Spending Christmas alone in a nursing home, two elderly women, Florence and Myrna, share their longing for the love of a traditional family Christmas. In order to prove to a doubting Florence that the joy of Christmas still exists, Myrna bets that someone will make room in their hearts and home for a stranger. Hardcover, 72 pages, Loyola Press Fall 2003.
In Still Called by Name, Father Dominic Grassi, an urban priest, natural storyteller, and author of the popular Bumping into God books, reflects on his vocation and recalls the reasons he became a priest. Through poignant and often humorous recollections from his thirty years as a priest, Grassi celebrates the special moments of grace he has witnessed and the special people who have touched his life.
Grassi pulls aside the veil of mystery shrouding the priesthood and breaks down barriers between priests and lay people. Grassi shares simple stories that reveal the incredible joy, profound awe, and overwhelming peace he finds in his life as a priest. Still Called by Name, restores faith and trust in priests at a critical time for the Catholic Church. Hardcover, 200 pages, Loyola Press Fall 2003
The Second Vatican Council says, We ought to try to discover a new reverence for the Eucharistic mystery. Something is happening that is greater than anything we can do. The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is the font from which all her power flows.
This profound statement about the Eucharist stands at the center of this book by Cardinal Ratzinger. He compellingly shows us the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of the Eucharist. The Cardinal draws far-reaching conclusions, focusing on the importance of one's personal devotion to and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, for the personal reception of Communion by the individual Christian, as well as for the life of the Church. For Ratzinger, any transformation of the world on the social plane grows out of the celebration of the Eucharist. He beautifully illustrates how the omnipotent God comes intimately close to us in the Holy Eucharist, the Heart of Life.
160 pages, softcover, Ignatius Press Fall 2003. Quantity
A legend in his own lifetime, Francis was canonized in 1226. Within two years of his death, work began on the great Basilica that bears his name. Two churches, one built on top of the other and set into the rocky hillside at Assisi, were decorated with some of the most important frescoes in Europe.
The 28 scenes from Francis’ life are the treasure of the Upper Church. They speak to us of humanity, and deeply reflect Francis’ capacity to bring Christianity closer to people.
On September 26, 1997, an earthquake struck Umbria, causing part of the Basilica to collapse. Miraculously, the fresco-cycle—part of the very fabric of the Church—although damaged, is for the moment still intact. This book illuminates defining moments from the life of Francis, and brings alive for a new generation of readers his message of peace, love and unity.
An introduction by Father Maximilian Mizzi, OFM Conv., Director of the Franciscan International Centre for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue in Assisi, is an inspiration to readers, whatever their faith.
Special Highlights:
--Inspiring texts are taken directly from writings of St. Francis or books about him. --Glorious fresco illustrations from the Basilica in Assisi illuminate this book with 28 important scenes in the life of Francis. --Insightful introduction to life and message of St. Francis by Fr. Maximilian Mizzi. 64 pages, Hardcover, Ignatius Press Fall 2003. Quantity
This kid-friendly resource is the ideal read-aloud text for kids in kindergarten through second-grade. It’s one that has third- and fourth-graders happily proclaiming, I can read it myself!
Unlike most encyclopedias, the format is similar to a storybook, with information presented in a topical style rather than alphabetically. Whether they’re listening or reading, youngsters will keep an eye out for “Icthus,” the friendly fish who acts as their guide throughout.
Parents, grandparents, and godparents: This is a perfect First Holy Communion, Christmas, or birthday gift. Librarians, catechists, classroom, and homeschool teachers: This is the solid, Catholic – entertaining! – resource you’ve been looking for. Hardcover, 200 pages. Our Sunday Visitor, Fall 2003.
This book is a bit pricey, but well worth the money. Makes a nice gift for any kid. When a child learns and retains one tenet of the Catholic Faith from this book, the $21.95 is well worth it! Quantity
Here’s the history and tradition of devotion to St. Philomena: How she influenced St. John Vianney in the nineteenth century and how her miracles have continued.
I Ask St. Philomena also includes: – Tips for finding “your” patron saint – Why a saint wants to help you, personally – The role your “sponsor” can play – How to recognize a saint’s “nudge,” those amazing “coincidences” – Receiving spiritual inspiration from your mentor – Deepening your relationship with your heavenly advocate – Developing a “dynamic devotion” Paper, 128 pages, Our Sunday Visitor Fall 2003 Quantity
In these pages you'll join him in hi struggle to become a priest. You'll learn about the special gifts Pio received from God--including the stigmata, or wounds of the crucified Jesus, and bilocation, the ability to be in two places at the same time. You'll see how Padre Pio not only used his amazing gifts to bring thousands of persons closer to God, but spent this whole life trying to relieve their suffering and pain. You'll dicover why so many people today think of Padre Pio as their holy friend in heaven...He can become yours too! Softcover, 62 pages. Pauline Books & Media Fall 2003.
