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An Exorcist Explains the Demonic: The Antics of Satan and His Army of Fallen Angels is a gripping and insightful book written by Gabriele Amorth. Published by SOPHIA INST PR in 2016, this book delves into the genre of supernatural and religious beliefs. Gabriele Amorth, a renowned exorcist, shares his knowledge and experiences on the demonic world, providing a comprehensive understanding of Satan and his fallen angels. This book is not just a fascinating read, but also a guide for those seeking to understand the complex world of the supernatural. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of good versus evil. From the publisher SOPHIA INST PR, this is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while expanding your understanding of the unseen world.

"'The world is too small,' Saint Frances Cabrini (1850-1917) once declared. 'I would like to embrace it all, to reach every corner.' This compelling, authoritative biography chronicles the astounding life of a petite Italian-born religious sister who, with the heart of a missionary, conquered all odds to become the first American citizen canonized a saint. Theodore Maynard traces Cabrini's journey from her humble beginnings in northern Italy to her pioneering mission across the United States serving the poor and the sick on a massive scale. Between her work with immigrants (in New York, Denver, Chicago, Seattle, New Orleans, and beyond), her building of schools, orphanages, and hospitals, and her founding of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Cabrini's entrepreneurial work would change the course of American history, marking it with Christ's mercy. Maynard draws his material directly from the official files for Cabrini's canonization, from her letters, and from interviews with Missionary Sisters who were close to her. What emerges from this complex portrait is a woman of boundless compassion, courage, and energy, whose legacy continues to inspire people around the world today"--Amazon.co

Based on his study of great theologians and philosophers dating back to Aristotle, eminent philosopher and physicist Rev. Dr. Robert Spitzer devised his Four Levels of Happiness, asserting that whichever level dominates our lives will dictate our actions and determine the depth and endurance of our happiness. Incorporating examples from science, philosophy, psychology, and everyday life, Spitzer engagingly lays out achievable ways to ascend the ladder of happiness and find the fulfillment of all your desires.Whether you are religiously minded or a skeptic, you will explore the fascinating relationship between science and the transcendent and gain keys to attaining the heights of joy. You will discover: Four questions that will help you determine where you are on the happiness scale The essential ingredient for level-one happiness The endless loop people get stuck in with level-two happiness The keys to level-three happiness and what goes into deciding to move to level four Nine questions to ask yourself about others that will enlighten your mind and change your lifeYou will also learn about five transcendental desires that pull you up toward the fourth level of happiness and five cosmic inadequacies that drive you beyond the world of the senses.Through the lens of science, Spitzer sheds light on the origins of the universe and man and the benefits of supernatural faith. Additionally, he explains three types of prayer and methods for developing a personal relationship with the Creator to find lasting and authentic joy.Most significantly, you will find what it truly means to reach the level of transcendence. As you learn practical tips based on Ignatius of Loyola's Rules of Discernment, you will be empowered to live an enlightened, purposeful, joyous life. Above all, through Spitzer's logical, systematic reasoning you will see the beauty of Providence at work in you and how to open your heart to the power of love.

Imagine if you were privileged enough to sit beside Our Lady and hear from her very lips the story of Jesus' birth and suffering. In these short, moving reflections, told from the perspective of the Blessed Mother to a child, readers young and old will experience a depth of love for God and closeness to Mary's tender heart such as they have never felt before.Patrick O' Hearn masterfully guides you through Our Lady's Seven Sorrows with brief Scripture passages, meditations, and prayers for each mystery. He revives the age-old practice of praying seven Hail Marys daily in honor of Our Lady's Seven Sorrows, one of the simplest yet most powerful and grace-releasing devotions in the Catholic Church that every Catholic child should know and practice.As Our Lady speaks to your soul through these stirring reflections, accompanied by breathtaking illustrations by Adalee Hude, she will help you: Overcome any fear, worry, or doubtDevelop virtues such as courage, faith, and perseveranceImitate the Holy Family in practicing obedience, trust, and fidelityReflect on the life of Jesus from His birth through His PassionGrow in grace and hope in Jesus' ResurrectionThis book also contains a collection of traditional prayers in both English and Latin as well as four original prayers by Fr. Chad Ripperger that children can pray daily in gratitude to grow closer to Our Lady and for their vocation and protection.

One of the most diabolical lies of all time is that the devil doesn't exist. When we lose sight of the reality of the devil's existence, our souls are in peril because we become defenseless in a battle we don't even realize is being fought. The opposite view can also be insidious, as is increasingly clear in our age of rising obsession with the allurements of evil and the occult. In this preeminent collection of more than thirty historical, literary, philosophical, and psychological essays from esteemed authors, the nature and role of Satan are exposed, and the highest card he has to play against the world is revealed. This classic compendium is divided into five sections: "Satan's Existence and Nature," "The Place of the Devil outside Christianity," "Possession and Diabolism," "The Devil in Art and Literature," and "Deicide." Through these themes, you will learn how to discern when and where the devil is lurking, and ways to avoid his snares. You will also discover: How precisely the evil one leads us into temptation and sin Three remedies against the devil's tactics according to St. John of the Cross Ways St. Teresa of Ávila was victorious over the enemy's lies and "flies" How pagan religions view evil and demonic influence in the world How the greatest deceptions and evils enter the soulIn addition, you will see what the Scriptures, Church Fathers and other spiritual writers -- including many saints -- said about the devil's existence and ploys. You'll be absorbed by fascinating true stories from those who were possessed and delivered from evil spirits and by mysterious phenomena from dream demons, to pseudo-possession, to the Church's view of witchcraft throughout history. Moreover, you will discover the connection between body, mind, and spirit in cases of possession and oppression, as well as the role of medicine in determining whether a person is authentically possessed. You will also observe how even in situations where an individual is not possessed, Satan may be working to hinder that person's health and happiness. Above all, you will see that amid the darkness, there is hope. While we must always be on guard against the enemy's snares, victory is ensured when we take refuge in Christ's Precious Blood.

After the Holy Land and Rome, Santiago de Compostela draws more pilgrims than any other place in the world. For the first time for English-speaking readers, a priest-pastor chronicles the month-long life and times of a pilgrim on this storied walk. In an account both profound and delightful, Fr. Greg Markey relates the challenges he endured and the consolations he enjoyed along the much-celebrated Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). Fr. Markey's peaceful journey along the five-hundred-mile trail -- Web-free, phone-free, and television-free -- generated an astonishing array of brief but potent spiritual reflections. Then forty-one years old, Father did not conceal his priesthood, choosing on the contrary to wear the traditional Roman collar. And, unsurprisingly, the fruitful conversations that resulted with pilgrims were reflective, sometimes serious, comforting, and practical. Throughout his arduous trek, as recounted in this book, Fr. Markey displayed both a keen mind and a pastoral heart. His mission was successful but not without incident, as he encountered a wide variety of Christians and unbelievers struggling or lost in personal crises, some reflecting upon great loss or rediscovering Christ as the focus of their lives. There was plenty of private time along the trail as well. Fr. Markey gleaned spiritual lessons for himself and his flock, to whom he wrote, and he chronicled them in a journal. Through his life-changing witness, you will discover: Stories of searching souls who were touched by a word of faith or a small gift Life lessons from the physical difficulties and temptations he endured on the Way How God unexpectedly speaks to us in our need through His Word and through others Why the Camino is a metaphor for life and the ways in which it attunes the soul to Divine Providence The encouraging bond that exists between Catholics from all places, ages, and walks of life You will also learn about the fascinating life of St. James the Greater and miracles of his intercession -- including more than twenty interventions on the battlefield -- as well as the discovery and authentication of his relics. Pope Benedict XVI's 2010 homily at Santiago Cathedral is also featured. "If there is a powerful lesson on the Camino, it is that I am no longer in control; and just when I have no more strength and no more options, He catches me, reminding me He is ultimately in control." -- Fr. Greg Markey

"A valuable contribution to the reflection on the relationship between science and religion, presenting very sound arguments with abundant documentation and a casual style that makes for an enriching and gratifying read." --Fernando Sols, professor of condensed matter physics, Complutense University of Madrid Here is the book you need to challenge atheists and agnostics to defend their ideologies logically and rationally and to fortify your own beliefs. In this distinctive book, which draws from all fields of science, José Carlos González-Hurtado presents a preponderance of empirical evidence for theism in a way that you can easily understand and explains how atheism twists reality to justify its view by "selective skepticism." This thoroughly documented incisive work will strengthen your view of the existence of God, regardless of your beliefs about evolution or lack of religious affiliation. González-Hurtado explains how the majority of mathematicians and scientists who are remembered for remarkable discoveries in mathematics, physics, quantum mechanics, chemistry, cosmology, biology, and more were theists -- and he provides many of their accounts. In these enlightening pages, you will find: How the Second Law of Thermodynamics, cited by Albert Einstein as the most important, points to God Answers about the Big Bang Theory, evolution, and other much-debated questions How NASA explorers confirmed the standard cosmological argument Ways in which mathematical theorems, statistics, and probabilities indicate God's existence Twenty constants that allow us to exist, and seven aspects of St. Anselm's ontological argument for God How St. Augustine's words were verified by scienceIn addition, González-Hurtado illustrates why string theory and multiverses are best left for Hollywood movies, how verified results in cosmic microwave background and other observations verify the creation of the universe, and how multiple attempts to support the "theory of the bouncing universe" are disproved.Although the science behind a Necessary Being is irrefutable, a small but vocal number of scientists refuse to accept the evidence. Some oppressive regimes have gone so far as to persecute or kill those who espouse cosmology, but Hurtado exposes these crimes and debunks their illogical thinking. You will learn the difference between creationism and Intelligent Design and what it really means to live by Darwinian laws. As even Stephen Hawking admitted, "The universe has not always existed; on the contrary, the universe, and time itself, had a beginning with the Big Bang."

Con calidez, comprensión y habilidad pastoral, el P. Timothy Gallagher ofrece aquí una invitación llena de esperanza a todos los que luchan por superarnuestro mayor obstáculo en nuestra vida espiritual: el desánimo.Nuestro enemigo manipula activamente nuestras debilidades, llevándonos astutamente una y otra vez a una angustiosa sensación de desorientación. Pero el P. Gallagher corre las cortinas de las artimañas del diablo, ofreciendo suaves reflexiones que son notablemente eficaces para quitarte las cargas de tu vida espiritual cotidiana.Aprenderás formas prácticas de encontrar la paz en medio de tus luchas espirituales, y encontrar paciencia incluso ante las pruebas más duras. Lo mejor de todo es que aprenderás a sacar beneficio espiritual de las aflicciones que te molestan diariamente.Cada reflexión de estas páginas comienza con una cita del Venerable Bruno Lanteri, el fundador de los Oblatos de la Virgen María, cuya sabiduría ha guiado la espiritualidad extraordinariamente sabia del P. Gallagher. En estas páginas, aprenderás: Qué hacer cuando has llegado al punto de la desesperaciónCómo dejar los pecados, debilidades y decepciones de tu pasado a la misericordia de DiosCómo reconocer al enemigo, incluso cuando se presenta como si fuera bueno La Santa Presunción: qué es, por qué debes desearla y cómo conseguirlaLos cinco beneficios que obtendrás de la Confesión asidua Cómo cada parte de la Misa corresponde a un afecto del corazónCómo evitar la tristeza, la melancolía y la tentación Cómo estar alegre incluso cuando no sientes la alegría Técnicas probadas para combatir los estados negativosde ánimoNo hay que sentir vergüenza de la desolación espiritual. El P. Gallagher nos recuerda que incluso los más grandes santos sufrieron esta aflicción. La clave está en aprender a acercarse a Dios en los momentos más oscuros de la vida.Superar el desánimo espiritual es una llamada a la esperanza... una llamada al consuelo en tiempos de sufrimiento... y una llamada a mantenerse firme en tiempos de aflicción. Lee este libro y aprenderás a entrar en la paz y la alegría sublimes que promete nuestro Señor.

"The guests in this collection each witness to how God reached out to them and opened their minds and hearts to let them know that He was always there, next to them, calling them home." -Marcus Grodi, from the IntroductionPersonal testimonies possess the spiritual dynamism to touch hearts. For over twenty-five years, "The Journey Home" program on EWTN has enjoyed immense success. Here you will find some of the show's finest interviews, including answers to real-life questions posed by viewers. Popular and beloved guests Fr. Benedict Groeschel and Mother Angelica recount their vocational journeys; Scott Hahn testifies to God's mercy at work in his journey to the Catholic Faith; Steven Mosher valiantly defends the Church's teachings on the sanctity of human life; and Alice von Hildebrand recounts the conversion of her brilliant and saintly husband, Dietrich. Host Marcus Grodi's aim is to share personal stories of conversion, hope, and renewal with readers and to help them stay close to Christ and His Church amid life's storms. Thus, Marcus and his guests offer a personal covenant relationship with Christ, covering topics such as spiritual and moral struggles and questions about Scripture, Tradition, and why the Catholic Church possesses the fullness of the truth. In this treasure trove, you will find fascinating stories about miracles, healings, and vocational journeys. You will also learn about: The "second conversion" we are all called to and what it entails The stages of the spiritual life and the secret to progressing to the next level Ways to grow in understanding and fervent devotion for the Mass and daily prayer How to evangelize non-Catholics and "the sacramentalized" Why the Church's doctrine on marriage and family is crucial in modernity Teachings on the Pope, Our Lady, the Holy Eucharist, the Sacraments, and moreThe road to Heaven is steep and narrow and our path doesn't always seem clear. However, as you read the powerful stories of these faithful witnesses and walk with them on their transforming journeys, you will be moved by the profound love of God the Father Who is always at your side. Gazing upon the splendor of truth, revealed through the Bible and sacramental life of the Church, you will behold His wisdom at work in your life.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth, known as "the Pope's Exorcist," exposes the reality of evil and lays out what our response should be in a time when the devil appears more powerful and cunningly alluring than ever. Our age, Fr. Amorth explains, is seduced by the wiles of the enemy -- either through fascination with the occult or through willful ignorance. There is, however, nothing to fear when we put on the armor of God.In these absorbing pages, Fr. Amorth offers ways to equip yourself and your loved ones for the spiritual battle that all humans are destined to face -- and to attain victory. From the pen of the legendary priest exorcist, you will learn gripping details about: The figure of Satan and key ways to protect yourself from diabolical snares The role of exorcists -- past and present -- and their discernment in counseling afflicted souls Lessons from the saints in overcoming the temptations and attacks of the devil Six types of disturbances that the devil can provoke (Can you guess them?) Three things that cause a soul to fall into diabolical disturbances Signs of diabolical possession and the view of science in such casesAn invaluable collection of tried-and-true traditional prayers is also included for protection against the devil and liberation from his bondage.Fr. Amorth further explains the origin of Hell and the primary tactic the devil uses in pursuit of souls. He also provides a brief overview of the history of exorcism from the earliest centuries of Christianity and describes the ministry of exorcism, yesterday and today. Drawing from the riches of his experience, Father clarifies how he evaluates whether an individual is suffering due to preternatural causes and reveals the only authentic proof of malevolent influence.Significantly, you will see how the ability to cast out demons testifies to Jesus' divinity and will discover ways that all of the faithful can intercede for the afflicted. Above all, you will be consoled by the power of Christ over the enemy and learn to rest safely in His care while trusting that by His Precious Blood shed on the Cross the triumph is already won.

"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 forewordThis 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: Adventures in the lives of the SistersFascinating customs that will enrich your FaithAwe-inspiring celebrations for Christmas, Easter, and every seasonThe history behind devotion to the Child Jesus, the Scapular, and the Carmelite OrderSacred traditions, prayers, and maxims to live by Types of sacrifices Carmelites offer for souls in the worldA 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.

Imagine the best conversation you've ever had -- one that set your heart on fire, challenged your thinking, brought you closer to God, and inspired you to act. Recall how that conversation made you feel and how it changed your heart and your life. Such interactions rise to the level of the sacred -- sacred conversations -- dialogues that transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and make the world a better place by converting compassionate love into action. Conversations like this are rare but accessible to all of us all the time, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journeys. Dr. Christopher Reed provides a divinely inspired, scientifically tested, step-by-step process for guiding interactions between "seekers" and "helpers." We are all seekers, and we can all become helpers. This book will show you how to relate to others in their pain, frustration, hopes, and dreams. You will also learn: The six components of peak communication How you can invite, understand, and illuminate others through your conversations Three historical and scriptural reasons we should study and use sacred conversations How to stop, connect, reflect, and choose the best course of action in dialogue Five ingredients in the anatomy of sacred conversations Practical ways to build community, give thanks to God, and show gratitude for othersUsing Scripture, real-world examples, key scientific studies, and stories from his own formation, Dr. Reed provides approachable, fun-filled, well-researched advice on how you can use sacred conversations to become your best self and build closer relationships with others and with the Lord. Sacred Conversations offers a set of "how-to" tools for application, including flow charts, lists, and resources on the "Rules of the Road," the "Sacred Conversations Model," the roles of seekers and helpers, seven lessons for sacred conversations, and conversation starters to help you apply the model now to improve your life and help people in need. These pages will inspire your heart and reveal how everyday interactions can lead to spiritual growth, deep connections, and meaningful impact. This isn't merely another Christian self-help book. It's an inspired invitation to transform your life, and our world, one "sacred conversation" at a time. These spiritual encounters between people who want to grow in faith and virtue and live more purposeful and fulfilling lives will open your heart to hear God's voice more clearly and respond to His love more generously.

From the beginning of Celtic scholarship in English, there was mention of Egyptians in ancient Ireland. However, allusion to "seven Egyptian monks in Desert Uilaidh" in the Litany of the Céile Dé from the seventh century Book of Leinster was dismissed as merely symbolic.But evidence continues to accumulate that connections with the Mediterranean in ancient Ireland were real.Archaeology documents frequent commerce between Ireland and the whole Mediterranean world from prehistory forward. Over the years, more and more similarities, links, and borrowings between ancient Ireland and the East have been found in art, architecture, literature, and liturgy, hymnody, and monastic custom.From the art in the Book of Kells to some to some passages in the Antiphonary of Bangor to images on Irish high crosses, there are parallels too close and too frequent and too close to be.Monastery and High Cross is a cross-disciplinary meta-analysis of English-language research into these questions over the last one hundred and sixty years. It reviews scholarship in history, art, architecture, monastic traditions, liturgical and literary allusions, and assembles a comprehensive and thought-provoking collection of evidence.

"Dr. Chaloux shows us that the Church's teachings on the Four Last Things (death, judgment, Heaven, and Hell) and the last day gives us hope and the perspective that God has our best interests at heart and will extend His love and mercy to all those who seek to follow Him in good faith. With suffering as his principal focus, Dr. Chaloux dives deeply into the underlying reasons for painful times and debunks common misconceptions that often result in applying false attributes to God. Moreover, he presents the various ways people experience love in their lives, oftentimes in unexpected ways, and shows how they ultimately lead to salvation. He recounts real-life stories of those who experienced brokenness and found healing and joy through God's love, even in moments of great distress. This study of the mystery of divine love explains the nature of love and how it is manifested in seven relationships known to us since antiquity. It shows how all these ways that we love have their foundation in charity, divine love, and depend on God for the spark that we all see when a friendship turns to love. Heaven's Currency explains that love is a capability to be grown, not a commodity to be accumulated -- and, hence, it increases rather than diminishes with use, and it can be lost forever if we choose not to share it. Jesus used parables, the Beatitudes, and the Commandments, as well as His life, Passion, death, and Resurrection, to teach us how to love divinely with sufficient intensity to share in His eternal life. Through the teachings of St. Paul, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and other saints, you will discover how divine love (or charity) is the true currency of Heaven. It emanates from God and is indeed the only thing that can be shared by both the living and the dead and that endures even beyond death. In Heaven's Currency, you will discover: How all love in infused into us by God, to be shared as widely as possible; How to recognize God's love in our lives, even in times of distress; How sharing God's love with others is part of God's plan for us and is the source of our happiness; How St. Thomas describes the order of love, what makes us more or less lovable in the eyes of God and of those around us; How following the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes and the Works of Mercy teach us to love and become the best versions of ourselves. By following the true way of all your loves on earth and by being who God created you to be, you will also experience a taste of peace and happiness now and lasting joy in Heaven."--

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: Why the Gospels lead us to the tabernacle, and the tabernacle leads us to the GospelsThe mission of those closest to Jesus in the Gospels and how to imitate themGreater fervor in receiving Holy Communion and praying in Eucharistic AdorationHow Jesus is neither idle nor silent in His Eucharistic PresenceThe three ways the Heart of Jesus looks at souls -- and how He looks at youThe secret to touching the Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to receive healingThere 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.

"Be converted and do penance for all your iniquities, and iniquity shall not be your ruin," wrote the Holy Spirit by the mouth of the prophet Ezekiel. The Magdalena Prayer Book provides you with ways to practice conversion through perfect contrition -- in the footsteps of St. Mary Magdalene, "Queen of Penitents" -- and to unite yourself spiritually to our Lord in the Holy Eucharist as often as possible throughout the day to help you in your struggle against sin.In this powerful devotional, you will uncover the theology and devotions that encompass the essentials of perfect contrition and spiritual communion. You will thus discover: The difference between perfect and imperfect contrition What to do when sacramental Confession isn't available The conditions for perfect contrition, according to the Church Why the habit of frequently examining your conscience is fruitful How God longs to shower you with His mercy for your salvationScriptural quotes on repentance and restoration are included and arranged by topic to help you develop a hatred for sin and the desire to confess and atone for your sins. Traditional prayers from the liturgy and the saints are also included to help you prayerfully cultivate the conditions for perfect contrition. Other features include a helpful examination of conscience, acts of spiritual communion, meditations on God's mercy, and guidance on making a good thanksgiving after Holy Communion.As you learn how to embrace the model of St. Mary Magdalene, The Magdalena Prayer Book will help you reach deep into your heart and develop a genuine sorrow for past and present sins. This vital resource presents a holistic approach to contrition and spiritual communion. It offers insights that complement the journey of a repentant sinner, providing solace and guidance in the absence of, or as a supplement for, sacramental Confession and Communion. These timeless devotions will benefit the repentant soul at every step along the spiritual journey -- from nurturing a profound love for God and a firm purpose of amendment to seeking unwavering confidence in the Divine Mercy of God.

In this game-changing book, Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., reveals how you can actively listen and open yourself to receive God's personal love for you in the Mass, where our Lord waits to quench your deepest longing and heal your wounds. Drawing from the wisdom of the saints, modern-day spiritual giants, and his own penetrating reflections, you will learn how to quiet your mind, stretch your heart, and become childlike in the sense of experiencing the sacred mysteries with wonder and awe.The Mass, as most Catholics are aware, consists of words and gestures through which the Church worships the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit. But as far fewer Catholics know, the periods of silence are more than pauses or empty spaces, as Fr. Hicks explains. They are beautifully textured with prescribed prayers spoken quietly by the priest, meaningful images such as incense and chalice veils, and expectant faith ready to surrender or receive from God in particular ways. Learning how to attune our hearts to these silences can greatly increase the fruitfulness of our reception of grace at Mass. In these soul-enriching pages, you will explore the various textures of silence in general, the ways in which silence affects your interior life, and how silence can draw you into more intimate prayer. You will also find: How our Lady is the supreme model on how to cultivate active and receptive silence The secret to settling slowly into silence, relaxing, and entering into an inner dialogue with God Tips on how to commune with God in your heart and on practicing lectio divina What St. Benedict teaches on developing silence in prayer, speech, activities, and thoughtsFr. Hicks further guides you through each of the nine silent (secreto) prayers of the priest, the silent gestures in the Mass, such as the use of incense and the unveiling of the chalice, and the intentional periods of silence, including during the Liturgy of the Word and after receiving Holy Communion.You will discover the pattern through which divine life came to earth and how the fire of Christ's merciful love comes to the soul. Moreover, you will come to understand how your physical silence at Mass fosters your spiritual silence and becomes an "act of love" through self-offering, adoration, communion, and resting in the inexpressible mystery.Each chapter includes reflection questions designed to foster group discussions so parish members can reflect on and grow together in the way they pray during Mass.Through such intimate encounter, you will learn to enjoy praying at Mass with your whole heart, mind, and soul and will arrive at a more conscious, active, and fruitful participation in the sacred liturgy.

Prolific historian Roberto de Mattei unfurls the sail to help you navigate in tumultuous times through the stormy waters of worldly events, intellectual movements, apostasies, moral decay, divisions, and persecutions. In these reflections, de Mattei steers you on a voyage from the earliest centuries to the French Revolution, charting the course with fascinating historical details and true stories about key political figures and saints, masterfully relating them to our situation now.In these stirring pages, you will learn: Who the real dissidents are -- past and presentThe witness of the early Christians and ways we can learn from them todayThe twin pillars of victory according to the vision of St. John BoscoThe path to authentic reform and the heroic example of the saints throughout the agesHow the Church rose above the waves amid crises, including schisms and revolutionsDespite the changing tides and pounding waves, you will discover ways the Church weathered storms with Scripture and Tradition as her compasses. You will behold how, in moments of gloom, when all seemed lost, the valor of Catholic heroes restored calm and announced the morning dawn.

Modern society has forgotten that the joie de vivre and the liturgical life are intertwined. Drawing from his experiences growing up in the Catholic culture of New Orleans, author Daniel Fitzpatrick juxtaposes the beauty of taking time to celebrate the Faith with the ongoing cultural drift toward eliminating the Sabbath. The result is a book that will awaken Christians from their spiritual sloth and enable them to appreciate the Lord's Day more deeply as a means of attaining happiness -- in the here and in the hereafter. Fitzpatrick masterfully breaks open Scripture, philosophy, psychology, and literature -- from Homer to Dante, from St. John Cassian to Evelyn Waugh -- positing that we have become Pharaohs within, consumed as we are with anxiety and work. The lines for commerce on Sundays, he points out, stretch out further than those for Holy Communion, while inertia blankets us and idleness saps us of our vitality and zeal. Through his fresh insights and contemporary examples, you will discover: How to honor the Lord's Day and reclaim the freedom to truly worship God Three aspects of the noonday devil's approach, and how to recognize and defeat them Five ways to reorder your Sunday activities to restore Sabbath festivity and holiness How the Holy Eucharist strengthens and enlightens us on our journey to Heaven Techniques for cultivating the silence of contemplation Additionally, you will see why Aquinas, Augustine, and the Desert Fathers identified acedia as an obstacle to advancement in the spiritual life -- a sin against the Lord's Day that often leads people to experience Sunday as a day of anxiety. You will also see how one comes to neglect the dignity of the human person and risks falling prey to immorality when one loses sight of what is holy. Conversely, you will see how living a holy family life, particularly on Sunday, trains us for the heavenly banquet. Fitzpatrick also explains how the liturgy is meant to be celebrated in light of the writings of Pope Benedict XVI and other spiritual authors, and how it invites us to partake of the true "heavenly festivity" here on earth while preparing us for everlasting joy with God in Heaven.

Conspiracies and secret societies exist because man, wounded by Original Sin, is inclined to evil and his social nature leads him to unite with other men in carrying out evil plans. With typical precision, historian Roberto de Mattei navigates us through this gloomy labyrinth of evil amid congiure, conspiracies, and plots -- terms often used as synonyms but which, through their semantic and conceptual differences, can each assist us in understanding better the hidden dimension of the history of the past five centuries.While the Italian term congiure indicates secret agreements limited to a few people and aimed at killing a sovereign or a political leader, often in the context of a power struggle, conspiracies are projects with a much broader scope that seek to overthrow the constituted order. The golden age of congiure and political assassinations runs from the poisons of the Renaissance to the 1700s. Then, with the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, an age opened in which the traditional congiure was bolstered by the development of conspiracies of an ideological and political character.The plot, on the other hand, is an elusive, hidden agglomerate of which neither the identity of the protagonists nor the concrete operative means are revealed. Professor de Mattei posits that the contemporary plotting spirit we see today -- from the Aquarius conspiracy, to the Great Reset, to the virus pandemic -- has nothing to do with the study of anti-Christian secret societies, which has always been part of historiography and Catholic apologetics but, in fact, plays into the hands of those intent on the psychological, intellectual, and moral destabilization of the West. In these fascinating pages, you will discover: Whether socio-psychological criteria are enough to formulate a conspiracy theory What famous political minds such as Niccolò Machiavelli believed about conspiracies How fabrications of plots by individuals such as Catherine de' Medici led to bloodshed The cruelest epoch in history and its aftershocks in the schemes of secret societies The role of the occult in plots and conspiracies, and its relationship with revolution Solutions to avoid becoming lost in the matrix of evil and lies in modernityUltimately, you will find how to differentiate between true and false plots and to discern how some conspiracies lead to heresy and insidiously attempt to destroy Christianity. By reading this book, you will be equipping yourself to challenge and overcome the dark errors of our times.

At a time when the profound significance of Easter is often overshadowed by commercialism, The Story of the First Easter Bunny is a refreshing and heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of this most holy of Christian holidays. Best-selling author Anthony DeStefano tells the tale of a pint-size bunny with enormous ears who seeks healing for his sick mother by searching for Jesus and listening to His words. The bunny shows courage and compassion on his selfless journey. When all seems dark and he is afraid, the bunny remembers Christ's words and takes refuge in God's promise by calmly waiting for the light. After the bunny witnesses the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection, he and his mother experience a life-changing miracle, and the bunny goes on to spread the message of salvation to all who will listen. His inspiring example is a reminder to readers -- both the young and the young at heart -- that God's love is ever present and that when we trust Him with the confidence of a child, we find redemption, fulfillment, and lasting joy. This instant classic, told in charming rhyming verse and wonderfully illustrated by New York Times best-selling artist Richard Cowdrey, adopts the Easter Bunny as a symbol of hope in the Risen Lord, of the transformative power of faith, and of the reality of Heaven. It offers an inspiring alternative to our culture's obsession with chocolate treats, dyed eggs, and cartoon characters of little substance. The moving tale of this endearing bunny who refused to give up hope will fill your heart with a song of praise and be a favorite in your home, classroom, and church for years to come.

Popular author and TV and radio host John Martignoni has written a book that highlights the flaws in Protestant teaching -- using something that is in rather short supply in today's culture: common sense. He throws in a little simple logic too. He uses the Bible as the background for his plain yet provocative analysis of numerous underlying problems with Protestantism as a whole and then focuses on specific Bible passages to ask a number of tough questions regarding individual Protestant doctrines and dogmas.Catholics can use this book not only to respond effectively to questions from family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers about why they believe what they believe but also to ask questions of their own -- questions that will leave the Protestants in their lives struggling to come up with logically and scripturally consistent answers and will, hopefully, led them to some serious introspection.With simple, clear-cut explanations, Martignoni lays out the reasons why Protestantism, as a whole and in its individual parts, is illogical and lacking in both common sense and biblical sense. In page after page, you will find concise, candid, power-packed arguments from Scripture, history, and just plain rational thinking, along with thirty questions to ask Protestants about what they believe and why. This treasure trove of apologetics will teach you about: The two pillars of Protestantism and why they cannot standWhat happens when everyone has authority to bind and loose (personal interpretation)How Protestants view sin and infallibility (brace yourself!)The rebellion against the ministerial priesthood and the rejection of doctrinal consistencyHow forensic justification makes God a liar (saved by faith alone?)Additionally, you will learn four reasons why the Catholic Church is indisputably the Church that Jesus founded, which beliefs are essential to authentic Christianity, and how to prove that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist. You will also discover insights into relevant and fascinating questions on faith and works, what the "Catechism of the Protestant Church" teaches, what is required to attain salvation, who wrote the Bible and decided which books to include, when the Church was founded, and much more.

Amid a wide range of spiritualities and charisms, the saints shared two consistent devotions: love for the Holy Eucharist and love for Our Lady. Here is the book that will immerse you deeply in both and inflame your heart with love for Jesus' Eucharistic Heart through the heart of His Mother. The relational reflections contained in this volume will restore or increase your faith in the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. They will help you enter into meditation with Jesus and Mary as never before and will open your heart to receive the graces available from the Sacred Mysteries. Each Marian Eucharistic Visit presented in these pages, similar in format to Lectio Divina, guides you through four parts: ponder (a short prayer or quote from a saint or spiritual writer), reflect (a meditation on the grace you are seeking from your visit), pray (a guided reflection with traditional Marian Eucharistic prayers), and savor (keys to resting in the presence of the Lord). Space is provided at the end of each meditation to journal about the resolutions, affections, and inspirations you receive during your time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Scripture passages are peppered throughout, as are scenes from the lives of Jesus and Mary to contemplate. In page after page, you will find ways to rekindle the fire of divine love in your prayer life and to grow in loving communion with our Lord in the miracle of the Eucharist. Through the Blessed Virgin's intercession, you will grow in virtue and discover spiritual treasures such as these: What St. Louis de Montfort said is the shortest, surest, and most perfect way to JesusFour types of prayer to incorporate during Eucharistic AdorationThe one thing that wounds Jesus' Heart even more than our sinsThe Marian virtue that thwarts the evil one's tricksThe medicine Our Lady uses to intercede for the spiritual healing of our soulsYou will be inspired by moving stories of saints such as Faustina, the Fátima children, and Pope John Paul II and will see how to apply them to your daily faith journey. With the chapters modeled on particular virtues in the life of Mary to imitate, these precious pages convey the Church's teachings on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, Adoration, Spiritual Communion, and much more.

"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 Miracle of the Vatican, in which the Holy Face image became enlivened, serving as catalyst for the related wonder-working at the hands of Ven. Leo Dupont. The woman in the Gospel who was designated by Christ in private revelations as the model of reparation to His wounded Countenance -- and whose "reward" prefigured that which He promises for devotees of the Holy Face Devotion. How reparation to the Holy Face relates to the Holy Sacrament of the Altar and is complementary to the Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy devotions. How St. Joan of Arc was the forebearer of the Holy Face Devotion in her dramatic assistance of the preservation of Catholicism in France. How the Holy Face Devotion serves as an antidote to communism and modernism. 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.

As you journey through Credo: Compendium of the Catholic Faith -- the most up-to-date "catechism" in print -- this study journal will help you absorb the riches of the Church's teaching to fruitfully contemplate, pray, and live as Christ taught. This companion resource to Credo is suitable for individuals or study groups, classroom instructors, retreat programs, and large-format presentations. Features include recurring elements such as: Study: Key terms and concepts that highlight each chapter's main doctrinal points Reflect: Prompts to help readers apply chapter themes to their own lives Discuss: Topically related questions to encourage group discussion Lex Orandi: Prayer excerpt from the Mass illustrating a chapter topic Lex Credendi: Excerpt from Credo reflecting the same topic Ample space for notes is provided throughout this study journal, helping you synthesize and personalize your exploration of this wide-ranging summary of Catholic belief and morals. The structure of the journal is carefully designed to enrich the reader's experience of Credo, promoting better study, deeper insight, and more effective use in both private and group settings. Each journal chapter is aligned with the corresponding chapter in Credo to highlight its key aspects, while the beautifully paired excerpts from the Roman Missal will help you discover how the Catholic Church truly "prays as she believes"--lex orandi, lex credendi--helping you draw closer to God. Through reflection and discussion on Christian identity, doctrine, morals, and worship, you will be empowered to testify to the truths of the Faith and equipped to apply and explain the principles of right moral action in an increasingly confused and anti-Christian world. This journal will help you break open the treasures of divine revelation as reflected in Credo, grow in your faith, enrich your catechism class, or shape your homilies.

"Many are well aware of St. Thomas Aquinas' intellectual prowess - his genius in metaphysics and supernatural theology - that pierced the depths of truth. However, few know about the spiritual life of this illustrious Doctor of the Church. This work, written by Msgr. Martin Grabman, a foremost authority on his life, is unique in its revelation of the sanctity and holiness of St. Thomas' priestly soul. Neither a purely devotional nor a strictly scientific treatment of the interior life of St. Thomas, this book combines the two to help you appreciate the character of the Angelic Doctor. In St. Thomas' own words, you will come to understand how and why he learned more from the feet of the Crucified than from the innumerable books he read. You will further be convinced that sanctity precedes science, and that life precedes knowledge, even in the scientific personality of Aquinas. In this gem, you will find insights into Aquinas' heart, brilliantly aglow with Divine love, through his works and the Acts of his Canonization Process. Msgr. Grabmann highlights three areas in the interior life of Aquinas: wisdom, charity, and peace. The soul of St. Thomas was ordered after the soul of Jesus Christ and his writings on intimacy with God flowed from his own experience of this communion. All St. Thomas' actions during his life were oriented toward Jesus Christ; St. Thomas asked God that he might think like Christ, love like Christ, and be at peace like Christ. St. Thomas spent his life in contemplative prayer, study, writing, and preaching. It is said that he began his writings with prayer and was often moved to tears. Through testimonies about the Angelic Doctor, you will learn about his untold mysticism and discover: The secret to develop fervent charity and attain spiritual delight; His self-sacrifice, kindness, and charity; His exemplary purity and temperance, and how he ordered his whole life toward God; The three-fold wisdom in which St. Thomas found the meaning and happiness of life; The two-fold way that helps us find truth; Why St. Thomas was called the Cherubim of the Eucharistic mystery. Revered as one of the greatest thinkers of all time, St. Thomas also possessed the faith of a child. You will be astounded by true stories of humility and patience that St. Thomas showed in instructing beginners in the spiritual life, along with his mercy and compassion toward others"--

"At this moment, I see the Church on the edge of a precipice. . . . What happened during the sack of Constantinople comes to mind, when the Turks besieged the city, and at the moment of greatest danger, the theologians were caught up in debating among themselves about the color of Our Lady's eyes." Thus states Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under Benedict XVI and foremost defender of the traditional Church, who, for the first time, narrates from the inside some of the most significant episodes of the last two pontificates.In this riveting, thorough, and uncensored interview by Vatican correspondent Franca Giansoldati, the German theologian explains the doctrinal confusion wrought by various themes of the Francis papacy that risks fanning the flames of heresies old and new. With a magnifying glass, he examines topics ranging from Vatican foreign policy to the handling of the pedophilia scandals, from gender, abortion, and end of life to the abdication of Benedict XVI, from the Ukraine war to the risk of schism and predictions for the next conclave.In these pages, you will discover: What was behind Cardinal Müller's being distanced from the Holy OfficeWhether the nomination of new cardinals is linked to a papal attempt at centralizing powerThe limits of the encyclical Praedicate Evangelium, which redesigned the Roman CuriaWhether there is a gay lobby at the Vatican, and the true roles of women in the ChurchWhy the College of Cardinals never intervened in the controversial Becciu caseWhat is happening to the Church in Germany, America, and ChinaThe candid and revelatory answers to these and many other questions enliven Cardinal Müller's reflections and provide an antidote to the twenty-first century's profound crisis of religion. Readers will come to appreciate the balance required between obedience in the Church and defense of the truth, how attempts to protestantize the Church are destroying faith in the true Christ and the sacraments, and the bold solutions the cardinal offers to set the Church on a path to authentic reform.

"The merciful Lord has given us one more year. Let us take it seriously as the last chance. We should not take the risk of delaying." -- Joseph Cardinal Zen Lent is a time of preparation and renewal through prayer, mortification, and charity. With candor and compassion, Joseph Cardinal Zen of Hong Kong explains how you can open your heart to grow in love of God to make this your most fruitful Lent ever. These eighteen Lenten meditations, collected from His Eminence's homilies and pastoral letters during a time of social and political tension, will fortify you to face the temptations that beset you so as to choose consistently the light of life.Also included are thirteen stirring Easter themed reflections. With Cardinal Zen journeying with you, you will find the path to healing amid suffering and discover as never before the glory of resurrected love.In this volume, you will discover: God's wedding gift to you -- and your response Five attitudes to cultivate to become a cheerful giver How to restore your amazement and awe in the Paschal Mystery Ways to make your Lenten, Holy Week, and Easter celebrations more meaningful What you must do to be saved and embrace God's healing and liberating power Seven lessons on the road to Emmaus that will transform your lifeThese beautifully crafted reflections will give you renewed fervor in your devotion to Jesus, our Savior, who wants to take you to a higher level. You will find out how to live in true imitation of the Good Shepherd and how to love your neighbor with a mother's heart. Through Cardinal Zen's wisdom, thought-provoking questions, and unique perspective, you will see as never before how Jesus' messages in the Gospels affirm the dignity of the human person.As His Eminence reveals the mystery of the cross, you will learn what it means to have the faith of a child and experience the comfort and tenderness of the Holy Spirit, especially in times of persecution and suffering. You will also perceive the steps to take to follow God's call, and, with the man healed of blindness, come to say, "I went, I washed, I was able to see."