In his apostolic letter Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis reflects on Saint Joseph and his multifaceted role as a father. The purpose of this letter, Pope Francis writes, “is to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.” Saint Joseph is a beloved father; a tender, loving father; an obedient father; an accepting father; a creatively courageous father; a working father; and a father in the shadows. As protector, advocate, and guardian of the Holy Family, Saint Joseph has always been venerated as a father to all Christians. With this letter, promulgated on the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of Saint Joseph from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021. Patris Corde ends with a new prayer to Saint Joseph, and the OSV edition includes additional prayers and a litany to this beloved saint.
This modern spiritual classic by Frank Sheed, the renowned author, publisher and lecturer, is brought back into print for the benefit of new generations of readers to develop a deeper, more profound knowledge of Jesus Christ. Sheed's concern with the Gospels is to come to know Christ as he actually lived among us, interacted with all the various people he encountered from his infancy to his passion and death--the God-man who was like us in all things except sin. Sheed has tried especially to see Our Lord in his effect upon others--seeing how they saw him, trying to see why they saw him so. There is much about Mary and Joseph in their task of bringing up a baby who was literally adorable; about John the Baptist; about Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalen; about Nicodemus; about people we meet only for a moment, like the man born blind and the owners of the drowned swine; and why the Pharisees, not only the worst of them but some of the best, would not accept Christ. Faith, doctrine, prayer, worship--all the content and consequences of Christian belief--rest on the person of Christ Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. In this classic study, Frank J. Sheed employs wide learning, theological sophistication, spiritual insight, and a lucid style to bring the reader to a personal encounter with the living Lord. To Know Christ Jesus has been justly called "one of the most satisfying studies of the Gospel ever made." Frank J. Sheed had a distinguished career as a publisher, lecturer, street-corner evangelist, and popular writer. He and his wife Maisie Ward were the founders of the publishing house Sheed & Ward. His many books include Christ in Eclipse, What Difference Does Jesus Make?, Theology and Sanity, and A Map of Life. "My concern with the Gospels is to see the Face which through all the centuries has looked out from them upon men. The object is not to prove something but to meet someone--that we should know Christ Jesus, know him as one person may know another. As Christians we love him, try to live by his law, would think it a glory to die for him. But how well do we know him?" -Frank Sheed, from the Foreword
Recognized as a modern spiritual classic and perhaps Dietrich von Hildebrand's greatest work, this sublime and practical study gives a penetrating analysis of the true path to holiness for those who love Christ. The first requisite is the person's desire for change, and with that fundamental attitude in mind, von Hildebrand devotes a chapter to each of the successive spiritual attitudes necessary for those who strive for Christian perfection. The Beatitudes are treated with beauty and depth in an uncompromising challenge to every serious Christian to put into practice these teachings of Christ. "A magnificent treatise by a distinguished philosopher on the pursuit of spiritual perfection." -Publishers Weekly "A major contribution to the only important question: the transformation of our soul in Christ." -Archbishop Fulton Sheen "A masterpiece of modern spirituality: eminently practical and highly recommended." -Fr. John Hardon, S.J. "A solid and penetrating analysis of the Christian virtues, and their application in the struggle toward Christian perfection." -Library Journal
How to Live in Bold Confidence Have you ever needed confidence in a specific circumstance and couldn’t think of an example of anyone who had “been there, overcome that”? Author and speaker Lynn Cowell took every form of insecurity we experience as women and asked God to reveal how we should respond. The result is this in-depth, six-week Bible study spanning obscure and recognizable women in Scripture who demonstrate unshakable confidence no matter their circumstances. This six-week study will help you to: Stand with resolve when your confidence faces adversity—Women of Exodus Step out in your own defense when your confidence is challenged— The Daughters of Z Remain faithful when your confidence in God is elusive—Rahab Focus on what is true when your confidence in relationships is questioned— Abigail & Michal Trust when your confidence is in doubt—Martha & Mary Includes biblical and historical background insights, practical application, and a memory verse for each chapter. This study may be completed individually or with a small group.
Throw yourself into the strong arms of the father! In this glorious full-color book, art historian Elizabeth Lev showcases St. Joseph's multifaceted qualities, elucidated by exceptional saints and represented by art's most creative geniuses. Describing St. Joseph as the "extraordinary man who embodies the power of silence and yet still speaks to the hearts of all who turn to him," Lev juxtaposes his contemplative depictions with representations of his active life, affirming that he is not only a dreamer but a "man of action." Sure to become a cultural talking point, this lavishly illustrated book features captivating images of St. Joseph by Raphael, Michelangelo, Murillo, Giotto, Caravaggio, El Greco, and more. Let Lev take you on a journey to gaze upon the art of St. Joseph from all over the world, including fifth-century Rome, where St. Joseph was first depicted in mosaics in the Basilica of St, Mary Major. In the past, St. Joseph came to the aid of a Church mired in corruption. Lev reflects, "St. Joseph returned in the Age of Chivalry, riding in like a shining, albeit silent, knight, ready to serve and to defend the Church, his damsel in distress." St. Joseph stands no less ready to serve the faithful today, as we navigate the difficult shoals of the modern era. This book illustrates the many faces of St. Joseph and his miraculous intercessions that brought unity in times of division. "The Old Testament Joseph distributed bread in times of famine, and the New Testament Joseph brings to Egypt Jesus, who is, in the words of Pope Leo, 'the Bread of Life and the Food of reason that came down from heaven,'" Lev explains. For years, people have contemplated artistic depictions of St. Joseph in their homes and consecrated themselves to him. St. Josemaría Escrivá exhorted the faithful to "throw yourself into the strong arms of the father." Discover how St. Joseph is our most powerful intercessor, along with the Blessed Mother. Go to St. Joseph. Behold and listen to him! Book jacket.
An examination of instances, experiences, and spaces of early modern privacy. It opens new avenues to understanding the structures and dynamics that shape early modern societies through examination of a wide array of sources, discourses, practices, and spatial programmes.
St. Louis-Marie de Montfort wrote in his True Devotion to Mary: “By this practice, faithfully observed, you will give Jesus more glory in a month than by any other practice, however difficult, in many years.” This newly-translated book, written by a Montfort Father, contains thirty-one essays, which show you precisely how to do this with in-depth information. This veritable goldmine is the most thorough explanation on how to apply the True Devotion. Among other things, you will happily discover: (1) how the True Devotion puts the power of Mary at our disposal; (2) why the True Devotion is the supreme and most perfect expression of our love for Mary; (3) how to live this devotion faithfully throughout the day; (4) how to increase your merit for Heaven at every moment of your day; (5) why every Saturday is dedicated to Mary; (6) much greater insights into the holiness, greatness, and dignity of Mary, and why they are beyond anything we can imagine; (7) a brief biography of St. Louis-Marie, and the history of the development of Marian devotion in his life; (8) the fullness of grace in Mary; (9) how Mary is the ideal Mother of God and men; (10) why this devotion is not only the best, but the easiest to practice; (11) how God wants this devotion; (12) the essence of the True Devotion; (13) the clearest explanation of Mary's dwelling in the faithful soul (answers many objections); (14) why this is the best and easiest devotion to deliver souls from Purgatory and for avoiding it altogether; (15) why this devotion to Mary surpasses all others; (16) why it is not necessary to do extraordinary things or great works in order to give the greatest glory to God; (17) the benefits that will come to you by living this devotion; (18) why Mary cannot be an obstacle to union with God, but the most efficacious way to attain it; (19) why the holy slavery is the supreme and most perfect expression of our love toward Mary; (20) how we can never have enough respect for Mary; and, (21) why to reject the practice of the True Devotion is to reject the foundations of Christianity. This book is very important because St. Louis-Marie describes the True Devotion as “a mystery of grace unknown to even the wisest and most spiritual among Christians,” “a mystery of grace, unknown to the reprobate, and but little known even to the predestinate,” “one of these secrets of grace, unknown by the greater number of Christians, known even to few of the devout, and practiced and relished by a far less number still,” and, “a secret unknown to almost all Christians even the most devout.” He found it necessary to stress this point FOUR times! Everyone, the beginners and the more advanced, those with a spiritual director, and especially those without, will find this book very helpful. This is the ultimate insider's guide to understanding the true devotion, and a perfect complement to the True Devotion to Mary.
St. Joseph obtains favors of any kind, but particularly in family problems, financial needs, purity, dangers, work, housing and a happy death. He is the universal patron---whatever our petition is, you can pray to St. Joseph with confidence. He was the foster father of Jesus Christ on earth, and Jesus still obeys his requests in heaven! God chose St. Joseph over all other men to represent the fatherhood of God Himself in the Holy Family. This book contains all the famous prayers: Novena for a Special Favor, Litany, 30 Days' Prayer, Memorare, for Purity, Conversion, a Happy Death, etc. Priced for wide distribution!
With Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the forefront of her vocation, Mother Angelica treasured her beloved Spouse in the Eucharist. She brought Him her joys, sufferings, and all the contents of her heart in Adoration. In twenty-nine brief and brilliant chapters, she guides us to do the same, with Scripture references and Mother's personal prayers, meditations, and intentions. An ever-faithful disciple of the Church and Her Tradition, Mother Angelica saved her most precious words for her viewers. The fruit of her years of prayerful reflections as a Poor Clare Nun of Perpetual Adoration, this book is a beautiful accompaniment to prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament or at home. A Holy Hour with Mother Angelica also presents litanies and novenas as well as Mother's teachings on topics such as: Resisting Temptation Love and Reparation Repentance An Hour of Healing An Hour of Joy An Hour of Trusting in
