devil,” […]
Beth Gantry, Liz, Elizabeth…the main character of Elizabeth: A Holy Land Pilgrimage (Bezalel Books, 2007) is many things to many people. What seems unclear in the opening pages of this debut novel from established non-fiction author Cheryl Dickow is how Elizabeth will be able to reconcile her roles as wife, mother and teacher with the […]
I recently had the good fortune to talk with Matt Swaim, producer of EWTN Radio’s Son Rise Morning Show, regarding his first book, The Eucharist and the Rosary: Mystery, Meditation, Power, Prayer (Ligouri Publications, 2010). Shane Kapler: Matt, I know that you entered the Church at Easter, 2005. Tell us about your journey: Matt Swaim: […]
Women today receive mixed messages about what their roles in life should be — we’ve all heard about the “mommy wars,” debates over work vs. home issues, and other gender based issues that top many of today’s headlines. With her book Reclaiming Your Christian Self in a Secular World: A Woman’s Worth (Pleasant Word, October […]
Catholic Book Review: My Muslim Friend: A Young Catholic Learns about Islam by Donna Jean Kemmetmueller, FSP In today’s complex world, we have an ever growing need to learn about and understand other cultures and religions. Images of war and terrorism enter into our homes on a daily basis. Stereotypes abound, frequently leaving children fearful […]
Whether you are a gifted athlete, a weekend warrior, or one who simply enjoys reading the Sunday Sports section, you will enjoy Spirituality of Sport: Balancing Body and Soul (St. Anthony Messenger Press, January 2004, paperback, 137 pages) by Dr. Susan Saint Sing. Saint Sing, a gifted athlete and inspirational coach, shares her own story […]
