Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild

Pilgrim Tales An Anthology of Fiction

Catholic Writers Guild

ISBN 9798993935102

ASIN B0G5WZF1PV

ASIN B0G5VZ7WV8

I love reading anthologies for several reasons. First stories by authors I already know and love. Second to be introduced to new authors I have not encountered yet. And finally short fiction is a very different art form that long form pros found in novellas and novels, and I appreciate the skill and talent needed to craft a great short story. And there is no shortage of great stories in this collection! Usually when I read an anthology there are a few standout stories, a few great stories and often a dud or two. That was not the case this time, there is not a weak story in the collection. 

The description of the volume is:

“A pilgrimage is often thought of as a journey towards God. It can take many forms, as this collection of short stories from the Catholic Writer's Guild shows. Here we have pilgrims journeying through frozen mountains, through life, through outer space, through grief, through dinosaur-infested crags, through history, through love, and even through purgatory. Containing fifteen brand new short stories from fifteen Catholic authors, this anthology showcases work from established, award-winning novelists, alongside work from relatively unknown authors, displaying the breadth of talent within the Guild today.

Who says Catholic literature is dead?”

The contributors in alphabetical are:

Nancy Bechel

G. M. Baker

Judy D’Ammasso Tarbox

Karina Fabian

Jane Lebak

Mary McWilliams

Karen Meyer

Rietta Parker

John Ruberto

Laura Ruberto

Andrew Seddon

Mary Jo Thayer

Corinna Turner

A.R.K. Watson

Isabelle Wood

The sections and stories in this volume are:

Introduction

A Pilgrim’s Romance

Surrender

Gold In Them Hills

Pilgrimage To L5

Faithful Journeys, Hidden Sanctuaries

Pilgrim In Name Only

A Very Jurassic Pilgrimage

Not All Who Wander

Old Coffee Pots And New Beginnings

The Promise

The Day The Dome Dropped On My Head

Kyrie

Way Stations

Glorious Pilgrimage Of Margaret Henderson

The King’s Pilgrimage

About The Authors

And the stories listed with authors is:

A Pilgrim’s Romance - Nancy Bechel

A Very Jurassic Pilgrimage – Corinna Turner

Faithful Journeys, Hidden Sanctuaries - John Ruberto

Glorious Pilgrimage Of Margaret Henderson - Mary Jo Thayer

Gold In Them Hills - Karen Meyer

Kyrie - Andrew Seddon

Not All Who Wander - Rietta Parker

Old Coffee Pots And New Beginnings - Judy D’Ammasso Tarbox

Pilgrim In Name Only - Laura Ruberto

Pilgrimage To L5 - Karina Fabian 

Surrender - Isabelle Wood

The Day The Dome Dropped On My Head - Mary McWilliams

The King’s Pilgrimage - G. M. Baker

The Promise - A.R.K. Watson

Way Stations - Jane Lebak

I read this volume while travelling. It was excellent to pick up and read a story here and there, while on a journey to visit family. The dedication states:

“Dedicated to all the pilgrims, past, present and future

May God bless you on your journeys with insight, love, and mercy.”

And after the dedication is this quote:

“The whole journey of life is a journey of preparation…to see, to feel, to understand the beauty of what lies ahead, of the homeland towards which we walk.”

     ―Pope Francis, April 2013

Catholic fiction is nothing new, even Catholic Science Fiction has been around for 100 years now. One of the contributors to this collection even edited two anthologies, the first the year before the Guild formed. Those volumes 

Infinite Space, Infinite God I - 2006

Leaps of Faith - 2008

Infinite Space, Infinite God II – 2010

At least one other contributor from those earlier collections appears again in this volume. Classic Catholic Science Fiction includes the likes of A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller Jr., to nearly anything from Gene Wolfe. One of the best -known collections was edited by Fr. Andrew M. Greeley called Sacred Visions. But the difference is this collection as mentioned spans genres. We have contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and even one approaching dystopian. But across all the stories we have the theme of pilgrimage and the centrality of faith.

I will freely admit I am a huge fan of the works of Turner, Fabian, Watson, Lebak and Seddon, having read multiple from each of them, if not all their works. I have also previous read works by Mary Jo Thayer and G. M. Baker and enjoyed both of them. As such, just over half the stories were new authors to me. 

That being said I absolutely loved the new Rescue Sisters Story and the new unSPARKed offerings in this collection. I also really appreciated A Pilgrim’s Romance by Nancy Bechel, and seeking God’s will and direction. Another that really stuck with me was Gold In Them Hills by Karen Meyer, it had lessons I needed to be reminded of, for myself and my kids. The story by Judy D’Ammasso Tarbox called Old Coffee Pots And New Beginnings was really moving and I specifically shared the anthology with 2 friends mentioning that story. Way Stations by Lebak left me with an even greater urgency to be praying for souls in purgatory. Barker’s The King’s Pilgrimage is excellent historical fiction. I enjoyed the stories so much I have added others but most of the contributors to my ‘wish list’.

I must state I am surprised it took the guild this long to publish an anthology. I remember when the guild formed nearly 20 years ago, at the time I had a student membership, as a reviewer, it was fascinating to watch the organization grow. And this collection was so great I would not hesitate to pick up the next they release. This is an excellent collection of stories across genres and styles. There is definitely something for everyone. And to be honest the faith in these fictional stories is inspiring across the whole collection. This is a great anthology I can easily recommend.

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

For all review of books by Karin Fabian click here.

For all review of books by Corinna Turner click here.

For all review of books by Jane Lebak click here.

For all review of books by A.R.K. Watson click here.

For all review of books by Andrew Seddon click here.

Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer - S.J. Engelman

Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer

S.J. Engelman

aka Stephanie Engelman

Inkwell Media, LLC

ISBN 9781734567045

eISBN 9781734567052

ASIN B0F88QM395

I read A Single Bead by Engelman almost a decade ago, and it still comes to mind often, and is a book I recommend frequently. At first I thought this book was co-written by a mother and either daughter or son team. But it is just a different pen name for the same person. And though this book is completely different I enjoyed it just as much. It was a very fun read!

This book took me completely by surprise. It is a wonderfully written story. I really did not know anything about the book other than the author when I picked it up. The description of this volume states:

“A hilarious page-turner that will inspire young readers 7 to 12 years old to stay off video games and get outside with friends!

Mac McMillan is a kid on a mission. It's the first day of summer break and his mom has taken away his video games, promising to return them once Mac has finished his summer reading and writing. Determined that this will ruin his vacation, Mac creates a battle plan. He will get his video games back, and a whole lot sooner than the "forever" it will take to finish all that boring homework!

As his battle plan unfolds, Mac meets new friends, discovers new entertainments, and learns that life is more fun when experienced away from devices and screens, even as he develops a new appreciation for a family that loves him and a mom who—like it or not—is generally right.

Join Mac as he embarks on his battle plan, makes new friends, and explores new adventures!

Look for more Mac's Missions, coming soon.”

This is a story that deals with faith, family, friendship and maybe electronics addiction. It is written as a journal from Mac who has a plan to get his video game system back that his mother has hidden. To get it back his mother’s way he has to read a certain number of pages in a book and write a certain number of pages in a journal. This book is that journal. Not only is the story fun but the illustrations are excellent. Some of the trouble Mac gets into and the way Mac tries to circumvent the rules is hilarious and yet also sobering. 

And that is where it gets really interesting. This book is very well written. Before I had finished it I searched to see if another Mac adventure was available. Alas not yet but it does say ‘coming soon’ at the end. Unfortunately not yet! The weaving of faith, hope, friendships and family in this story makes the book a wonderful read for young readers and even us older folks. I loved it in my mid 50’s and have recommended it to both my 14 and 18 year olds. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Mac and his friends and family. A wonderful faith filled story certain to be enjoyed by the whole family!

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

Books by Stephanie Engelman:

A Single Bead

Walking with Christ: Life Stories of Jeanne Wieck Atkins with Scriptural Reflections

...

Bead By Bead Series For Children:

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

…

Contributed to:

The Christmas Lights

A Foul Christmas

…

Written As S.J. Engelman:

Mac’s Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer

…

Praying the Stations For Today's Disciples - Sr Christine Kresho

Praying the Stations For Today's Disciples 

Sr Christine Kresho 

Twenty-Third Publications

ISBN 9781585959105

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 sixth 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 2011 and I see further printings in 2011 and 2012. Though it is not currently available on the Twenty-Third Publications site other retailers show it as unavailable, which is a pity it is an excellent version of this devotion.

The opening prayer in this book is:

“Jesus is the message that sustains us on our journey of redemption. We reflect on his extraordinary vision of the mystery of God as the Source of all life. In spite of failure, condemnation, and death, Jesus remained faithful. We pray that we will grow in understanding how we are to be the body of Christ in our world.”

A sample Station for this edition:

“Station Three

Jesus Falls the First Time

Jesus Speaks

I tried so hard to continue, but I could not go on. My heart is broken; I had failed to convince people that God loved them. I understand when disappointment and frustration disturb your soul. I understand why you feel like quitting.

Remember that you live and move in God; whenever you feel defeated, I am with you. I will raise you up and we will continue our journey together.

We Pray

Inspired by Jesus who trusted in God even when he was crushed by misunderstanding and disbelief, we commit ourselves to remain faithful to the dreams and hopes of the Spirit for our world.

(In silence, pray for those who are suffering failure, defeat, misunderstanding, or disappointment.)”

The volume ends with:

“Final Prayer

We remember Jesus who gave such remarkable witness to the Presence of the Divine which he saw everywhere. We thank him for showing us how to live as vessels of the Sacred, connected to all of creation. His living, loving, and dying with such deep faith and hope teach us how to live in love, free from fear of the unknown. We pray that we will be open to the Spirit in our life; we pray that we will follow the example of Jesus; we rejoice in the mystery of God with us. Amen.”

Overall am impressed with the series, and more so as I read each new title. I regret having let one volume I disagreed with putting me off the series for a few years. I relay enjoyed this sixth volume, and will continue to 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. For this specific Stations I really appreciated the pausing for silent prayer at the end of each station. There are no opening payers, Stabet Mater, or Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at the end of the stations, but it can easily be added. There is a recommendation at the beginning to use a hymn while moving from station to station.

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, if a digital edition because available it would be one I used more often. But I did benefit from praying through it and believe it would be great for personal or corporate use.

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 

...

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 

Stations of the Cross for 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 

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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