SPIRITUAL READING

The last few decades have seen huge reductions in global poverty; improvements in education and healthcare; and, perhaps surprisingly to some, dramatic reductions in global inequality. We now seem to be entering a different era. Economic progress in richer countries seems to have stalled – not least because of the onset of what Pope Francis has described as the ‘demographic winter’. Even more worryingly, in many parts of the world, the progress of the last forty years has halted. The authors of this book apply their considerable expertise and use Catholic social thought and teaching to address the contemporary challenges we face. In general, the authors argue that a rightly ordered business economy with strong, Catholic-inspired, provision of healthcare and education is a necessary requirement for prosperity and well-being. Underpinning economic life must be a thriving civil society and good governance, including peace, high levels of trust and low levels of corruption. Developing these themes, the authors of this book – all experts in economics, theology or both – apply the wisdom of Catholic social thought and teaching to domestic and international public policy challenges to show how we can realize a better world.

Father John Gerard was one of the few priests who escaped the grizzly death of being hanged, drawn and quartered for his Faith during the Elizabethan persecution; and this book describes the thrilling perils of that escape.

This prize-winning account of the pre-Reformation church recreates lay people’s experience of religion, showing that late-medieval Catholicism was neither decadent nor decayed, but a strong and vigorous tradition. For this edition, Duffy has written a new introduction reflecting on recent developments in our understanding of the period. “A mighty and momentous book: a book to be read and re-read, pondered and revered; a subtle, profound book written with passion and eloquence, and with masterly control.”―J. J. Scarisbrick, The Tablet “Revisionist history at its most imaginative and exciting. . . . [An] astonishing and magnificent piece of work.”―Edward T. Oakes, Commonweal “A magnificent scholarly achievement, a compelling read, and not a page too long to defend a thesis which will provoke passionate debate.”―Patricia Morison, Financial Times

Originally published in 1897, this Catechism is an exact copy of the 1954 revised edition. Described as a book of instruction for converts that puts the Catholic Doctrine before them in a simple and plain way. Written in the traditional 'penny catechism' question and answer style - "Who made me?" "God made me", with a simple explanation below, supported by scriptural references.

Behold a feeble tribute to Our Blessed Mother, an effort to acquaint our people with some of her beauties and graces, her privileges and powers. With these introductory words, Fr. Arthur Tonne begins this wonderful book devoted to an explanation of the Marian feast days featured in the traditional Roman Missal and observed by some religious congregations or ecclesiastical regions. Originally published in 1951 as a homiletic aide for priests, this book features 50 feasts of our Lady and 2 additional ones for Mother’s Day (see the image gallery for the Table of Contents). Each chapter devoted to a feast of our Lady is written in Fr. Tonne’s engaging style of employing a short story to drive home a spiritual point (open the image gallery to read about the August 2 feast of Our Lady of the Angels). Fr. Tonne declares: When we realize how good Mary has been to us and to the world, when we realize that she is a merciful, powerful and effective Advocate at the throne of God, we will pledge anew our loyalty to her. This can be accomplished by understanding and celebrating her feast days.

A Defence of Monarchy: Catholics under a Protestant King With contributions by Sohrab Ahmari, James Bogle, Charles Coulombe, Peter Day-Milne, Sebastian Morello, and Joseph Shaw The death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ceremonies surrounding her funeral and the coronation of her son King Charles III, raised many questions for the tens of millions who followed these events online. What is the meaning and function of a monarchy and its rituals in the modern world? And how should Catholics, in particular, view the record of a Queen who appeared to preside over the de-Christianization of her own country? Such are the questions this book sets out to answer. It examines the place of the monarchy in the interplay of tradition and modernity; the meaning and development of the coronation rites; the constitutional and legislative roles of British monarchs; and how the monarchy is seen in America and the rest of the English-speaking world. Ultimately, this timely and perhaps provocative work makes the case for the monarchy as a repository of Catholic tradition, a politically neutral focus of unity, and the symbolic interface between the nation and God.

Archbishop Amigo ruled over the Diocese of Southwark for forty-five years. The Archbishop had a large diocese to control, and in his early years as Bishop had to face a terrible financial crisis together with much opposition from Cardinal Bourne - who sought to make London into one diocese under his personal control. Archbishop Amigo did not let these problems overwhelm him, and found time to make several notable interventions in both national and international affairs, particularly during the two world wars. His work with Belgian refugees earned him a decoration from the King of the Belgians. He personally regarded his crowning achievement outside the diocese to be his work to secure the canonisation of St John Fisher and St Thomas More in 1935. Fr Michael Clifton has drawn mainly on the Southwark Diocesan Archives to present this biography of a truly great Pastor.

The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

We live in an age of faithlessness, spin and cynicism; a world where religious belief is derided and there is increasing hostility to Christian values. How many of us would have the fortitude to stand on a scaffold, a rope around our neck, facing the most gruesome of deaths, having committed no apparent crime, and choose not to recant and live but to die for our beliefs? How many of us, like Thomas Garnet, would say, 'I give my body to Caesar [James I] and my soul to God.' Thirty years of research have gone into the writing of this comprehensive compilation of the lives and state murders of Catholics from all walks of life in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Vividly set in the context of the turbulent times in which they lived it makes compelling reading. A moving, fearful and inspiring narrative it demands our attention as a reinforcement of Christian commitment and an antidote to indifference. Malcolm Pullan's stated aim is to reach a general readership, sadly all too often kept in ignorance of the truth of this awful, dark period in our history. His text is full of illuminating background material and fascinating detail. Notwithstanding the present 'ecumenical' age, he contends that these men and women were the real heroes of their epoch, and firmly believes that the Catholic martyrs of England and Wales should not be consigned to some obscure corner of our consciousness: their sacrificial witness should be unapologetically extolled and celebrated. Their Faith, the 'Faith of our fathers' lives still: they were true to it till death. They did not die in vain.

Review: "This is the preeminent prayer book of the Church. It contains all the Eucharistic and Sacramentary prayers, complete cycle of the Lectionary, feasts of Saints, Votive. Masses and a hefty amount of prayers and devotions. The binding, gold edge, and paper combine to make sure you own a book that will last a long time, aesthetic and elegant."

This is charming book, full of humility as Vernon Johnson navigates his unexpected journey from Anglican ministry to highly regarded Catholic priest. On an Anglican visit to Lisieux he is touched by the Faith, and realises – but not immediately – that there can be but one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church which aligns to scripture, and he wasn't in it. Having completed his conversion story, he lays out the classic apologetic arguments for the Faith. Msgr Johnson offers an uncanny parallel of social change in 1920s, driven by modernism, which are easily recognisable today. Per the back notes from the book: In this classic work of apologetics, Monsignor Vernon Johnson, a former Anglican minister and Catholic convert through encountering the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, presents a systematic and clear treatment based on solid Scriptural evidence for the case that there is only "one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism". A very well-regarded and happy Anglican clergyman in England, Johnson had no interest in, and was indeed very prejudiced against, the Roman Catholic Church. But on a chance side visit to the Carmel of Lisieux during a trip to France, he had a totally unexpected, and life-changing encounter with the person and story of St. Thérèse, who had lived and died at that monastery. The inspiring witness of her life of deep holiness and love for Christ caused Johnson to begin examining the doctrines of the Catholic Church. After much study and prayer, Johnson was convinced of the claims of the Catholic Church to be "the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ to guard and teach the truth to all men until the end of time". Nevertheless, he struggled greatly and suffered much over leaving his beloved church and parishioners to become a Roman Catholic. This book was written to explain to his many friends and followers how he came to the decision to become a Catholic. His thorough, lucid documentation from Sacred Scripture presents a compelling, biblically-based argument for the authenticity of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ask someone today where Western Civilization originated, and he or she might say Greece or Rome. But what is the ultimate source of Western Civilization? Bestselling author and professor Thomas E. Woods, Jr. provides the long neglected answer: the Catholic Church. In the new paperback edition of his critically-acclaimed book, How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization, Woods goes far beyond the familiar tale of monks copying manuscripts and preserving the wisdom of classical antiquity. Gifts such as modern science, free-market economics, art, music, and the idea of human rights come from the Catholic Church, explains Woods. In How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization, you’ll learn: Why modern science was born in the Catholic Church How Catholic priests developed the idea of free-market economics five hundred years before Adam Smith How the Catholic Church invented the university Why what you know about the Galileo affair is wrong How Western law grew out of Church canon law How the Church humanized the West by insisting on the sacredness of all human life No institution has done more to shape Western civilization than the two-thousand-year-old Catholic Church—and in ways that many of us have forgotten or never known. How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization is essential reading for recovering this lost truth.

The Knox Bible is the ideal translation for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Holy Scriptures. It was hailed as the finest translation of the 20th Century, approved for liturgical use and was endorsed by Pope Pius XII, Archbishop Fulton Sheen and many more. In the early 20th century, Msgr. Ronald Knox embarked on an entirely new English Bible. He wanted a Bible that did not merely translate the original but made it read as if an Englishman had written it. His translation is spiritual and literary, graceful and lyrical, making it one of the most beautiful vernacular versions of the Holy Bible.

A super accessible online catechism course for children and families based on the classic Baltimore Catechism.

A foundational summary of Catholic Social Teaching. Perhaps never before in the history of mankind has the individual been so cognizant of the social question as today. One need merely glance at a newspaper, turn on the radio or television, open a novel, to be caught up in some aspect of social theory. Indeed, the ordinary man of our era is faced with such a diversity of solutions to the greatest problem of our era, the social problem, that unless he is trained to inquire into its fundamentals, he is totally confused by the variety of resolutions offered. In Catholic Social Principles Father Cletus Dirksen, C.PP.S., has undertaken the task of clarifying the positions of social theoreticians, by taking up the solutions proposed in Catholic teaching. "The key to the social problem," Father Dirksen says, "is a moral one. The social problem is a moral one because man is the center of all social activity. Whatever assumptions we may make regarding the nature of man will inevitably affect the whole structure of the theory of society. ... Fifty years ago the heart of the moral problem consisted in obtaining a decent living for all, not in accordance with the conditions of a slave but of a human be-ing. . . . If there is one problem which stands out in social activity today, it is the depersonalization of man that takes place in our present society. "This is an age of officialdom and bureaucracy; this is an age of planning and con-trols; this is the age of the Organization Man. The majority of people live at very high standards of living and work fewer hours than ever before.... Material civilization is remarkably high, but 'man does not live by bread alone. We have cradle to grave security, but it is all planned for us. And because of all this, man has lost that which makes him a distinct person: his independence. He lives a decisionless life of conformity. Can he decide to save his soul?" The true Christian position takes the view that man is both social and individual and he lives in society by the compulsion of his very nature. He does not thereby lose his individual personality, however, because the purpose of that society is to enhance man's personality to its highest perfection. A proper social order, then, can be built only by forming a true concept of man in his nature and supernature. Further, we must recognize that man is master of his own destiny and that he establishes the social organizations he wants for his own benefit. This is the right and duty of his personality; a responsibility he cannot shirk. The objective of Catholic Social Principles is to facilitate this development.

Never before in the history of the church has a group of the laity influenced the society of man as has the Legion of Mary. Very rare book - hard to come by. Number 76 Harcourt Street became home to the first Legion hostel, the ‘Sancta Maria’ which was operated by the second branch, or praesidium, of the Legion. The two women from the praesidium who took charge at the ‘Sancta Maria’, and who resided there, were Miss Plunkett and Miss Scratton. Miss Scratton’s father, a convert, had come to Dublin with Newman and had resided for a time at Number 76. The hostel continued to serve its purpose for over 50 years until 1974. When two girls left the hostel and moved to the north side of the city, their Legion friends went to visit them and the sequel was the visitation and closure of the entire ‘Monto’ network, a story which has been told by Frank Duff in Miracles on Tap (Duff, 1989).

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2) from Catholic Book Publishing contains the revised text of the official Baltimore Catechism (No. 2) in a user-friendly format and design. Written for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, this book explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features, including many pictures to help children understand each lesson. Extensive use of Sacred Scripture demonstrates the basis of Catholic doctrine and brings it to life. This book combines a contemporary viewpoint and language with a solid time-tested exposition of Catholic Church teachings.

This Is the Faith covers everything the convert or inquirer needs to know about the Catholic faith, and does so with a thoroughness that is at once completely satisfying, but never trying. Moreover, its approach is always dignified, reverent and commanding of respect. The result is that the reader will garner a true picture of the reasonableness, thoroughness and beauty of the Catholic religion that - with grace - will all but guarantee the assent of his will if he approaches the book with honesty and integrity. This book belongs in every Catholic home. It is unparalleled as a review, as a catch-up course for the poorly informed, or as an introduction to the truth of the Catholic Faith for converts. Great, sadly needed and destined to do great good in our time!

On the Catholic Herald’s weekly podcast, Dr Gavin Ashenden and guests reflect on what’s happening in the Christian world; and shed some light on the most important cultural, spiritual and moral issues of the day. Dr Ashenden is a former Anglican cleric and Catholic convert who served as Chaplain to the Queen under Elizabeth II. The podcast benefits from guests who come from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, offering unique insight of their own. Guests have included: Cardinal George Pell, Dr Scott Hahn, Dr Ralph Martin, Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Peter Hitchens, Ann Widdecombe, Monsignor Michael Nazir-Ali, Edward Pentin, and Fr Patrick Pullicino.

Here is a forthright, succinct and readable analysis of the nature and consequences of secularisation, including a wittily acerbic history of its ideological evolution. But this is not just a social history: it is also a guide to how we as individuals can change history. Every major institution in the West has been dominated by secular humanists for decades. The results for society have been catastrophic. The demise of the shared Judaeo-Christian beliefs, values and spirituality that hitherto had underpinned our society and given it stability has long since undermined its foundations, leading to a myriad of social ills. Here ten Christians, one Jew and one Muslim trace the effects on ordinary people of being the first post-religious society. The book's first theme is the value of religion at a personal level; the second, its value to society; the third that the freedoms which Muslims, Jews and non-believers enjoy in Britain and the West today are based on a Christian tradition of tolerance - in stark contrast to the restrictions on Christians in the Muslim world; finally, that the Judaeo-Christian tradition itself is the inspiration of our history, law and institutions and must be vigorously defended. Today the Judaeo-Christian tradition is under attack as never before by the relentless barrage of secularism. The defence of Western civilization requires a concerted rearguard action. Taken together, the book's twelve chapters, in a defiantly outspoken but also considered manner, articulate a coherent call to arms. Its polemics are backed by thorough research and written by thinkers of distinction. Here is both a counterblast to the secular humanists and ammunition for foot-soldiers wanting to defend Christian civilization.

Finding Joy Where Food and Faith Meet. What does our Catholic faith teach us about eating well? Some of us eat too much food. Or we eat too little. Often, we eat without gratitude, without charity, without respect. But, as award-winning author Emily Stimpson Chapman explains in The Catholic Table, with a sacramental worldview the supernatural gift of God’s grace can transform and heal us through the food we make, eat, and share.

There are many more problems faced by Catholic police officers on a daily basis. This books covers Catholic moral teaching in areas relevant to policing and is highly recommended. Topic covered include: • The compatibility of police and Christian ethics • Lying • Discreet Language as a tool (especially Mental Reservation) • Perjury and Oaths • Virtuous Policing Catholics have a huge contribution to make to society at large and policing in particular. This books provides the background and a toolset to help Catholics contribute whilst not losing their soul.

A daily missal (according to the typical edition of 1962) that provides everything you need for the Traditional Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form, plus many other prayers and devotions for private use. Comes with its own slipcase to protect against wear and tear. Latin/English side by side. Features include: • Full Latin and English text of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum issued by Pope Benedict XVI on 7th July 2007• 115 engravings throughout carefully scanned, corrected where necessary and digitally remastered• Foreword and Imprimatur from the Most Reverend Fabian W. Bruskewitz, STD, Bishop of Lincoln• All the Masses of the Liturgical Year, in Latin with English translation from the Douay-Rheims Bible, according to the Roman Calendar of 1962 - Temporal and Sanctoral Cycles and accompanying rites (Blessing of Ashes, Blessing of Palms, Chrism Mass, and the Blessing of Holy Oils, etc)• Ordinary of the Mass, in Latin with English translation• Liturgical Calendar• Table of Moveable Feasts up to AD 2066• Complete Holy Week Liturgy of 1962 (including the Office of Tenebrae)• Common Masses of the Saints and the Blessed Virgin• Supplement of special Masses for the Dioceses of England and Wales • Supplement of special Masses for the Dioceses of the USA • Supplement of special Masses for the Dioceses of Scotland• Supplement of special Masses for the Dioceses of Australia and New Zealand• Feasts celebrated in particular places and in certain religious congregations• Votive Masses for the days of the week• Sixteen Votive Masses for various occasions • Masses for the Dead (including infants), Complete Burial Service, Prayers for the Dead• Marriage Service and Nuptial Mass• The Churching of Women• Kyriale, in traditional Gregorian chant notation, including: ◦Tones for the most common Ordinaries: I (Lux et Origo), IV (Cunctipotens Genitor Deus), VIII (De Angelis), IX (Cum Jubilo), XI (Orbis Factor), XXVII (Sundays of Advent & Lent), XVIII (Deus Genitor Alme)• Tones for the Asperges and the Vidi Aquam• Tones for the Credo: I, II, III and IV• Vespers for Sundays and Feasts• Compline for Sundays• Hymns and chants for Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament• Anthems to the Blessed Virgin Mary• Litany of the Saints• Various Devotions and Prayers including favourite Litanies, the Way of the Cross, prayers of the Rosary and others• Morning and Evening Prayers • Devotions for Confession• Devotions for Holy Communion• Te Deum Laudamus• The Itinerary or Office before a Journey• Various Blessings• An explanation of "The Liturgy or Public Worship of the Catholic and Roman Church"• An Abridgement of Christian Doctrine

A completely new design and typeset edition of the popular Ignatius Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition Bible, with minor revisions to some of the archaic language used in the first edition. This revised version is a contemporary English translation without dumbing-down the text. This second edition of the RSV doesn't put the biblical text through a filter to make it acceptable to current tastes and prejudices, and it retains the beauty of the RSV language that has made it such a joy to read and reflect on the Word of God.

Considered one of Frank Sheed's best books, A Map of Life is also regarded as one of the best and most popular short summaries of the Catholic faith ever written. Focusing on the major truths of our existence and purpose in life, Sheed draws on God's revelation to show what the divine master plan is for us and how each part of the plan is related. Beginning with "The Problem of Life's Purpose" and "The Problem of Life's Laws," he covers such important parts of the map of life as "The Creation and Fall," "The Incarnation," "The Mystical Body," "The Trinity," "Law and Sin," "The Supernatural Life," and "Heaven, Purgatory, Hell." "In its breadth and solidity of learning, in its clarity and attractiveness of exposition, in the persuasiveness that comes of profound conviction and intense earnestness, it is a triumphant little book." The Universe "This, then, is the first general outline of our map. There is a road leading man to that ineffable intimacy with God that we call heaven. The condition of walking the road aright is the Supernatural Life. It will be seen how every single thing that happens to man has its bearing on this Supernatural Life and is a good thing or a bad thing depending on whether it helps it or hinders it. Every single doctrine of the Catholic Church is bound up with this, and every single practice of the Catholic Church is concerned with this and with nothing else, and apart from this, has no meaning." Frank Sheed

A father has a crucial role and responsibility as the spiritual leader of his family. Many problems in the Church and culture today can be traced back to fathers neglecting this responsibility, and failing to realize that their children's relationship with God depends predominantly on their example. The man as the spiritual head of the household is not an outdated Biblical cliché, but rather a spiritual, biological, and sociological truth that modern man has forgotten. The results have been cataclysmic for our modern culture and Church. Because of Our Fathers makes the compelling case for a father's essential and primary role in the spiritual lives of his children in three ways: 1) Presenting clear Church teaching on parenting and fatherhood 2) Presenting strong evidence from studies on the crucial role of the father 3) Testimonies of twenty Catholic men and women whose fathers inspired them to love Christ and his Church. These powerful testimonies will inspire men to consider more carefully the amazing privilege and gift that God has given them to be living examples of the love and faithfulness of our Father in Heaven. Among those telling stories about their fathers are well-known Catholic leaders such as Patrick Madrid, Abby Johnson, Bishop Joseph Strickland, Fr. Paul Scalia, Jesse Romero, Fr. Rocky, Anthony Esolen, Christopher Check, and Fr. Gerald Murray. The other contributors give additional powerful testimonies of their fathers' influence that led them to the Catholic Church. Our families, culture and Church will continue to suffer, says Tyler Rowley, until an authentic Catholic fatherhood is restored among the faithful. Speaking directly to Catholic men today, Rowley uses the moving stories of these twenty fathers to inspire them to educate their children in the faith, and not allow our modern culture to replace their Christian identity.

The Douay-Rheims Version of the Holy Bible, translated between the years 1582 and 1610 and revised by Bishop Richard Challoner from 1749-1752, is the most accurate English translation of the Bible available today. It was the only Catholic translation of Scripture commonly in use for over 200 years and we maintain that it is still the best and safest version of the Bible in English. Translated with profound respect for every word, the beautiful style of the Douay-Rheims Bible will instill in the reader a deeper understanding of the Word of God. Annotations, references and an historical and chronological index make it convenient for study as well as meditation.