Papal
Vatican correspondent Joshua J. McElwee tackles the topics of faith and family life as covered in the 2015 World Meeting of Families and the October 2015 Synod on the Family. A follow-up to the successful 10 Things Pope Francis Wants You to Know, this booklet introduces readers to the most important points Pope Francis has made about the family. At a time when many Catholics are contemplating Church teaching, Joshua J. McElwee brings a fresh voice and perspective to the issues of faith and family closest to the hearts of Catholics everywhere.
If knowing someone's family helps us to know that person, then we must understand Francis as a son of St. Ignatius to appreciate the sources of his spiritual fire, and we must look at how the Jesuit saints lived to fully grasp how Francis strives to live. - From the introduction
What makes Pope Francis tick?
Where do his (sometimes unexpected) ideas come from?
Why does he often rattle people with what he says?
What makes him so different from other popes before him?
And why should we care?
All the Pope's Saints can help us to discover and develop six virtues of Jesuit spirituality: secrets to a new, refreshed, and even unpredictable relationship with God.
This isn't just a book about Pope Francis' spiritual inspiration. As the first Jesuit pope in history, Francis has brought a radical shift in focus that stems directly from a long line of Jesuits dating back to St. Ignatius of Loyola. In All the Pope's Saints, you'll get to know many Jesuit saints--both famous and not--who are the Holy Father's heroes and role models.
"Offers some unique insights into the mind and heart of this Jesuit Bishop of Rome and introduces us to some of the pope's best friends." --Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., English-language media attaché of the Holy See Press Office and CEO of Salt and Light
Catholic Media FoundationABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sean M. Salai, D.Min, is the culture reporter for The Washington Times. A former Jesuit, he holds a doctorate in evangelization and digital media from The Catholic University of America and is an author of multiple books on Ignatian spirituality.
"For a believer, beyond the Bronze Door, is the Father's House; the tangible and ever active presence of the Successor of Peter; the inextinguishable light of the Vicar of Christ. For a non-believer, beyond that door, is the living history of two thousand years; the astonishing testimony of a civilization that the vicissitudes of time have been unable to overcome" Piero Bargellini, florentine writer.
Through this precious book the reader, with respect and understandable curiosity, would gladly enter these rooms, the Home of so many Popes over the centuries, rooms which have been visited by countless persons of different faiths, by political figures from all over the world. Rooms that artists from every period have left an indelible mark of their inspiration and of their deeply felt religious faith.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have each approached the papacy in strikingly different ways, yet they share the same fundamental vision of the world and man. In these pages, Cardinal Muller, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, explores the differences and commonalities of these two popes, showing how the challenge for the Church's hierarchy remains the same, and how these two popes are leading the Church to resist worldly infections and to heal the spiritual diseases of our time.
He also provides a succinct and fascinating look into the universal ministry of the Church, showing how the popes, as successors to Peter, are the visible head of the pilgrim Church and are tasked with carrying out the pastoral ministry of Christ.
Cardinal Muller shows us that the popes are bound by the testimony of the Word of God in Scripture and tradition, and that when the Church liberates herself from worldly thinking the way is cleared for a spiritual renewal in Jesus Christ.
With frank analysis of the challenges that societies and contemporary culture pose to the Church in light of the two pontificates, Cardinal Muller explores the proper role of the state and of the Church in secular society as well as the challenge for the Church hierarchy in resisting worldly infections and healing the spiritual diseases of our time.
Working closely with both Benedict XVI and Pope Francis as a trusted member of the Roman Curia, Cardinal Muller offers us an inside look at the differences and similarities of the two men who have most recently been entrusted with the Chair of Peter.
"Faith begins when we realize we are in need of salvation. We are not self-sufficient; by ourselves we flounder: we need the Lord, like ancient navigators needed the stars. Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so that he can conquer them. Like the disciples, we will experience that with him on board there will be no shipwreck. Because this is God's strength: turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies."
In addition to reading about the historical background of the event, you also will learn the significance of elements of the unique and deeply moving service, including
"Christ is alive!" proclaims the pope. Pope Francis's new Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit calls to "all Christian young people" and the People of God, including pastors and the faithful, and urges them to seek the youthful newness of life in Christ!
The pope proposes that youth engage the joy of a living God, the richness of their Catholic faith, and the strength of living in Christian community. He illuminates the Scriptures to give youth tangible hope and draw them more fully into the Church. And in a time of new technology and transformative social changes, the pope challenges youth to take the grounded path of generous sacrifice and faithful companionship with peers, family, neighbors, and elders.
Pope Francis knows committed and bold youth and young adults can change our world! He listened to youthful voices from all over the world during the synod on young people. Pope Francis now speaks full of the conviction that the youth will have great impact-and he challenges them to their best. The pope affirms the sacred time of youth as a time of dreams and decision, of maturity, courage, discernment, and valiant commitment. And he considers a plan for action that will take young people forward quickly, amid fears and hopes, into the work of a life with mission and purpose.
For the young and young at heart, this exhortation will stir all who read it to seek a newness of life in the promise of Christ's Resurrection. Christus Vivit is vital for youth and young adults, as they live out their vocation in the Church and their mission in the world. The exhortation is also an important read for pastors, parents, educators, families, youth and young adult ministries, and all Christian young people. Get your printed copy now, and pick up a copy for a friend or young adult in your life!
2017 Illumination Book Awards, Gold (tie): Children's Picture Book
2017 Independent Press Awards, Distinguished Favorite: Book Cover Design, Children's
2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Children's Books
2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Pope Francis
2017 Association of Catholic Publishers' "Excellence in Publishing Book Awards," Book of the Year
If you could ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be? Children have questions and struggles just like adults, but rarely are they given the chance to voice their concerns and ask the big questions resting deep in their hearts. In Dear Pope Francis, Pope Francis gives them that chance and celebrates their spiritual depth by directly answering questions from children around the world. Some are fun. Some are serious. And some will quietly break your heart. But all of them are from children who deserve to know and feel God's unconditional love. Also available in Spanish as Querido Papa Francisco. "Feels akin to sitting in on a series of intimate conversations." -Publishers Weekly "The People's Pope shows that he is a down-to-earth man who understands both religion and children." -Kirkus Reviews
In his fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos ("He loved us"), Pope Francis writes, at a time of profound global challenges, on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ. As Pope Francis observes, "We find ourselves immersed in societies of serial consumers who live from day to day, dominated by the hectic pace and bombarded by technology, lacking in the patience needed to engage in the processes that an interior life by its very nature requires." The Holy Father calls for a change of perspective, urging humanity to rediscover what is most essential: the heart.
In Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on aspects of the Lord's love that could illuminate the path of ecclesial renewal and resonate meaningfully with "a world that seems to have lost its heart." This encyclical, which includes reflections from Sacred Scripture and previous magisterial teachings, reintroduces the Church to the spiritually profound devotion to the Sacred Heart.
The encyclical's release coincides with ongoing celebrations commemorating the 350th anniversary of the first appearance of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673, when he revealed to her his Sacred Heart.
Don't miss out on this treasure of inspiration that will gladden the heart of a beloved priest in your life.
Disciples Together on the Road: The Words of Pope Francis for Priests offers light-hearted commentary, down-to-earth suggestions, and practical discernment. In his easy-to-read style, Pope Francis explores the joys and challenges of priestly life, offering stories and wisdom that will give nourishment and sustenance to priests everywhere.
This is a wonderful gift for Christmas, a priest's birthday, the anniversary of his ordination, or just to say thank you. Disciples Together on the Road includes practical discussions that will benefit seminarians, too!
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to dialogue and encounter. We are expected to be welcoming and open to all people, including those who think differently from us or who hold conflicting opinions. We are also called to share the Truth, which is God's love for us in Jesus Christ.
"[Jesus] asks us not to fix our gaze on what divides us, but rather on what unites us, seeking to know and love Jesus better and to share the richness of his love," Pope Francis writes in Diverse yet United: Communicating Truth in Charity.
Jesus' love spurs us to dialogue, helping us to listen to one another and to get to know others. His love becomes the foundation of human solidarity and renders us capable of overcoming the barriers of our own weaknesses and prejudices. Jesus' love within us creates bridges, teaches new paths, and triggers the dynamism of fraternity.
Pope Francis invites us to communicate the Lord's merciful love to the whole world: "We too are given the gift of the 'tongue' of the Gospel and the 'fire' of the Holy Spirit, so that as we proclaim the risen Jesus, alive and present among us, we may warm our hearts and the hearts of peoples, bringing them closer to him, the way, the truth, and the life."
Tornielli, the foremost "Vatican insider" journalist, offers here inspiring stories, incidents, encounters, and excerpts from the writings and talks of Pope Francis through his first year as Pope.
These add up to a powerful witness by Pope Francis of "heartwarming stories of the Gospel in action," and reflect on various spiritual and social themes important to the Pope, including mercy, forgiveness, charity, prayer, justice, Eucharist, Our Lady and much more.
His little gestures and big ones, the minor or major choices that he has made each day, his ability to meet everyone and to speak to everyone, his simple way of being himself, have made Francis not only credible but above all close. The Pope is perceived by many, many people throughout the world as ''one of us''. It is enough to watch him embrace the sick, the suffering, the children, to see why that is so.
The title echoes the Little Flowers of Saint Francis, the famous collection of stories about the beloved Francis of Assisi, whose name the Pope adopted for himself.
This work offers a wonderful collection of insightful fragments from various aspects of the life of the Pope in his first year that will help the reader become better acquainted with the immensely popular Bishop of Rome who came ''from the end of the earth''.
This short book gives the wisdom of recent popes-including St. John XXIII, Bl. Paul VI, St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis-on prisoners, the prison system, and the restoration of those detained. The popes' speeches are taken from their own pastoral visits to prisoners. The popes speak encouragement to prisoners and their families and inspiration to those responsible for their conditions and rehabilitation.
In his third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti ("All Brothers"), Pope Francis reflects on a topic of great importance: human solidarity and friendship. Pope Francis first greeted the world with the words fratelli e sorelle -- "brothers and sisters" -- following his election to the papacy. In this encyclical, he continues to address all men and women as his brothers and sisters, calling us to consider what our common brotherhood requires of us.
Pope Francis has shown repeatedly that he is dedicated to promoting friendship among all people. Fratelli Tutti follows his 2019 signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. And at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Pope Francis prayed for the salvation of all people in his extraordinary "Urbi et Orbi" address in an empty St. Peter's Square.
The Holy Father calls us to live out our Christian duty to see the face of Jesus in our neighbors, recognizing everyone we meet as a brother or sister. In this encyclical, Pope Francis reminds us of our "(blessed) common belonging." By fostering a genuine affection for all, we reaffirm the dignity of every human person created in the image and likeness of God.
The Simple Wisdom of Pope Francis collection captures the wisdom of Pope Francis during his general audiences that consist of short, scripturally-based teachings in which the pope instructs the faithful across the world.
Gaudete Et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) - On the Call to Holiness in Today's World
"We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves." -- Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate
In his third apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis presents the universal call to live holy lives with a new, fresh approach. We are encouraged to strive for -- and achieve -- holiness in our everyday lives. As we actively live out holiness day by day, we not only draw closer to the Lord ourselves, but become participants in bringing others to Christ.
Gaudete et Exsultate shows us:
Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae): On the Value and Inviolability of Human Life
Reaffirming the "greatness and inestimable value of human life," Pope John Paul II discusses in this encyclical letter the present-day legal, ethical, and moral threats to life.
In view of today's climate of practical materialism, he addresses, among other issues:
The Holy Father encourages the faithful to promote and develop the Christian message concerning life, based on the goodness and dignity of life and on the human responsibility to share in the fullness and truth of God's love. In order to build a new culture of human life through prayer and action, he welcomes evangelization efforts and stresses the role of the family in bringing this to fruition. Noting the unique role of women in promoting a "new feminism" that overcomes discrimination, violence, and exploitation, the pope recognizes the witness of love through motherhood and also adds a special word to women who have had an abortion.
The letter concludes by looking to Jesus, in order that all may contemplate the life that was made manifest, and to the example and solace of Mary, who is the mother of life.
"The question of human procreation, like every other question which touches human life, involves more than ... biology, psychology, demography or sociology. It is the whole man and the whole mission to which he is called that must be considered: both its natural, earthly aspects and its supernatural, eternal aspects." - Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae
Pope Paul VI's prophetic encyclical Humanae Vitae, issued in 1968, presented the Church's consistent teachings on marriage and contraception to the modern world -- a world that demanded then, as it does now, that the Church adapt her teachings to itself. Standing calmly and firmly against a culture that sees contraception and abortion as individual choices, Humanae Vitae shows us what it means to share in the creative work of God. Paul VI lays out God's plan for human sexuality, a plan that invites married couples to celebrate the incredible gifts of human love and human life.
Humanae Vitae is a loving and honest look at the benefits and the challenges of Church teaching, and a call to the Church to provide guidance and support for couples as they strive to live out God's design for human life and marriage.
This inspiring compilation of homilies delivered by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from 1999-2013, before he became Pope Francis, offers a unique glimpse into the mind, heart, and character of the Holy Father when he was still the cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. These excerpts, compiled by Argentinian Sister María Gabriela Flores, FSP, captures Francis' thoughts, reflections, and concerns on a wide array of topics, from theological meditations on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to his thoughts and commitments to education, family life, and social justice. A simple but effective introduction to the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from Latin America, this pocket-sized volume will inspire you to reflect, pray, and act.
--Pope Francis, from The Joy of Discipleship Near the end of Luke's Gospel, two disciples slowly make their way home from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. At the outset, they are deeply saddened by Jesus' tragic death. By that evening, however, they have made a 180-degree turn: from dejected disciples to followers filled with joy--a joy they simply must share with others as fast as they can. What accounts for this change? They have encountered the risen Christ! In The Joy of Discipleship, Pope Francis reminds us that joy should be one of the defining characteristics of any person who has truly encountered Jesus. This skillfully curated collection of homilies, speeches, and other documents from Pope Francis, compiled and edited by James P. Campbell, offers a fresh perspective on why Christian disciples should be so joyful in the first place and how that joy might manifest itself in our individual daily lives. Covering a broad range of themes--Christ's Resurrection, mercy, wealth and poverty, the Christian family, and more--The Joy of Discipleship moves us to meditate on Christ and then inspires us to move out from our own four walls, jubilantly proclaiming God's transforming love in word and deed. For anyone who wants what Pope Francis has--an active, abiding, authentic love for Jesus Christ, for the Church, and for the people of this world--The Joy of Discipleship will point the way. "This volume gives us a portrait of the Pope and what amazing joy fills his life, his mind, his teaching . . . his discipleship!"
--From the foreword by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Simple Wisdom of Pope Francis, The Joy of Evangelization. For the first time in print, you can now own a collection of books from Pope Francis himself. Pope Francis has captured the attention of the world with his simple ways, humbleness, and love for the poor and sick. With the Simple Wisdom of Pope Francis, be transported to St. Peter's Square and listen to his teachings as he presents simple and profound insights for our modern times.
Joy of Love Amoris Laetitia Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Holy Father
The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia) brings together the results of the two Synods on the Family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015.
Striking for its breadth and detail-and firmly grounded in the challenges of family experiences-the Joy of Love affirms the rich and complex reality of family life with pastoral care, speaking the language of experience and hope.
Pope Francis reaches out to married couples, parents, and children in a spirit of accompaniment, asking everyone to read slowly, paying special attention to what applies most to our different needs. The Joy of Love is truly remarkable for its practical and concrete suggestions. It also challenges us to be understanding in the face of complex and painful situations.
Essential reading for pastors and anyone involved with the family apostolate. Order your copy now!
![Letters to My Brother Priets - Complete Collection of holy Thursday Letters -[1979-2005]](https://cathedralbookandgift.com/sites/cathedralbookandgift.com/files/imagecache/product_list/isbn_images/letters_to_my_brother_priests.jpg)
Letters to My Brother Priets - Complete Collection of holy Thursday Letters -[1979-2005]
This single-volume collector's edition contains the complete collection of Pope John Paul II's Holy Thursday letters to priests. "Letters to My Brother Priests" will help every priest understand the theology behind his ministry. This book will help every seminarian understand the august status he pursues. This book will help every one understand why priests are so essential to every Christian's faith and vocation within the Church.
Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick - as Catholics we are familiar with the sacraments, and see them as mileposts in our lives.
But, as Pope Francis so energetically reminds us, they are not simply observances, they are portals through which the Lord brings us all the power and graces that flow from his death and Resurrection. And wonderfully, each sacrament opens us to a personal encounter with Jesus.
Now in 32 easy-to-read chapters Pope Francis reveals the truth and beauty of each Sacrament, teaching us not only what they mean to the Church, but to us as Catholics - ultimately motivating us each to share these incredible gifts with a needy world.
--Pope Francis, Homily, Solemnity of Mary Most Holy, Mother of God, January 1, 2014 As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis encouraged devotion to "Our Lady, Undoer of Knots." On the first day after his election to the papacy, he visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome to place flowers on the altar and pray for Mary's help and protection. Since that day, he has continued to shine a light on the woman he calls "the first pilgrim" and "the perfect disciple." The writings, homilies, prayers, talks, and even tweets of Pope Francis in this book gather his most important and inspiring words about Mary. For Pope Francis, Mary is an icon of wisdom, strength, courage and joyful hope. Her unconditional "yes" to God encourages modern believers to say "yes" to God's call today. We must turn to Mary often, he says, for she is a mighty intercessor and a faithful companion on our spiritual journey. "Mary is so closely united to Jesus because she received from him the knowledge of the heart, the knowledge of faith, nourished by her experience as a mother and by her close relationship with her Son." --Pope Francis, January 1, 2015 Because Pope Francis highlights Mary's "feminine genius" and her receptivity to divine guidance--something to which believers of many religious tradition aspire--people of many faiths will find nourishment in the Pope's words.
A 2018 Catholic Press Association Book Award winner.
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.
O Cross of Christ is an original, new prayer composed by Pope Francis himself and recited by him on the occasion of Good Friday 2016. It guides all who pray it to recognize Jesus' cross in some of the most distressing circumstances of today's world -- modern-day martyrs, victims of war, unfaithful ministers, and more--as well as in the lives of people who do great good--consecrated men and women, families, volunteers, and others.
Presented as a litany, with responses that make it ideal for group use, this little booklet is beautifully illustrated with original art by the American artist Deborah Luke. The result is a prayer resource that promises to serve as a profound source of spiritual nourishment for Christians for years to come. Recommended for personal, family, group, or parish-wide prayer.
From the man who became Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio shares his thoughts on religion, reason, and the challenges the world faces in the 21st century with Abraham Skorka, a rabbi and biophysicist.
For years Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Argentina, and Rabbi Abraham Skorka were tenacious promoters of interreligious dialogues on faith and reason. They both sought to build bridges among Catholicism, Judaism, and the world at large. On Heaven and Earth, originally published in Argentina in 2010, brings together a series of these conversations where both men talked about various theological and worldly issues, including God, fundamentalism, atheism, abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and globalization. From these personal and accessible talks comes a first-hand view of the man who would become pope to 1.2 billion Catholics around the world in March 2013.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Faith because the Blessed Sacrament is Christ himself, the full manifestation of his boundless love.
In this encyclical letter On the Eucharist, Pope John Paul II seeks to rekindle in the faithful the profound sense of amazement and gratitude that surrounds the Eucharist.
"In the humble signs of bread and wine, changed into his Body and Blood, Christ walks beside us as our strength and our food for the journey, and he enables us to become, for everyone, witnesses of hope," John Paul II writes. "The Church has received the Eucharist from Christ her Lord not as one gift -- however precious -- among so many others, but as the gift par excellence, for it is the gift of himself, of his Person in his sacred humanity, as well as the gift of his saving work."
Pope Francis on Eucharist 100 daily meditations for adoration, prayer and reflection
Eucharist is the center of our Christian life, for it forms us into who and whose we are called to be. Pope Francis on Eucharist is a collection of writings, homilies, and talks from Pope Francis, sharing a Eucharistic vision for the church where all are fed and sustained by the Body of Christ. These words from Pope Francis encourage and challenge all of us--nourished by the Eucharist--to be Christ for others.
Learn how to rebuke the devil and avoid his snares with this new book from Pope Francis's teachings.
In this powerful collection of excerpts, the pope lays bare the devil's ploys and tactics, to help you avoid getting ensnared. Listen with care, as the pope tells the story of the devil's history, character, and works, and consider the pope's suggestions about what you can do to see victory over the devil.
Rebuking the Devil will be an important and sobering awakening to those who have forgotten the reality of the spiritual battle that humanity is undergoing. And to those already fighting hard in spiritual battle, they will find great reassurance in the pope's certainty that we can overcome through Spirit-filled discernment and the power of God in Christ Jesus. Through the course of this book, you'll learn from Pope Francis about the practical tools of spiritual battle.
This book is vital. Those from youth, to adult, to the wisdom of age will appreciate the pope's guidance on dealing with our perennial foe. This collection of quotes from Pope Francis will be readily used by students, parents, educators, faith formation groups, faith-sharing groups, priests and deacons preparing for homilies, and all Christians seeking to rebuke the devil. This book of Pope Francis's words about rebuking the devil has been compiled from the pope's homilies and meditations, his interviews and addresses, audiences and apostolic exhortations. The book draws on these various sources and presents a survey of Pope Francis's teachings on rebuking the devil.
Pick up this easy-to-read, digestible collection of Pope Francis's meditations on accessing God's power over the devil, as your next weekend read!
