Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages 

Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem 

Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem (Illustrator) 

TAN Books

ISBN 9781505133738

eISBN 9781505138504

eISBN 9781505138498

This is a stunning new volume for young readers and the young at heart. I absolutely loved it in my mid-fifties, and my son who is 18 came in and loved the artwork and book as well. I already have plans to pick up a few copies as baptism and first communion gifts. This is an excellent volume. I have read a few volumes specific to Saint Michael over the years and have participated the last few years in Saint Michael’s Lent. I was very excited when I first heard about this volume and it far exceeded expectations.

The description of this volume states:

“Overview

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages is a beautifully illustrated and engagingly written guide that introduces children to the great defender of Heaven and protector of the Church. From his mighty battle against Satan to his role in the Second Coming, this book traces St. Michael’s God-given mission throughout salvation history.

 

Fathers Peregrine Fletcher and Frederick Schmit, O.Praem., weave together Scripture, tradition, and captivating storytelling to show how St. Michael has intervened in the lives of saints and holy men and women across the centuries. Young readers will encounter beloved figures such as St. Joan of Arc, St. Patrick, and Constantine, alongside lesser-known saints like St. Lorenzo of Siponto and Blessed Alcuin of York. Through twelve interwoven stories, children discover how St. Michael protects, guides, and even corrects those entrusted to his care.

 

Rich in history, devotion, and wonder, this book helps children understand that St. Michael is not only a heroic figure of the past but an active intercessor and friend today.

What Your Child Will Discover

     • St. Michael’s battle with Satan and his role in salvation history

     • His active presence in the Old Testament

     • The Prayer to St. Michael and its meaning

     • The celebration of Michaelmas and its traditions

     • Michael’s Sword and the seven special shrines dedicated to him

     • His role in the Second Coming”

About the authors we are informed:

“Fr. Frederick Schmit, O.Praem. is a canon of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California. He originally hails from Oregon. He entered the monastery in 2011, and he currently serves as the abbey's Sacristan and Master of Ceremonies.” 

and 

“Fr. Peregrine Fletcher, O.Praem. is a canon of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he entered the Norbertine Order in 2013, professed his solemn vows in 2019, and was ordained to the priesthood the following year. He currently serves his community as Master of Novices.”

we are also informed:

“The Norbertines conduct their digital ministry through the Abbot's Circle, a virtual monastery experience of St. Michael's Abbey. Learn more at www.abbotscircle.com. He is also the author of the TAN book, My Name is Philomena.”

The chapters and sections in this volume are:

Part I Defender of Heaven Protector of Earth

Part II Patron of the Church Helper of Saints

     The Church 

          Saint Michael Guardian of New Israel

     Emperor Constantine 

          Saint Michael’s First Shrine

     Saint Patrick 

          Saint Michael, High King of Angels

     Pope Saint Gregory the Great 

          Saint Michael, Plague Destroyer

     Saint Lorenzo of Siponto

          Monte Gargano

     Saint Aubert

          Mont-Saint-Michel

     Blessed Alcuin of York

          Saint Michael’s Poet

     Saint Giovanni Vincenzo

          Saint Michael the Builder

     Saint Norbert

          Saint Michael’s Tower

     Blessed Christiana

          Saint Michael to the Rescue

     Saint Joan of Arc

          Saint Michael’s Soldier

     Diego Lazaro

          San Miguel del Milagro

     Saint Gerard Majella

          The Bread of Angels

     Who is Like Michael?

          Michaels Around the World

Part III Our Guardian Now until the End

     Michaelmas

          Our Celebration of Saint Michael

     Sword of Saint Michael

          Seven Special Shrines

     Prayers Like Incense

          Saint Michael, Our Intercessor

     Patron Saint

          Joining Forces with Saint Michael

     Leader To The Light

          Saint Michael, Guide of Souls

     The Saint Michael Prayer

          Our Weapon Against the Enemy

     The Final Battle

          Saint Michael’s Victory

     The Final Resurrection

          The Archangel’s Trumpet

     The Vision of God

          Our Heavenly Home with Saint Michael

This was a wonderful book to read and work through. The illustrations are amazing. The representations of the days of creation and choirs of angels are masterfully done. I was familiar with a few of the Saints encountered but some were brand new to me, as were some of the Saint Michal connections or interactions. I have added a few of those encountered to Saints I want to research and do more reading on. 

This volume would be an excellent addition to any home, school, or church library. The information is great and the illustrations are awesome. This is a volume I wish I had when my own children were younger or even when I was young myself. It is one of the best Catholic picture books I have encountered, as such I can easily recommend it. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  

Other posts about Saint Michael:

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Waterloo Ontario - A Photo Essay

St. Michael The Archangel: History, Lent and Prayers - Maria Alinne Costa

Nine Days with Saint Michael - Andrew Offer, O.P. and Jonah Teller O.P.

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

…

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Saint Michael

Prayer of the Day A Litany of St. Michael  

Prayer of the Day Litany in Honour of St. Michael 

Prayer of the Day A Saint Michael Prayer

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Waterloo Ontario - A Photo Essay

...

Praying the Stations with Catechists - Gwen Costello

Praying the Stations with Catechists

Gwen Costello

Twenty-Third Publications

ISBN 9781585957194

ISBN 1585957194

Prior to Lent in 2026  I went through the collection of Stations I had and found I had about 10 I have never read or reviewed and have made the commitment to try and make it through them this Lent, and I added 2 as I have been reading, praying, and reviewing my way through the collection. Of the 10 I started with 6 were from Twenty-Third Publications, and while researching the first review I found a few others I am interested in.

This is the fifth of the Stations of the Cross I have read from Twenty-Third Publications in this series, I have read a few not part of this series from them as well. I really loved Praying the Stations Mary’s Way of the Cross, by Richard G. Furey CSsR and picked up several others in this series. But I was fairly disappointed in Praying the Stations with Saint John XXIII by Bill Huebsch; so had sort of ignored them the past few years. This year I will try and get through the 6 I have and then see about tracking down some others that piqued my interest. It appears versions of this devotion in this series have come in and out of print for years. I believe I have found 20 titles in this series, some out of print long enough I cannot find good cover images. 

This version of this devotion has been through a number of editions, I believed first published in 2008. Though it is not currently available on the Twenty-Third Publications site.

The introduction to this volume states:

“Introduction

Dear Catechists,

When Jesus issues the invitation “Come follow me,” he is speaking to real people like you. He invites you to follow him with heart, mind, body, and spirit—as a Christian disciple but also as a catechist. And just as Jesus felt joy, sadness, compassion, pain, and frustration in his ministry, so will you in your teaching ministry.

When you pray the Stations, you have the unique opportunity of uniting yourself to Jesus, reflecting on his life, teachings, death, and resurrection—and relating these to your own life.

Through the Stations you also have the opportunity to witness the tremendous compassion Jesus showed others: Pilate, who judged him falsely; the soldiers who were abusive; Simon, his reluctant helper; and the bystanders who jeered as he was crucified.

Jesus teaches that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for others. He teaches too that though your ministry may sometimes be difficult, “resurrection” will follow. This is what gives meaning to your donation of time, talent, and teaching. Though you will sometimes sow the seeds of learning in sorrow, you will also sometimes reap the harvest with joy. Why should you believe this? Because you are a disciple and Jesus is always with you to guide you.

“Remember, I am with you always, until the end of time.”

Matthew 28:20

Go forward now in his footsteps.”

A sample Station for this edition:

“Third Station

Jesus Falls the First Time

Far too much was demanded of Jesus. He was sleepless and weary and had already been beaten by the soldiers. A crown of thorns was piercing his head. The weight of the wooden beams was too much. He fell to the ground in front of the crowd. Some probably even cheered this sign of weakness in one who had been so strong.

Personal Reflection

Sometimes I feel that too much is demanded of me as a catechist. I am supposed to know it all and do it all, and sometimes have to pay for supplies on my own, and so I falter—and occasionally fall. It’s difficult to remember that I am not alone, that I don’t have to rely on myself. Nevertheless my burden gets heavy, and I don’t always carry it well. But Jesus inspires me to carry on and do the best I can.

Silent Meditation

Spend a few minutes praying silently about the children in your class. Is there one that troubles you? Is there one who gives you joy? Write your thoughts here if you wish..

Jesus, My Savior…

The hardest thing for me as a catechist

is dealing with my own expectations.

As long as I think that it’s up to me

to produce a perfect lesson,

or to “make” the children remember from week to week,

I am going to fail, I am going to “fall.”

Help me remember you at these moments.

You were able to accept people as they were.

Help me to accept the children as they are

and to accept my own limitations.

Teach me how to teach as you did.

Amen.”

The volume ends with:

“The Resurrection

Being a catechist involves “dying” in many small ways so that others may live more fully. As Jesus did, I must wait, in a way entombed, for God’s grace to work in me. I believe that Jesus waits with me. He has shown me the way. I know that Jesus’ story did not end on Good Friday. He was raised up by God to new life, and he offers me too the promise of resurrection. I too am called to be an Easter person and “Alleluia” is my song.

Jesus, My Redeemer…

Until that day when I meet you

face to face,

may I be a faithful

and tireless catechist.

I hope when I see you,

you will embrace me and

greet me with these words,

“Well done, my good and faithful servant,

what you have done for my little ones,

you have done for me.”.”

Overall am impressed with the series, I relay enjoyed this fifth volume, and will give others in the series a try. This is a good stations of the cross. I have a few stations I return to again and again. I am always willing to give another version of this devotion a try. I wish the other in the series were available digitally. With my dual form of dyslexia I greatly prefer eBooks so I can change the font, font and page colour to make reading easier. 

I will read and review the others from the series I have tracked down and try to find the reaming few of the other volumes in the ‘Praying The Stations Series’ from Twenty-Third Publications. I try and pray a stations each Friday throughout the year, and every day during Lent. I do not see myself returning to this one often, even if a digital edition because available. But I did benefit from praying through it and believe it would be great for Catechists or Catechists Class or training session.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  For all Stations of the Cross review click here. 

Books in the Praying The Stations With Series:

A Way of Reconciliation for Teens - Colleen Rainone 

Praying the Stations for Healing - David M. Knight 

Praying the Stations of the Cross for Seniors -  John van Bemmel 

Stations of the Cross for Older Adults - John Van Bemmel  

Praying the Stations for the Suffering, Ill, and Disabled - Holly B. Clark 

Praying the Stations Mary’s Way of the Cross

    aka Praying the Stations With Mary the Mother of Jesus – Richard Furey 

Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations Today’s Disciples - Sr. Christine Kreshko 

Praying the Stations with Catechists - Gwen Costello  

Praying the Stations with Children - Gwen Costello 

Praying the Stations with Faith and Courage - Richard Gribble 

Praying the Stations with John Paul II – Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Pope Francis - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Saint John XXIII - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Seniors – John Van Bemmel 

Praying the Stations with Teenagers - Gwen Costello 

Praying the Stations with Young Children - Diane Abajian 

Stations of the Cross for Today's Disciples - Christine Kresho 

The Mystery of the Cross: Praying the Stations with Pope Francis - David M. Knight 

Walking the Via Dolorosa Today - Laurin J. Wenig 

…

Other Stations from Twenty-Third Publications:

A Mother's Way of the Cross - Deborah McCann 

A Personal Way of the Cross - Isaias Powers 

An Illustrated Stations of the Cross - James Nisbet 

Stations of Hope: Praying the Stations of the Cross for Today - Father David M. Knight 

Stations of Strength Praying the Stations of the Cross in Times of Suffering - Alice Camille 

The People of the Way of the Cross - Marci Alborghetti 

The Stations of the Resurrection - Sister Catherine Duenne 

The Way of the Cross - William V Coleman 

The Way of the Cross for Parents - Susan Jones 

Via Lucis The Way of Light: Praying the Stations of the Resurrection - Glenn Byer

Walking with Jesus on the Way to Calvary - Kathy McGovern 

Way of Cross Religion Teachers - Gwen Costello 

...

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - Amy Welborn, Michael Dubruiel, and Michael D. O'Brien

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross 

Amy Welborn 

Michael Dubruiel

Michael D. O'Brien (Illustrator)

Ave Maria Press

ISBN 9781594711282

Over the years I have developed the habit of trying to pray a Stations of the Cross each Friday throughout the year and each day through let. I am not certain if I have ever completed it for a whole year. But I try. Recently I went through the collection of Stations I had and found I had about 10 I have never read or reviewed and have made the commitment to try and make it through them this Lent. I have loved everything I have read from the pens of Welborn and Dubruiel. I have enjoyed the book I have read by O'Brien and this and the other stations I have read that he has illustrated. This also appears to be 1 of 2 versions of the Biblical Way by Amy and Michael D.

The description of this volume is:

“In 1991, Pope John Paul II introduced a new Bible-based interpretation of the Stations of the Cross. This devotional guide to invite readers to prayerfully walk in solidarity with Jesus on his agonizing way of the cross-- from his last torturous moments in the Garden of Gethsemane to his death and burial. Now with full-color station images from previously unpublished paintings by Michael OBrien, this booklet creates an ideal resource for individual or group devotional use, particularly during the Lenten season.”

About the authors we are informed:

“Amy Welborn is a freelance writer and active blogger Charlotte Was Both for the Catholic press and has authored many books for children, youth, and adults, including The Words We Pray: Discovering the Richness of Traditional Catholic Prayer. Welborn holds a bachelor's degree in honors history and a master's degree in church history. She has worked as a teacher in Catholic high schools and also as director of religious education in a parish.”

and

“Michael Dubruiel (1958-2009) was a Roman Catholic author and speaker. Born in Keene, New Hampshire, Dubruiel served for four years in the US Army before receiving a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Meinrad College, a master's of divinity from St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, and a master's degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University. During the 1980s and 1990s, he served in Catholic parishes in Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Gainesville, and taught homiletics and spirituality at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary. He taught theology at Tampa Jesuit High School from 1994 to 1998.

From 1999 to 2008, Dubruiel worked as acquisitions editor at Our Sunday Visitor Publishing in Huntington, Indiana. In the summer of 2008 he began work as director of the Office of the New Evangelization and Stewardship for the Diocese of Birmingham. Like his wife, Amy Welborn, Dubruiel became a widely read Catholic blogger. He was the author of eleven popular Catholic books, including two that he coauthored with his wife.”

The info about the illustrator is:

“Michael O'Brien is a Catholic novelist and liturgical artist from Combermere, Ontario. His paintings cover a range from liturgical commissions to work reflecting on the meaning of the human person, transcendence, and immanence.”

In the introduction we are informed:

“The Way of the Cross has been an integral part of the devotional life of Catholics for centuries. The roots of the devotion can be found m the early Chrrst1an practice of retracing the path Jesus walked from the genesis of his passion in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, through the Valley of Kidron, along the streets of Jerusalem, and finally to the summit of Calvary. This ancient path of pilgrimage was more inclusive of the entire passion of Christ than later versions. Rather than beginning in the Garden of Gethsemane, later versions, including the arrangement found in most Catholic churches today, begin with the condemnation of Jesus and include a number of stations that are based more on tradition than on the scriptures.”

“John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross is composed in a liturgical format, using responses and ministries evocative of those experienced during the eucharistic liturgy. It offers an opportunity for many to be involved in helping to lead the assembly in prayer: a lector to proclaim the scripture passage, a leader (either lay or ordained) to offer the meditation, and a cantor or choir to lead the assembly in singing the "Lord Have Mercy" as a penitential response after each station as well as an appropriate hymn between the stations.”

“Praying John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross can lead to an experience of the deep love of God revealed through the suffering and death of the Lord. It can also provide an opportunity for reflection on how God's love is revealed through our experiences of loss, betrayal, and death. Praying these stations, whether in private or as a public prayer, should help a person draw closer to Jesus Christ. It is our hope that as you follow this Way of the Cross you will experience the same certitude of faith in the love that God has for you as Jesus did when he accepted his cross, and that you will be rewarded with a share in his resurrection.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Introduction

I Jesus prays in the garden.

II Jesus is betrayed and arrested.

III Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin.

IV Peter denies knowing Jesus.

V Jesus is condemned by Pilate.

VI Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns,

VII Jesus takes up his cross.

VIII Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus .

IX Jesus meets the weeping women.

X Jesus is crucified.

XI Jesus promises paradise to the crucified thief.

XII Jesus cares for his mother.

XIII Jesus dies.

XIV Jesus is buried.

Closing Prayer 

There is no Stabat Mater, and no prayers at the end of each station, but they can easily by added personally. Each station has three parts:

Station 

Tile

Prayers

Scripture Text

Reflection

Response

Kyrie Eleison

A sample station is:

“THIRD STATION

JESUS IS CONDEMNED BY THE SANHEDRIN

Station Site: At the Foot of the Altar

Leader: We praise you, Jesus, and give you thanks!

People: By your cross and resurrection you have set us free/

Lector: A reading from the Gospel of Matthew. (Mt 26:62-66)

The high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?" They answered, "He deserves death."

     All Kneel

Leader: Jesus, your words are blasphemy to the ears of the high priest. He tears his garments, unable to see the presence of God in the one who stands before him arrested and accused. He cannot believe in a God who, because of such great love, would willingly become so powerless.

People: O Jesus, we can be so limited in our vision. We find it difficult to look beyond our narrow expectations and see you as you are. Give us the grace to hear your words clearly and to follow you in truth. We love you, Jesus; reveal to us what God is like.

     All Stand

Leader: Lord, have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader: Christ, have mercy.

People: Christ, have mercy.

Leader: Lord, have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy.”

I hope that sample meditation and the quotes from the  introduction gives you a feel for this volume. This was a Way of the Cross I am very thankful I have worked through and look forward to praying it again. If it was available as an eBook it would be one I used often. I have prayed a few versions of Biblical Stations over the years. But this one is an excellent resource.

This is a great Lenten resource, a wonderful version of this devotion. I can easily recommend that Way of the Cross. I encourage you to pick it up and give it a try, if you can track it down! This is an excellent resource, I just really wish a digital edition was available.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  For all Stations of the Cross review click here.  

Books by Amy Welborn:

Reconciled to God Daily Lenten Devotions
Wish You Were Here: Travels Through Loss and Hope
A Catholic Woman's Book of Days
de-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of the Da Vinci Code
Loyola Kids Book of Saints
Loyola Kids Book of Heroes: Stories of Catholic Heroes and Saints throughout History
Here. Now. a Catholic Guide to the Good Life
The Words We Pray
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries
Decoding Mary Magdalene: Truth, Legend, and Lies
Come Meet Jesus: An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI
Be Saints! An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI
Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion
Mary and the Christian Life: Scriptural Reflections on the First Disciple
Adventures in Assisi: On the Path with St. Francis: On the Path with St. Francis
Prepare Him Room: Advent Family Devotions
Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter 

Parables: Stories of the Kingdom
The Absence of War

Relatable and Authentic, Transparent, So Real

All Will Be Well

Nothing Else Occurs To Me

A Reason for Everything

Hope: An Anchor for the Soul 30 Daily Devotions 

Wonders of His Love: Family Devotions and Activities for Advent 

With Your Whole Heart: Family Devotions and Activities for Lent 

No Greater Love Stations of the Cross for Young People 

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross

...

Prove It Series:
Prove It! God
Prove It! Church
Prove It! Jesus
Prove It! Prayer
Prove It! You
Prove It! The Catholic Teen Bible

...

Books by Michael's Dubruiel:

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - with Amy Welborn
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2009 Review

A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2025 Review
A Pocket Guide to the Mass
The How-to Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen

...

Books by Michael D. O'Brien:

The Small Angel (1993)

A Landscape with Dragons (1998)

The Island of the World (2007)

The Father's Tale (2011)

Theophilos (2012)

Voyage to Alpha Centauri (2013)

Elijah in Jerusalem (2015)

The Fool of New York City (2016)

The Lighthouse (2020)

The Sabbatical (2021)

By the Rivers of Babylon (2022)

Letter to the Future (2025)

…

Children of the Last Days Series:

Father Elijah (1996)

Strangers and Sojourners (1997)

Eclipse of the Sun (1997)

Plague Journal (1999)

A Cry of Stone (2003)

Sophia House (2005)

…

Contributed to:

The Catholic Home Art Gallery - John Herreid - 18 Works of Art by Contemporary Catholic Artists

The Way of the Cross – Saint Josemaria Escriva - Illustrated Michael O'Brien

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - Amy Welborn, Michael Dubruiel, and Michael D. O'Brien

…

A Prayer of the Day St. Raphael Prayer for Healing

St. Raphael Prayer for Healing   

Prayer of the Day  

Icon from St Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Waterloo, ON

Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the “medicine of God” I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favour (here mention your special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.  

Amen. 

  

Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I went looking for another prayer to Saint Raphael as I already had a few to St. Michael and I found this one online.

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

My Daily Prayer List October 2025

...

Other posts about Prayers to Angels:

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Saint Michael

Prayer of the Day A Litany of St. Michael  

Prayer of the Day Litany in Honour of St. Michael 

Prayer of the Day A Saint Michael Prayer

Marriage Consecration Prayer

A Prayer of the Day St. Raphael Prayer for Healing

Prayer of the Day Angel of God Morning and Evening

To My Guardian Angel Prayer

...

Stations of the Cross with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus - Fr. William F. Prospero and Fr. James Kubicki

Stations of the Cross with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus 

Fr. William F. Prospero 

Fr. James Kubicki (Editor)

Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network

Ave Maria Press

ISBN 9781594716386

eISBN 9781594716393

ASIN B01N1MY5GL

I had never encountered this version of this devotion previously. I stumbled upon it while working on a review of a different one. I picked it up immediately after reading the description. Every Friday during the year I try and pray a Stations of the Cross, and also each day through Lent. I am not sure I have every actually hit the whole year but I try. At the beginning of lent in 2026 I went through my collection of Stations and found I had 10 I had not got around to praying yet. I have read 5 so far and now have 12 I have not read … I have a found a few others while researching reviews including this volume. 

The description of this volume states:

“This personal Way of the Cross from the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network beautifully expresses the deep connection between the Eucharist and the Cross. At each of the fourteen stations, readers are encouraged to offer themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by uniting their sufferings with his in the Eucharist.

The spirituality of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network comes to life in meditations on the classic Catholic Lenten devotion, the Stations of the Cross. Recalling the dramatic events of Jesus’ passion and death helps readers enter more fully into the celebration of the Mass that makes these events present in a real way. Focusing on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the stations affirm how he gave up his body—his very heart—out of love for all.

Originally written by Rev. Will Prospero, S.J. (1965-2014), and edited by Rev. James Kubicki, S.J., former national director of the Apostleship of Prayer (now the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network), these stations are already beloved by followers of the ministry. Stations of the Cross with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus is beautifully illustrated with artwork of the Stations of the Cross located in the School Sisters of St. Francis’s St. Joseph Chapel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Introduction

Opening Reflection

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

Concluding Reflection

A sample day is:

“Third Station

Jesus Falls the First Time

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Hebrews 4:15–16

I adore you, O Christ, and I bless you,

Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus falls under the heavy Cross, which overcomes his weakened body. Jesus’ heart falls in disappointment. The weight of the ingratitude and indifference toward his mission finally overcomes him. His heart aches with frustration. Jesus remembers how carefully he communicated the teachings of the kingdom of God. He remembers how much effort he put into listening to people’s concerns and into healing and helping them. All this seems a waste now as he lies facedown on the ground.

Yet Jesus does not despair. His aching heart grasps for the promise of his Father—a promise that somehow still holds true. He picks himself up and continues on the way.

How easily my heart falls. I fall under the weight of the smallest temptation. I grasp for what does not belong to me. I easily despair when things don’t go my way. I complain at the smallest inconvenience. I have a heart of stone. I ignore the blessings of God and fail to believe his promises.

The Eucharist is nourishment that gives me strength to persevere in facing life’s challenges and the temptations that come my way. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, present in the Eucharist, gives me the courage and hope to keep going when I feel weak and overwhelmed.

Prayer: Jesus, change my heart! Make it strong in difficult times. Open my heart to receive faith; help me trust in your promise and your strength. Fill my heart with hope in you, not in my own accomplishments or power. Fill my heart with pure love so that I may desire you alone in all things.

Heart of Jesus, present in the Most Blessed Sacrament,

I offer myself with you for the salvation of all.”

I highlighted a number of passages while reading and praying my way through his volume. Some of them are:

“These reflections, which Fr. Will shared with me some years ago, are an expression of that love. During Holy Week 2014, while Fr. Will was suffering from kidney cancer and chemotherapy, which compromised his immune system and allowed an incipient fungal pneumonia to attack, I offered them on the weekly Apostleship of Prayer radio show. A listener was so moved that he asked me to get them published. I asked Fr. Will’s permission to edit them for publication, and he agreed. Ave Maria Press also saw their value and graciously agreed to publish them.”

“Fr. Will lived these reflections. He walked the Way of the Cross with Jesus, surrendering himself to the incomprehensible and perfect will of the Father. He made his final surrender on a feast of Mary, the woman of his life, the one whom St. John Paul II called “the Woman of the Eucharist.” Fr. Will died on September 8, 2014. These reflections are intended for private rather than public or group use. They are the fruit of eucharistic adoration and are an ideal prayer for holy hours and visits to the Blessed Sacrament.”

“This meditation on the Stations of the Cross provides a way to appreciate what Jesus did out of love for each of us. Nothing is more insulting to our Lord than when those who profess faith in him take for granted what he did and what he continues to do at each celebration of the Eucharist.”

“Thank you, Lord Jesus, for every moment of your passion, offered for the salvation of the world. Increase my awareness and appreciation of the wounds you suffered for love of me, and help me to gratefully offer myself back to you. Amen.”

“The Sacred Heart of Jesus, present in the Eucharist, gives me the courage and hope to keep going when I feel weak and overwhelmed.”

“Living life to the full means living every moment in the heart of God.”

“Mary breaks through difficult situations to be with me in my suffering. Human suffering attracts the attentive heart of our Blessed Mother. Her motherly care cannot be stifled by evil. Her Immaculate Heart intensely suffers Jesus’ passion and continues to suffer my passion with me. She shows me how to find meaning in my sufferings by uniting them with the sufferings of Jesus, which bring salvation to the world.”

“Highlight(pink) - Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross > Page 20 · Location 206

When I come to know that Jesus’ heart suffers for love of me, I am changed. I realize that my suffering has a meaningful purpose in God’s heart.”

“Fear stifles faith; courage, in the midst of suffering, builds up faith.”

“In the midst of my suffering, there is a temptation to fear that God will abandon me to misery. It is particularly difficult to trust God when I am down on the ground, unable to look up. Jesus wants to come to me and give me courage.”

“Of what barriers do I need to be stripped? What fears prevent my full exposure to Jesus? In Holy Communion I receive the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Does Jesus receive in return my real presence, or do I try to hide parts of myself or my day from him?”

“Faith, hope, and love all reside in the human heart. Jesus’ heart, sacred and pure, was so totally conformed to the will of God that it embodied the seeds of eternal life, which were poured out in every thought, word, and deed of Jesus. Jesus’ whole life was a living sacrifice of praise, a pouring out of himself in love of God and humanity. In my meditation on Jesus’ Way of the Cross, I try to relate my own struggles and sacrifices to the suffering Christ. This happens through prayer. When I pray, I make present in my memory all the sacrifices of my day and unite them to the offering of Jesus’ heart in Holy Mass. In this way, my prayer can change the world. Prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history.” 

I hope that sample station and quotes give you a feel for this version of this devotion. This one is recommended for personal devotion but I could see it working well with a small group or family setting. I was really blessed by reading this stations. And I know it is one that will make it into my rotation regularly.

This is a great version of this devotional practice. A version of this devotion I can easily recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For all Stations of the Cross review click here. 

Conspiracy 365 April - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 April
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9780340996478

ISBN 9781935279532

ASIN B00ZPT4LT2

I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011, I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son just started reading them in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and finish the series. IO read March last month and this month ripped through April.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story will be told over 12 books, one released each month. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series.

The description of this volume states:

“On New Year's Eve Cal is chased down the street by a staggering, sick man with a deadly warning...

"They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!"

Hurled into a life on the run, with a price on his head, the 15-year-old fugitive is isolated and alone. Hunted by the law and ruthless criminals, Cal must somehow uncover the truth about his father's mysterious death and a history-changing secret.

Who can he turn to, who can he trust, when the whole world seems to want him dead?

The clock is tinking. Any second could be his last.

It's a do-or-die when a high speed chase goes wrong, and leaves Cal exposed to his enemies.

If he survives he must decipher the Ormond Riddle, and risk emerging from hiding to save his family. But even if he makes it to December 31 alive, will his family ever be the same again?

The clock is ticking. He has 245 days left.”

This fourth instalment keeps up the fast-pace and the plot becomes even more entangled even more so as the story progresses. Cal is a fugitive on the run. He realizes that the threats against him and his family are even more than he had previously suspected. He finds out they are planning on taking his sister off life support. So no matter the risk he has to try and get to her and stop it. But that s after a crazy car chase. Stories are being told about him, and what he has done that are complete fabrications. He has one friend he can trust and a girl he is hoping he can trust. But the risks are so high and the danger so real. Can cal find a way to figure out the mystery? He only has 246 days left to figure it out.

These books were originally published in Australia and North America by Scholastic, unfortunately it appears eBook editions were never released in Canada. An intense instalment in a great series.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent fourth instalment in the series and I know I will have to read all 12 books; the story is so good I cannot put it down. Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)

March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:

Missing (2013)

Hunted (2013)

Endgame (2013)

…

48 Hours Series:

The Vanishing (2017)

The Medusa Curse (2017)

…

Gemma Lincoln:

Feeding the Demons (1999)

Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)

Spiking the Girl (2004)

Shattered (2007)

Death by Beauty (2012)

…

Jack McCain:

Death Delights (2001)

Lethal Factor (2003)

Dirty Weekend (2005)

…

Other Books:

Fortress (1980)

Tooth and Claw (1983)

Jumbo (1986)

Salt (1990)

Whipping Boy (1992)

The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)

Bones (1995)

The Sharp End (1998)

Monkey Undercover (2006)

…

The Ruling Class - Jennifer Lynn Barnes - The Fixer Book 1

The Ruling Class

aka: The Fixer

The Fixer Book 1

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Bloomsbury YA

ISBN 9781547618743

eISBN 9781547620159

ASIN B0FCBKHDPM

Three year my daughter and I read The Naturals together. Or rather I read them, and she was reading one in class and had to wait before moving on. We both really enjoyed the series. Then my daughter was reading Nobody and again wanted me to read it so I could be a sounding board for her theories while she was working through it. Now we have started this. She is reading the rebranded edition in a physical copy called ‘The Ruling Class’  I have the eBook of the older edition I picked up when we were reading her other books called ‘The Fixer’. And when I stopped at the local bookstore to pick up book 2 for my daughter they had both the earlier and current titled versions of it in stock. But no matter which version you pick up it is a great read!

The description of this volume states:

“When Tess Kendrick is sent to stay with her older sister in Washington, D.C. she has no idea that Ivy is the Capitol's go-to "fixer," a person who can make powerful people's scandals disappear with a snap of her fingers. Tess never thought she and Ivy had much in common, but when she enrolls at the exclusive Hardwicke School, she soon finds herself thrust into the role of high school fixer, solving problems for the children of the D.C. elite.

Secrets pile up as each sister lives a double life, and their worlds come crashing together when a scandal from the halls of Hardwicke reaches Capitol Hill. As the stakes turn deadly, Tess must uncover who's behind the power play before she becomes a target herself.

Previously published as The Fixer.”

About the author we are informed:

“Is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty acclaimed young adult novels, including the Inheritance Games, the Naturals, and the Debutantes series, and The Lovely and the Lost. Jen is also a Fulbright Scholar with advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science. She received her PhD from Yale University in 2012 and was a professor of psychology and professional writing for many years.”

In the older edition it is:

“JENNIFER LYNN BARNES has written more than a dozen young adult novels, including The Fixer, The Long Game, the Raised by Wolves series, and the Naturals series. She has advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science. She received her PhD from Yale University and is now a professor of psychology and writing.”

It had been almost 2 years to the day since I list finished a volume from Barnes. Even though this is a different series and different characters the writing style was such that it was almost like a visit with an old friend. In some ways this has a fell of a Ray Donovan for teens and young adults. I ripped thought it one afternoon, and my daughter loves it. She has come up with some pretty sound theories and even dismissed some earlier ones as she progresses through the book. It is in some way a school story, but one with some pretty series twists in the beltway inner circle in Washington. But not all things are as they appear and Tess lands right in the middle of it while being yanked from the only home she has ever really known. The story is filled with layers of plots and secrets galore. And unfortunately Tess and her sister both appear to be natural fixers and are working the same issues from different sides. Will it bring them together or pull them apart? 

The story moves at a quick pace. Both Tess and Ivy have had their lives upended, and with more than one body they might just be in grave danger. Find out if they can find a way to work together, and with the help of those who care about them come out of this? 

Parts of this story are very moving and the action is intense. I know a few people who have gone through what Tess finds out and Barnes does an excellent job capturing it. A great little read, that leaves you desperate for the second volume! 

Well done Barnes! Well Done.

Books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

The Lovely and the Lost (2019)

Nobody (2013)

     formerly At First Sight

Every Other Day (2011)

…

The Naturals Series:

The Naturals (2013)

Killer Instinct (2014)

All In (2015)

Bad Blood (2016)

Twelve (2017)

…

The Inheritance Games Series:

The Inheritance Games (2020)

The Hawthorne Legacy (2021)

The Final Gambit (2022)

The Brothers Hawthorne (2023)

…

Debutantes Series:

Little White Lies (2018)

Deadly Little Scandals (2019)

…

The Fixer Series:

The Ruling Class 

     formerly The Fixer (2015)

Lessons in Power

     Formerly The Long Game (2016)

…

Raised by Wolves Series:

Raised by Wolves (2010)

Sweet Sixteen (2015)

Trial by Fire (2011)

Taken by Storm (2012)

…

The Squad Series:

Perfect Cover (2008)

Killer Spirit (2008)

…

Tattoo Series:

Tattoo (2007)

Fate (2009)

…

Golden Series:

Golden (2006)

Platinum (2007)

…