Thursday, 23 April 2020

Product Review Rosary Pouch - Coin Purse from a&k Designs

Rosary Pouch - Coin Purse
a&k Designs
  

I absolutely love my new Rosary pouches. In fact, I love them so much I have ordered three different times and given half of them away. My wife already had a number of products from this company. Many for personal use and that she has given away as gifts. We have small pounces in the car to organize the console bin. My wife has a few small pouches in her purse to help organize and find stuff easier.

The company is run locally by two sisters. One of the two was my oldest daughter’s confirmation sponsor. I asked her about Rosary pouches and had my first 4 within days. The first set had 2 with side zippers and 2 with top zippers. I fell in love with the side zipper pouches. When I am not at home, I have 2 of these on me, one to hold my coins, and the other a rosary. With them being double layered they hold up well. In the picture below the blue camo, top left, has been in my pocket daily for almost a year with a heavy Rosary in it. The pouch is a little rumpled, but the Rosary is protected, as is my pocket.


I have ordered some extras and given them away to priests I know. They are the best Rosary pouches I have ever had. And their other products are just as good.

We have three of the small rectangular pouches in the car. One has gum, one has candy and breath mints, and the third has tools (tweezers, scissors, nail clippers, …). And each is a different patter so it is easy to grab the pouch with what you want and need.

If you are looking for a Rosary Pouch please reach out to them. If your life could use a little more organization They have a wide range of products in a mix of fun, funky and fantastic patterns.  I give these products top marks. To be honest when my wife first started bringing them home, I thought why do we need all of these, I was mistaken. They have helped our whole family. And each child has their own Rosary pouch now also.

Great products from great people.

Contact Info:
a&k Designs Facebook
a&k Designs Instagram
a&k Designs Etsy




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Wednesday, 22 April 2020

Three Little Pigs - Alex Smith - DCI Kett Book 3.0

Three Little Pigs
DCI Kett Crime Thrillers Book 3.0
Zertex Crime
ISBN 9781912767199
ASIN B082YF34DG


 First if you have been fallowing the sage of DCI Kett this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will enjoy this novel also. This is the fourth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books. And to be honest if you enjoy this one you need to check out that series also. This book is the closest to that series in that it is farm more action and thriller than mystery. For this story is almost non-stop action from beginning to the end. And you will be on the edge of your seat. 

 I have stated before that each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. This time Kett is close to finding his kidnapped wife. And the closer he gets the more he is warned to let it go. Even in her own handwriting. But he can’t let it go. He can’t let her go, especially since he knows he is close to finding her and figuring out the mystery of the Pig man.

 This book and this series is definitely not for all readers. It is dark and gritty and very intense. It is a great thriller. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had this new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is always something extra appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. The first short story is available for free on his site, if you are uncertain but I will warn you the stories are very addictive. 

 Kett is back in London and getting closer by the minute. But the forces he is up against. And the foes he is facing will surprise even him. After another officer is murdered it is a race against time. Kett is determined to get his wife back no matter the cost to his career, his health and maybe even his sanity. 

 But to find out if he gets her back, or even if he survives you will need to read this gripping crime drama yourself. It is a great read it what has shaped up to be a very intense addictive series. And if you enjoy it you really need to check out The Harder They Fall, the first book in his other series.

 When younger, I went through a phase of reading mostly mysteries. A lot of books by Andrew M. Greeley, Tom Clancy, and Robert B. Parker. And DCI Kett is a great character in the genre. Up until last year I had not read much in the mystery or crime genres for over 25 years. But last year I read a lot of crime and mystery books. I read all the books available by Maureen Jennings, the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child, and the Hunt for Reacher series by Diane Capri. I said it before and I stand by it, I really believe that the writing in this story kept up with them all. It is a great fourth story in a series. 

Mystery Books as Alex Smith:

Softley Softley Series:
2.0 Hard Luck House
...

DCI Kett Series:
0.5 Cry Baby
2.0 Bad Dog
3.0 Three Little Pigs

Books By Alexander Gordon Smith:
Escape from Furnace:
Lockdown
Solitary
Death Sentence
Fugitives 
Execution
Execution Epilogue - Short Story
The Night Children - Short Story

Fury Series:
The Fury
The Storm

The Inventors:
The Inventors
The Inventors And The City of Stolen Souls

Non-Fiction:
1001 Questions and Answers
Inspired Creative Writing: 52 Brilliant Ideas from the Master Wordsmiths
The Solar System
Family QuizWriting Bestselling Children's Books: 52 Brilliant Ideas for Inspiring Young Readers





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Tuesday, 21 April 2020

The Passion of St. Edward, King and Martyr - Goscelin of Saint-Bertin and Eric Sammons and Ryan Grant

The Passion of St. Edward, King and Martyr
Goscelin of Saint-Bertin
Ryan Grant (Translator)
Eric Sammons (Introduction)
Saragossa Press
ISBN 9780692818763
ASIN B0861N65S4
 

This is really two books in one. For in introduction by Eric Sammons makes up 40% of the volume. And though it is not a large book it is well worth the time and effort to read. I have encountered this saint a few times lately in reading about this saint. Both in a fictional retelling of his life, and in a book on Martyrs of England and Wales. Eric at the beginning of the introduction states:

“The Passion of St. Edward, King and Martyr tells the story of a young king of England killed under scandalous circumstances in the 10th century. The protagonist, St. Edward the Martyr, is an obscure figure today, often confused with St. Edward the Confessor, a more well-known English King and Saint who lived and reigned a century later, or with St. Edmund the Martyr, a King of East Anglia who lived and reigned a century earlier and was England’s original patron saint. Yet in the years following his death, devotion to St. Edward the Martyr was widespread in England, and many miracles were attributed to his intercession.”

He also informs us that:

“Even before ascending to the throne, Edward was known as a pious young man and was popular among the people. Once he became king, he was generous to the poor, promoted the Christian Faith, and supported Dunstan’s monastic reforms.

Unfortunately, soon after Edward’s accession, hopes that he would have a peaceful reign like his father Edgar were quickly dashed. Many prominent men, led by the nobleman Elfhere, coveted the lands controlled by the monasteries and attacked these Christian centers in order to endow themselves with more land and resources. The “white clergy”—those married clergymen who had been expelled from the monasteries previously—conspired to return to their old dwellings. At the same time, England was struck by a famine.”

We are informed that Edward is often remembered for his tragic death and the miracles that came afterwards. What this volume reminds us of is his life prior to that event. And the extensive cult around him after his death. A cult that survive the extensive persecution of Catholic in England.

This volume is the first translation into English from the original Latin. Ryan Grant has done a masterful job. The story comes to life. Once you start reading it you will not want to put it down. Sammons introduction sets us up setting the stage of the history and life and times of this saint.

This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. I have thoroughly enjoyed anything from Sammons I have read. And I know I will be tracking down other works translated by Grant. This is a volume I would recommend to any Catholic and believe they will be blessed by the reading of it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Eric Sammons:
Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva
Who Is Jesus the Christ?: Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew
The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did
Be Watchful: Resist the Adversary, Firm in Your Faith
The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion
Bitcoin Basics: 101 Questions and Answers
…

Fiction:
The Profession
Shard of Eden 
…

Contributed to:
Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue
The Passion of St. Edward, King and Martyr
…


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Monday, 20 April 2020

Ignatius of Loyola - J.A. Philips SJ - CTS Great Saints

Ignatius of Loyola 
CTS Great Saints
J.A. Philips SJ
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 978860823671
eISBN 9781784692971
ASIN B071WFQFMM
CTS Booklet B687


 Over the last few years I have read and reviewed over 100 books from the Catholic Truth Society. There have been many excellent reads, both standalone and from series. And I love the biographies that are broken down into serveral sub-series. I have several series on the go from the Catholic Truth Society. First this series the CTS Great Saints Series. I have also read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved almost all of them. Lately I have been focused more on this series, and a couple of others, almost alternating books in each series, and still have over a dozen in this series I want to read.  On top of finishing all the books written by Midgley. This volume was published in in 1946 and then rereleased in 2006 and the eBook edition was released in 2017. I can easily that this is a great book an amazing series! 

 The description of the book is:

 “This classic biography, first published in June 1946, was reissued to mark the 450th anniversary of the death of St Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. Fr Phillips presents Ignatius life in vivid terms that demonstrate its heroism and variety. This is the story of the striking journey Ignatius made in exchanging the pursuit of worldly pleasure and power for spiritual combat, thus becoming one of the most intriguing true contemplatives in action.”

And the chapters in the volume are:

 The Standard of Christ
From Loyola to Montserrat
Years of Preparation
Companions of Jesus
Workers in the Vineyard

 I have read much on both Ignatius and the Jesuits over the years. In fact 12 years ago I wrote an essay entitled ‘Why The Jesuits?’ And to be honest the vitriol directed towards the Jesuits since then, especially during the pontificate of Pope Francis. It seems that both within the church and without people either typically love or hate the Society of Jesus. And this book goes into some of that. 

 I myself am not a Jesuit fan boy. But I do appreciate their rich history of service. My son has decided that he wants to take Ignatius as his confirmation name and patron. We read Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God by Donna Giaimo and Patricia Edward Jablonski part of the Encounter the Saints Book 8. After reading this book, I plan to reread it with him.

 It is an excellent read. I was not able to find any other books by Rev. J.A. Phillips SJ. And no matter what your opinion of the Jesuits you owe it to yourself to give this book a read, to find out about the beginnings. And this truly holy man of God. And of the holy men who gathered around him and followed him over time.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

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
Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Patrick Missionary to the Irish - Thomas O’Loughlin 

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Saturday, 18 April 2020

How Saints are Canonised - Christopher Keeffe

How Saints are Canonised
Christopher Keeffe
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860824999
CTS Booklet Do781


 Over the last few years I have read over 100 books from the Catholic Truth society. I have read many in the Great Saints Series. I have in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. This book fits perfectly with those three series I have been reading. Not only does this book help us understand the process of ‘making saints’. It gives us the historical changes and traditions around the process back to the early church. This book sis an excellent resource for anyone with an interest in saints modern or ancient. It is a concise volume, but it does pack a lot of information.

 The description of this book is:

 “Through Baptism, all Christians are called to be saints, and yet there are also 'saints' who are 'canonised' by the Church. This booklet gives an overview of the history and process of beautification and canonisation in the Catholic Church - a process which has changed as the Church has developed; from the early Christians, through the Middle Ages, and up to modern times. It also explains what the Bible teaches about the saints and our prayers to them and the place of miracles in the life of the Church. The reforms of John Paul II (1983) and consolidations of Benedict XVI (2008)mare included thus making the booklet as up-to-date as possible.”

 The chapters in this little volume are:

 Introduction
Beatification and canonisation in the early Church
Beatification and canonisation 313-1643
Beatification and canonisation 1640s-1930s
Modern Times 1900-1983
Reforms of Pope John Paul II
The Modern process: post 1983
Reforms of Pope Benedict XVI
The enduring need for miracles
Who are saints and why do we pray to them?
Bibliography

 In the introduction we are told:

 “All saints are held out as being worthy of veneration and imitation by Christians.Those who have been beatified are also examples of the Christian life. However, it is only human to be attracted to particular saints or blessed. The Great diversity of people that Pope John Paul II raised to the Altars (from simple people such as Mother Theresa, to others such as Blessed Charles, Emperor of Austria) is truly surprising.”

 That is one of the things I love about reading CTS biographies of saints, no matter what series they are part of. In encountering many saints and blessed from around the world, all statuses in life and all regions. I find that I do have an affinity for certain saints. And some I start a devotion to, and it just does not stock or work. Others I pray to daily for years and years. And the great thing is that many of the saints and blessed mentioned in this book have biographies or books about them from the Catholic Truth Society. 

 In fact, that was really the only thing missing from this book, a list of CTS volumes corresponding to the saints mentioned. But if you do some searching you will find most of them. 

 It does not matter if you do not understand the cult of a specific saint, or even devotion to saints at all. This book will give you an insight and understanding into the history, practice and modern process of someone moving through the stages from ‘Servant of God’, ‘Beatified’, and to ‘Canonised’. 

 This is a little gem of a book. Great from the Catholic home, school, or parish. It is very well written. Unfortunately, I cannot find anything else from Christopher Keeffe. Another excellent read from the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.
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Friday, 17 April 2020

Black Ice - Val James

Black Ice The Val James Story
Valmore James and John Gallagher
ECW Press
ISBN 9781770412019
eISBN 9781770906570
ASIN B00OKZ0MJ0


I do not recall either of Val’s stints in the NHL. Growing up I was a Habs fan and my grandfather cheered for the Leaf’s and my father Chicago. And back then you got the games on CBC or listened in French. I spent about a half hour with Val in his current life. He was so outgoing and engaging I tracked down the book to read and review.

I am very thankful to have read this book. When I was in university, I had a black roommate who played football. He shared a few of his Father’s stories from the same era when Val played hockey. The book is often raw, at times emotional and very honest. Val captures his life in sports. He captures the racism he encountered. And he captured the lasting impact, some of which was only released by writing this book.

Over the years I have read biographies of several hockey players, and some pro wrestlers. Including Tie Domi, Wendel Clark, Kelly Hrudey and more, and none of them were as intense of this story. Val writes about the victories, the failures and the constant change. He played in 7 leagues and for 11 teams over 16 seasons. He was drafted 184 in round 16 of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft. His two stints in the NHl were in the 1981-82 season for the Buffalo sabres and the 1986-1987 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. For the leagues with states he racked up 1371 regular season penalty minutes and 296 playoff minutes. He was the first American born black NHL player and the first black player to dress for the Maple Leafs. He was the first in a lot of leagues and towns he played in.

One of the greatest sections in this volume is towards the end where numerous people share their impressions, experience and memories of Val on and off the ice. The testimonies from players, coaches, refs and even opponents speak to the character of the man.

Val would never take advantage of an opponent once they were down, no sucker punches, no dirty stick work. But if you used racial slurs or went after his teammates you would pay a heavy price. There are two different stories of him ripping out the divider between penalty boxes to finish the fight.

I picked up this book to read after meeting Val. He is one of the most joyful and encouraging people I have ever met. It was fantastic to spend a brief amount of time with him. My son who is twelve was interested in reading this after me. But It is not appropriate for his age. There are a few trysts recalled that I just do not want my son reading.

But it is a fascinating read. And I am thankful to have encountered the man and to have read the book.




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Thursday, 16 April 2020

Novena to St Gemma Galgani - April 17th to 25th 2020

Novena to St Gemma Galgani

17th -25th April 2020

St Gemma, beloved handmaid of God, witness to light and daughter of the passion of Christ, intercede for the Church and for all souls in these times, that the light of Christ may shine out upon the world so the darkness may never overcome us.

Pray that the sacrifice of Jesus upon the Cross may be a safeguard for us and the means of our transformation in grace. Be our advocate and help in our daily trials and temptations and guide us along the path of holiness and peace to rejoice in the presence of God so that we too may make Him known through our lives.

Watch over and assist those serving in the ministry of deliverance and those they seek to help; be their champion and intercessor and assure them of your presence and prayers.

Remember most especially those who are far from God. Pray for them and their needs so they may come to know Christ and His love for them and that, one day, they too may delight in being children of God and seek to serve Him with all their hearts.

In particular, I ask that you may obtain from God the grace of ________________________.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.
Saint Gemma, Pray for us.


 Note: Father John S. Hogan posted about Saint Gemma on her feast day, April 11th. The post reminded me of a book I had read and reviewed, Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ by John Paul Kirkham. Fr Hogan's posts about Gemma generated a lot of conversation and responses. Most were good, a few very anti-Catholic. So he decided to start this novena. Please join us in praying this noveva. 


 If you are interested a different Novena to Gemma is available here. Since I read the book about Saint Gemma I have been praying this prayer from Pope John Paul II:

 O Father, we ask you to establish Your dwelling in those who love you with a heart pure and simple, that through the example and the intercession of St Gemma, we may live the pure Gospel and the mystery of a love crucified, to be the living image of your Son. He who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

St Gemma Galgani pray for us.

 And I encourage you to read more by and about this amazing saint. Father Hogan states:

 "Apart from mystical sufferings & physical ailments, St Gemma endured emotional trials. Her mother’s death in 1886 & most devastatingly, the death of her favourite brother Gino, a seminarian, in 1894, at the age of 18: Gemma fell seriously ill after that."

#NovenatoStGemma2020


 Some of the Gemma Galagani tweets that started this link 1, link2, link 3.

Books by and about Saint Gemma Galgani:
The Autobiography of Gemma Galgani: The Book the Devil Tried to Burn - Gemma Galgani
The Autobiography and Diary of St Gemma with Novena and Prayers in Honor of the Saint - Edited by Glenn Dallaire
Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ - John Paul Kirkham - CTS Great Saints
The Life of St. Gemma Galgani - Ven. Fr. Germanus Of St. Stanislaus
The Saint Gemma Galgani Collection - Saint Gemma Galgani
...
...

Books by John S. Hogan:
Edmund Arrowsmith (Saints of the Isles)
A Book of Martyrs: Devotions to the Martyrs of England, Scotland and Wales
Devotions to St Thomas Becket
…

Books in the Living Fruitfully Series:
Self-Control - Fr John S. Hogan
Generosity - Fr John S. Hogan
…

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