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By Jon M. Sweeney This joint biography illuminates the lives of Francis and Clare and their way of life. It shows how they were bound together by devotion to God as well as the violentobjections of their families to religious life. It explores a variety of issues they faced, including the treatment of lepers in medieval society, corruption in the church, and attitudes toward the created world. You will learn how Clare's spirituality influenced that of other prominentwomen, how Francis lost control of his own movement, and why Francis's body was secretly buried after his death. . SKU: 46507

By Jane G. Meyer, Illustrated by Chiara PasqualottoZeal and excitement are a part of every child. This book celebrates a young child's enthusiasm to put into practice the words of Christ: to feed and clothe the poor; help the needy; and love one's neighbor. As Thomas showshis family the items that he has packed into his suitcase after hearing a stirring homily at church, they marvel at his inventiveness and loving heart. Thomas is traveling to the Kingdom of Heaven, and he knows what it takes to get there! Along with his suitcase, Thomas and his family figure out a way to accomplish the almost impossible goal that Thomas is so excited about. The Suitcase captures bits and pieces of Christ's parables in a story format, familiarizing the reader with Christ's Heavenly Kingdom in a natural, subtle way. "With heart-melting proseand joy-filled illustrations, The Suitcase captures and conveys the spirit of Christ's gospel teachings with a story that belongs in every home. Thomas and his family teach us that God's kingdom is all around us and that each of us, know matter how young, have a role to play in loving the world around us."—Lisa M. Hendey, founder of CatholicMom. Com and author of theChime Travelers Series"Jesus teaches through story and metaphor all throughout the Gospel and it presents a challenge for our children who understand everything literally when they're young. This book captures the innocence of our children but also the unique gifts they offer in spreading God's love. The illustrations beautifully capture their energy and imagination, and the story teaches us all about the kingdom of heaven."— Rev. Rebekah McLeod Hutto, author of The Day When God Made Church. SKU: 46468

Our 14K Gold-Dipped Red Enamel with Crystal Accent Cross Bookmark from Symbols of Faith measures 3"L x 0.75"W and comes in a deluxe gift box.

All items from Symbols of Faith (formerly the Vatican Library Collection) are made in the USA, including this beautiful piece.

When does it ship?: This item ships the same or next business day.

SKU: 44360

Fine Italian Art with Textured Details on a 1" Thick Wood Board (Made in Italy) 7-1/2" x 10" Gift Boxed

SKU: 43811

Cardinal Christoph Schonborn

These saints have spoken to the hearts of millions. They’ve helped many on the way to understanding the role of God in their lives. In this collection, may their words again help all who long for a life of meaning, touched and transfigured by God. Holy Thirst presents all the essential themes of Carmelite spirituality, excerpted from classics such as The Way of Perfection of St. Teresa of Avila, The Ascent of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross, The Story of a Soul of St. Therese of Lisieux, and The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Also included are shorter portions by lesser known, more recent Carmelites: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and Sr. Miriam of the Holy Spirit (Jessica Powers). “As you hold this collection, it is important to recall the beginnings of Carmelite spirituality, a beginning that takes us back to the twelfth century and the time of the Crusades. A band of brothers-conscientious objectors, of sorts-witnessed firsthand the clash of civilizations and all that it entailed. They knew death, they knew loss, and their very souls were bruised. The only next step that they could envision was to leave the world as they knew it and settle on the sacred mountain known for centuries to Jews, Christians and Muslims as the holy home of the Prophet Elijah...” -Adam Bucko, from the Foreword Format: Paperback Trim size: 5.25 x 8 inches Weight: 7.2 ounces. Pages: 288

Meet the God of mystery, who waits, and loves extravagantly. People of every faith, and none, pray to express their deepest needs. Whether seeking spiritual knowledge, God’s love, or with questions and doubts, each of these prayers from classic Christian sources is vibrantly alive. To pray these words is to meet God in a whole new way. Whether appealing for knowledge, seeking a sense of the love of God, or about asceticism, questions and doubts, or contemplation and action, each of these prayers (from Christian and other religious tradition sources) are vibrantly alive. Rooted in classic sources, each prayer in Essential Mystic Prayers is important, especially now, in the 21st century. This book collects some of the most beautiful of these prayers. Lay me to sleep in sheltering flame, O Master of the hidden fire! Wash pure my heart, and cleanse for me my soul’s desire. In flame of sunrise bathe my mind, that when I wake, clear-eyed may be my soul’s desire. (Fiona Macleod, Scotland, 19th century) How shall I call upon my God and my Lord, when by the very act of calling upon him I would be calling him into myself? Is there any place within me into which my God might come? How should the God who made heaven and earth come into me? Is there any room in me for you, my Lord, my God? (St. Augustine, Africa, 5th century) Praise be to Thee, Most Supreme God, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, All-pervading, the Only Being. Take us in Thy Parental Arms, raise us from the denseness of the earth, Thy Beauty do we worship, to Thee do we give willing surrender. (from Sufi morning prayers)

By Enzo Bianchi, Foreword by Rowan WilliamsThe Bible is ancient, enigmatic, and from a culture vastly different from our own. That's why most of us find it hard to read. So how can we understand its importance in thechurch, and how can it enrich our lives? Central to lectio divina is the conviction that to read the Bible faithfully and prayerfully is to learn an ancient art—by entering into dialogue with the God who speaks to each of us through the biblical page. Enzo Bianchi touches on the essentials of the history of lectio, from the brilliantthinker Origen in the third century to the development of historical criticism in the modern era. He explains how to do lectio and how to understand and implement its four "moments"—lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. This is not simply a book about how to approach the Bible, because Scripture ultimately wants to lead us beyond itself, to the truth and mystery of Christ that can never be captured fully in the written word."Withhis deep biblical wisdom, Bianchi is able to explore the whole Christian tradition of prayerful reading. St. Benedict mandates at least two hours of lectio divina a day for his monks, which is a considerable challenge for the modern person. But with Enzo as our guide, we can do it!" —Terrence G. Kardong, osb, editor of American Benedictine Review"Enzo Bianchi was born in Castel Boglione, Piedmont, Italy, in 1943. In 1965, after graduating from the University of Turin, he founded an ecumenical monastic community—the Bose Community—of which he is still the prior. Friar Bianchi is a well-known author of books on lectio divina and the spiritual life, which have been translated intomany languages. He has dedicated himself to the search for spirituality capable of giving life to Christians today and furthering communion among all people. The Bose Community now numbers over eighty brothers and sisters of variousChristian traditions, and receives thousands of visitors annually. Enzo Bianchi is one of the most significant Christian voices in Europe. He shows what can be achieved by an immersion in Scripture that involves both intellect and imagination alike, and—in common with all themost serious Christian voices of our day—he cannot be labeled as a partisan "liberal" or "traditionalist." Heoffers exactly what the monastic voice at its truest has always offered: a way into the heart of our ecclesial and social questions that is honest, patient, and sensitive. His is a perspective that the English-speaking Christian world should welcome enthusiastically." —Rowan Williams, Magdalene College, Cambridge"I hope that these pages may be heard asa simple yet faithful echo of my personal experience, my community's path and my journey with the church. For years, I have broken the bread of the Word for the brothers and sisters in my community. Much of what I say here comes from that experience. It also comes from many years of preaching the Word to listeners from all walks of life. I would like to see this book ultimately as no more than a small gesture of gratitude to those witnesses of the Word whom the Lord has allowed me to meet, those "martyrs" of faith who have found ways to express all the richness of the Gospel intheir lives. Only those people who put God's Word into practice have really heard it. They are the ones who truly understand the biblical text, because they obey withoutdelay the word Christ never tires of speaking to us. The sequential sancti evangelii for today—today's Gospel—is not the product of brilliant scholarly research. It is the life and witness of God's holy people, those who are faithful disciples of the Word made flesh, their Lord." —Enzo Bianchi. SKU: 46514

By Paul Sabatier, Edited and Introduction and Annotations by Jon M. SweeneyOriginally published in French in 1894, Sabatier's was the first modern biography of Francis of Assisi. It was a worldwide bestseller, and in 2003 when this new edition was first published, it again sold more than 60,000 copies and was a selection of History Book Club. This new 120thanniversary edition includes a dozen additional annotations and a new preface bythe editor, putting Sabatier's influential work into its historical context, showing why it is still the most essential life of the saint."This new and updated edition . . . is nothing short of astonishing in its power to touch the heart and revive the soul."—St. Anthony Messenger "This book brings forth this popular saint in a way in which we come to know him more intimately than ever before. Everyone touched by this 'perpetual outsider' will want to read it."—M. Basil Pennington, O. C. S. O."The Road to Assisi . . . offers an excellent introduction to the text, helpful sidebars and notes, and fascinating illustrations, [aiding readers] in engaging 'personally with Francis, the human being."'—Publishers Weekly"Paul Sabatier's groundbreaking 1894 biography Vie de S. Fran_ois d'Assise is essential reading for anyoneinterested in the life and times of the great charismatic of Assisi. The Road to Assisi offers a clear and temperate introduction to Sabatier's passionate, often controversial engagement with the radical life and message of St. Francis. Highly recommended."—Valerie Martin, author of Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis"Today, under the editorial guidance of Sweeney, this balanced, longout-of-print work isagain in the hands of readers." —Library Journal "Sabatier's 19th century biography still reads like the classic it is. One could hardly ask for a better combination to introduce Francis to a larger public."—Mark Galli, author of Francis and His World and managing editor for Christianity Today"[This] remarkable new publicationfrom Paraclete Press has something to say to you . . . a refreshing and eye- opening work."—The Episcopal New Yorker"The Road to Assisi presents Sabatier's biography for today's reader. With helpful explanations and annotations by Jon M. Sweeney, Sabatier's narrative is supplemented with the insights of many other scholars and writers."—The Presbyterian Outlook. SKU: 46509

A fierce war rages for your soul. Are you ready for battle? Like it or not, you are at war. You face a powerful enemy out to destroy you. You live on the battlefield, so you can’t escape the conflict. It’s a spiritual war with crucial consequences in your everyday life, and its outcome will determine your eternal destiny. You must engage the Enemy. And as you fight, you need a Manual for Spiritual Warfare. This guide for spiritual warriors will help you recognize, resist, and overcome the Devil’s attacks. Part One, “Preparing for Battle,” answers these critical questions: Who is Satan, and what powers does he have? What are his typical strategies? Who fights him alongside us in battle? What spiritual weapons and armor do we possess? How do we keep the Enemy out of our camp? Part Two, “Aids in Battle,” provides you these essential resources: Teaching about spiritual warfare from Scripture and Church documents Scripture verses for battle Wisdom and inspiration from saints who fought Satan Prayers for protection, deliverance, and victory Rosary meditations, hymns, and other devotions for spiritual combat St. Paul urges us to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Tim 6:12). Take this Manual for Spiritual Warfare with you into battle. Charcoal Grey deluxe leatherette with rounded corners, embossed cover, silver foil, black ribbons, silver edges, and red accented interior.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads "often the texts of Sacred Scripture are not quoted literally but merely indicated as a reference ('Cf.') in the footnotes. For a deeper understanding of those passages, the reader should go to the texts themselves. These Biblical references are a working tool for catechesis." This Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church Book of References contains all the passages of Sacred Scripture referred to in the Catechism arranged according to the paragraphs in which the references are made. But that is only a beginning. The Catechism also refers to conciliar texts, papal documents, writings of the Fathers and of the Saints. There are more than 3,600 of these references extending from the earliest credal formulations of the ancient Church to the documents of Vatican II and beyond to the magisterial teaching of Pope John Paul II. The Book of References includes all the texts referred to arranged, along with the Scripture passages, according to the paragraphs of the Catechism in which they are referred. This Book of References is a valuable instrument in teaching, understanding, and implementing the Catechism. It is a handy one-volume reference library for use with the Catechism. "... I ask the Church's pastors and the Christian faithful to receive this Catechism in a spirit of communion and to use it assiduously in fulfilling their mission of proclaiming the faith and calling people to the Gospel life." Pope John Paul II