Showing posts with label JBMidgley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JBMidgley. Show all posts

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - J. B. Midgley - CTS Devotions

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 
J. B. Midgley 
ISBN 9781860820519
eISBN 9781784692674
ASIN B071ZSKJYF
CTS Booklet D643

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - J. B. Midgley - CTS Devotions

This book was a pleasant surprise on a few levels; especially the involvement of J.B. Midgley. I have read over 80 books and booklets that are part of the CTS Prayers & Devotions Series. Some of the earlier ones are just mark CTS Devotions, but more recent ones have both Prayers and Devotions listed as the series name. This series has spanned decades. It has had books come in and out of print. This volume was published in the 1026, reprinted in 1974 and 1999 and the eBook was released in 2017, based on the 1999 edition. Over the last several years I have fallen in love with the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. As of the reading of this volume I have read over 430 volumes. And still have almost 200 on my ‘wishlist’. But back to the volume at hand. 

The description of this volume states:

“"As the source of love, God desires to make himself known; and the knowledge which the human being has of God perfects all that the human mind can know of the meaning of life." (Pope St John Paul II)

Devotion to the Sacred Heart is one of the most popular Catholic devotions. When Jesus died on the cross, his side – his heart – was pierced, blood and water gushing from the wound. The last drops of his blood were shed for mankind. This sign of his infinite love is recalled in this devotion.

First published as Prayers to the Sacred Heart in 1926, the popularity of this booklet and the ways in which it helped Catholics and other Christians, earned a new edition in 1999. This collection of most famous and best-loved prayers are collected here in a handy format, now with an explanation of the devotion and the saints attached to it – St John Eudes, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Claude la Colombiere.”

The chapters in the book are:

Introduction
What is the Devotion to the Sacred Heart?
     St John Eudes
     St Margaret Mary Alacoque
     St Claude la Colombière
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Love of God
The Response of Man
Reparation
Consecration
A New Commandment
Daily Prayers
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Note on Indulgences

In the introduction to this edition we are informed:

“Prayers to the Sacred Heart was first published in 1926 and revised in 1974. So well has the publication served great numbers of Catholics and, indeed, other Christian denominations in sustaining their devotion, that no modification of the original has been considered appropriate. However, some additional, introductory material has been included in the hope that it may be useful to many in their prayer and reflection.”

And also that:

“No small reliance has been placed upon the Psalms, those sublime prayers that Our Lord Himself used, and the words of hymns, the beauty of which can sometimes be veiled by a concentration on the music. Devotional practices, encouraged by Mother Church as supports of faith, frequently have the benefit of ‘Indulgences’ attached to prayers, the words of hymns and aspirations. For that reason, a Note on Indulgences is offered as a reminder of the current teaching of the Church.”

That introductory note was by J.B. Midgley one of my favourite CTS authors, and I was unaware of his involvement with this volume, until reading it. I highlighted a few of passages while working through this volume, some of them are:

“Prayers to the Sacred Heart was first published in 1926 and revised in 1974. So well has the publication served great numbers of Catholics and, indeed, other Christian denominations in sustaining their devotion, that no modification of the original has been considered appropriate. However, some additional, introductory material has been included in the hope that it may be useful to many in their prayer and reflection.”

“Pope Pius XII assured us of the theological foundations of this devotion in his encyclical Haurietis Aquas (1956). It emanates from the most important truth of our faith: that God is present to us now in Our Lord and Saviour, true God and true Man who has ascended to dwell at His Father’s right hand, His Divine Heart and the humanity He shares with us forever at one with the Blessed Trinity.”

“When Pope Leo XIII confirmed the heroicity of John Eudes’ virtues in preparation for his canonisation, he declared him the author of the liturgical worship of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Pope St Pius X added that he was to be regarded as the Father of the worship of the Sacred Hearts, as the Doctor of this devotion and its apostle, for he endeavoured by his efforts to spread it everywhere.”

“Margaret Mary was born at L’Hautcour, Burgundy, in 1647. Beset as she was by delicate health, her childhood was not without its trials. At the age of twenty-four she entered the Convent of the Visitation at Paray-le-Monial and shortly afterwards, between 1673 and 1675 was favoured with visions of Our Lord who besought her to kindle devotion to His Heart as symbolising His love for mankind but which is so often rejected.”

“Her influence on the devotional life of Catholics through her teaching and the visions she received has been great, especially since the Feast of the Sacred Heart was made general in 1856. Margaret Mary was canonised by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and her feast day is 16th October.”

“We make our prayer to Jesus in whom we find rest for our souls and who is meek and humble of heart; Jesus, your heart was pierced by the lance and from it flowed blood and water so that your bride, the Church, might be born. You were condemned by men and raised up by the Father: make the Church the tabernacle of the most high. King and centre of all hearts, in your loving mercy, you never cease to draw us to yourself:”

“The prayer of the Church venerates and honours the heart of Jesus just as it invokes His Most Holy Name. It adores the Incarnate Word and His Heart which, out of love for men, He allowed to be pierced for our sins. Only the Heart of Christ who knows the depths of His Father’s love could reveal to us the abyss of His mercy in the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son. (2669; 1437)”

“Remember that Our Lord Jesus Christ is your true Head and you are one of His members. He is to you as the head is to members of the body; all that is His is yours. His spirit, heart, body, soul, all His faculties, all is to be used by you as if they were your own, so that serving Him you may praise Him. For your part, you are to Him as a member to the head, and He earnestly desires to use all your faculties as if they were His own for the service and glorification of His Father…”

This is an amazing little volume. I have read a few other volumes about the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but this volume is a wonderful mix of history, teaching, and prayers. There are prayers spattered throughout, not just the chapter on Daily Prayers. I added a few of the prayers to my daily prayer list, and already had a couple or variations on them there. The quotes above give you a feel for some of the teachings and history contained in this volume. 

It is hard to fathom this booklet has been in print for just over 100 years, it is as relevant today as it was when first published, maybe even more so because of the times we live in. Unfortunately it is currently only available as an eBook, for I know some people who would love a physical copy of this volume. It is an excellent read. I can easily recommend this volume it would be a great addition to any school, home, or church. It is another excellent prayer booklet from the CTS.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the CTS Prayers & Devotions series click here.

Books about the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

...

Saturday, 3 August 2024

Prayer of the Day Prayer to St Benedict

 Prayer of the Day Prayer to St Benedict

St Benedict,
in youth a model of virtue and in old age an
example of discretion and moderation.
I turn to you at this time of universal need.
In Union with the thousands of your devoted 
sons and daughters throughout the world.
For the following intentions
...
May the countless Benedictine monks and
nuns who are saints in heaven join us with
their intercessions that Almighty God 
may design to
hear us.
Amen

Prayer of the Day Prayer to St Benedict

This is one of two prayers I have tried to pray daily to Saint Benedict since reading the below book in 2020. This little volume really impacted me.

Taken from:
Benedict Patron of Europe
CTS Great Saints
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860823275
CTS Booklet B782


Relates posts and links:

Books by J.B. Midgley:
Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 
...

Books in the CTS Great Saints Series:
Antonio Rosmini - J.B. Midgley
Bernard of Clairvaux - J.B. Midgley
Benedict Patron of Europe - J.B. Midgley
Charles Borromeo - J.B. Midgley
Dominic - J.B. Midgley
Elizabeth of the Trinity The Great Carmelite Saint - Jennifer Moorcroft
Francis de Sales - J.B. Midgley
Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ John Paul Kirkham
George: Patron of England - J.B. Midgley
John Baptist de La Salle - J.B. Midgley
John of the Cross - Jennifer Moorcroft
John Vianney - J.B. Midgley
Louis Marie de Montfort His Life, Message and Teaching - Paul Allerton SMM
Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Patrick Missionary to the Irish - Thomas O’Loughlin 

Thursday, 21 July 2022

Companion to Saint Paul - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series

Companion to Saint Paul
CTS Companions Series
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860822407
CTS Booklet Do718


A few of years ago I encountered the works of J.B. Midgley and was very impressed with his writing. I have worked at tracking all his books down. It took me a few years. I now have all of his books, or at least the ones I am aware of. This volume was the last I had left to read. I have read his works a total of 31 times so far; with a few having been read more than once. It has been worth tracking down all 28 books by J.B. Midgley. Twenty-six of those books were published by the Catholic Truth Society.  And 6 of those were from the CTS Great Saints Series. And 7 are from the CTS Companions Series. He also wrote books in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. He even contributed to one of the CTS Devotions volumes. I have loved most of them. I first read a book by Midgley almost just over 4 years ago, almost to the day. This volume is a great book, by an excellent author in a wonderful series! It is much a little more academic than some of his other offerings. But how could you look at Paul and Pauline studies and not become academic to some extent.

The description on the back of the book is:

“This ‘Companion’ sketches a dramatic panorama of the amazing life, work and legacy of Saint Paul. The story of his life, with his major journeys, failures and successes, is told. Importantly, the author identifies the central themes of his many ‘Letters’, with helpful summaries and assessments of their significance. The feasts and devotions surrounding Saint Paul are also explained.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction
Legacy of Saint Paul
Devotion to Saint Paul
The Life of Saint Paul
Those who worked with Paul
Themes of Saint Paul’s Letters
1 and 2 Thessalonians AD 50-51
1 and 2 Corinthians AD 57
Galatians, Romans AD 57-58
Philippians c.AD 59
Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians c. AD 61-63
1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy c. AD 65-5
Hebrews C.AD 65
Acknowledgements

Some of the passages I highlighted my first time through this volume are:

“Paul’s enduring message is about the freedom which Christ brings to God’s people in whom He lives, and which He has achieved by His sacrifice on the Cross with the Holy Spirit and in charity. It is a freedom so unrestrained that the opportunities to serve him are limitless.”

“We find salvation when we use our lips to say that Jesus is Lord, and our hearts to believe that God has raised Him from the dead. WE have received the Spirit of adoption so that, as His children, we are able to call God Abba, Father and, as His heirs, we share Christ’s inheritance, participating in His sufferings and His glory.”

“Those who doubt their personal qualifications to carry the Gospel, may be comforted that, at first glance, Paul seems an unlikely addition to the ranks of the Apostles. This Pharisee, who was a legal adviser to the hostile Sanhedrin, a cruelly efficient persecutor of Christ’s followers, and a citizen of an occupying foreign power could be opinionated, short-tempered, censorious, and disruptive, but he became consumed with love for Christ and his Church whose members he referred to tenderly as his “little children”. Though he trembled at the thought of speaking in public, he did so with a certainty that the Lord would make good his deficiencies. He showed heroic courage in the face of danger and welcomed the severity of sufferings which united him with those of Christ whom he followed to the death, rejoicing in His Resurrection.”

He is the Patron Saint of Greece, Malta and the city of London. In England fort-three churches were dedicated to him and, with Saint Peter, another two hundred and eighty three, but perhaps it is his cathedral in London which best exemplifies the great Apostle’s enduring influence. 

““God our Father, you taught the Gospel to all the world through the preaching of Paul your Apostle. May we who celebrate his conversion to the faith follow him in bearing witness to your truth, and experience the power of his intercession.” (Opening Prayer, January 25th and Collect, June 30th adapted.)”

“Saul had always believed he was acting in good faith but now the grace of God began to work in him, enabling him to understand that in persecuting the members of His Body he was persecuting Jesus. The Pauline doctrine begins its life: Salvation through faith and the grace of God, and Jesus is one with His followers.”

“The New Testament lists Paul’s letters in an order of diminishing length which opens with Romans until concluding with Hebrews. The order in which they were written, however, shows the development of his theological thought as he articulates the depth and meaning of the Gospel.”

“Christ is the object of Paul’s constant love and heartfelt praise, and nothing is going to separate him from that love, not even hunger, nakedness, suffering and persecution. For him life is Christ and death a wonderful triumph. Because he has been crucified with Christ, he does not live his own life now, but the life of Christ who lives in him, and no one on earth can disturb him because he carries on his body the marks of Christ.”

“Paul condemns such teaching as more daemonic than divine, and foresees the dangers of an asceticism which enslaves rather than liberates, and an arrogant spirituality which is contemptuous of others.”

“Paul again sees the Church won by Christ through His atoning sacrifice as a Mystical Body subject to the Head who nourishes her. She is ONE body with one Head, and is one in faith, doctrine, government and worship. She is HOLY because her members are sanctified and saved by her Founder, the all holy God who commissions her to teach a holy doctrine and provide all the means to holiness.”

“Paul’s background, education, and intellect. Certainly, over the next thirty years of Pope St Clement, St. Polycarp, and St Justin never doubted that the letter was from Paul, and it was considered of such theological importance that the earliest canons placed it immediately after Romans.”

When I returned to university as a mature student the first course I did was Paul’s Life and Letters RS209 in the spring term of 1998, This was followed by an independent reading course on Paul and Pauline Theology RS398. I have had an interest in Paul since that first course. And try and read at least one book a year on Paul. This year I discovered that 2008 was the year of Saint Paul and the CTS published at least a few booklets for that year. This one predates that by three years and would have been an excellent resource that year, or for anyone interested in Paul and Pauline Studies. I would have loved to have had this booklet as a supplemental resource for both of the courses on Paul I did. And I plan to try and track down the specific booklets that are part of the ‘Year of Saint Paul’ to read. 

This book is excellent for the scholar or the casual reader. It lines up very closely with my own reading of Paul and the works he penned. It is a great primer. It is a volume well worth tracking down and reading.

This book is a great read in an excellent series. It is a different than the most of the others and more academic. That is not a criticism just an observation. I have been blessed by all of the books from Midgley’s pen, and Know that I will likely reread them all, but this one on Paul will hold a special place for me. I highly recommend this book, the series and many of the works from the Catholic Truth Society.

(Note I was able to use the Way Back Machine and look at the CTS website from 2008-2009 and compile a list of books that were part of the Year of St Paul, see below.)

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other books in the CTS Companions Series click here.

Books by J.B. Midgley:

Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 
...

Other books in the CTS Companions Series:
Companion to St. Joseph – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Mary – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Peter – J.B. Midgley
Companion to Saint Paul – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Angels – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord - J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord – J.B. Midgley
Companion to the Order of the Mass - Mgr Bruce Harbert
Companion to Reading the Old Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Reading the New Testament – Adrian Graffy
Companion to Praying with the Bible – Z. Mattam
New Companion to Advent & Christmastide - CTS
New Companion to Prayer - Celia Wolf-Devine
New Companion to Lent - CTS
...

CTS Year of St Paul Series 2008-2009:
Acts of the Apostles - Henry Wansbrough OSB (Introduction) - CTS Scriptures
Letters of Paul - Henry Wansbrough OSB (Introduction) - CTS Scriptures
Paul of Tarsus - Pope Benedict XVI
Rome A Pilgrim's Companion - David Baldwin
St Paul the Apostle - Fr Jerome Murphy-O'Connor OP,
The Gospel of Paul - Ronald Knox
The Holy Land A Pilgrim's Companion - David Baldwin
Thoughts on St Paul - Pope Benedict XVI
...








Thursday, 30 June 2022

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2022

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2022


It has been a very good first half of the year. Many great reads. I have read just over a book and a half a day. I read 110 books this quarter and 258 so far this year. Part of it is due to my youngest two children’s reading skills really growing and they read to/with me for 20 minutes four or five days a week. As well as this Lent I tried to read a different Stations of the Cross booklet each day. And have continued each Friday since Lent. In the spring of 2016, I worked through Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now (now available on ClaitasU). The year before that I removed all games from my phone and tablet and my reading had doubled. 

But back to this quarter. By the numbers:

Books Read: 110
First Time Reads: 86
Fiction: 31
Non-Fiction: 55
5/5 Stars: 74

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the second quarter of 2022.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:
3. Books by Benedict XVI
6. Books by Deacon Nick Donnelly

Bonus Books:
Books by J.B. Midgley
Top Ten Fiction Books:
1. Short Stories by Karina Fabian
2. unSPARKed Books by Corinna Turner
3. St. Tommy NYPD Books by Declan Finn
5. Paul McGrath Books by Andrew Grant 
8. Detective Cooper Devereaux Books by Andrew Grant

Bonus Books:

The first half of 2022 has been a great, and this was another excellent quarter for reading. A few new authors, some favorites. Books in old series, and the beginnings of some new series. Again this year, at least so far, I managed to write reviews for all books read for the only the third time.

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section. But if you want more options check out my favorite books year by year list.  



Relates Posts: 
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Reading Goals for 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2010

Top 10 Fiction Books 4th Quarter 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2010 - Recap

Top 10 Fiction Books 2010
Top 10 Picture Books of 2010
Top 10 Non-Fiction Books of 2010

Top 10 Graphic Novels for 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2011
 

Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals for 2011 Update
 
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2011 
Top Ten Fictions Books 4th Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals 2011 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2012

Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books  4th Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2013
Top 10 Books Second Half 2013
Top Ten Fiction Books 2013
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2013 
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2014
Top Ten Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2015
Top Ten Fiction Books 2015
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2015
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2016
Top Ten Non- Fiction Books 2016
Top Ten Fiction Books 2016
Top Ten Catholic Books
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2017
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2017
Top Ten Fiction Books 2017
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2018
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2018
Top Ten Fiction Books 2018
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2019
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2019
Top Ten Fiction Books 2019
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2020
365 - 2021
317 - 2020 
392 - 2019
359 - 2018
380 - 2017 
272 - 2016 
177 - 2015 
130 - 2014 
88 -  2013
176 - 2012 
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
98 - 2008
83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
60 - 2004
52 - 2003
97 - 2002
50 - 2001
41 - 2000
71 - 1999
73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996