An insightful and practical exploration of Catholicism’s most sacred tradition. The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition is an engaging and authoritative guide to Catholicism’s most distinctive practice. And now, with the Church introducing revised language for the Mass, Catholics have a perfect opportunity to renew their understanding of this beautiful and beloved celebration. With eloquent prose and elegant black-and-white photography, bestselling authors Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina guide readers through the different parts of the Mass, from the entrance procession to the blessing and dismissal, capturing the deep meaning of elements that are at once ordinary and mysterious: bread and wine, water and candles, altar cloths and ceremonial books. Step by step, they explain the specifics, such as the order of the Mass, the vessels used, the unique clothing worn, the prayers and responses, the postures and the gestures. Then they explore the rich historical, spiritual and theological background to each. Prayerful but practical, fact-filled but readable, The Mass prepares readers to participate more fully and appreciatively in the sacred rite at the heart of Catholic life.

The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition

Religion & Spirituality

Mike Aquilina

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl

Christian Books & Bibles

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The Feasts

Cardinal Donald Wuerl

The real mystery is the Real Presence "The Grail Code satisfies the hunger that people have for knowledge of this mystery. The true Grail bears witness to a divine gift that exceeds even the deepest human longing.” —Scott Hahn, author of The Lamb’s Supper and Hail, Holy Queen The Holy Grail stories possess a mysterious power that has seized the human imagination for centuries. They tell of a great secret finally revealed, of a surprising answer to the most profound questions, of a hidden mystery that satisfies our deepest longings. Writers, poets, artists, composers, and filmmakers have pursued the Grail for 1,700 years. The great quest drives the legends of King Arthur, propels Indiana Jones’s greatest adventure, and keeps many people turning the pages of The Da Vinci Code. These tales of quests and miracles and of honor and betrayal have captivated humankind for so long, say the authors of The Grail Code, because the stories really do touch the deepest parts of our hearts. They reveal our innate yearning to know Christ, to be in communion with the Divine. What we’ve lost in the pop-culture transformations of the Grail is what made it holy in the first place: the intimate link with the Eucharist. The Grail Code is a literary and theological detective story, centuries in the making, that ends where the Grail legends began—in the room where Jesus gathered his closest friends for the last time, spoke blessed words, broke bread, and shared a sacred cup.

The Grail Code: Quest for the Real Presence

Literature & Fiction

Christopher Bailey

History & Criticism

Loyola Press

De-vo-tion (di-voh-shun) n. 1. Great love or loyalty, enthusiasm, or zeal. 2. Religious worship. 3. Prayers. 
You know a lot about the Catholic Church, or maybe you are just learning, but there are things that confuse you—like what to do when you pray a novena, or how to "offer up" something, exactly what the Angelus is, or any of the dozens of other devotions that set Catholics apart from other Christians. But help is here! The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions is the only book that not only provides the who, what, where, when, and why of the most time-honored traditions of the Church but also the how. In this complete guide you get: 
• step-by-step guidelines to all the devotional rites and rituals of the Catholic Faith 
• a history of each devotion and a reflection on its importance in the prayer life of Catholics 
• succinct and salient quotes from saints and prominent members of the Church 
• cautions, drawn from Scripture and Tradition, for potential temptations and distractions 
• the blessings and graces associated with the devotions 
If you want to learn what devotions comprise a truly Catholic life—and share those practices with others—you can’t be without The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions. 
Now discover how to: 
• Pray the Sign of the Cross, Morning Offering, Grace Before Meals, Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love, and many more 
• Pray the Angelus 
• Make First Fridays and First Saturdays 
• Make a novena 
• "Offer up" something 
• Pray the Rosary 
• Read the Bible 
• Practice mental prayer 
• Examine your conscience 
• Fast and abstain 
• Pray with sacred images 
• Consecrate your life to the Sacred Heart of Jesus or the Immaculate Heart of Mary 
• Make a pilgrimage 
• Wear a scapular 
"This charming book shows you how to plunge in and do all the things devout Catholics do. Learning to pray in Catholic ways, learning to use Catholic things like scapulars and blessings and holy water, and learning to eat fish on Friday while knowing why -- all this amounts to more than one might think. Learning the practices of faith is learning faith again, and remembering why faith is so human and so sacred, and so dear to us."-- Fr. Ronald Lawler, O.F.M. Cap. Member, Pontifical Roman Theological Academy

The How-to Book of Catholic Devotions: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You

Regis J. Flaherty

Our Sunday Visitor

Father John Hugo (1911-1985) wrote with penetrating, prophetic insight into struggles that are ever comtemporary: war and peace, sex and love, justice and mercy. His writings are collected for the first time in Weapons of the Spirit.

Weapons of the Spirit: Selected Writings of Father John Hugo

Reference

Robert F. Baldwin

David, Scott

Hugo, Father John

Encyclopedias & Subject Guides

We are believers in God, but we also struggle with doubts.The Apostle Thomas understood what it means to wrestle with doubt. But that's only the beginning of the story. After Jesus answered his skepticism, Thomas became one of the Church s most successful missionaries, evangelizing India despite hardships, misunderstandings, and temptations.Even today, whether you are inclined to trust or to question, you can find tremendous satisfaction by meditating on the life and works of Thomas. This collection of nine daily readings and prayers reveals his faithful witness that will increase your faith and alleviate your doubts. . Whether your concern is large or small, ongoing or concerned with an individual, specific instance, let Doubting Thomas show you the way to confidence in Christ.

A Doubters Novena: Nine Steps to Trust With the Apostle Thomas

This engaging, straightforward Bible study shows how all Christians are sharers in Christ's priesthood. It opens the door for laity and clergy alike to grow in faith and understand their priestly role.
Follow Scripture's path of the natural priesthood, Jesus as the high priest, and then Biblical priesthood today with the masterful weaving of history, Scripture, Tradition, and insightful discussion questions. Perfect for group or individual study, the easy-to-follow format of this study guide will inspire and enlighten.

Sharing Christ's Priesthood: A Bible Study for Catholics

Are you managing your life or is your life managing you? Get back on track with the perfect dose of inspiration, fresh perspective and faithful direction in Our Sunday Visitor's brand new 30-Minute Read series. The 30-Minute Read series touches on a variety of useful topics such as: --Stress-Proof Your Marriage Why Me? --When Bad Things Happen --Hope For Hard Times Find a sliver of time at lunch, in the parking lot or just before bed and get started today!

30 Minute Read: Why Me? When Bad Things Happen

St. Patrick and His World

Scepter Publishers

Meet the heroines of Christianity's formative years! Mike Aquilina and Christopher Bailey, in a follow-up to the best-selling The Fathers of the Church, have penned an inspiring companion volume on the Mothers of the Church that, like no other book, explores their impact on history and the Faith. Mothers of the Church: The Witness of Early Christian Women will reinforce Catholics understanding of the part played by women in the early Church. Drawing upon a wide spectrum of sources, it illustrates the many kinds of women that left their mark on sacred history by responding to God s call. Whether they were martyrs, abbesses, mothers, desert solitaries, or managers of large family businesses, these women s stories will encourage you and deepen your faith. Each chapter features a concise biography that is supplemented by quotes from the Fathers writings concerning the woman in question, poetry concerning her, and other ancient testimonials. The authors authoritative yet accessible writing style deftly explores the important impact of early Christian women. The Mothers of the Church include: Holy Women of the New Testament --St. Blandina --St. Perpetua and St. Felicity --St. Helena --St. Thecla --St. Agnes of Rome --St. Macrina --Proba the Widow --St. Marcella --St. Paula --St. Eustochium --St. Monica --Egeria the Tourist

Mothers of the Church: The Witness of Early Christian Women

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Books by Mike Aquilina