Spirituality

We live in a technical society and we are used to thinking that everything that happens has an external cause, every movement an impetus from another force. The positivist psychologists have taught us that a child s soul is a tabula rasa, in which we will find only what other people will write there. 

The Great Cistercian Mystics is an in-depth analysis of the mystical theology of the major Cistercian mystics of the 12th century, Bernard of Clairvaux, William of Saint-Thierry, Guerric of Igny, Isaac of Stella, and Aelred of Rievaulx, as well as the continuators of Bernard's sermons on the Song of Songs. It also contains a survey of the Cistercian women mystics of the 13th century.

This volume is a careful exploration of Ignatius's own words and a methodology for exemplifying them through concrete spiritual experience. By hosting retreats for spiritual directors teaching Ignatian spirituality in their own communities, Fr. Tim is fulfilling the admonition of Paul to Timothy, "…and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." 

Following central chapters of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Sherwood's stories bring its teachings alive and give new meaning to its core messages. Referring directly to CCC sections, this book makes for inspiring reading and wonderful teaching material, highlighting concrete human experiences of Catholic life. An increasingly secular world has made humanity's search for God more challenging. But the basic message of this little book is that God also searches for humanity; that the eyes and ears of faith reveal manifestations of the Divine Presence. Parish priests are privileged to have a front-row seat to observe Divine Presence in action.

Voices of Christianity invites readers to explore the key documents that shaped the history of Christianity over the course of 2,000 years. Using liturgy, poetry, sermons, and more, the book introduces readers to key concepts, figures, and developments in this major world religion. The story of Christianity unfolds in analyses and readings that reveal the struggles, events, and achievements that contributed to its beliefs and practices.

The impetus for this book was a request from a group of Christian retreat directors who wanted to know what they could learn from Eastern spiritual traditions. Bruteau's response was a series of five easily accessible, nontechnical reflections on various aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism offered generally as interpretations of Christian practices or texts.

Pope Francis has revolutionized papal communications. Viganò, Prefect of the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communications, offers a fascinating analysis of the Pope’s powerful ways to connect.

In the West we have all but forgotten the Christians in the Middle East. This tender elegy paints the land of Jesus in new light. Taybeh's deep-rooted faith illuminates these stories of saints, olive trees, and the echos of war.

Its offers a substantive discussion of forgiveness as a human need, an act of will, and an experience anchored in relationship with the Divine. The freedom that comes with true forgiveness is a complex process that the author explores through scriptural reflections and an understanding of mandalas.

In this helpful and practical book, Jesuit Willi Pater Lambert rediscovers the Ignatian teachings about the art of communication.