I had a different edition of this way of the cross many years ago. It was lent out and never returned. Over the last few years I have fallen in love wI had a different edition of this way of the cross many years ago. It was lent out and never returned. Over the last few years I have fallen in love with the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. I have read over 150 in the last 3 years and have that many on my wish list. This specific book is out of print, and there is no digital edition. It took me a while to track it down for a price I could afford. But it was so with. The description of this volume is:
“Benedict XVI's meditations and prayers are a powerful call to live the Way of the Cross as a school of faith, which teaches us to be like Christ. "Jesus himself interpreted for us the meaning of the "Way of the Cross", he taught us how to pray it and follow it: the Via Crucis is the path of losing ourselves, the path of true love."
This Way of the Cross was written by then Cardinal Ratzinger for the Good Friday procession around the Colosseum in Rome in 2005.”
We are informed that the illustrations in this volume are reproductions for the church of Saint Charles Borromeo, in London England. We are informed that these prayers and meditations were written at the request of then Pope John Paul II, by then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. They were used for the Good Friday Via Crucis in the Colosseum in Rome. Within a month of delivering these prayers Ratzinger would be elected pope and select the name Benedict XVI.
This version of the stations of the cross has a profound spiritual depth. Of the many I have used over the year it is one of the most moving. With it’s focus and direction to the heart of the Eucharist this devotion is both pious and intellectual.
Each of the stations is 4 pages. The prayers are moving. But it is the meditations that make this version stand out so much to me. I am very thankful to have a copy of this book, and am trying to track down some of the other versions of this devotion from Benedict XVI.
A fantastic devotion to use during lent, or throughout the year.
This version of the “Way of the Cross” was an amazon recommendation based on another that I had finished. It was very reasonably priced, and I picked This version of the “Way of the Cross” was an amazon recommendation based on another that I had finished. It was very reasonably priced, and I picked it up right away and prayed through it a few days later. Most lent’s I pick 2 or 3 versions and use them as my mainstays through lent. But in 2020 I have read and used many different versions. I am writing this review at the beginning of Holy Week and so far, this year have used almost a dozen different version.
This specific version is from Good Friday, 1991. It was first used by then Pope John Paul II who lead a crowd through the stations at the Colosseum. The booklet is designed so it can be used for both public or private devotion. And like some newer versions this one has a fifteenth station ‘Jesus Rises From the Dead’.
I have mixed feelings about this edition. I appreciate the text. I am starting after many years to get more comfortable with the fifteenth station. The illustrations are hit and miss. Some I love and some are more meh. I have included some of the ones I love.
This is a good version. And I am thankful to have it in my mix now. Father Champlin in the introduction states:
“When parishes or groups celebrate these stations publicly, they may be done in the context of Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is at once a memorial of the Lord’s passion and death as well as the Real Presence of the risen Christ in our midst. Integration of the stations with a eucharistic devotional service seems, therefore, theologically sound, liturgically appropriate, and pastorally wise. You may wish to refer to Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, numbers 79–100, for further guidelines and directives concerning eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, as well as an outline of the rite itself.”
And if we were able that would be a wonderful way to work through this devotion. But it also works well as a personal form of prayer, devotion and piety.
At the beginning of each lent I pick a few different versions of the Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross to be part of my Lenten journey. And siAt the beginning of each lent I pick a few different versions of the Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross to be part of my Lenten journey. And since over the last few years I have read and reviewed over 100 books from the Catholic Truth Society I decided to pick up a few of their offerings. This specific version was published in 1927, it was revised in 2015. An eBook edition was released in 2017. And with his canonization in 2019 a new paperback edition has been released. The original description of the revised edition is:
“Blessed John Henry Newman's celebrated meditations on the passion of Our Lord have been edited and enhanced with illustrations. They remain a moving and enriching commentary on the details of Christ's sufferings and their bearing on our own human existence. An excellent companion to Lent and Easter for for use on Fridays of the year. Updated and revised by Donal Antony Foley.”
And the wording has not changed much for the latest edition.
The chapters in this volume are: The Value of the Stations of the Cross John Henry Newman The Fourteen Stations Additional Prayers and Examination of Conscience Prayers of Cardinal Newman
This year I also read a new edition called Stations of the Cross from TAN Books. It is a slightly abbreviated variation on this one. A sample station from this one is:
“The Thirteenth Station Jesus Is Taken From The Cross, And Laid In Mary’s Bosom
The multitude have gone home; Calvary is left solitary and still, except that St John and the holy women are there. Then come Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, and take down from the Cross the body of Jesus, and place it in the arms of Mary.
O Mary, at last you have possession of your Son. Now, when His enemies can do no more, they leave Him in contempt to you. As His unexpected friends perform their difficult work, you look on with inexpressible thoughts. Your heart is pierced with the sword of which Simeon spoke. O Mother most sorrowful; yet in your sorrow there is a still greater joy. The joy in prospect strengthened you to stand by Him as He hung upon the Cross; much more now, without swooning, without trembling, do you receive Him to your arms and on your lap. Now you are supremely happy as having Him, though He comes to you not as He went from you. He went from your home, O Mother of God, in the strength and beauty of His manhood, and He comes back to you dislocated, torn to pieces, mangled, dead. Yet, O Blessed Mary, you are happier in the hour of woe than on the day of the marriage feast, for then He was leaving you, and now in the future, as a risen Saviour, He will be separated from you no more.”
This is an excellent version of the way of the cross. I love having a few different ones that I rotate through during lent, and most Fridays the rest of the year. I appreciate both versions I have based on the works of Newman.
Each lent I pick a few different versions of the Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross to be part of my Lenten journey. And since over the last feEach lent I pick a few different versions of the Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross to be part of my Lenten journey. And since over the last few years I have read and reviewed over 100 books from the Catholic Truth Society I decided to pick up a few of their offerings. This one is a reprint of one of my favorites by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. The Catholic truth Society originally published an edition in 1959, it was revised in 2015, and the eBook version released in 2017. The revision was by Father Jim McManus C.Ss.R.
In the introduction we are given this quote about why Saint Alphonsus loved the stations:
“Who can deny that, of all devotion, devotion to the passion of Jesus Christ is the most useful, the most tender, the most agreeable to God, one that gives the greatest consolation to sinners, and at the same time most powerfully enkindles souls? Whence is it that we receive so many blessings, if it be not from the passion of Jesus Christ?”
We are told about Alphonsus:
“St Alphonsus Liguori, the Founder of the Redemptorist Congregation, who died in 1787, bequeathed to the Church a vast treasure of spiritual and theological writing.”
And I went through a phase about 30 years ago where I had a great devotion to Alphonsus and his writings. And his Stations is always one of my favorites. The reflections are shorter than many editions. But they have a power in the briefness. The sections in this volume are:
The Way of the Cross Today St Alphonsus The Stations of the Cross Prayers by St Alphonsus
And those prayers at the end make this version invaluable. These nine prayers are wonderful.
A sample station:
“Third Station Jesus Falls For The First Time
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Consider this first fall of Jesus under his cross. His flesh was torn by the scourges, his head was crowned with thorns; he had lost a great quantity of blood. He was so weakened that he could scarcely walk, yet he had to carry this great load on his shoulders. The soldiers struck him roughly and he fell several times.
My Jesus, it is not the weight of the cross, but of my sins, which has made you suffer so much pain. By the merits of this first fall, save me from the misfortune of falling into mortal sin.
I love you, Jesus, my love, above all things; I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always; and then do with me what you will.
Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be to the Father.
Oh how sad and sore distressed was that mother highly blessed of the sole begotten One!”
This is one of my all-time favorite devotions, and I always love having the eBook on me. It is another great resource from the Catholic Truth Society. And a wonderful devotion.
Every lent I pick a few different versions of the Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross to be part of my Lenten journey. And since over the last fEvery lent I pick a few different versions of the Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross to be part of my Lenten journey. And since over the last few years I have read and reviewed over 100 books from the Catholic Truth Society I decided to pick up a few of their offerings. This specific version was published in 2014 and the eBook in 2017. Currently the print edition appears to be out of print. But the eBook is still readily available. For which I am extremely grateful. In the introduction Michael Campbell OSA, Bishop of Lancaster states:
“The Stations of the Cross have long been a popular and much-loved Catholic devotion. To walk the way of the cross with the suffering Christ, prayerfully contemplating his humiliation and suffering, gives us the courage to accept and bear our own particular share of the cross, whatever form that may take.
This cherished devotional practice teaches us the profound and mysterious lesson that it was through his suffering and cross that the Son of God redeemed the world. The Stations offer the sick and frail, those who are oppressed and downcast, the opportunity to unite their sufferings with those of Christ and to make their own the sentiments of St Paul, “to complete what is lacking in Christ’s affliction for the sake of his body, that is, the Church.” (Col 1:24)
I offer these meditations on the Stations of the Cross in the hope that all who use them will draw closer to our blessed Lord who loves each one of us in our weakness and frailty. Through walking the way to Calvary with Christ may we be brought to the glory of his resurrection.”
And that is what he has crafted is an excellent devotion for us to use personally, or corporately.
The chapters in this volume are: Introduction Tree of Paradise First Station Second Station Third Station Fourth Station Fifth Station Sixth Station Seventh Station Eighth Station Ninth Station Tenth Station Eleventh Station Twelfth Station Thirteenth Station Fourteenth Station
This volume likesome other versions contains a fifteenth station a reflection on the Resurrection. A sample meditation is:
“Sixth Station Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
P. (Kneeling) We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. C. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
“Without beauty, without majesty we saw him, no looks to attract our eyes; despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.” (Is 53:2-4)
Veronica, moved with pity for the despised and suffering Christ, steps forward and wipes his face with a towel. Her act of kindness and great compassion would never be forgotten.
Reflection Lord Jesus, in the midst of your suffering and distress you found someone to take pity on you. Veronica had the courage to reach out to you in your affliction. May we never fail to feel the sufferings of others, and seek to lighten their burden. Make us compassionate as our heavenly Father is compassionate, for he is close to the afflicted and broken-hearted. C. I love you, Jesus, my love above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will.
Our Father…Hail Mary...Glory be…”
And this volume has artwork between each of the stations. The artwork is by Josef Piens Cooreman and Rene de Cramer. And in the eBook they are full color prints. It is an excellent version of the way. I am thankful I have it and will use it over.
Another excellent resource from the Catholic Truth Society!
This lent I have read and compared two different editions of Stations of the Cross by Saint John Henry Newman. This is one of three new editions of woThis lent I have read and compared two different editions of Stations of the Cross by Saint John Henry Newman. This is one of three new editions of works from this saint. And it is an excellent version. The other two volumes that were released at the same time are Meditations on Mary, Our Mother and Prayers Before The Eucharist. If they are as good as this volume, we are in for some great reads. But back to this volume. There is only one image in this volume it is The Crucifixion by Gustave Dore.
This book is a completely new typeset. The chapters are:
Editor’s Introduction Prayers Before The Stations Of The Cross The First Station The Second Station The Third Station The Fourth Station The Fifth Station The Sixth Station The Seventh Station The Eighth Station The Ninth Station The Tenth Station The Eleventh Station The Twelfth Station The Thirteenth Station The Fourteenth Station Final Prayers
We are told in the introduction:
“As our world gets busier, less supernatural, and more complicated, Catholics need, more and more, to take just a small amount of time to focus on the supernatural, and with great simplicity. Thus, we have provided the text of St. John Henry Cardinal Newman’s Stations of the Cross, adapted from the book of his meditations.”
And also:
“These meditations on the Stations of the Cross were written for his parishioners in the Birmingham Oratory Church, who were far from erudite scholars. Their education was minimal, and their available time even less, and they loved Newman all the more for the simple and easy way in which he led them to deeper devotion.
Thus, in our time, these meditations can aid us with the simple and singular focus on Christ’s passion and our own failings which contributed to it. We have given them slight editing for modern English as well as having added additional prayers to round out the work. May all who avail themselves of these meditations draw grace from the deep meditation.”
One of the things I love about this edition is that the Responses and prayers at with each station. So that you do not need to constantly flip back and forth. I also appreciated the grounded-ness mentioned in the introduction. This is a simple humble way of the cross. But one that will draw us in, either in personal, communal, or corporate praying of the stations. The main part of the reflection is very similar to other editions by Newman. Only some slight changing of language to make it more accessible.
This is a wonderful little volume that will enrich your experience of Lent, of throughout the year as you take time to reflect on the stations. Both the eBook and physical editions are beautifully set. And it is a book I can highly recommend?
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and about Saint John Henry newman.
A few of years ago I encountered the works of J.B. Midgley and was very impressed with his writing. I have worked at tracking all his books down. And A few of years ago I encountered the works of J.B. Midgley and was very impressed with his writing. I have worked at tracking all his books down. And it took me a few years. I now have all of his books, or at least the ones I am aware of. After reading this one I only have 2 volumes to go to have read all of his books. I have read his works a total of 29 times so far; with a few having been read more than once. It has been well worth tracking down all 28 books by J.B. Midgley. Twenty-six of those books were for the Catholic Truth Society. And 6 of those were from the CTS Great Saints Series. And 7 are from the CTS Companions Series. I have also read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved most of them. I first read a book by Midgley almost nearly 4 years ago. This volume is a good book, by an excellent author.
The description on the back of the book is:
“For many today the richness and warmth of these two seasons are almost unknown or long-forgotten. In our secular age Christmas has been sadly reduced to the shopping frenzy culminating on Christmas Eve. For those searching for more, this collection of sayings drawn from biblical sources, the fathers of the Church, saints and inspiring Christians, leads us into a new perspective, helping us to receive and savour the graces of this precious time and to live it as we are surely meant to.”
And the chapters in this little volume are:
Introduction Advent - A waiting the Second Coming Advent - Joyfully awaiting the Saviour The Nativity of the Lord The Holy Family Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God The Circumcision and Holy Name of Jesus The Epiphany The Baptism of the Lord The Presentation of the Lord - Candlemas Index of Saints
The quotes come from these sources:
Aaron Alphonsus Ligouri Ambrose Anselm Athanasius Augustine Aurelius Prudentius Basil Hume Bede the Venerable Bernard Bernardine of Siena Blessed Virgin Mary Charles Borromeo Clement of Alexandria Cyril of Alexandria David Elizabeth Ephrem of Syria Eusebius of Caesarea Ezekiel Ezra and Nehemiah Fathers of the Second Vatican Council Francis of Assisi Gabriel Gertrude the Great Gregory Nazianzen Gregory the Great Gregory X Hilary of Poi tiers Hippolytus Hugh of Lincoln Hugo of Saint-Victoire Ignatius of Loyola Irenaeus Isaac of Stella Isaiah James Jean-Baptiste de Santeuil John Baptist De La Salle John Chrysostom John Eudes John Henry Newman John the Baptist John Paul II John XXIII Karl Rabner Leo the Great Leonard of Port Maurice Leo XIII Luke Malachi Mark Matthew Maximilian Kolbe Maximus of Turin Maximus the Confessor Moses Odilo of Cluny Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Paul Paul VI Peter Abelard Peter Chrysologus Peter Julian Eymard Peter Philoxemus of Mabbug Pius XI Robert Bellarmine Ronald A. Knox Simeon Sirac Sophronius of Jerusalem Tertullian Theresa of Avila Therese of Lisieux Thomas Aquinas Thomas More Thomas a Kempis
I highlighted a few passages my first time through this volume, they were:
“For a great many people the richness and warmth of these two seasons are almost unknown or, at best, long forgotten. 'Christmas' has sadly been reduced in our secular age to the December shopping frenzy culminating on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day and Boxing Day offer a brief respite, but the rush resumes with equal ferocity once the New Year Sales descend on cities and towns. This need not be the end of the story.”
“As winter draws on each year, Christians begin their liturgical new year in early December, and set out on their Advent journey that will take them to Christmas, Christmastide, and to the beginning of February. They prepare Advent candles, wreaths, Nativity cribs of various kinds and sizes, songs and carols, and look forward to the visit of the Three Kings. Above all they wait in great expectation for the coming of Christ into their hearts and minds, into all their thoughts and activities.”
“On your bedside table, in your pocket, on the train or bus, in a few moments before the Blessed Sacrament, this little book is designed to help us receive and savour the graces of this precious time and to live it as we are surely intended.”
This is a great little volume. The quotes span the from the Old Testament through to contemporary authors. Some sources have a single quote, and a few have many. This book was a great read. My only complaint is that none of the quotes are attributed. We know the author but not book, document, or article. There are several quotes I would have liked to read the volume it came from.
I have been blessed by all of the books from Midgley’s pen that I have been able to read. I recommend this book, especially for reading over advent. Another good resource from the Catholic Truth Society.
Read reviews of other books by from the Catholic Truth Society on my blog Book Reviews and More.
This was the third book by Kathryn that I have read in as many weeks. I bought this book and one other before even finishing Perilous Days, book 1 in This was the third book by Kathryn that I have read in as many weeks. I bought this book and one other before even finishing Perilous Days, book 1 in the Brave Hearts series. I did not even read the description before purchasing it, so I was honestly a little surprised when the setting was not WWII. For this book takes place almost 250 years before the events of World War II. But my shock at the jump back in time did not impact how excellent a read this book was. This story takes us back in time. It is the story of Father Sebastian Rale a Jesuit missionary that lived among the Wabanaki people from 1689-1724. This book is a page turner, and I am having a hard time placing it. It could be historical fiction, it could be hagiography, or it could be biography. Or a mix of all three.
In reading this book we learn about the life of Father Sebastian Rale he was a heroic priest. He was a missionary, and he was a martyr. He lived to serve. He loved his adopted people, and ultimately died for them. He had great faith, great innovation, and ultimately great courage. I read through this book in 2 sittings because I could not put it down. And Since then I have started reading it with my three children ages 8-13. It is an excellent read. The historical note at the beginning of this book ends with this paragraph:
“In every war there must be a lightning rod for hatred. That enemy must be evil personified. As British propaganda pamphlets were printed and distributed to colonists, one name stood out above all the rest. Father Sebastian Rale, S.J., was a missionary living with the Wabanaki people in Norridgewock, along the banks of the Kennebec River. British leaders saw him as a man in league with the devil. Soon after Father Rale arrived in the New World, Jesuits were banned from the colonies. No one could have imagined that this refined Jesuit, trained in the finest universities in France, could live among the Wabanakis for thirty years.
Meanwhile, hatred for Father Rale and racial bigotry toward the indigenous people boiled over in the year 1724. A price was put on Father Sebastian Rale’s head; the British sharpened their knives and took to the woods, intent on scalping his gray head. After thirty years of this Frenchman living among the Wabanakis, the time had come to take his scalp.”
It was inspiring to read this story. A story about a time when Catholicism was misunderstood and hated. A time and a place when being a priest or being Catholic was dangerous. It is the story of a priest living out his vocation in a remote community, far from home, and even from having the support of other Catholic clergy.
As a Canadian it is very interesting reading this story about a Jesuit that traveled from New France, to Main and lived and served, and died there. This story expanded my horizons, it enhanced my knowledge of the early missionaries in North America and their love and support of their community. This book was so hard to put down, and just as I was finishing this read, I heard that the author is already working on a third volume in this excellent series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Kathryn.
I picked up this book to give a read based on the recommendation from a friend, and because it has the Catholic Writer's Guild Seal of Approval Award.I picked up this book to give a read based on the recommendation from a friend, and because it has the Catholic Writer's Guild Seal of Approval Award. It was a very interesting book to read. It is historical fiction set during World War II. Unlike most books I have read in this genre this one is written from the perspective of a young man who is drafted into the German Army. I have read extensively about Canadians, the British, and even some Americans. So it was intriguing to read the story about a young man who is serving, but does not really want to.
In this story we follow Felix Culpa Schmidt, from his time in the Hitler youth, to the Russian front, and then back across to the battle in Italy. It follows him through his time in the military. Even while his family has hidden his brother who has a disability. His family has great faith, but he does not seem to have any nor to want any. But as all who been to war are changed, he too is changed. Felix and his dog Rolf find a guide and mentor in an older man who takes them under his wings.
The story is written for a tween audience of 9-14-year old’s. But at nearly 50, I greatly enjoyed it, and know that the book would be an excellent read for teens, or anyone with an interest in historical fiction, and specifically WWII. The story overlaps with many historical events, plots to kill Hitler, the White Rose Resistance, and more. And the end of the story is a short section of Real Heroes:
Father Karl Gereon Goldmann Hans Scholl Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg Clemens August Graf von Galen
I have been familiar with many of them from some other reading over the last few years. This story weaves events about these real people into the fictional narrative wonderfully.
The story is well written. The characters are excellently written. The pace is great, and the descriptions, especially of some of the battles, and military life could be taken from history books I have read. It is a great read and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
This year during holy week I worked through a different version of the Stations of the cross each day. Most I has read before, some were new. This volThis year during holy week I worked through a different version of the Stations of the cross each day. Most I has read before, some were new. This volume was not only a new version but it also had a second part of the book the Via Lucis - The Way of the Resurrection, I can be honest and admit I had not yet encountered this devotion, and I found it fascinating. And it is one I will be looking into further. This is an excellent book, and great spiritual resource.
The description of this volume is:
"In addition to the well-known fourteen Stations of the Cross (or via crucis), this booklet includes the more recently popularised fourteen Stations of the Resurrection (via lucis). Intended to preserve a living memory of Jesus' words and actions from his Passion until Pentecost, this combined devotion is further enriched by the prayers and thoughts of the saints and others who have gone before us."
The book has a short introduction that in part contains the following:
"John Paul II - via crucis Through the weakness of a humiliated and despised man, God manifested his omnipotence. Jesus, the Innocent One, by freely accepting to go to the extreme of obedience to his Father who had sent him, became the witness of God's boundless love for all humanity. The mystery of our salvation is accomplished in the silence of Good Friday when a man, abandoned by all, bearing the weight of our sufferings, was delivered up to death on a Cross, his arms wide open in the gesture of embracing every man and woman. Could greater love be shown? A mystery that is difficult to grasp, a mystery of infinite love! A mystery that inaugurates the new and transfigured world of the Kingdom. On this cross, death has been overcome; from the death of the Son of God made man, life has sprung. His fidelity to the Father's divine plan of love has not been in vain, it has led to the resurrection.
Benedict XVI - via lucis Christ's Resurrection...if we may borrow the language of the theory of evolution,...is the greatest "mutation"; absolutely the most crucial leap into a totally new dimension that there has ever been in the long history of life and its development: a leap into a completely new order which does concern us...What does it mean for us, for the whole world and for me personally? Above all: what happened? Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He is in a totally new life. But how could this happen? What forces were in operation?... His death was an act of love. It is clear that this event...is a qualitative leap in the history of "evolution"... How can this event effectively reach me and draw my life upwards towards itself? The answer, perhaps surprising at first but totally real, is: this event comes to me through faith and Baptism."
And then it immediately moves into the prayers of the stations.
Fourteen Stations of the Cross - via crucis 1. Jesus is condemned to death 2. Jesus takes up His Cross 3. Jesus falls the first time 4. Jesus meets His Mother 5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the Cross 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus 7. Jesus falls the second time 8. The women of Jerusalem weep for Our Lord 9. Jesus falls the third time 10. Jesus is stripped of His garments and offered gall 11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross 12. Jesus dies on the Cross 13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross and laid in the arms of His Mother 14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
Each station has the usual prayers, and also several quotes from Saints, Popes, and other Christian leaders. This was a moving version of this devotion. Some of the quotes are very piercing. I love this devotion to begin with and this is an excellent version. Then it moves on to the via lucis.
Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection - via lucis 1. Jesus rises from the dead 2. The disciples find the empty tomb 3. The risen Lord appears to Mary Magdalen 4. The risen Lord appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus 5. The risen Lord reveals himself at the breaking of bread 6. The risen Lord appears to his disciples 7. The risen Lord gives the power to forgive sins 8. The risen Lord confirms the faith of Thomas 9. The risen Lord meets his disciples on the shore of Galilee 10. The risen Lord confers primacy on Peter 11. The risen Lord entrusts to his disciples the mission to the world 12. The risen Lord ascends to the Father 13. Waiting for the Holy Spirit with Mary the mother of Jesus 14. The risen Lord sends the Spirit promised to the disciples
A sample of one of the stations is:
"12. The risen Lord ascends to the Father
V. We adore you Lord and praise you R. Because by your death and resurrection you give life to the world
Reading from Holy Scripture
They asked 'Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He replied, 'It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses…indeed to the ends of the earth'. As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight…suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, 'Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.'(Ac 1:6-11)
St Leo the Great
We are blessed because Our Lord, having provided for everything concerning the preaching of the Gospel and the mysteries of the New Covenant, went up to Heaven before the eyes of the disciples. Our Redeemer's visible presence has passed into the Sacraments. Our faith is nobler and stronger because sight has been replaced by doctrine whose authority is accepted by believing hearts that are enlightened from on high.
Blessed John XXIII
The Lord's Ascension and final return to His father is the fulfilment of His promises, a surety for all to whom He has promised to prepare a place in Heaven and be with the Trinity for ever. He encourages us not to be hampered by temporal concerns but to trust the will of God that draws us heavenward.
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Our Lord remains present in the Tabernacle, not for His own sake but for ours. It is His delight to be with 'the children of men'. He understands what we are and our need for His personal nearness.
St John Fisher
Lord,…clothed with the new garment of immortality, you entered the Holy of Holies that is Heaven. Before the throne of your heavenly Father, you show the Blood of great price that you have poured out for all sinners. This sacrifice is so pleasing and acceptable to God that He cannot but take pity on us, and show mercy to all who are truly repentant.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, our minds were prepared for the coming of your Kingdom when you took Christ beyond our sight so that we might seek Him in His glory. May we follow where He has led and find our hope in His glory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc."
This is an excellent little devotional booklet. I am very blessed to have encountered the Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection - via lucis. And know it is a devotion I will use often. This will be a booklet I used yearly, going forward. And may pull out from time to time throughout the year to pray.
This is another excellent resource from the Catholic Truth Society. A Devotional book that will bless you, and those you pray this with.
The Way of the Cross according to the method of St. Alphonsus Liguori is one of the most popular and best-loved Way of the Cross ever. Each station haThe Way of the Cross according to the method of St. Alphonsus Liguori is one of the most popular and best-loved Way of the Cross ever. Each station has traditional pictures of mosaics . The Stabat Mater is printed in both Latin and in English. This is the version I used to pray with my grandmother when I was young. And I am glad to have this new eBook edition of it.
This edition from Catholic Way Publishing also has an excellent history of the practice, drawing from historical sources, and Canon law.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books on the Stations of the Cross.
This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.
Note it was previously published as Everyman's way of the Cross.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other ways of the cross.
I picked up this book over a year ago and planned on using it during lent. But alas it slipped down in my reading list and then was forgotten. This yeI picked up this book over a year ago and planned on using it during lent. But alas it slipped down in my reading list and then was forgotten. This year I was reminded of the book and planned to read and review it for lent as well. But it was not until Holy Week when I got around to reading it. I have several versions of the stations of the cross that I use throughout the year and return to again and again. And I have read other reflections that were read once and done. That will not be the case with this one. I see this as a mediation I will be returning to frequently.
The chapters in this book are: Preface Opening Prayer First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death Second Station: Jesus Carries His Cross Third Station: Jesus Falls for the First Time Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother Fifth Station: Jesus Is Helped by Simon of Cyrene to Carry the Cross Sixth Station: Veronica Dries the Face of Jesus Seventh Station: Jesus Falls for the Second Time Eighth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem Ninth Station: Jesus Falls for the Third Time Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross and Given to His Mother Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Deposited in the Sepulchre
I do not know who translated this book, there is no indication within the volume. It may have even been the author herself. But however, we received the English version of this book, it is a treasure. Tamaro has 33 books available in Italian and is best known as a novelist. Some of her works have been translated into numerous languages. And maybe it is what she brings from her background in film and as an author that helps bring this version of the way of the cross to life in such a vivid and moving way.
Archbishop Gianpaolo Crepaldi of Trieste states in the preface:
“I am particularly honored to write a brief preface to these meditations and prayers on the Way of the Cross, written with profound spiritual sensibility by Susanna Tamaro, to accompany those invited on Good Friday by the young people of Catholic Action to walk the streets of Trieste, Italy to their Cathedral. They will devoutly contemplate together the scandalous and revolutionary mystery of the death of God. But, with the Easter resurrection of the Lord—he who lives—death is defeated, and therefore life, suffering, and death are not rendered meaningless, but are completed and made full.”
And further on he says:
“Susanno Tamaro helps us to discover that the Way of the Cross is, in reality, the way of consolation. It is the way of love. It is the way of life; the road of consolation and of love, the road of life.”
And those statements echo what I felt while praying with this book. There is a deep love and reverence present. But also, a moving experience of this devotion and prayer. In this English edition we have the preface, and then the opening prayer, we move through the fourteen stations, ending with the benediction. The ‘Amen’. There are no explanations, no extra chapters from the author. Just the meditation. I love the stations of the cross with Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Saint Josemaria Escriva and ‘everyone’s way of the cross’ by Clarence Enzler. But this book by Dusanna Tamaro is now in my top 5 list for stations of the cross and will be used often. The only thing I really wished was that there was an audio version available that I could keep on my iPhone to pray with.
A wonderful version of this devotion, I am sure it will become an instant favorite! I am certain I will be using this version for years to come.
About 6 years ago I read a few of these stories with my oldest. Now my youngest is reading them to me, and he sister has handed down the first severalAbout 6 years ago I read a few of these stories with my oldest. Now my youngest is reading them to me, and he sister has handed down the first several stories in the series. For some reason when we read this in 2016 we never got around to writing a review for it. But my youngest insists we review everything we read, so this review from 2022 is part of that effort. Between reading with my oldest and youngest this is the ninth time I have read a book in this series. The stories have great staying power. Even as an adult I can enjoy these books, not only the first time but rereading them again and again.
Mlynowski does an excellent job with this book and the series. My oldest was a reluctant reader. Back then when we read, I would read two pages for every page she read to me. Later she a few of the books in the series to her aunt and gram on a road trip. The whole family loves these stories from 8-year old’s to 79 year old’s. It is a wonderful series.
Both my daughters and I give this story a solid 4/5 stars. We enoy the twists on the old tale. We appreciated that Abby learned a lesson about judging and realizes than many of her first assumptions were wrong. My daughters realized that things are not as they appear. We need to figure out why people are doing what they are doing. Especially if it seems weird, rude or strange. And to make sure that our own reactions are not worse than what is being done to us.
The story is another excellent take on a familiar tale. They loved that Cinderlla needs to learn to stand on her own two feet. She needs to help helself before she gets help again from Faith God Mother.
The writings in these stories is excellent. My daughters and I love reading them together. And the retelling of this story is full of surprises. It is an great book in an excellent series. ...more
I first read this story 5 year ago after reading the related novel, Seven Riddles to Nowhere. The story is available for free from the Catholic Teen BI first read this story 5 year ago after reading the related novel, Seven Riddles to Nowhere. The story is available for free from the Catholic Teen Books site and the authors own site. I have read this story three times and books and stories by Cattapan nearly a dozen. Recently my son read this story to me after reading Seven Riddles. They are both wonderful reads. My son loved reading this right after the novel. The description of this story is:
“Kameron Boyd and his friends are visiting the famous Mayslake Peabody Estate outside Chicago, a huge mansion that is rumored to be haunted. When one of his friends suddenly disappears in the house, can Kam discover what’s really going on before it’s too late?”
We loved these stories. And we both desperately want there to be more stories with Kam and his friends. We loved the pace of this story. Taking place during a few hours at a unique location. We love the mixing of history, faith and friendship in this story and the novel.
We absolutely loved this short story. It was fun returning to it with my son reading it to me. I sincerely hope that we see more from A.J. Cattapan soon, I for one will be keeping an eye out for more reads and if they are as good as this we are in for some more fun stories!
My family and I love this series, but I must admit this was a harder book to read. Part of my hesitation was knowing what was coming and my expectatioMy family and I love this series, but I must admit this was a harder book to read. Part of my hesitation was knowing what was coming and my expectations of how the children would react. However this book does a masterful job or presenting the life and death of Joan in such a way that even children can appreciate it greatly. We have now read more than half of this series, and to be honest with each new book I have a greater appreciation for the series. When I was doing a degree in Religious Studies, there was a course offered on Joan of Arc, I could never fit it in my schedule, but did get the syllabus and read through the course one term for fun. I believe this book would have been a great book to begin that course with. For this book takes the life and death of Joan and presents them with pure faith, simple trust, and deep devotion much like the example that Joan lived.
As a family we loved this book and the whole series. The Encounter the Saints Series, from Pauline Books and Media, and consider them wonderful reads. The series is written for younger readers, but so well written it can be appreciated by anyone who wants to grown in knowledge of a specific saint or learn from the examples of the 37 saints in the series to date. I love reading these books with my children, but need to be upfront and say I am well ahead of them in working my way through the series because I just cannot put them down. But now onto specifics about this book and Saint Joan of Arc.
The chapters in this book about Saint Joan of Arc are: 1. A Nightmare Comes True 2. The Voice 3. The Saints 4. Too Incredible! 5. A Second Try 6. The Dauphin 7. "My Good Duke" 8. Sword and Banner 9. On the March 10. Orleans 11. Victory 12. Last Chance… 13. The Battle 14. Coronation Day 15. A Broken Heart 16. Captured! 17. Failed Escape 18. The Trial 19. The Verdict 20. A Mother's Grief, a Father's Pain 21. To Heaven 22. Restored Honor Prayer Glossary
This book is different than many in the series as there is no prologue. It jumps right in. The story begins with Joan at a young age being afraid of lighting the fire. It also begins with a debate between her parents Jacques who believes his wife Isabelle is too soft on Joan. But as we know looking back across time Joan becomes anything but soft. Joan becomes a warrior, she rallies a nation. She leads armies; she helps to free France from English oppression. But she only does it because God is leading her. For not alny did she see the success she knew what was coming:
'Meanwhile, her voices continued to speak to her. "Joan," they told her, "you will be captured before the feast of Saint John. But do not be afraid. God will help you."'
And those words were what guided most of Joan's life. Be not afraid God is with you. And that is the lesson My children and I needed to be reminded of from reading this book. This prayer at the end of this book is one of the ones that is identical to the one in The Saints Pray for Us. So they have encountered this prayer before and prayed it from the prayer book. But they still loved it especially my youngest daughter.
"Saint Joan, your life was really one of love, faith and courage. It took so much of all three to do everything that God asked of you! God will probably never ask me to lead an army to free my country. And I'll never be visited by angels or saints. But God does want me to love and obey him before anyone or anything else, just as you did. Help me to know God's will, Saint Joan, and to do it well. Help me never to avoid doing what I know is right and pleasing to God because I'm afraid of what others will say or think of me. Give me the courage to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Pray for me, Saint Joan. Amen."
This is one of eight books in the series written by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP. It is very well written, especially considering the life and especially death it is portraying. And we still have 6 other books by her left to read in the series. The book contains 5 illustrations by Ray Morelli. They are in a pen and ink style. They are a little cartoonish or caricature-ish. They were not our favorites. My children were surprised there was not one of her with her sword. Or one of her with her Banner especially after the chapter about how the sword was obtained.
This book is a wonderful portrayal of Saint Joan of Arc's life. It captures the essence without going into a lot of the extraneous stuff, especially for younger readers.
There are currently 37 books in this series, including The Saints Pray for Us. I have read a number of these books on my own and also about half of them with my children. My oldest who is 11 can read them to us. She has read them to me and also helped me read them to the younger children. My son who is 9 can read them with some help on the more difficult words, but he really enjoys just listening to these powerful stories. My youngest who is 6 loved the story, and while reading this one held her pink play sword. This book is part of the Encounter the Saints Series; from Pauline Books and Media, and this book is an inspiring read as is the entire series! Our family gives them five stars.
Over the years I have used many different versions of the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. For over a decade now this has been my favourOver the years I have used many different versions of the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. For over a decade now this has been my favourite. I have two very worn copies of the mini version of this book, one at home and one on my desk at work. And there is an abbreviated version of it in Handbook of Prayers edited by James Socias, this abbreviated version does not have the points to ponder, which I will get to next.
I have three different versions of this book; I have the large hard cover, the mini version and now also the eBook and each follows the same format. First a forward by Alvaro del Portillo. This is followed by the opening prayer. Then the 14 stations, each station starts with a painting from classical art, the meditation for that station. And then it has 5 Points for meditation. And then a short biography of St. Josemaria Escriva, note in some editions the biography is before the forward.
The strength of this this book beyond any other version I have used is those 5 points for meditation. When I have the time I can pray the stations and take a few minutes on each of these 5 points. Other times I pick one of them and follow that number through the 14 stations. During Lent I have been in the habit of praying the Stations daily and using these 5 numbered points one a day and then cycle back through them. And this version is excellent for personal reflection or to do together as a group or parish.
This is an excellent resource for your personal spiritual life, or for your community. I highly recommend it for Saint Josemaria Escriva, who was the founder of Opus Dei, really takes a reader deep into the mysteries of the passion of Jesus Christ.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and about Saint Josemaria Escriva.
These short snippets remind us to seek the divine in everyday life. They remind us to look outside ourselves, while always trying to improve ourselvesThese short snippets remind us to seek the divine in everyday life. They remind us to look outside ourselves, while always trying to improve ourselves. They are fun, funny, humorous and yet probe deeply into both the meaning of human existence, and the means to attain sanctification. I can pick up this book any day and flip to any story and be
I have had my copy of this book for years. When I was married I had 8 six foot high book cases filled with books. Not I have switched to mostly eBooks. And have less than 100 physical books, and only about 30 from that original collection. This is one of them. Below are two sample stores from this book.
The sections in this book are: I Are You Rich or Are Your Poor? The Pearl Of Great Price A Visit from the Buddha The Great Debate II How Big Is Your Heart? Myself The Best Place To Pray The House of Perfect Love What Am I Leaving Out III Is This What It Means To Be A Real Monk? The Monk Whose Face Was Red A Creature of Contraction and Expansion The Crystal Globe IV Where is the Answer to the Great Question? The Original Sound No Distance It’s Very Simple Infinite Respect Surrounded by God V Could You Go Deeper? What Do They Need Write My Own Bible? Back to the Depths VI When? Now Next Monday? VII Who Will Lead Me Into the Heart of God? Together The Great Silence So Small Outside David’s Flute VIII Who Needs Me? Beautiful, Worthwhile, Noble The Well IX What Is Your Gift? The Audacity of Humility The Woman Who Wanted Greatness What Do I Need To Know You’ll Find It Very Handy X What Color is Your Robe? The Monk In The Red Robe The Room of Righteous Indignation The Problem of Heaviness XI Still Holding Out? What Will You Give Me? The Two Brothers The Mountain of Indecision Exceses The Gun Boredom XII The Real Thing? Christmas at the Monastery A Brother of St. Francis Seven Hundred Leagues
On the back of the book M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O. states:
“In the tradition of the masters Father Theophane seeks to put us ion touch with some of the deepest mysteries of life through the medium of story. Like the parables of Jesus these tales repeatedly unfold new levels of meaning if we are willing to sit with them. The use of the story is the rediscovery of our times and the Monk Theophane (an experienced retreat director and a true spiritual father) is a master of the art.”
This is a wonderful little volume that I have on my all-time favourite list. I highly recommend it.
I have owned this book 21 years and have likely read it more than once a year in that time.
Note: I read and reviewed this book in 2007, prior to being on Goodreads. . In 2022 a priest in confession recommended I read it.
I have had Father JaNote: I read and reviewed this book in 2007, prior to being on Goodreads. . In 2022 a priest in confession recommended I read it.
I have had Father Jacques Philippe's books recommended to me on a number of occasions and by a number of different people. I have picked up the four I can find that are available in English. The title of this book, Searching for and Maintaining Peace, just grabbed my attention and had to be read first. The subtitle of this book is: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart, yet for a small book of 110 pages, it really packs a lot of punch.
This book was so good I have already put it back on my pile of books to be read. I know that I cannot glean all the great stuff from it in just one reading. For who in this hectic crazy world would not like a simple tool to help them find peace and to keep it once they have found it? This book will help you do just that. It is one I will add to my all time favorite list! Here are some sample quotes from the book: "The more our soul is peaceful and tranquil, the more God is reflected in it, the more His image expresses itself in us, the more His grace acts through us." P.5"Because only this peace of heart truly liberates us from ourselves, increases our sensitivity to others, and renders us available to our fellow man." P.7
"It is that Christian life is a combat, a war without mercy." P.8 "Every Christian must be thoroughly convinced that his spiritual life can in no way be viewed as the quiet unfolding of an inconsequential life without any problems; rather it must be viewed as the scene of a constant and sometimes painful battle, which will not end until death - a struggle against evil, temptation and the sin that is in him. … And this combat is, correctly viewed, the place of our purification, of our spiritual growth, where we learn to know ourselves in our weakness and to know God in His infinite mercy." P.9 "One of the dominant aspects of spiritual combat is the struggle on the plane of thoughts." P.13Then the second section lists and goes over the causes of our loss of peace and how to regain it. There are some great tools for the spiritual life in this section.
The third section in this book is a series of quotes and excerpts from a number of Saints on the process of searching for peace, and on how to maintain that peace. These saints are: Juan de Bonilla Francis de Sales Teresa of Avila Marie of the Incarnation Francious-Marie-Jacob Libermann Padre Pio
These extended quotes will support and expand upon the information in the first two sections of this book.
This book is a must for anyone who really wants to grow deeper in their walk with God and in living in the peace that Jesus Christ promised to his followers.
This is the third book by Father Jacques Philippe that I have read, and already I wish there were more than 4 available in English. I am certain he wiThis is the third book by Father Jacques Philippe that I have read, and already I wish there were more than 4 available in English. I am certain he will go down in history as one of the spiritual masters like Brother Lawrence, C.S. Lewis and others. This book is written in such simple and accessible language, yet with a message so profound any believer could grow from encountering it.
Fr. Philippe's main message is that freedom, true freedom, comes from God as the source. And that interior peace sought by so many people in so many ways, yet it only truly comes from learning to be content in where God has us. Yet by learning to trust in God despite external circumstances and situations beyond our control, we can find that oft-sought-after peace. He will show you how to appreciate what you can control, which is your response to what life brings your way.
This book seeks to teach us to live from a heart and mind that has been liberated and set free. But it is not the freedom that most seek. It outlines that freedom as being free to do whatever we want, but true freedom is choosing to live for others, living with our responsibilities.
Fr. Jacques draws from many sources to illustrate his points: Holocaust victim Etty Hillesum, Georges Bernanos, Henri J.M. Nouwen, Catherine de Hueck Doherty and many saints from both the eastern and western traditions as well as the Jewish wisdom tradition. He draws most extensively from Hillesum's journals An Interrupted Life which is the story of her life during the year leading up to occupation and leaving for the concentration camps, and her work among the Jewish children at the holding camp. He uses her life and transformation from a secular Jew to someone in touch with God and trying to live that in the most terrible of circumstances.
Fr. Philippe has written an amazing little book that will explain to you the freedom many seek in faith, and how that freedom can lead to Interior Freedom or as a title of an earlier book of his calls it Searching for and Maintaining Peace. Or as Douglas Coupland puts it "Now -- here is my secret: I tell it to you with an openness of heart I doubt I shall ever achieve again, so I pray that you are in a quiet room as you hear these words. My secret is that I need God - that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem capable of giving; to help me to be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond able to love." in his book Life After God. So this is a little book by a little known author that is truly valuable for the spiritual seeker in this life.
(First Published in Imprint 2007-07-13 in the book review column.) ...more
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