Catholic Books

The Soldier of Christ The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola was one of the most startling and imposing saints in the history of the Church. Born in 1491 to Spanish nobility, he spent his youth as a courtier, focused on worldly things like his appearance and gaining temporal glory. He described himself later as a manifold sinner. Eventually, he became a soldier in the Spanish army. In 1521, at age 30, his life conversion struck: hit by a cannonball, he was forced into a convalescence of several months. To spend the time, he read; when he found the romantic and knightly novels he requested were not available, he read the lives of the saints and of Christ. His heart was stirred to repentance and imitation of the saints, and he began to compare his dreams for his life: serving the king and wooing a particular woman of the king's court or serving God and imitating the penances and fasts of the saints. The former left him sad and dissatisfied, and the latter left him peaceful and joyful: thus he knew what was the way, and this became the foundation of his method of discernment. After his recovery, Ignatius was a new man. After confessing and vowing his life to Our Lady, he lived in a cave for a time and performed exceeding fasts and penances. Throughout this period, he was tempted by suicide and was filled with scruples, but he persevered and gained the grace of visions and discernment of spirits. He recorded the first elements of his famous Spiritual Exercises, made a harrowing pilgrimage to the Holy Land (only to be turned away), and studied at universities for 11 years. Eventually, he gathered six companions and formed the basis of the Society of Jesus, that monumental, titanic, and legitimately world-shifting religious order which owes its existence to him. After ordination, Ignatius took 18 months to prepare for his first Holy Mass. When at last the society was formalized, the pope took a great liking to them. Among their constitutions were the revolutionary rule not to accept ecclesiastical dignities and the extremely long period of probation. Ignatius guided the order through massive growth spurts and trials, ultimately succumbing to illness in utter peace, passing quietly into eternity. This life of the soldier saint will inspire you and invigorate your faith life. No one is too far gone to turn back to God, and, if his own life experience is any indication, this biography will work wonders in stoking your desire to become a saint!

This pocket sized handbook containing the messages given to the visionaries of Medjugorje is a must-have for pilgrims who desire to heed the call to conversion sounded from the mountaintops of Bosnia-Hercegovina. Messages to the World from the Mother of God is a perfect companion to take along as an aid to prayer and meditation. It includes all of the messages intended for the whole world beginning March 1, 1987, through August, 2002, with 1 supplements that include the recent message from 2005. Soft cover. 271 pages. ISBN 094648448-7-7 Catalog No. 0302. SKU: 97973

By Mary Fabyan Windeatt "They've sent a mere boy to fight against me!" roared the giant Goliath, as he caught sight of David across the valley. "Am I just a dog?" Things did not look good for David, yet wasn't the Lord on his side? King David and His Songs: A Story of the Psalms describes what happened next, plus the many other great events in the life of this shepherd boy who became a warrior, a hero, a fugitive, a king, and the ancestor of Our Lord. 138 Pages . SKU: 46526

By Gregory FloydGregory Floyd's autobiographical journey through grief after the tragic death of his youngest son recounts thefull impact of such a loss on a Christian family. In this thoroughly updated and expanded edition, Floyd more than ever before allows the reader into his heart as he grapples with the interior emotions that question the goodness of God in the midst of unbearable grief. With honesty and candor, this loving father openly reveals the depths of his pain as he struggles to maintain his faith and provide leadership for the rest of his family. He reflect on what it is like to live with the grief fifteen years on, as he watches his other children mature, get married, and begin lives fully on their own."An extraordinary account... At once emotionally devastating, at times spirituallyexhilarating, and most of the time both at once."— First Things"This is no ordinary book about grief. Gregory Floyd writes from the depth of a father's heart with sensitivity and spiritual reality."—Thomas J. Monaghan Founder of Domino's PizzaUltimately a story of profound hope and healing, A Grief Unveiled offers encouragement and empathynot only to those who have experienced the agony of parental bereavement, but to anyone who has suffered a loss. SKU: 46519

By Including the writings of St. Thomas a Kempis, Brother Lawerence, St. Anthony of Egypt and St. Catherine of SienaThese thematic collections of spiritual teachings from the best Christian writers in history are sure to be popular with book study groups, Centering prayer gatherings, adult Christian formation, and for individual spiritual reading. SKU: 46490

By Gregory and Elizabeth Ryan Young readers (age 5-9), parents, grandparents, teachers, and catechists willenjoy learning about the major events in Thomas Merton's life and the choices hemade along the way to become the world's most famous monk and hermit. The playful ABCs format used in this book will help children to remember what they are learning about Thomas Merton and the Christian life in general. With childlike simplicity, the book creates an open and contemplative mood for the child and grown-up sharing in the reading experience. "Highly recommended — very impressive." — Fr. Daniel Horan,OFM "Every reader whether young or young at heart will warmly be invited through this unique, informative, and cleverly illustrated little book to travel further into the heart and message of Thomas Merton in his ardent zeal to know the God of love and peace." — Msgr. Edward J. Arnister, Diocese of Trenton, NJ "The perfect tool to invite the next generation to discover Merton, read his books, and see how his wisdom is a guide for our lives." — Sr. Monica Weis, SSJ, Rochester University, Mertonscholar . SKU: 46469