Because of these four qualities, marriage fully respects the equal dignity of husband and wife as persons, and it also recognizes and values the complementarity of their sexuality. Likewise, marriage honors the truth that each new human life brought about by the marital union is a person equal in dignity to his mother and father. Thus, May probes the social significance of this complementarity of men and women, as well as the reasons why human beings are to be begotten only in an act of spousal love, not made by new "reproductive techniques."
This profound and readable work is rooted in the understanding of marriage proclaimed by the Catholic Church, particularly by Pope John Paul II, the greatest champion of marriage and family in the world today. May devotes particular attention to John Paul II's vision of the family in his eloquent and heart-filled Letter to Families. 143 pages, paperback, Ignatius Press. 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 book also takes us behind the scenes of the May 13, 1981 assassination attempt on the Pope in St. Peter’s Square, shedding new light on this event by presenting it in the context of the Third Secret of Fatima. World Youth Days are also examined, revealing the incredible spiritual impact the Pope had on the young people as testified by many of the youth at WYD events all over the globe.
Lavishly illustrated with photographs. Ignatius Press 2006
These insights by Father de Lubac on a variety of subjects are rich and profound meditations, aphorisms and pieces of wisdom that express the freshness, incongruities and challenges of life. This is a book of inspiration by a master of the spiritual life that provides excellent material for prayer and meditation, as well as great homily ideas for the clergy. Henri Cardinal de Lubac, considered one of the outstanding theologians of the twentieth century, wrote numerous books on spiritual and theological topics including The Christian Faith, The Motherhood of the Church, Catholicism, and The Splendor of the Church. Sewn Softcover, 131 pages. Ignatius Press, Spring 2002 Quantity
A perfect complement to the new movie, The Passion of The Christ, this book presents reflections that will enable the reader to focus deeply on the true meaning of the Passion. In his famous spiritual classic, The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis reminds the reader that in order to become a follower of Christ one must imitate his life, and to accomplish this he adds: “Let it then be our main concern to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to imitate Christ without first knowing him, and the best way of getting to know him is by meditating on his life as it is described in the four Gospels.”
Thus, in this wonderful meditation book, perfect for Lent, or any time of the year, the great spiritual writer and monk gives profound, short reflections on Gospel passages about the passion and death of Christ. Each chapter, focusing on a specific aspect of the Passion of Our Lord, gives a prayer, a meditation and spiritual advice and closes with another short prayer. This book covers the entire Passion, and makes great spiritual reading for anyone. Illustrated. 168 pages, Paperback. Ignatius Press February 2004 Quantity
Jesus Christ is as popular as ever. Films, books, and news articles ask,"Who was Jesus Christ?" Even outside of Christianity he continues to appeal to people. And yet for so many, the popular Jesus is not the Jesus of Christianity. The popular Jesus makes no demands and never challenges people. He accepts everyone and everything under all circumstances.
On the Way to Jesus Christ is a series of meditations that Pope Benedict XVI wrote while he was Prefect for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. The true Jesus, he writes, is the Jesus of the Gospels, who "is quite different, demanding, bold. The Jesus who makes everything OK for everyone is a phantom, a dream, not a real figure. The Jesus of the Gospels is certainly not convenient for us. But it is precisely in this way that he answers the deepest question of our existence, which--whether we want to or not--keeps us on the lookout for God, for a gratification that is limitless, for the infinite. We must again set out on the way to this real Jesus."
This book also examines whether Jesus Christ is the only savior, and the Church's responsibility to evangelize. It concludes with reflections on Jesus' Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church's presentation of the Christian mystery as seen through the Catechism's dynamic view of Sacred Scripture.
On the Way to Jesus Christ is for anyone--believer or unbeliever-who wants better to understand the true Jesus, the Jesus of the Gospels, the Christ of Christianity. by Ignatius Press Fall 2005. Hardcover.
SEQUENCE: Ch.1-8: The Old Testament, God our creator; our home in Heaven lost through original sin; the world prepares for the Savior. Ch. 9-21: The Incarnation, life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Ch. 22-28: The Holy Spirit, the Church, and Mary our mother.
AIM: To give the first grade student a basic introduction to God, the life of our Savior, and to prayer, with a special emphasis on growing to know, love, and trust God. Quantity
In this 27th volume of the acclaimed Vision Books series for youth, readers will be enthralled by the story of the village and its people, of the scornful neighbors and the puzzled parents. Above all, it is a warm story of three little ones who insisted that Our Lady had indeed come to Fatima, and from whose faith grew one of the greatest spiritual movements of our time. Illustrated. Quantity
SEQUENCE: Part 1: The Church. Christ's plan for the Church's structure and its necessary attributes; the Church's teaching authority. The early Church: Martyrs, Fathers, Saints and Mary. Part 2: The Christian in the World. Religious and laity, Holy Orders, Marriage, and family life; call to holiness. Part 3: The Last Things. Death, Judgment, the end of the world.
AIM: To help the teenager know and love the Church as Christ's Body and the Magisterium as the sure voice of Jesus, so that the young person may be strengthened through his life in the Church to face the confusion and secularism of modern-day society. Quantity
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-7: The Old Testament covenant with God. Ch. 8-14: Obedience through love of God and his laws. In Confession we meet Jesus in his mercy. Ch. 15-25: The life of Jesus and Jesus in the sacrifice of the Mass. Ch. 26-30: Our part in the Church born of the Holy Spirit; our relationship with Mary and the Communion of Saints.
AIM: To show the third grade students that they belong to God's chosen people and the child's family is an important part of God's family, the Church. Also, to encourage prayer and love for God's law. Quantity
Our Splendid Eucharist is not a theological treatment of the subject, but a series of profound reflections, in simple language, on the rich teaching and beliefs of our Eucharistic heritage. The approach throughout is meditative rather than speculative, and is designed to bring to bear the best of Christian tradition on Eucharist spirituality, and to enable the ordinary layman to deepen in their hearts what they already know and believe. 180 pages Paperback Ignatius Press Spring 2005. Quantity
“Voight is quite extraordinary. Besides doing a spot-on impersonation of Pope John Paul’s public persona, he ages most convincingly... It’s a heart wrenching portrayal. Pope Benedict XVI attended the world premiere screening and at the conclusion blessed the miniseries - the ultimate endorsement!” —Harry Forbes, Catholic News Service
“Watching this film has renewed in me a sense of profound gratitude to God for having given the Church and the world a Pope of such an exalted human and spiritual nature.” —Pope Benedict XVI
"Although shot on a lavish scale in Italy, Poland and elsewhere, 'Pope John Paul II' succeeds on intimate terms even when troops are marching or huge crowds are filling St. Peter's Square, and Elwes and Voight are largely responsible. The movie is honestly and actually about something... It's the ability to instill joy in human hearts, and the film not only celebrates it but, in its finest moments, even possesses it." —The Washington Post
"Voight stands out... he closely mirrors our image of the pope as a person: that mix of majesty and humility, humor and steel." —USA Today
"Writer-director John Kent Harrison wisely finds a narrative focus... as the pope stares down the unraveling Soviets hoping to help free his native Poland. More than anything, Voight's performance... taps into John Paul's emotional life... it's a remarkable performance." —Variety
"Succeeds brilliantly... it does reveal why most of those who criticized [Pope John Paul II] also loved him." —Pittsburg Post-Gazette
"Elwes... deftly depicts the internal struggle that finally drove Wojtyla to be trained for the priesthood. [This film] understands the importance of taking the time to see Pope John Paul II as a fully rounded human being as opposed to a hollow icon." —Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Fr. Thomas Dubay, a renowned teacher and writer on prayer and the spiritual life, presents a simple, profound and practical book on the most important of all human activities, communion with God.
Prayer Primer is written for intelligent adults (and teenagers) who want God and a serious prayer life, but it does not presuppose that they need or have a theological background. It does take up many questions rarely answered adequately in the classroom or from the pulpit, often not mentioned at all: Why pray? (be ready for some surprises) ? Why vocal prayer is important and yet should be limited ? What contemplation is and is not ? Praying with Scripture ? Family prayer - even how to introduce children to group meditation ? Prayer in a busy life ? Pitfalls and problems - together with solutions ? Buddhism? New Age? Centering prayer? ? What should you do when dry and empty and not at all inclined to pray? How do you even get started? ? Where and how to begin? ? Assessing progress ? Growing in depth. All of these subjects, and more, are clearly and concisely explained for citizens of this 21st century. Quantity
Mary Beth Bonacci speaks to nearly 100,000 people every year. She speaks to people across the country and around the world - about friendship, about relationships, about marriage, about God's plan for sexuality, and about finding real, honest love.
And they speak back to her. They ask her questions -- about sex, about dating, about healing after a shattered relationship, about marriage, about their struggles to live love. Now, for the first time, Mary Beth has published those questions - and her answers - in a comprehensive, readable guide which addresses the details of the very real struggle that people face in trying to live real love in a world gone mad.
Through these questions and her answers, Mary Beth offers a comprehensive catechesis of the Church's teaching in the areas of marriage and human sexuality. She tackles the toughest issues - premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, pornography and others. She gives practical advice on living the Church's teachings. And throughout it all, she demonstrates that living respect for God's gift of sexuality is the way - the only way - to find real, honest. love.
322 pages, softcover, Ignatuis Press.
Mary Beth Bonacci is the founder of Original Innocence, Inc., an organization that promotes teen chastity. She has had a regular syndicated column, is the author of We're on a Mission from God, and holds a Master's degree in Theology of Marriage and Family. Quantity
Responding to the Pope’s Apostolic Letter on the Rosary, his five new “Luminous Mysteries”, and declaration of 2003 as “The Year of the Rosary”, Fr. Groeschel presents this new book of meditations on all 20 mysteries of the rosary. Drawing on his vast personal experiences as well as the grand traditions of the Church, he takes us on a spiritual journey that will inspire us to greater depths of prayer. This special book includes: The Pope’s Letter on the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, and lavishly illustrated with 20 classic color paintings. Paperback, 168 pages, Ignatius Press Fall 2003. Quantity
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, now a Doctor of the Church, summarized her spirituality in these simple but profound words, "My Little Way is all love." Her complete and unshakable trust in the love of God our Father was the foundation of her spiritual life, a childlike relationship with our Creator that raised her to the heights of sanctity in only 24 years of life. St. Thérèse's spirituality, her Little Way of Spiritual Childhood, is one that can be imitated and practiced by all souls, no matter what their state in life. Her spirituality has been recognized by the Church as a special gift from God for ordinary people everywhere to reach heroic sanctity.
Ignatius Press, Spring 2001, Paperback, 230 pages. Quantity
Over three hundred years ago, many Frenchmen came to the unknown forests along the St. Lawrence River. Most of them came in search of furs and wealth. But there were some--a handful of Jesuit missionaries--who came not to get, but to give. They wished to give the savage Indians the knowledge of God and of His love for them. One of these missionaries was Isaac Jogues, martyr and Saint. This is the story of his dangerous and difficult life among the Indian tribes in their tree-dark country--of his work of conversion, of his efforts to teach the Indians rules of health and to set them free from their superstitious belief in the power of their medicine men. This is the inspiring story of his enslavement by the Mohawks, his daring escape, and finally, his death as a martyr for the Faith. Milton Lomask was an instructor of writing at New York University's Writing Center, and taught also at Danbury State Teachers' College. His artices have appeared in such magazines as The Catholic Digest, The Sign, America, and The Rotarian.
Cover art by Chris Pelicano
170 pages; paperback Quantity
by Louis de Wohl. This volume in the Vision Books series of saints for youth combines a world famous Catholic novelist, Louis de Wohl, with one of the most thrilling and dramatic saint's lives in history, St. Joan of Arc. De Wohl uses his famed narrative skill to tell young people about the brave teenage French girl who had visions and led armies in battle, but also about how her entire life testifies to the amazing power of God's grace. It's all here: how Joan, a humble maiden in an insignificant town, was told by St. Michael the Archangel, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret to lead the French in battle against the English; how she finally succeeded in convincing the French of the truth of her mission; how she met with fantastic success but was betrayed, captured, and imprisoned; and finally, how she suffered through a politically motivated trial for heresy and was burned at the stake.
Best of all, de Wohl is not interested solely in the external details of Joan's life, but in Joan's all-encompassing love for God, which informed all her courageous actions from beginning to end. You'll not only thrill to Joan's heroism; your heart will delight in her example of loving surrender to God's will. Every detail of her life will ring out to you as a joyful witness to the grace of God. Illustrated. Quantity
A Vision book containing the enthralling story of the great modern apostle of youth, Saint John Bosco, and his best-loved pupil who became a saint, Dominic Savio. Blessed with tremendous natural and supernatural gifts, including a wonderful sense of humor, Saint John Bosco overcame overwhelming obstacles to help deprived children find a better life.
Juggler, magician, acrobat, tailor, teacher and writer--John Bosco became all of these in his efforts to lead boys and girls to God. A prayer was the price of admission to his shows; a friendly contest to match skill or strength was his answer to the hoodlums who laughed at him. As a priest he was known as Don Bosco and built churches and schools.
Don Bosco's schools were cheerful places where the school spirit ran high. This story of Saint John Bosco and his pupil, Saint Dominic Savio, will appeal to the young readers of today. Illustrated. Cover art by Chris Pelicano
Sewn Softcover. Length: 157 pages Quantity
Children from ages 9 to 15 will enjoy the exciting story of the man who wrote the masterful Summa Theologica, the advisor to popes who refused ecclesiastical honor, the simple friar who shook the medieval world with his intellect. Quantity
Some Christians claim to reject Tradition in preference to a supposedly "Bible only" Christianity. Catholics, on the other hand, venerate Tradition, yet often without adequately understanding it. In this masterful book, the great theologian Yves Congar explains why Tradition is an inescapable aspect of a fully biblical Christian faith. He explores the various forms of Tradition and discusses the relationship between Scripture and Tradition, as well as the role of the Magisterium of the Church. The Meaning of Tradition clears up misconceptions held by many Evangelical Christians and even some Catholics on this important subject. Congar's study of Tradition greatly contributed to the teaching of Vatican II and to a deeper appreciation of the Church Fathers. 175 pages Paperback Ignatius Press Spring 2005. Quantity
A literary phenomenon in Italy, this European best-seller was voted the best Italian novel of the decade in a public survey. Its success has gone way beyond Italy, having been translated into Spanish, French, Japanese and 3 other languages. This epic historical novel about World War II and after, written from the author's own personal experiences as an Italian Freedom Fighter, is a profoundly moving account of the war, those who fought in it on both sides, and the effects the war had on families in the author's hometown in northern Italy.
On a wider scale, it is a faithful witness to the actual events of the war—including the historic personages who appear, the Russian campaign, the Nazi barbarism, the Communist gulag, the North Italian resistance, and beyond to the political life in the two decades after the war. This world, filled with powerful personalities, drama and clashing armies, bathes in the complex light of the truth.
A truly great historical novel with its epic scope, what makes this a masterpiece is the underlying spiritual dimensions of the protagonist, his family and friends, which illuminates the ongoing tragedy of the war and its aftermath. In the end, it is a story of faith and hope in a world reduced to barbarism and cruelty.
Born in 1921 in Lombardy, Eugenio Corti joined the Italian Freedom Fighters. From his experiences of the tragic retreat from Russia, Corti wrote a fascinating chronicle, Most Did Not Return, and a book about the Italian Freedom Fighters, The Last Soldiers of the King. Soft cover Ignatius Prss Spring 2002 Quantity
The Fathers of the Church have been a vital source of wisdom and inspiration for countless saints, popes, peasants, and converts throughout the history of the Church. In this powerful one-volume library, Father Willis presents more than 250 selected doctrinal topics in an exhaustive selection of writings from the major sources of the Fathers. He lets the Fathers speak for themselves on a wide variety of spiritual themes. 521 pages, soft cover. Ignatius Press Fall 2002 Quantity
This film, directed by Leonardo Defilippis, tells the story of St. Therese of Lisieux, a young girl who fell in love with Jesus Christ and demonstrated a path of spirituality, known as the "Little Way", through the actions of unconditional love, human compassion, and selfless devotion to duty. Starring Lindsay Younce, this moving true story is told in an inspiring way that invites the audience to contemplate and apply such spirituality in their own lives. Released February 2006. Format: DVD. Quantity
The popular author and professor, Peter Kreeft, tackles the most controversial issue of our times in his always unique and compassionate style. He presents approaches to the abortion issue from a logical, psychological and dialogical explanation of the pro-life position. Kreeft hopes that clear reason, rather than force, will help convince people of the truth of abortion and the need to protect innocent human life. He presents the objective logical arguments against abortion, the subjective, personal motives of the pro-life movement, and how these two factors influence the dialog between the two sides of the abortion issue. Sewn Softcover 101 pages, Ignatius Press Spring 2002. Quantity