No one I know has the passion, zeal and just shear love for the Holy Souls in Purgatory like Susan Tassone!  She has an incredible depth of knowledge on the subject.  You will never feel you are without companinons on the journey after you hear Susan plead the Holy Souls cause.

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  You can find the book here

Let the saints inspire you to intercede for the holy souls in purgatory!
Throughout the ages the devotions, prayers, and practices of the Communion of Saints have been offered up on behalf of souls in purgatory, the Church Suffering. The saints ardent desire to intercede for the holy souls impelled them to pray ceaselessly for their eternal rest.
This inspiring book shows how you can join the saints in this act of divine charity, thereby attaining spiritual gifts for acts done for the souls that cry out to us for relief.
–See the firsthand experiences that saints have had with the holy souls
–Learn the power of intercessory prayer on behalf of souls in purgatory
–Seasonal Devotions & Spiritual Aids prepare all members of the family to plead the cause of souls

  Susan Tassone’s Official Website

I love talking with John Salza…tough doctrine and dogma that for most of us is difficult to explain, is just so easy for John.  And he shares his knowledge with all of us…what a gift!

John’s website is www.scripturecatholic.com

Check out John’s book here

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From the book description:

In The Biblical Basis for Purgatory,  John  offers the definitive scriptural explanation of this distinctively Catholic doctrine. Building on the teachings of Christ and St. Paul, he shows how the existence of a place of temporal punishment after death is not only a logical extension of what we know about the reality of sin and God’s justice, but is also a supreme expression of God’s love and mercy. Although Purgatory is a place of mercy, its pains are real, and they are severe. This book does more than defend and explain Purgatory it provides a solid plan, drawn from the Church s perennial wisdom for conquering our sins by God s grace, while still on earth.

“The Little Oratory: A Beginner’s Guide to Praying in the Home” by David Clayton and Leila M. Lawler is absolutely wonderful.  More than just a “prayer-how-to”, this book is about the beauty of God and embracing the relationship in all areas of our lives.  Clayton and Lawler help us to reverence the sacred found in our homes, in the rhythm of the day, the blessings we have been given, and the gift of the present moment.  This is for every home, whether one filled with children or a sanctuary for the single life, this is a must have for those who wish to be surrounded in prayer.

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You can find the book here

“This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen. How I wish I had it when I first became a Catholic, not just for myself, as a husband and father, but for my family, too. If one book has the potential to transform the Catholic family (and society), this is it.” – Scott Hahn

“This book is a rare treasure.”  – Thomas Howard

“Wonderful, inspiring, and deeply practical.” – Joseph Pearce, Editor of The Saint Austin Review

“A great blessing to Catholic families.” – Stratford Caldecott, an editor of Magnificat UK

“Making Sense of Saints: Fascinating Facts about Relics, Patrons, Saint-Making and More” by author Patricia Ann Kasten is a delightful book!  Not only is the canonization process fully illuminated, but Patricia has filled the book with fascinating stories and little known facts.    Everything you ever wanted to know, from the use of relics and holy cards to how miracles are determined can be found in this excellent book brought to us by publisher, Our Sunday Visitor.  A thoroughly engaging read. [powerpress] You can find the book here

You’ll be fascinated and delighted by topics such as: Just Four Easy (Sort of) Steps: The Canonization Process “Doesn’t He Just Glow? Saints’ Symbols “There’s a Man Buried under the Altar!” Relics of Saints “Holy Haloes, God-Made Man!” Saints and Martyrs as Superheroes “Yo-ho-ho!” The Treasure Chest of the Church And much more!

“Therese, Faustina and Bernadette: Three Saints Who Challenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How to Love” ties beautifully together the theological virtues (faith, hope, and love) and shows us how they are particularly lived out in the lives of three of the most beloved saints of our modern era.  Author Elizabeth Ficocelli shares her personal relationship with these beautiful saints and how they helped her to grow in her understanding and trust in Christ.  More than just a biography of each saint, this work is a road map for the spiritual life based on the lives of women who are joyfully showing us the way.

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you can find the book here

“With openness and candor, Elizabeth Ficocelli reveals her personal experiences of living the challenges of her Catholic faith. Her peace and joy come in meeting these challenges by embracing the cross though the grace of prayer and the sacraments, as well as following the example of newfound friends, her favorite saints. This book will help anyone who also experiences challenges in life through the assistance of some wonderful friends!”–Mother Mary Assumpta Long, Prioress General, Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

“Tender, honest, introspective, and deeply personal, this book provides beautiful witness to the loveliness and wonder of the feminine genius! Elizabeth Ficocelli, writing from the insightful perspective of a convert to Catholicism who seeks to understand and unpack the mysteries of her own spiritual journey, reminds us in this gem of a book that we should all seek to acquire friendship with the saints and grow in the theological virtues. I highly recommend this book!”–Rev. Donald Calloway, M.I.C., Author of Under the Mantle

“Answering Atheism: How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity” is a compassionately engaging and intellectually-savvy response to the attacks on the existence of God.  Trent Horn is a welcomed fresh voice in the forum of Catholic apologetics.  Well-researched and thoughtfully presented, this book is a must have for all who wish to defend the faith, but it’s also for those who wish to know and grow in it as well.  In our conversation, we touch on many of the enter points for dialogue which we encounter everyday in discussions with family, friends, co-workers, and how to approach those times of engagement in a Christ-like manner.  A highly recommended book by Trent and, his publisher, the good folks at “Catholic Answers”.

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You can find the book here

Answering Atheism gets high grades on the three R’s: It is readable, reasonable, and researched. Its defense of the cosmological argument has depth and detail, yet it is not so technical that you need to take a philosophy course to comprehend it. —Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy, Boston College

I’ve read many works of popular apologetics; this is the best! –Stephen Bullivant, editor, The Oxford Handbook of Atheism

“Praying for Priests: A Mission for the New Evangelizaton”   by author and Catholic radio host Kathleen Beckman is a fantastic response to an important need in the Church today!  This book and the website found at www.foundationforpriests.org, not only offers what is needed to encourage prayer for priests and bishops in the Church, but is rich in resources and encouragement to  facilitate growth for all in the spiritual life.  The faithful who participate in the mission of this apostolate are encouraged to grow in their own holiness as individuals, families, as well as parishes and faith communities.  This a  spiritual work of the first order and should become a vital part of our every day spiritual life.   What Kathleen and members of her Foundation for Prayer for Priests offer to us is a model of how a targeted, focused mission can and should be facilitated in the Church today. When it is done well, beautiful fruit is borne.  Not one beat of this important work  has been missed, which is a sure sign that this is indeed a work under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We in the Church are richer for this call to prayer and interior renewal.  Bravo and thank you to all involved!  A holier priesthood leads to a holier Church…now that something beautiful to pray for!

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You can find the book here

“The Holy Spirit is really moving in the Church today, inspiring many to pray for priests. Kathleen Beckmann’s new book gives a powerful boost to this movement.”
Fr. Michael Gaitley, M.I.C.
Author of 33 Days to Morning Glory

“Praying for priests is not an option; it is a holy duty and divine mandate. Kathleen Beckman strikes at the hearts of women to let loose a stream of spiritual maternity that flows into the hearts, souls, and ministries of our priests!”
Johnnette Benkovic
Host of EWTN’s Women of Grace

“Praying for Priests is filled with insight, encouragement, and inspiration to lead both priests and laity to a more profound love of God’s priceless gift of the priesthood.”
Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.
Editor of Magnificat

“Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops Is Revitalizing the Catholic Church” is an important work brought to us by Anne Hendershott and Christopher White.  It offers a thorough analysis of the state of the priesthood in the United States, and shines a light of joyful hope on a vital heartbeat of the Catholic Church.  Our conversation with Christopher White, addresses many of the issues that have plagued priestly formation and it’s character in recent decades, but also celebrates the many areas of reform and renewal. The current revitalizing of our gift of Holy Orders is truly a reason to celebrate and lift up in our prayer!

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You can find the book here

“This is the most fully detailed and documented account of the culture wars within the Catholic Church that anyone is likely to encounter. Some may think the authors are too pessimistic, stressing all the contentiousness within the living body. Count me as one who holds that public contestation is the reliable sign of vital cultures and inspiring institutions. Both the bad news, honestly reported, and the ‘less expected’ good news here will make many readers rejoice.”
–Michael Novak, author of Writing from Left to Right

“Hendershott and White are clear-eyed observers of the Catholic scene who offer the reader careful sociological analysis that leads to truly hopeful conclusions. Citing empirical and anecdotal evidence, they show the positive change the Church has been undergoing for some time–especially with the emergence of strong new leadership in the clergy–and they preview the Church we can expect our children and grandchildren to know. This book is real hope, without a hint of wishful thinking. I highly recommend Renewal.
–Scott Hahn, Professor of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville

“The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours” is fantastic for anyone who would like to enter into this wonderful tradition of prayer.  It’s also enriching for those who may have been praying the “office”‘ for some time!  Daria Sockey has filled this work with a treasure trove of gems that even the most seasoned devotees will find enriching.  It gently walks beginners through the basics, while offering rich insights and resources that will surely enhance the seasoned participants experience.  In our conversation we touch upon the history and structure of the prayer this “Divine Office”, and why it should be a part of everyone’s daily spiritual practice.  Highly recommended.

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You can find the book here

From the book description:

You don’t live in a cloister or a monastery, but you take your prayer life seriously and want to explore ways to pray regularly and better. The Liturgy of the Hours, aka Divine Office,  is one of those ways–and according to the Catholic Church, one of the very best. Long considered the sole territory of priests and religious, the digital revolution has made the Liturgy of the Hours accessible to everyone.  But for those of us who find it a little intimidating, Daria Sockey provides a solid overview to this ancient prayer practice. The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours will answer questions like:

• What is the history of the Liturgy of the Hours?

• How can the Liturgy of the Hours fit into a busy schedule?

• Why is the Liturgy of the Hours relevant today?

• Print or digital berviaries: Which is better?

“This is the first clear and simple introduction to the Church’s hours I’ve seen, and I can’t imagine a better one. Daria Sockey has given ‘the rest of us’ another path to prayer–a path proven by tradition and by the experience of the saints–a path that had, til now, seemed obscure and impassible. I’m very grateful.”

 

Chilling and very sobering is the story communicated in “The Global War on Christians: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Anti-Christian Persecution” written by veteran Vatican reporter John L. Allen, Jr.   It is a wake up call for Christians in the West,  who for the most part enjoy a relatively safe existence compared to our brothers and sisters in the faith who live in an incredibly dangerous world.  John Allen chronicles with exhaustive statistics, from numerous countries, the scope of “martyrdom” and persecution that exists for the 21st century Christian. Imprisoned, harassed, attacked, and killed because of their faithful expression of Christianity, Christians  around the world are targets.  He exposes many  of the myths surrounding the issue such as  “It’s all about Islam”, “No one saw it coming”, “It’s only persecution if the motives are religious” and more.  Why are we not hearing about this in the secular media, but more importantly, why are we not hearing about this in our own churches?  The end to the deafening silence must come now.  An important work not to be missed.

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You can find the book here

From the book description:

From Iraq and Egypt to Sudan and Nigeria, from Indonesia to the Indian subcontinent, Christians in the early 21st century are the world’s most persecuted religious group. According to the secular International Society for Human Rights, 80 percent of violations of religious freedom in the world today are directed against Christians. In effect, our era is witnessing the rise of a new generation of martyrs. Underlying the global war on Christians is the demographic reality that more than two-thirds of the world’s 2.3 billion Christians now live outside the West, often as a beleaguered minority up against a hostile majority– whether it’s Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia, Hindu radicalism in India, or state-imposed atheism in China and North Korea. In Europe and North America, Christians face political and legal challenges to religious freedom. Allen exposes the deadly threats and offers investigative insight into what is and can be done to stop these atrocities.

It was a delight to once again have a conversation with Vinny Flynn, who has authored “21 Ways to Worship:   A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration”.  Short and to the point, the meditations brought forward by Vinny are  packed with aids to help us deepen our appreciation of this gift of the very presence of God.  Possibly undervalued as an important spiritual practice, Eucharistic adoration is an essential spiritual encounter for those who wish to truly enter into this Year of Faith.  Vinny’s work helps those who wish to begin this vital devotion, and deepens the experience for those who have been fed by this practice over the years.  A don’t miss…buy one for yourself  and one to leave in your church’s Eucharist Chapel for others to enjoy.

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To find the book click here

“Vinny Flynn played an important role in my life of worship when I came back to the Catholic church. His new work, 21 Ways To Worship, has something for everyone when it comes to developing a life of intimacy with God. This is what we are going to be doing for eternity, so now is the time to begin.”
~Jeff Cavins

“Vinny Flynn has done it again! With his fun, accessible, and faith-filled style, he gives us yet another key to unlocking the mystery of Christ’s Eucharistic love. This time, he shares the secrets to “keeping it real” before the Lord’s Real Presence. This book is more than just another devotional; it actually teaches us how to pray, and it does so in a way that’s holy, humorous, and human. Enjoy the book. Enjoy the Lord.”
~Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
Author, Consoling the Heart of Jesus and 33 Days to Morning Glory

 

 

 

Dr. Regis Martin, as Dr. Scott Hahn has said, is “a sage for our times”.  By presenting the truths of our faith with such beauty, he evangelizes directly the heart.  Dr. Martin is a joy to read.

I didn’t want “Still Point:  Loss, Longing and Our Search for God” to end.  That is the mark of a great book for me…it is one I desire to return to over and over again.  He offers the rich insights of the saints,  poets, and philosophers, to direct us to the “still point”   where  “one encounters the mingling of past and future, grit and grace, man and God.”  Wonderful, enchanting, poignant and compelling…don’t miss.
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You can find the book here

“With the eloquence and poignancy of a poet, Regis Martin gets to the heart of life’s most urgent questions, forging a link between our ‘desperate desires’ and our “homesickness for God” in this profound and beautiful book.”–Rev. Peter John Cameron, O.P. , Editor-in-Chief, Magnificat

“Regis Martin is one of Catholicism’s trustworthy guides to the spiritual life in all its dimensions–including, as he demonstrates here, its hard and challenging dimensions.”–George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center

“Regis Martin’s moving reflection on our death-haunted and restless search for God is both beautiful and bracing. Drawing on the profound imaginings of our poets and our theologians, Martin’s meditation takes place on the lip of the abyss as he shows us Who it is our hearts so restlessly long for.” —Gregory Erlandson, President, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing

Dr. Raymond Dennehy was a delight to talk to about the work and influence of 20th century French philosopher Jacques Maritain.  Ignatius Press has published in a special one volume set,  Maritain’s “Christianity and Democracy and the Rights of Man and the Natural Law”, which  provides key insights for Christians in shaping the political and social orders.

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Jacques Maritain was one of the principal exponents of Thomism, the philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the modern world. He lived for many years in the United States, and taught at Princeton University and Columbia University. After WWII, he served as the French ambassador to the Vatican. He also helped draft the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

 You can find the book here

• “Maritain was one of the pioneers of the Catholic human rights revolution, which changed the course of 20th century politics. While helping the Church through a genuine development of social doctrine, Maritain helped forge some of the tools that eventually broke through the Berlin Wall.” – George Weigel, Ethics and Public Policy Center

“In these passionate words one encounters the mind of Maritain in all its vigor and variety. His reflections on the challenges facing the world’s democratic experiments – starkly realistic yet infused with Christian hope – are as timely today as they were seventy years ago.” – Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard University

“This has been one of my all-time favorite ‘David books’ – those little books that take down Goliaths. Almost single-handedly, Maritain launched a hypothesis on the Christian (and Jewish) origins of the foundational axioms of democracy, of which many atheists are now coming to admit the truth. The sheer power of his hypothesis is more evident with every passing year. The republication of this classic is therefore bound to kindle longing for a deeper, more just reevaluation.” – Michael Novak, American Enterprise Institute

“Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest” is fantastic!  Fr. Donald Calloway’s books just keep getting better and better.  In this work, he begins this journey with Our Lady, who then guides the reader through the rich treasures found in the Church established by her Son, Jesus Christ.  Through the Sacraments, to the depth of devotion found in our spiritual practices, and then with a  rich appreciation of what authentic manhood and femininity truly are,  Fr. Calloway explores the many facets of our faith.   This book is a book well suited for everyday mystagogia.  Without ever dumbing down the content, Fr. Calloway’s writing style is engaging and designed for “joe or josephine”  pew person.  This book is perfect for those who are in the RCIA, for folks who have completed a consecration preparation to Our Lady, or for anyone just looking for a more penetrating study of the faith.  You will not be disappointed!  And what a beautiful tribute to Our Blessed Mother!

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You can find the book here

“We are living in an extraordinary time of grace and mercy. It is a time in which many people, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are experiencing a renewed appreciation for the sacred and unchanging truths of Catholicism. Though the vast majority of universities and colleges today indoctrinate their students into the dictatorship of moral relativism, the media puts forth an ideology of rampant secularism, and the political realm is filled with proponents of a culture of death, nevertheless, it is in these times that Jesus, through the Immaculata, is raising up a new generation of Catholics. In Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest, Fr. Calloway masterfully blends together aspects of his own conversion story with profound theological insights into Catholicism, presenting everyone from “Joe six-pack in the pew” to a seminary rector with incredibly vivid and thought-provoking analogies into why it is so important for a Christian to live under the mantle of Mary. I very highly recommend that everyone read this book! ”
-Very Rev. Douglas Mosey, C.S.B., Ph.D. President-Rector
Holy Apostles College & Seminary. Cromwell, CT

Also check out: IP#16 Fr. Donald Calloway – No Turning Back on Inside the Pages

By far, this book is the BEST on the subject of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that I have seen in a very long time.  So very practical and deep in its spiritual appreciation of this beautifully essential devotion for our lives, Fr. James Kubicki helps all to rediscover  the devotion to the Sacred Heart.   He presents the history of this timely devotion, with help of the apostles, Church Fathers, the Saints and contemporary Catholics,  in an engaging and easily digestible way.  And the prayers…the incredibly deep and radiant prayers…Fr. Kubicki breaks them open a new for us all to appreciate, encouraging us not to “say the prayers”, but to “pray the prayers”.  Wonderful, simply wonderful!  I cannot recommended this work more highly.  Pick up more than one copy and become a missionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by passing copies on to others

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You can find the book here

 

“At first communion I was taught to say first thing every morning, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee!’ Reading Father Kubicki’s splendid book has only made that prayer all the more sincere and meaningful.” —Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

“A fresh and attractive reconsideration of this centuries-old devotion in the Catholic Church. Blessed Basile Moreau (1873), founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, who entrusted his priests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, wrote: ‘The primary purpose of the devotion to the Sacred Heart is to return love for love.’ Fr. Kubicki develops this theme in a way that speaks well to today’s generation of believers.” —Rev. Peter D. Rocca, C.S.C., Rector, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame

“I invite everyone to renew his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ in the month of June, making use of the traditional prayer of the offering of the day and keeping in mind the intentions that I have proposed to the whole Church.” —Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus Address, June 1, 2008