⭐ Short Journey

Author Jacques Philippe focuses on mental prayer: prayer that consists of facing God in solitude and silence in order to enter into intimate, loving communion with him. Practicing this kind of prayer regularly is considered by all spiritual masters to be an indispensable path that gives access to genuine Christian life— a path to knowing and loving God that empowers us to respond to his call to holiness addressed to each individual. Philippe draws on years of experience as a spiritual guide to illuminate the fundamental principles of mental prayer and describes some common mistakes and misconceptions that can lead it astray. With simplicity and clarity, he explains the foundational principles for a healthy prayer life and gives advice for overcoming the various obstacles that arise when one sets off on the path of interior prayer.

In "Life of Jesus," Fernández Carvajal offers a profound exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, weaving together historical context and spiritual reflection to illuminate His significance in both religious and contemporary life. The book delves into key moments of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing themes of love, compassion, and redemption, while also addressing the challenges and trials He faced. Through insightful commentary and engaging narratives, Carvajal invites readers to deepen their understanding of Christ's message and its relevance today. This work serves as an essential resource for those seeking to enrich their faith and connect more intimately with the central figure of Christianity.

In "Christ is Passing By," St. Josemaría Escrivá offers a profound exploration of the call to sanctity in everyday life, emphasizing the presence of Christ in the mundane activities of our daily routines. Through a series of reflections and meditations, he encourages readers to recognize and embrace opportunities for holiness, urging them to see their work and relationships as avenues for divine grace. The book highlights themes of personal responsibility, the importance of prayer, and the transformative power of love and service. Its significance lies in its accessible approach to spirituality, inspiring countless individuals to deepen their relationship with Christ and live out their faith in practical ways.

"Story of a Soul" is the spiritual autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a beloved French saint known for her profound simplicity and deep faith. In this inspiring work, Thérèse shares her journey of spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and the "little way" of trusting in God's grace. Through her reflections on her life in a Carmelite convent, she conveys the transformative power of childlike faith and the significance of embracing one's own smallness in the pursuit of holiness. This timeless classic has resonated with countless readers, offering profound insights into the nature of love and the path to God, and it continues to inspire many on their own spiritual journeys.

Based on the teachings of St. Josemarí a, this series of short meditations gives you simple ways to make that saint' s passionate love for God your own. You' ll find penetrating Catholic insight on the Christian vocation, interior life, Christian hope, humility, celibacy and chastity, death, and much more -- plus guidance on how to overcome temptation, handle humiliations, and find serenity. Best of all, author Salvatore Canals presents these insights from the perspective of everyday life, so that you can use them to enrich your daily duties and activities. Page numbers: 114

St. Alphonsus Liguori's 'How to Converse Familiarly with God' is a practical guide encouraging believers to engage in simple, heartfelt prayer as an intimate conversation with the Lord, fostering a spirit of confidence and familiarity in approaching the divine. Drawing from his ascetical tradition, the book emphasizes prayer's necessity for salvation—"a necessary and certain means of obtaining salvation, and all the graces that we require for that object"—and counters rigorism by highlighting God's merciful embrace. Theologically, it reflects Liguori's Christocentric and Marian spirituality, where prayer unites the soul with Christ's Passion and Mary's mediation, promoting uniformity with God's will as the path to holiness and eternal life.

As seen on EWTN, bestselling author Scott Hahn unveils the mysteries of the Mass, offering readers a deeper appreciation of the most familiar of Catholic rituals. Of all things Catholic, there is nothing that is so familiar as the Mass. With its unchanging prayers, the Mass fits Catholics like their favorite clothes. Yet most Catholics sitting in the pews on Sundays fail to see the powerful supernatural drama that enfolds them. Pope John Paul II described the Mass as "Heaven on Earth," explaining that what "we celebrate on Earth is a mysterious participation in the heavenly liturgy." The Lamb’s Supper reveals a long-lost secret of the Church: The early Christians' key to understanding the mysteries of the Mass was the New Testament Book of Revelation. With its bizarre imagery, its mystic visions of heaven, and its end-of-time prophecies, Revelation mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Eucharist. Beautifully written, in clear direct language, bestselling Catholic author Scott Hahn's new book will help readers see the Mass with new eyes, pray the liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully, enthusiastically, intelligently, and powerfully than ever before. Page numbers: 210

St. Augustine's Confessions is a profound autobiographical work in which the saint recounts his wayward youth, intellectual wanderings through Manichaeism and Neoplatonism, dramatic conversion to Christianity in 386 AD, and subsequent reflections on God, Scripture, and the human soul. Its main themes revolve around the famous restlessness of the heart—"You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you"—the pursuit of truth through intellectual conversion, the Trinitarian image in humanity (to be, know, and will inseparably), divine grace triumphing over sin, and allegorical interpretations of Genesis as the Church's formation. Theologically, it holds immense significance in Catholic tradition as a foundational text illuminating original sin's deep wounds, God's intimate providence, the interplay of time and eternity, and the soul's ascent to the unchanging Trinity, influencing doctrines on grace, self-knowledge, and the God-man relationship for centuries.

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales is a spiritual guide addressed to "Philothea," representing souls aspiring to holiness amid everyday worldly duties, demonstrating that true devotion is not reserved for cloistered religious but is attainable for all Christians in any state of life. Divided into five parts, it covers forming a firm resolution after general confession and Communion, uniting with God through sacraments and mental prayer, practicing key virtues, resisting temptations, and renewing devotion through perseverance. Its theological significance lies in redefining piety as compatible with secular vocations—such as family, court, or business—countering the notion that devotion requires total withdrawal from the world, a teaching later emphasized by popes who proclaimed St. Francis a Doctor of the Church for expanding the universal call to holiness.

Bestselling author Hahn, a convert to Catholicism, explains the "how and why" of the Catholic faith--through Scripture, his own struggles and questions, and through the experiences of everyday life as well as natural science. Page numbers: 250

'Beyond Good Intentions' by J.L. Lorda delves into the complex relationship between faith and social action within the Catholic context. The book challenges readers to look beyond mere good intentions and to engage in transformative practices that align with the core tenets of the Gospel. By exploring themes of compassion, justice, and authentic service, Lorda emphasizes the importance of intentionality in charitable efforts, urging individuals to consider the long-term impact of their actions on communities. This insightful work serves as a call to deepen one’s commitment to living out faith through meaningful and effective service, making it a significant contribution to contemporary discussions on social responsibility within the Church.

In "Only Love Creates: The Spiritual Works of Mercy," author F. Rosini explores the profound impact of the spiritual works of mercy within the context of Catholic faith and practice. The book delves into themes of compassion, empathy, and the transformative power of love, urging readers to recognize their role in alleviating suffering and fostering spiritual growth in themselves and others. Through insightful reflections and practical applications, Rosini emphasizes that genuine love is the foundation of all acts of mercy, making this work a significant guide for those seeking to live out their faith in meaningful ways. Ultimately, the book serves as a reminder of the enduring call to serve and uplift one another through acts of kindness and understanding.

With over a million copies sold, this classic work is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?” A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell. As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times. Page numbers: 166

"Life, in the end, has only one tragedy: not to have been a saint." – Léon Bloy The ever-popular and prolific Peter Kreeft says that the most important question he has written about is how one becomes holy; or to put it another way, how one becomes a saint. This question is central to all the great religions, Kreeft demonstrates, for striving toward holiness, moving toward perfect love, is the whole purpose of life. Kreeft admits that he is only a beginner on the climb to holiness, and it is to novices like him that he has written this engaging and encouraging book. Using the insights and experiences of saints and great spiritual writers throughout history, Kreeft shows what holiness is and how it can be achieved. He especially draws upon the spiritual classic Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, S.J. The core of Caussade's timeless gem is that God reveals himself to all of us through the daily events of our lives. The surest way toward spiritual growth, therefore, is by perceiving and accepting the merciful will of God in every situation. Kreeft stresses the simplicity of his approach to holiness, which focuses mainly on the virtue of love. Sanctity is love, he asserts, and only that can give us what we all long for—deep and lasting joy. Page numbers: 172

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, here is a clear, detailed explanation of the various parts of the Mass. This book shows you each one' s firm foundation in Scripture, Church history, and the unchanging teaching of the Church -- as well as its importance in helping you draw closer to God. Author Charles Belmonte even includes a handy guide to the names and significance of the various liturgical vessels and vestments. Most importantly, this winsome and enlightening book also includes a revealing examination of the importance of the Eucharist in daily life.

Pedro Casciaro was one of the earliest members of Opus Dei, the Catholic organization founded by St. Josemara Escriv in 1928. Casciaro joined Opus Dei in 1935 at the age of 20. He lived beside the founder during the difficult years of the Spanish civil war and was ordained in 1946. He had become one of St. Josemara's most trusted aides in the worldwide development of Opus Dei.In this book Fr. Casciaro reveals for the first time his personal recollections of Opus Dei's founder, which span a period of forty years. "He brings us a vivid narrative, written with a tremendous sense of humor which highlights our founder's human and supernatural traits," comments Bishop Echevarra, the Prelate of Opus Dei. "As can readily be imagined, these pages are invaluable..."When Pedro Casciaro died in Mexico in 1995, he realized he had been able to savor the truth encapsulated in those words St. Josemara had whispered to him some sixty years earlier: Dream, and your dreams will fall short...

"Mary of Nazareth" by F. Suarez delves into the life and significance of the Virgin Mary, exploring her role within the context of the Catholic faith and the broader biblical narrative. The book highlights key themes such as maternal love, faith, and obedience, illustrating how Mary's unique relationship with God shapes her identity and mission. Through careful theological reflection and historical insight, Suarez emphasizes Mary's importance as a model for believers and her impact on the church throughout history. This work serves as both a spiritual guide and an academic resource, inviting readers to deepen their understanding of Mary’s pivotal role in salvation history.

In "Simon Peter," G. Chevrot delves into the life and legacy of one of Christianity's most pivotal figures, exploring the complexities of faith, leadership, and human frailty. Through a blend of historical analysis and theological reflection, the book examines Peter's transformation from a simple fisherman to a foundational leader of the early Church, emphasizing themes of redemption, grace, and the enduring struggle of belief. Chevrot's work not only sheds light on Peter's significant role in the New Testament but also invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the universal challenges of faith. This insightful exploration serves as both a biographical account and a spiritual guide, highlighting the importance of Peter's story in contemporary Christian thought.

Newly translated from Spanish, The Man of Villa Tevere paints a remarkably vivid portrait of the day-to-day life of St. Josemaría Escrivá, “the saint of the ordinary.” Set in the world headquarters of Opus Dei and rich with anecdotes culled from the Founder’s contemporaries, this acclaimed biography chronicles the construction of the Roman center through Monsignor Escrivá's death there in 1975. When St. Josemaría arrived in Rome, nearly twenty years after founding Opus Dei, there was still much to be done and little was to come easily. Escrivá maintained that full canonical confirmation from the Catholic Church was imperative to the mission of Opus Dei, but he would not live to see that proclamation delivered. As a relatively young institution, Opus Dei was constantly challenged by limited funds, persecution, and St. Josemaría’s physical tribulations—including fifteen minutes during which he was clinically dead. Yet because he considered himself simply "a poor sinner, who loves Jesus Christ madly," no suffering was too great to be embraced with cheerfulness and sanctified for love of the Lord. And so it was from this place, from this man, that Opus Dei spread throughout the world. Pilar Urbano’s celebrated biography of St. Josemaría is now available for the first time in English, coinciding with the release of There Be Dragons, the much-anticipated film by Roland Joffe, featuring the life of St. Josemaría Escrivá. Like Escrivá himself, The Man of Villa Tevere overflows with vibrant energy and gentle wisdom, manifesting the spirit of Opus Dei and inspiring multitudes to lead truly Christian lives.

Mary Beth Bonacci has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people across the country and around the world-about friendship, about relationships, about marriage, about God's plan for sexuality, and about finding real, honest love. And they speak back to her. They ask her questions-about sex, about dating, about healing after a shattered relationship, about marriage, about their struggles to live love. In this newly updated and expanded edition of Real Love, Mary Beth shares those questions-and her answers-in an even more comprehensive guide which addresses the details of the very real struggle we all face in trying to live real love in a world gone mad. Through these questions and her answers, Mary Beth offers a comprehensive catechesis of the Church's teaching in the areas of marriage and human sexuality. She tackles the toughest issues-premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, internet pornography and others. She gives practical advice on living the Church's teachings. And throughout it all, she demonstrates that living respect for God's gift of sexuality is the way-the only way-to find real, honest love.