Books - Spring 2004

In this exciting new book Thomas Nash refutes the common charge that the Mass is “unbiblical” in a resoundingly biblical fashion. From the Garden of Eden to Christ's Ascension, the biblical roots of the Mass go much deeper than the Last Supper and Christ's Passion. Old Testament sacrifices like Abel’s, Abraham’s and the Passover all prefigure and are fulfilled by Christ's Sacrifice, which is made present in the Sacrifice of the Mass. What began on the Cross culminated in everlasting glory when Jesus entered “once for all” into the heavenly holy of holies, as the Letter to the Hebrews provides.

In a time when the Catholic Church is under attack from within and without, Worthy is the Lamb reminds the faithful that the Mass is, as Vatican II affirms, “the source and summit of the whole Christian life.” This book will transform your understanding of and participation in the Mass. Ignatius Press Summer 2004, 250 pages softcover.

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The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s best selling novel, purports to be more than fiction: it claims to be based on fact and scholarly research. Brown wants his readers to believe that he is revealing the long-concealed truth about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and early Christianity, a truth that he says has been suppressed by the malevolent and conspiratorial forces of the Catholic Church. The novel alleges that there has been throughout history a secret group of true followers of a Gnostic Jesus and his wife, Mary Magdalene, the true “Holy Grail”. Almost everything most Christians and non-Christians think they know about Jesus, according to Dan Brown, is completely wrong, the result of Catholic propaganda designed to hide the truth from the world.

But are The Da Vinci Code’s claims fact or just plain fiction? Is the novel well-researched as claimed? What is the truth about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the early Church? Has the Catholic Church distorted the real Jesus? Why is the novel so popular? What about the anti-Catholic, anti-Christian agenda behind the novel?

Best selling author Carl Olson and journalist Sandra Miesel answer these and other important questions. Their painstaking research into The Da Vinci Code and its sources reveals some surprising truths. No one who has read or heard about The Da Vinci Code should miss this provocative and illuminating new book. Ignatius Press, 328 pages, paperback. June 2004

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This rare glimpse into the heart and soul of Padre Pio reveals the profound spirituality and humanity of the beloved Capuchin friar whom Pope John Paul II canonized in 2002. Beyond the extraordinary events that accompanied Padre Pio's life, these intimate letters attest to his personal struggles, worries, temptations, and fears. Padre Pio suffered much, but hoped even more in the One he loved deeply: Christ Crucified.

The letters of Padre Pio prove once again that "difficulties and sorrows, if accepted out of love, are transformed into a privileged way of holiness...." (Pope John Paul II). Paperback, 196 pages, Pauline Books, Winter 2004.

Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith addresses with honesty and compassion the fears, hurts, and guilt that many inactive Catholics feel when they first consider returning to the Church.

The brief, to-the-point presentation of issues always stress God’s mercy; most people who leave and later return do so as part of the process of maturing. Practical tips on how to reconnect with the Church are included. Inactive Catholics have often been away from the Church for years, even decades. The section on what the Church is like today is a reassuring overview of the opportunities available in a parish.

Returning Home to Your Catholic Faith is a wonderful resource for the person considering a return to the faith. It is also a valuable resource for anyone who has a friend or family member who has left the Church. 80 pages; Paperback Ligouri Publications Spring 2004.

Christians worldwide have been blessing themselves with the sign of the cross for centuries. But few who use this simple, familiar gesture know its impact as a powerful prayer. Author Bert Ghezzi shows how this potent prayer engages the Holy Spirit and affirms Christian identity. With insights derived from Scripture, church teachings, and personal experience, Ghezzi encourages people to utilize this powerful sign in their daily life.

Drawing on the fascinating history of the sign of the cross, Ghezzi reveals six dynamic truths of the spiritual life that God gives. The Sign of the Cross brings forth an opening to God, renewal of baptism, mark of discipleship, acceptance of suffering, defense against the devil, and victory over self-indulgence. This inspirational book brings to life the blessings of this ancient prayer and guides Christians to a renewed experience of God. 120 pages Harcover, Loyola Press February 2004

We live in a body-conscious society with people filling gyms in an attempt to get, and stay, physically fit. The Ignatian Workout promotes the importance of achieving spiritual fitness and presents a dynamic program of “workouts” based on Saint Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.

Designed for reading, reflection, and prayer, The Ignatian Workout includes a brief history of St. Ignatius and an overview of the Spiritual Exercises. Based on a four-week program, originally designed as a 30-day retreat, each week focuses on different elements of the mystery of the Christian faith. Full of practical suggestions for becoming spiritually fit, the book concludes with a complete resource guide of books and Web sites for continued study. 300 pages, paperback, Loyola Press June 2004.

Being a teenager can be a lot of fun. There are new and interesting people to meet, a wide variety of exciting challenges, and the pleasure that comes with greater freedom and increased responsibility. In all of this, though, there is the “tough stuff” that shapes and defines who you are and what you can grow to be. Every new situation brings with it a decision to be made. So what is the best way to deal with the tough choices that inevitably pop up? How do you stay true to who you are and what you want to become? What part do your Christian beliefs play in your decision making, and in what ways do the voices of peers, parents, and God affect your choosing?

A Catholic Teen’s Guide to Tough Stuff addresses a broad range of issues that confront youth today. Some (dating, for example) are perennial; others (such as the potential hazards of the Internet) are more recent. The issues include relationship with self, relationships with peers, and relationships with parents and other adults. Each topic is treated with straightforward but gentle wisdom and frequent splashes of humor, with a common thread of Catholic faith as the source of strength and guidance.

With straight talk on the real issues that face teens in their daily lives, A Catholic Teen’s Guide to Tough Stuff will be a valuable companion for a young Catholic journeying through the sometimes confusing terrain of adolescence. 144 pages; Paperback Ligouri Publications Spring 2004.

In today’s busy world, when children are tucked into bed for the night, is a precious time for stories and bedtime prayers. By praying with children at bedtime, parents and grandparents establish a habit of daily prayer that is likely to last a lifetime. Prayers for Sleepyheads is an attractively boxed set of three paperback books that encourage quality interaction between children and parents at day’s end. With charming four-color illustrations throughout, the bear-based theme makes Prayers for Sleepyheads suitable for children ages three and up.

Parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing these traditional “good-night” prayers with their little ones. Children will delight in hearing them again and again. 24 pages; Hardback, Ligouri Publications Spring 2004.

Mel Gibson’s epic film The Passion of The Christ is not just another extraordinary Hollywood production — it’s a personal call for each of us to encounter the person of Jesus Christ.

The Passion of The Christ offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to spread, strengthen, and share the Catholic faith with your family and friends. Unlike any other, this movie will inspire hearts and change minds. And it will evoke questions.

A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions about Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ is the definitive Catholic resource book for this momentous film. It offers an insightful scene-by-scene analysis from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The 100 answers provide a powerful catechesis that will enrich the movie going experience and lead seekers to deeper faith in Christ. Ascension Press February 2004

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Depression can strike anyone, even those deeply committed to living the Christian life. This fresh, reassuring approach to living through depression proposes aspects of the Catholic tradition as a support for surviving even the darkest times.

*Encouraging stories of others who have lived with depression
*Psychological, medical, spiritual and practical self-care perspectives
*Tips for firends and family of the depressed.
Paperback, 146 pages, Pauline Books Winter 2004.

A beloved priest of the twentieth century. A saint of the twenty-first. During his 58 years as a Capuchin friar, Padre Pio never stopped encouraging the faithful to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and to pray in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

During that time, thousands upon thousands of pilgrims streamed to Pietrelcina, Italy, to be there as he celebrated Mass, to receive the sacrament of penance from him, to seek his spiritual guidance, and to ask for his prayers. Among them, in 1947, was a young Father Karol Wojtyla who, later as Pope John Paul II, proclaimed him St. Pio in 2002.

Now you can enter into the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist accompanied by this humble stigmatist (one who suffers the wounds of Christ crucified). Here are his words and his prayers on life’s sorrows, fears, trials, temptations, and joys. Paper, 144 pages. Our Sunday Visitor March 2004.

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