Monday, 11 February 2019

Mary Mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Francesca Aran Murphy - CTS Deeper Christianity Series

Mary: 
Mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary
CTS Deeper Christianity Series
Francesca Aran Murphy
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860824227
eISBN 9781784693466
ASIN B073FMGTHK
CTS Booklet SP17


 I have now read over 50 books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society over the last year. I first discovered them by tracking down out of print books by Irish author Alice Curtayne. From there have jumped off and read numerous books in several series and have over 100 in my wish list of books to be read. I have read CTS books that have been out of print for over 100 years, and some published in the last few months. All the books I have read have been rated 4 or 5 stars out of 5. And this one is a very solid 5 stars!  This volume is the fourth I have read in the Deeper Christianity Series, and every time I prepare a review I stumble across another volume or 2 in this series. There are currently 20 in the series that I have found, 16 are in print, and 15 are available as eBooks.

 With each volume I finish in this series, I find that I am more eager to read the next. I have taken to alternating reading this series and another by CTS as a way of slowing down my progress a bit, least I devour the whole series and not get around to reviewing it. The specific chapters in this volume are:

 The Practice of Marian Devotion
Apparitions, Hymns and Feasts
The Theology of Marian Devotion
Mary & Christian Faith
Mary’s Intercession

 This volume is a little primer on Marian devotions. It is part history, part theology, and part prayers. Considering the length of this volume it packs a lot of useful information. I have read books five or six times the length of this that were not nearly as useful. This book is easily accessible. It is written at a high school reading level but could be read to youth. The ‘Further Reading’ section is an excellent resource, it breaks the recommendations into three sections:

 On the Rosary
On the Theology of Marian Devotion
Other Accessible Books Include

 Francesca Aran Murphy has 25 distinct works that I have been able to find and list, and yet this is the only one for the Catholic Truth Society. I loved the clarity and succinctness of the writing and will likely track down others by the author to read. And I know for a certainty that I will read all the books I can track down in the Deeper Christianity Series from the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books in the Deeper Christianity Series:
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit 
8 Deadly Sins Learning to Defend the Life of Grace 


The Catholic Truth Society - CTS Deeper Christianity Series




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Friday, 8 February 2019

Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological, and Sociological Foundations - W. Shawn McKnight

Understanding the Diaconate:
Historical, Theological, and Sociological Foundations
W. Shawn McKnight
David W. Fagerberg (Foreword)
Catholic University of America Press
ISBN 9780813230351
ASIN B07JKXHJT6
 

I have both a personal and academic interest in Diaconal studies. Over the last few years I have read a half dozen books about the Diaconate, I have started an not finished just as many, and still have that many in my to be read pile. And I must state, clearly, and definitively, that this is by far the most comprehensive book on the Deaconate that I have read to date. I read this book of three weeks, taking my time, and really digging into the material. I know it may seem odd, but I want to begin with two quotes from the conclusion:

“An inadequate role description for Latin-rite deacons hampers the effectiveness of their ministry. For the diaconate to become successful it must have a specialized ministry that is well-defined and important to the life and mission of the church. Deacons know they are called to serve as ordained ministers, and they have some concrete guidance regarding what they are allowed to do, but pastoral demands and a lack of clarity pull them in various directions. We should not assume that, because the ranks of permanent deacons have been growing and the pastoral need is great, the diaconate will simply flourish now that it has been restored. The original Golden Age of the deacon in the history of the church, as we have seen, occurred before the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire, before the church grew to its large present structure of dioceses and parishes.”

and

“For the diaconate to thrive, bishops, priests, the laity, and the deacons themselves must understand what deacons are called to do and whether a particular ministry is appropriate for the diaconate. The deacon’s role cannot be reduced to a simple set of tasks, whether charitable or liturgical. Such limitations of the deacon’s scope occurred after the Golden Age of the diaconate in the church’s history, and the result was the gradual diminishment of the diaconate to a mere stepping stone to the priesthood—the very situation that the Second Vatican Council sought to remedy by restoring a “permanent” diaconate. Instead, deacons need a focal understanding of their role that organizes many potential activities, encouraging some and discouraging others.”

As I was reading this volume, I had to reign myself in and slow down and process the material. It was hard to put the book down. It in part reads like an academic text, and in part like a spiritual manual. The textbook part is objective, honest, and critical. Critical in the sense of a true and complete look at the Diaconate in history, as it is today, and what it could grow to become. But the book is also infused with faith and hope. Hope that the diaconate can grow and flourish not just in numbers, but in substance, in fulfilling the role envisioned. And part of that growth will only come about because of books like this that flesh out what the role of deacons should be, what it should not be, and help to fill the knowledge gap in regard to both of those.

The focus in this book is the charism of the deacon. What it is meant to be. Bishop McKnight also examines what it often becomes. The emphasis is on the deacon as social intermediary. The bridge between clergy the people and bishops. And between the church and those in need.

Reading this book as someone who has been discerning the diaconate and put off applying because of family issues. This book provides encouragement, and clarification. It Is very academic, and yet remains accessible. The writing is such that you just want to keep reading. And in fact, I was greatly disappointed upon finishing it to not find any other book by Archbishop McKnight available to pursue. But that being said, I will likely return to this volume and reread it in another year or so.

I recommend this book to all deacons, to grow in your knowledge, understand, practice and charism of your ordination. For those discerning the diaconate I have not come across a better resource. For Bishops, priests, and other religious this book will be an excellent read, not just to highlight what deacons are called to be, but what they are not. And for the rest of the lay faithful it will give you a clear understanding of Deacons, Priests, and Bishops, their roles, their relationships to each other and their relationships to us. It is an excellent read and I give it a solid 5/5 stars recommendation.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

For all reviews and articles about the Diaconate click here.


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Thursday, 7 February 2019

Glastonbury: A Pilgrim's Companion - David Baldwin - CTS Christian Shrines Series

Glastonbury: A Pilgrim's Companion
CTS Christian Shrines Series
David Baldwin
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860828805
eISBN 9781784694074
ASIN B073H1RGPB
CTS Booklet D763


 This is now the fourth book in the CTS Christian Shrines Series that I have read. I have long had an interest in Pilgrimage. I have written about personal pilgrimage, and desire for pilgrimage previously. While in university doing a Religious Studies Degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought I would have loved to have had this book, other in this series, and many from the CTS catalogue. This book would have been a great resource for two specific courses: ‘Sacred Spaces’ and ‘Faith Quests’. What I love about this series and specifically this book, is learning about shrines that I am less familiar with. I love learning about the history, the devotion, and the prayers associated with Christian shrines. David has written many of the books in this series and this one is another great little read. The book is written to be a companion for visiting the shrine but can be read an enjoyed even if you never plan to make it to Glastonbury. The sections in this volume are:

 Foreword
Glastonbury
Setting the Scene
The Abbey
The Restored Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury
The Tor
Other Places of Interest

 For those who plan to visit Glastonbury the last chapter will be of specific interest. As this section contains 18 locations of interest associated with Glastonbury and in and about the surrounding region. But in the forward rhe Right Reverend Dom Charles Fitzgerald-Lombard states:

 “This welcome Pilgrim’s Companion is much more than a guide. The tenth in David Baldwin’s series on Christian Shrines, it manages to combine a poetic, almost mystical narrative, beautifully encapsulating the spirit of the place, with a minimum of tourists’ directives, ensuring that the pilgrim neither loses the way nor misses the point.”

 And that is in part of what is attracting me to this book and the series. The sense of mystical, the sense of divine and the captured spirit of Glastonbury and other sites explored through the series. Part of the description of this book is:

 “Glastonbury is the oldest Marian Shrine north of the Alps. It is a place of myth, mystique, legend, tradition and faith, which, for many reasons, has a high profile in Britain and abroad and to where many head, seeking truth. Arguably, after Walsingham, it is the second most prominent Marian shrine in England and Wales.”

 So give this book a try and either virtually or physically go on pilgrimage and immerse yourself in the history, prayers and legends of this shrine.

 The CTS Christian Shrines Series seems to have two main styles of books. Pilgrimage companions and books focusing on the message from the shrine. This book is from the second category. There are also numerous other books from CTS that could support your quest for knowledge on pilgrimages and Christian shrines. This was a great little read, and I look forward to exploring more in the Christian Shrines Series. And highly recommend this wonderful volume. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.
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Wednesday, 6 February 2019

The Mainland: It Has Begun - Sara Francis - Terra Testimonies Book 2

The Mainland: It Has Begun!
The Terra Testimonies Book 2
Sara Francis
ISBN 9780998993355
ASIN B07KSGNNDQ


 This book is written in very different style. It goes back and primarily through three alternating first person narratives gives us the back stories of a trio of siblings. In book one we found our about the isles, and about most of the earth being in ruins. In this book we find out how the world got there. Our narrators are Shane, Aymie, and Mark Hodgins, they have been separated since they were very young, and yet fate and circumstance has brought them together. This is their story. This story is very different that the first in the series. But it answers a lot of questions from the first volume and sets us up for where the story goes next.

 The world is starting to fall to pieces, and Mr. White has a plan. He has created the white school where children are being trained and learning to work as teams. They plan on rescuing as many other children as they can. But old friends appear to be becoming enemies and an enemy might be your greatest allay. When the world is being turned upside down it is hard to know who to trust. 

 I will admit there were a few times while reading this book, that with the jumping from story to story I almost put it down. But I am thankful I did not. And by the time I got to the end I was hungry for the next volume to find out where the story goes next. But what these three went through, and what they survived, you cannot help but find yourself cheering them on.

 This story could almost be a precursor to books like The Hunger Games, and Divergent. It could be the back story that set up those stories. The difference is this is not pure dystopian. This novel has an underlying current of faith. It is also subtle, one of the homes where children is taken in is run by nuns. At the White Home there is a priest who is a counselor and available to the residence for conversation and support. And even Mark comments that he has not accepted the believes that both his brother and sister started following. 

 This novel is backstory, in fact, it is the back story of the three Hodgins, and in some ways the backstory of an organization. An organization committed to saving humanity. It is a great read in what is proving to be an excellent series. 

 Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Sara Francis:
Stardust: A Collection of Poems
...

The Terra Testimonies Series:
The Isles: Is It All a Lie?
The Mainland: It Has Begun!
The Underground:
...

The Adventure of Wobot Series:
Wobot and the 3 Technicians
Wobot, the Gear, and Motion






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Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Christian Fasting Disciplining the Body, Awakening the Spirit - Sister Mary David Totah - CTS Deeper Christianity Series

Christian Fasting:
Disciplining the Body, Awakening the Spirit
CTS Deeper Christianity Series
Sister Mary David Totah
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860827723
eISBN 9781784692537
ASIN B071FD4YST
CTS Booklet SP34


I love the books and booklets that I have read from the Catholic Truth Society. I have read about 50 of these booklets over the last year, some out of print for over 100 years, and some just published in 2018. The books span a wide range of topics, from biographies, church teaching, lives of the popes, Christian living, and more. And there are several series. This book is part of the Deeper Christianity Series, and currently there are 16 tiles in print in this series, and this is the second that I have read from this series.

Fasting has been an area of interest to me for thirty years now. When I was a university student ai went to a conference with Campus Crusade for Christ over New years 1989, and the leader Bill Bright was challenging Christians, and Christian leaders to fast for the 40 days of Lent. From that point on I have been fascinated with Fasting from both the Spiritual and Physical benefits. One of the best books I have read on the subject was God's Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis. Written by a medical doctor and Christian.

This book was an interesting little read. I cannot say there was much new information for me, but it was a great refresher. Because of the size of this volume it is easily accessible and a great beginning for those considering this spiritual discipline. The chapters in the volume are:

The nature of Fasting
Fasting in Other Traditions
Fasting in the Old Testament
Fasting in the Teaching and Mystery of Christ
The Fast of the Church
Fasting and the Spiritual Life
The Friday Penance – Rediscovering Catholic Identity
The Value and Meaning of Fasting
Questions and Answers

Sister Mary David starts this book by stating:

“Fasting, in our days, has become one of the most neglected spiritual practices. Because of misunderstandings regarding the nature of fasting, Christians tend to fast very little, or disregard fasting altogether. Yet fasting was practised by Christ himself.”

She then proceeds to remind us of Jesus fast for 40 days in the desert, and of Jesus saying some spirits only come out by prayer and fasting. She also highlights Paul’s writings on the importance of fasting. In the section called ‘Physical and Spiritual Aspects’ she states:

“In the Church’s tradition, fasting is much more than a penance. Fasting for the Christian has two aspects: physical and spiritual, outward and inward. On the outward level, fasting involves physical abstinence from food and drink; yet rules about eating and drinking must never be treated as an end in themselves, for fasting has always an inward, spiritual purpose. Man is a unity of body and soul, and our fasting is a practice that involves both. So fasting will also include abstinence from evil thoughts, desires, and deeds.”

Overall Sister Mary Davis does a wonderful job in examining Fasting, in its historical context, compares it to other Christian traditions, Jewish customs, and even mentions non-Christian fasting practices. She highlights some of the church teaching on the topic, and changes to that teachings over the years. This is a well written little volume, that would be of benefit to any who read it and try and grow in knowledge and practice of this discipline. And I look forward to reading other books by Sister Mary David, and other volumes in the Deeper Christianity Series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books in the Deeper Christianity Series:
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit 
8 Deadly Sins Learning to Defend the Life of Grace 


The Catholic Truth Society - CTS Deeper Christianity Series


Other Books by Sister Mary David Totah:
A Divine Gift: The Consecrated Life
The Spirit of Solesmes
The Joy of God: Collected Writings 
…





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Monday, 4 February 2019

Remember Your Death Memento Mori A Lenten Devotional - Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP

Remember Your Death
Memento Mori: A Lenten Devotional
Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819865175
eISBN 9780819865182
ASIN B07N2XX9DW


As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to read it. Without knowing anything else other than the title. I did not know that this book grew out of a series of tweets. For Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSB put a ceramic skull on her desk and started tweeting about memento mori. And a movement was born. Memento Mori – Latin for ‘remember your death’ and her daily tweets gathered a large following. She wrote quotes and personal insights into the practice of remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Lent is a time of preparation, and the whole concept of memento mori is a preparation. And in this volume Sr. Theresa combines both.

Now I have read this book through from beginning to end, in order to write a fair review. I also know that I will read it this year during lent and it will likely be read many times in the years to come over lent. Lent is a time to remember Christ’s death and sacrifice for us. And for us to think on our own mortality. But this book is much more than just another Lenten devotional. Part of the description for this book states:

“Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal.”

And also:

“This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.”

It can be read at any time of the year, but it is tied to the liturgical readings during lent. The sections in the book are:

Remember Your Death—Change Your Life
Live Memento Mori
The Memento Mori Daily Examen

The Lenten Journey Begins
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday

First Week of Lent
Second Week of Lent
Third Week of Lent
Fourth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent
Holy Week Palm Sunday
Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday

For a total of 47 devotional readings. These readings draw from the bible, church documents, and the writings of saints. A Sample devotion from the fourth week is:


"Saturday:

READINGS: JER 11:18–20 / PS 7:2–3, 9BC–10, 11–12 / JN 7:40–53

“A division occurred in the crowd because of him.” —John 7:43

IN TODAY’S GOSPEL, THE PEOPLE cannot decide on Jesus’ true identity. Is he a prophet? Is he the Messiah? Is he a fake? The crowd is divided. Jesus disrupts—Truth always does. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the incisive, challenging effect that Jesus’ truth has on people: “the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (4:12). God’s Word is Jesus, and his identity cuts right to the heart. The Word of God pierces souls and penetrates both our minds and our hearts.

However, like the people in the crowd, when we are met with the person of Jesus we are divided. This division occurs in two ways. First, it happens interiorly. We want to believe in the words of Jesus and to follow him to new life. But we are divided because we also want to forget his troubling demands for change. Second, when we begin to choose to follow Christ, we experience great division exteriorly. Prioritizing the Gospel concretely in our lives in a healthy but also a radical way can cause other people who love us to respond negatively. Some oppose us because they hate religion. Others resent moving to second place in our lives. Still others are frightened or bitter because our conversion of life calls them to similar changes.

Following Jesus requires death. In the midst of interior and exterior division, we must be willing to die to many of our desires and expectations. The people we thought would remain by our side might disappear. And those we expected to leave immediately might remain. The most religious people in our lives may, surprisingly, resent our radical discipleship more than the less religious. People will surprise us in good ways and bad. But in the midst of the confusion, we can remain by Christ’s side, knowing that he will bring good from this dying to ourselves. As Saint Paul reminds us: “If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Rom 6:8). Everything in our being may resist dying with Jesus. Nevertheless, we can ask Jesus to open our hearts to listen to his voice. In the power of Jesus Christ, we can walk with him through the screaming interior and exterior voices to the Place of the Skull. The Son of God will lead us through death to new life and to powerful unity of heart.
Examen and Intercessory Prayer

Review your day (see the Memento Mori Daily Examen, p. 8).

Think of someone you know who opposes your discipleship. Pray a Hail Mary for this person and for all who resist the call of Jesus in their own lives and in their loved ones’ lives.

“Seeing, then, that all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us—death and life; and everyone will experience it. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each has its special character stamped upon it [so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not ready to die into his passion, his life is not in us. … I exhort you to learn to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. Do all then, imitating the same divine conduct, pay respect to one another … continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be united with your bishop, and those who preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.”
—Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Magnesians
Journaling and Prayer

Consider a time that you felt tempted to make a bad choice but through God’s grace you chose the good. Give thanks to God and ask him how you can make more choices like this in the future. Draw a symbol that represents the battle between life and death within your soul. Or write a prayer thanking Jesus for already winning the battle and ask him to help you to grow in trust."

As can be see from the above sample, this is a deep devotional. It will help you reflect, help you connect with the saints. And help to foster growth. It is an amazing volume that I highly recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP:
Remember Your Death: Memento Mori A Lenten Devotional
Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal
Memento Mori Prayers on the Last Things 
The Prodigal You Love
…



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Friday, 1 February 2019

Message of Guadalupe - Gillian Rae - CTS Christian Shrines Series

Message of Guadalupe 
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico, Mother of the Americans and Protectress of the Unborn Child
CTS Christian Shrines Series
Gillian Rae
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860820984
eISBN 9781784693701
ASIN B073GZZ2XK
CTS Booklet D652


First I need to state that I love the books I have read in the CTS Christian Shrines Series, this is the third book in as many weeks in this series I have read, and each has been excellent. I have known about Guadalupe for many year, but it has only been in the last few years that I have read more specifically on this apparition, Juan Diego, and pilgrimage there. And this book is a great introduction. And it gives a great overview of the background, and the present practice. The sections in this volume are:

 The Queen of Mexico
Aztecs and Conquistadors
Cortes in Mexico
Rebellion
Men of War and Men of God
Missionaries in Mexico
Our Lady and St Juan Diego
The Second Apparition
The Third Apparition
The Fourth Apparition
The Church is Built
The Immaculate Conception
Our Lady and the Mexican Identity
Church and State in New Spain
The Fight for Mexican Independence
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pope John Paul II in Mexico
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Image on the Tilma
The Symbolism of the Image
The Message of Our Lady to Mexico and to the World
Life Force
Prayer of Pope John II

 This book begins with these words:

 “Mexico has more public holidays than any other country in the world, but with the possible exceptions of Christmas and Easter, none is celebrated with more fervour than the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

 On 12th December each year, thousands of people gather in or in front of the beautiful basilica in a suburb of Mexico City which is dedicated to the patroness of Mexico. Masses are said, there are processions and displays, and rich and poor alike cross the vast concourse on their knees to seek the blessing of the Virgin.

 On this day, all over Mexico, even in the smallest villages, Mexicans honour Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

 This volume goes through the history prior to the appearance, and since. It gives a brief history of the original Church built in 1531, the first basilica in 1709, and the current basilica completed in 1976. Prior to reading this book, I was unaware that the shrine contains no other statues or images than the tilma of Juan Diego with the image of our lady upon it. From reading this book the site sounds amazing, with a mix of historical and modern building, the old repurposed. I can close my eyes and picture 20,000 people praying and attending a mass at this site.

This is another wonderful read in a great series. These little booklets inspire my faith and encourage me to pray more and in new ways. I may never visit this shrine, but it now holds a new place of importance in my heart. And as the most visited shrine in the Americas it is great to read this book just to grown in knowledge of faith, and the importance of this specific site both historically and still today.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Other Books in the CTS Christian Shrines Series:
Message of Assisi
Message of Fatima
Message of Guadalupe
Message of Walsingham
Santiago: Santiago de Compostela - The Pilgrim Way of St James

Pilgrim’s Companions:
Why Pilgrimage?
Fatima - A Pilgrim's Companion
Glastonbury - A Pilgrim's Companion
Holy Land - A Pilgrim's Companion
Lisieux - A Pilgrim's Companion
Poland: A Pilgrim's Companion
Rome - A Pilgrim's Companion






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