These are the documents that make history, and perhaps more than any of his other writings they distill the essence of the Holy Father's thought. Here they are in one meticulously prepared volume. The texts are the official Vatican translations, not unreliable "inclusive language" paraphrases. Extensive introductions place each encyclical in history, summarize the main points, and relate it to the other encyclicals. An essential reference for every school or parish library, and hours of thought-provoking reading for any sincere seeker of truth.
This is the first book to focus in depth on Pope John Paul II's fourteen encyclicals, through which he communicated many of the key themes of his papacy. The first part of the book provides helpful background information on the pope's life and teachings, while the second part of the book comprehensively discusses the encyclicals.
John Paul II: The Encyclicals in Everyday Language, an Orbis bestseller, now includes the Pope's most recent encyclical Fides et Ratio ("Faith and Reason"). Father Donders gives us the gist of this complex encyclical and the twelve that preceded it in easy-to-read sense lines. In a penetrating epilogue entitled "The Man and the Message", Father Donders offers a profound interpretation of John Paul II's legacy and the unity of his thirteen encyclicals. Here Donders shows that the pope's teaching is best understood as an expression of his fundamental intuition into the meaning of Christianity.
Popes are the Church's chief shepherds. While some focused on governing the Church and addressing challenges from the world, others recognized their primary responsibility to proclaim and teach the Gospel. Author Alan Schreck calls these the "teaching popes" and John Paul II was such a pope, leading the Church and impacting the world with his witness and his teaching. The encyclical letter has been, in modern times, the instrument for popes to express their most important teaching teachings that have lasting value for the Church, and often for the whole world. Dr. Schreck invites the reader to become familiar with the encyclical letters of Pope John Paul II. In The Legacy of Pope John Paul II, Dr. Schreck breaks down more scholarly writing into accessible language. The reflection questions and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter help facilitate a systematic study of the central teachings of this brilliant but pastoral pope, who conveyed the truth in love.
"There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us." Pope Saint John Paul II embodied these words throughout his life. Born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Józef Wojtyła lived in times of political turmoil. As a young man during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he studied in an underground seminary. As pope, he was instrumental in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering hope in the ultimate triumph of love, truth, and beauty. He remains a hero to millions of people for his unflinching defense of the Church and her teachings. John Paul II changed the world in many ways; this book describes 100 of the most important. Each of the 100 accomplishments, teachings, or stories about John Paul II is fascinating, providing a glimpse into the astounding life and impact of this great and beloved saint. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Patrick Novecosky is one of America's most accomplished Catholic communicators. The winner of more than two dozen awards from the Catholic Press Association, he has edited and written for some of America's top Catholic publications. Patrick is managing partner at NovaMedia, a marketing firm specializing in the Catholic space. He met Pope Saint John Paul II five times, and he has made Pope Francis laugh out loud. Most importantly, he is a husband and father of five beautiful children.
