Ipinapakita ang mga post na may etiketa na Book Reviews. Ipakita ang lahat ng mga post
Ipinapakita ang mga post na may etiketa na Book Reviews. Ipakita ang lahat ng mga post
Lunes, Mayo 28, 2007
Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To

Today I have finally completed Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To by Anthony DeStefano, the author of A Travel Guide to Heaven. Honestly, I was initially apprehensive about reading this book because I thought it would be another book by a Protestant televangelist trying to tell everyone "Jesus is Lord. Believe and be saved for all your prayers to be answered." Thankfully, the book Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To is nothing like that.

Each chapter focuses on a separate prayer that God always says "yes" to. Importantly, the author also states that prayer is not magic - God will answer these prayers only if they come from the heart. The prayers covered a wide-range of topics from money and suffering to our destiny.

The Ten Prayers:

1) God, show me that you exist
2) God, make me an instrument
3) God, outdue me in generosity
4) God, get me through this suffering
5) God, forgive me
6) God, give me peace
7) God, give me courage
8) God, give me wisdom
9) God, bring good out of this bad situation
10) God, lead me to my destiny

In the book, Anthony DeStefano writes in a very simple, understandable manner and utilizes anecdotes and real-life examples. As someone that prefers theologically and philosophically complicated books, I actually found the book too simple at times. However, this book is certainly written perfectly for the average person seeking to reach God through prayer when it seems that hundreds of other prayers have gone unanswered. In addition, DeStafano incorporates hundreds of scriptural footnotes for those readers seeking to further find God through the words of Holy Scripture. One thing I also enjoyed about the book was DeStafano not only refers to Jesus as the Son of God but also as the second person of the Trinity. Such references help dispel the heresy that Jesus Christ is not divine.

Below is a short summary of a few of the prayers. Read the entire book for much more information on each of the prayers. This book is published by Double Day Publishing.

Peace:

DeStafano cites one of the most common references to peace in the Bible. From Jesus Christ: "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). One of my favorite parts of the book is the profound image of the Resurrection. Jesus Christ, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, took flesh to die. He suffered unimaginable pains and tortures before being condemned to death. And when Our Lord rose again in glorious splendor, He took a moment of time to roll up the burial clothes and pleace them neatly on the side. DeStafano's incorporation of this image of our peaceful Lord after His brutal Crucifixion is incredibly profound when the reader understands the pains Our Lord previously endured.

As stated by the author on page 100, "Deliberate sin, by definition excludes peace." We must seek peace only through seeking to live in union with God without sin. This prayer is not necessarily instant like some of the other ones mentioned previously because the response from God depends the state of our souls. Changing our lives into one that is peace-filled can often involve an unpeaceful journey. However, as Christ said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." As the author brillantly states, "Definition of true peace is union with God" (108).

Courage:

Courage is not just used to combat our fears. As defined on page 117, "Courage is the cornerstone and linchpin of the entire moral order." Statements like "Fear not" or "Do not be afraid" appear 144 times in Sacred Scripture. A couragous person is a person willing to sacrifice himself for something greater.

Wisdom:

Wisdom, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, is the ability to see the world from God's perspective. God is even identified with wisdom in Proverbs 2:6, 8:12. Another profound statement by DeStafano was when he writes, "When you ask God for wisdom, you are essentially asking him to give you the gift of Himself." But, the author also appropriately discusses that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Note: Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To has an Imprimatur from Bishop John Yanta of Amarillo, Texas

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sa Mayo 28, 2007 5 comment(s)
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Sabado, Abril 14, 2007
Transfiguration by Fr. John Dear

Two days ago I started reading "Transfiguration" by Fr. John Dear, published by Double Day in 2007. After completing 20% of the book, I had to put it down. I was excited to read the book because in the first few pages, Fr. Dear describes the Transfiguration of Jesus and his experience with visiting Mt. Tabor, the place where the Transfiguration took place. Unfortunately, the book hit rock bottom after this point.

After reading 55 pages and scanning the remaining parts of the book, Fr. Dear is concerned only about anti-war messages and social work. The entire book is meant to the peace movement, elimination of nuclear weapons, end of the death penalty, protection of the environment, etc. He wants the Just War Theory removed from Church teaching. Fr. Dear makes no mention of the need to receive the Sacraments. He seems so concerned with the world that he is neglecting the purpose of the priesthood - saving immortal souls!

I decided to find more information, so I visited Fr. John Dear's website. And what did I find? I found pictures of a man dressed in laypeople's clothing. Yes, Fr. John Dear is one of the Catholic priests that doesn't teach the Catechism well or dress like a priest with a Roman Collar. I was even more disappointed. In fact, anti-war was the only message I saw on his website. I saw nothing about the need for Confession, Eucharist, Mass, etc. While Jesus certainly did preach peace (Matthew 26:52), Our Lord still used the rope to drive thieves from the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17). I politely suggest that Fr. John Dear needs to read that part of the Gospel again.

Concerning the book, I did enjoy some parts like his inclusion of Mother Teresa and her total dependence on God. Unfortunately, there were some parts that I did not like at all. For example, on page 11 it states, "Through contemplative prayer, Gospel study, and shared community, we can learn to walk with [Jesus]..." There is no mention of the Sacraments, the Mass, the Rosary, or anything genuinely Catholic. Furthermore, page 19 states, "Jesus was determined not to play God, but to be as human, as real, as possible". Jesus Christ is God! Fr. Dear is very wrong and appears close to blasphemy with that statement. And finally, Fr. Dear writes, "Jesus would dedicate His life to justice for the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, the oppressed and the homeless..." (Page 21). Again, wrong - Jesus dedicated His life to saving our immortal souls by dying on the Cross. While He did heal and preach, His mission was to die for our salvation.

If you want a book on the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mt. Tabor, this is not your book. If you want a book about the Transfiguration and how it promotes a radical message on total pacifism from a priest that can't even wear a Roman collar, this is the book.

I do not recommend this book.
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sa Abril 14, 2007 18 comment(s)
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Miyerkules, Abril 11, 2007
The Joy of the Priesthood

Although I have not yet read this book, I was interested if anyone else has read the book. I have already read several reviews of this book, which highly praise it.

Written by Fr. Stephen Rossetti, the book is highly appropriate because he has been the president of the St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, MD, which is a residential program for treating clergy and religious men and women suffering from mental problems. In an era when consecrated life is highly frowned upon, Fr. Rossetti clearly has seen some of the lowest points in the lives of consecrated men and women. However, Fr. Rossetti offers this book with practical advice for priests on how to spread the Truth of Jesus Christ. It is a means of offering hope to priest. In addition, Catholics are able to understand the challenges and joys of priestly life through this book.

In a positive note, of the 368 residents of the St. Luke Institute treated between 1985-2004, over 95% have not relapsed.
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sa Abril 11, 2007 1 comment(s)
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Linggo, Abril 8, 2007
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ


Last night I finally finished my Lenten reading, "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" according to the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. The pain and torture inflicted upon Our Lord in this book were more graphically described than in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". Yet, this book was the perfect Lenten reading. The private revelation of Blessed Emmerich is approved as authentic by the Holy Catholic Church.

I read most of it on Good Friday and the account of the Resurrection on Holy Saturday. It is one of the most spiritually edifying books that I have ever read. I recommend it that everyone reads this book during Lent. It certainly deserves a 10/10. Below are a few comments that I have written on it before:
"The account I just finished reading of the Last Supper was so poignant and incredibly detailed. I did not know that the Supper Room of Jesus at one time housed the Ark of the New Covenant! Plus, the home was set up so that in the most inner part, Jesus and the 12 disciples ate the Last Supper, while being separated from the other areas by a veil. It is symbolic of the Temple veil! And, the Holy Grail was originally owned by Abraham and even used by Melchizedek!"
I strongly am suggesting this book should be read during Lent. If you don't or can't get a physical copy, you can read The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ online. If you want to order one, I recommend the Tan Books version.


Private Revelation
Like all private revelation since the time of the Bible, these visions and promises do not have to be believed by anyone. The Church, in her authority, declares them worthy of belief, but a Catholic does not have to believe them in order to remain a Catholic.

Pope Benedict XV in 1903 said: "The approbation of such revelations implies nothing more than, after mature examination, it is permissible to publish them for the unit of the faithful. Though they don't merit the same credence as the truths of religion, one can, however, believe them out of human faith, conforming to the rules of prudence by which they are probable, and supported by sufficient motives that one might believe in them piously."
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sa Abril 08, 2007 6 comment(s)
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Linggo, Enero 28, 2007
Book Recommendations for Lent


With Lent only three weeks away, it's time to start thinking about Lent. Not only should we fast, abstain, and give up something during Lent, but also we should do spiritual reading. The Rule of St. Benedict stipulated that monks must read one spiritual book during Lent. We could find great benefit in imitating their example.

'"A willow tree,' says Pope St. Gregory the Great, 'bears no fruit, but by supporting as it does the vine together with its grapes, it makes these its own by supporting what is not its own.' In like manner, he who warmly recommends a book calculated to do much good makes his own all the good that is done by the book" (Father Michael Mueller in The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass)

Here are some Lenten Book Recommendations:
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sa Enero 28, 2007 3 comment(s)
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Miyerkules, Disyembre 27, 2006
Review: Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace

I have just read and greating enjoyed "Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace: My Spiritual Journey in Opus Dei" by Scott Hahn, which is about Opus Dei. Opus Dei is currently the only personal prelate of the Church. Opus Dei's spiritual foundation is divine filiation, the theological term is based off of 1 John 3:2 meaning "We are God's children". Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is also God Himself. Yet, through divine filiation we have a share in His sonship. We share not an eternal sonship like Jesus but rather one created by the grace of God through our baptism.

Page 17 states the central concept very well: "This seems paradoxical: the finite contains the infinite. But it is God Himself who made this possible, by assuming human flesh in Jesus Christ. In doing so, He humanized His divinity, but He also divinized humanity, and thus sanctified - made holy - everything that fills up a human life: friendship, meals, family, travel, study, and work."

Thus, Opus Dei is about the sanctification of all aspects of our daily lives. Through a deep prayer like that includes the Mass, Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, etc along with doing all things in great love, we grow closer to God. For Jesus taught us an example to follow, and we should realize that He too worked continuously to proclaim the Gospel. Work is something that can be made holy.

This book is highly recommended to those interested in Opus Dei.  I have read both positive and negative things on Opus Dei. Please do not base all of your opinions about the organization solely on this book. Several books concerning Opus Dei have already been added to the comment box below by readers. I suggest reading other books on the subject before coming to a conclusion on the organziation.

Note: This book has a Nihil Obstat by Reverend Michael F. Hull, STD, Censor Librorum. It has an Imprimatur by Most Reverend Robert A. Brucato.

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sa Disyembre 27, 2006 4 comment(s)
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Huwebes, Disyembre 21, 2006
Book Review: Let God's Light Shine Forth

I was recently sent a copy of "Let God's Light Shine Forth" edited by Robert Moynihan. I was proud to again review a book for Double Day Publishing. This book, however, I had already read back in March 2006. However, I want to finally write a review on the book.

Above all, it was a very good book that was based on Pope Benedict's words. Chapter II composed nearly all of the book and was separated in various areas with subheadings like "Faith" and "Morality". The editor of this book wanted Pope Benedict XVI's words to speak for himself, so all of those pages in Chapter II were the Holy Father's words from his books, homilies, speeches, and letters. I found the book highly informative and saved several intriguing passages on my computer to share them on my blog eventually. It is a great collection of quotations by the Holy Father.

Read an excerpt

Overall, I rank this one 3.5/5.0
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sa Disyembre 21, 2006 0 comment(s)
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Lunes, Oktubre 30, 2006
Saints Behaving Badly Book Review


I have just finished reading Saints Behaving Badly: The Cutthroats, Crooks, Trollops, Con Men, and Devil-Worshippers Who Became Saints by Thomas J. Craughwell. The book was sent to me a few weeks before its release as a galley in order for me to review for Double Day Publishing. I have been extraordinarily busy these past few months, so I have finally just finished the book.

When I did have a chance to read the book, it went very quickly. I overall enjoyed the book. Each chapter was on a different saint, and the book went into great detail on the saint's sinful life before his/her conversion. It illustrates true accounts of the power of conversion over the centuries. The only thing I would have liked to see better in the book was a basic definition of a saint. A saint is someone that is now in Heaven, and I would have liked that to be more clearly stated.

So, if you'd like to learn more about the sinful lives of saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick, Venerable Matt Talbot, St. Olga, St. Christopher, and many others before their conversions, this is your book! I have to admit that it was a good read and overall a very good book.
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sa Oktubre 30, 2006 8 comment(s)
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Linggo, Oktubre 15, 2006
The Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco

I have just recently joined the Yahoo Group: Catholic Book Subscriptions. We have just started to read "The Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco". Every few days another segment is sent out, so it is very easy to keep up with the reading. We are now on part three, and I am absolutely loving it.

This book is a collection of forty of Saint John Bosco's dreams. Each entry is several pages long captures in vivid detail the experience of this saint as he dreamt. These entries demonstrate the remarkable insight that John Bosco had into the depths of his own soul and the souls of those around him. He often used these striking personal and prophetic dreams to instruct and guide his students and colleagues. It is as if he could read the consciences of others through his dreams. This book gives the reader a glimpse into the life of a truly remarkable man.

Read it here!
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sa Oktubre 15, 2006 3 comment(s)
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Linggo, Oktubre 8, 2006
The Catholic Home - Updated Edition

I was privileged to be able to review "The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions for Holidays, Feast Days, and Every Day" by Meredith Gould. This updated edition is certainly a book that will exist as a source of information for decades to come. Not only does Gould include traditional, liturgical traditions from other countries, it includes craft ideas and brilliant recipes.

While I do not agree with all of the suggestions in the book, - for example, supporting UNICEF- I do agree with many of them. And, I do believe that some Gould's suggestions are excellent ways to allow the Faith to foster in the Family - the "Domestic Church".

Update: The Curt Jester points out several errors in the view of the Sacraments in this book. I forgot to write about the section on the Sacraments, so here is my review on that portion. I would ask future readers to be very cautious with reading this book when the author talks about the Sacraments. I also would like to point out I disagreed with the author's words on page xxii: "Does anyone really want to go back to fiddling with rosary beads and staring at the back of the priest's vestments while he inaudibly mutters in Latin?" I, for one, would love to attend more Masses in Latin, and I prefer the ad orientum posture, where the priest usually faced away from the congregation. Gould seems to be anti-Tradition in this regard.

I can only recommend the first section of the book on the traditions in the Liturgical year. I honestly, after reading the Curt Jester's post and thinking on the matter, can't support the opinions of the author in the section on the Sacraments at all. There are too many theological errors.

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sa Oktubre 08, 2006 4 comment(s)
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Miyerkules, Hulyo 5, 2006
Catholic Book Recommendations

 

Protestants, please read the letter written by His Holiness Pope Pius IX, to all Protestants and other Non-Catholics at the convocation of the Vatican Council, September 13, 1868: "With all our hearts we await the return of wandering children [i.e. Protestants] to the Catholic Church with open arms, to welcome them with infinite love in the house of the Heavenly Father and to be able to enrich them with His inexhaustible treasures. Precisely on this much-desired return to truth and communion with the Catholic Church depends...the salvation of each of them." 

If you are seeking conversion to Catholicism, I offer the following resources for you to learn more about Catholicism. In addition, view the posts in my sidebar under the title "Catholic Categories", specifically look through my Apologetic Posts.

Online Resources:
The Best Books on the Spiritual Life
    Catechism:
    Authority of the Church:
    Fasting:
    Miscellaneous:
    Mass and Liturgy and Liturgical Year:
    Breviary:
    Marian Devotion:
    Life of our Lord:
    Lives of the Saints & Spirituality
    History:
    Crisis in the Modern Church:
    '"A willow tree,' says Pope St. Gregory the Great, 'bears no fruit, but by supporting as it does the vine together with its grapes, it makes these its own by supporting what is not its own.' In like manner, he who warmly recommends a book calculated to do much good makes his own all the good that is done by the book" (Father Michael Mueller in The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass)

    Bibles & Scripture Commentary:

    Absolutely every Catholic should own a Bible. Translations like the King James Version and New World Translation are protestant and, therefore, should never be used because they do not even have all of the books of Sacred Scripture. The best Catholic Bible is the Douay-Rheims Bible, which was translated from the Vulgate. I would definitely avoid the New American Bible [NAB] and Jerusalem Bible; the footnotes in the NAB are horrendous.  Here are some recommended Bibles:
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    sa Hulyo 05, 2006
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    Biyernes, Hunyo 30, 2006
    "Mother Angelica" by Raymond Arroyo


    Last night I just finished "Mother Angelica" by Raymond Arroyo. At approximately 320 pages, it took me a significant amount of time because of work and other things that forced me to put the book down. Overall, the book was good. I really respect Mother Angelica now. Before reading this, I never thought about everything she experienced and did in her life.

    She came from a poor family and just barely survived. As a child, she was miraculously healed through the intercession of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Mother Angelica entered a Canton Convent even though her mother strongly disapproved. Later on, it took tremendous work just to establish her convent in Indiana. Then she worked to spread the Gospel through writing. After all of this came EWTN and the world's first Catholic shortwave radio station called WEWN. She went further and created another convent in 13th Century style. All of this was done trusting in God. She started off with nothing with each project and left the rest to God. For that she encountered much debate and problems mainly from several liberal US bishops.

    If you are a fan of EWTN, this book is a must read.  If you don't have the time but want to learn more about the book, check out the CatechismClass Book Summary on "Mother Angelica".
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    sa Hunyo 30, 2006 3 comment(s)
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    Miyerkules, Hunyo 28, 2006
    Update on "The Collar"

    http://amzn.to/2t93VNQ

    I have posted before about the new book, The Collar, which is about several men in the seminary. Well, I received this message from the author yesterday:
    Hi everyone:

    The Collar book tour continued this past weekend with an excellent event in Colorado hosted by one of the five main characters in the book, Father Don Malin.

    Today's Washington D.C reading at the C.I.C. (1501 K Street, NW - 202-783-2062) has been postponed by the heavy rains that have deluged the capitol and will be rescheduled for mid-July. I will keep you posted as to the new date.

    As always, please keep me posted with any comments you may have about the book especially thoughts about getting the word out there. If you have enjoyed The Collar and think that it's a book others should read --please tell people about it and the website!

    Thanks so much!

    Jonathan
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    sa Hunyo 28, 2006 1 comment(s)
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    Martes, Mayo 16, 2006
    The DaVinci Solution

    This Friday is the theatrical release of the DaVinci Code, a book filled cover to cover with lies. This book goes beyond the realm of fiction - it attacks Jesus Christ. Some of the lies taught by this book include Jesus Christ not being divine, Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene, and Opus Dei monks killing people to keep secrets of the Church.

    These are all lies and Dan Brown, the author, did not just write this fiction for entertainment. I have read parts of an interview where Dan Brown has said his claims about the Catholic Church are true. What a liar! Here is part of that interview:
    When appearing on “The Today Show,” host Matt Lauer asked him, “How much of this is based on reality in terms of things that actually occurred?” Dan Brown but responded: “Absolutely all of it. Obviously, there are - Robert Langdon is fictional, but all of the art, architecture, secret rituals, secret societies, all of that is historical fact.” (Source)
    Tomorrow is the first viewing of the new film of the DaVinci code at the Cannes Film Festival. And, coincidentally, tomorrow is the anniversary of the beatification of Opus Dei's founder, St. Josemaría Escriva. In the DaVinci Code, Dan Brown claims this religious group of monks in the Catholic Chruch is a secret order willing to kill people to keep secrets! What a lie!

    First, there are no Opus Dei monks! Opus Dei is made of priests and lay people. It was founded by St. Josemaría Escriva in 1928 and approved by the Holy See in 1947. The name is Latin for "Work of God". Currently, there are 80,000 members worldwide and 3,000 in the United States. Opus Dei is open for anyone to join, and anyone may leave. They are not a secret group with but a religious group serving the Church similar to Franciscans, Dominicans, Benedictines, et cetera. In the United States only one parish is run completely by members of Opus Dei and that is in Illinois at St. Mary of the Angels. Opus Dei is about making daily life holy, and if you read their website, you will see how truly wonderful it is.

    Now, I've heard several options on how to combat the heresies in this book. The first I heard is to ignore it. But, as Cardinal John Newmann said, as long as good people do nothing then evil shall flourish. We can't ignore this.

    What I recommend are the other two options. First, if you can, attend a prayerful protest outside of a theater. There are several near me, and I will be praying that the people who see this movie will not believe such lies! Second, I recommend the Othercott! Go the movies this Friday and Saturday, but see a different movie. Hollywood only cares about money so give the Da Vinci Code a blow by giving your cash to another movie. Over the Hedge is going to be released this weekend too, and it's a good children's movie. I recommend going to see it.


    We also must work to counter the false claims from this movie. I recommend several books by Amy Welborn to use in disputing the numerous lies taught in this book. They can be viewed online at her website. I also recommend the DVD, The Da Vinci Delusion, which is available online for sale.

    I also highly recommend the United State's Conference of Catholic Bishop's own site to Decode DaVinci. It's called Jesus Decoded.

    Please, above all, join me in prayer as I pray in reparation for the blasphemies commited by this heretical book. Please also sign a petition against this movie [now defunct].

    An Act of Reparation and Consecration to the Sacred Heart

    O Most Merciful Heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy-seat, for Whose sake the Eternal Father has promised that He would always hear our prayers! I unite myself to Thee in offering to Thine Eternal Father this poor and needy heart of mine, contrite and humbled in His Divine presence, and desirous of making complete reparation for the offenses that are committed against Him, especially those which Thou dost continually suffer in the Holy Eucharist, and more particularly those which I myself have unhappily so often committed. Would that I could wash them away with my tears, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, and blot out with my own heart's blood the ingratitude wherewith we have repaid Thy tender love. I unite my sorrow, slight as it is, with the mortal agony which caused Thy sweat to become as drops of blood in the Garden of Olives at the very thought of our sins. Do Thou offer it, dear Lord, to Thine Eternal Father in union with Thy Sacred Heart. Render Him infinite thanks for the manifold blessings which He constantly showers upon us, and let Thy love supply for our want of thankfulness and remembrance. Grant me the grace always to present myself in a spirit of deepest reverence before the face of Thy Divine Majesty, in order thus to repair in some measure the irreverences and outrages which I have dared to commit before Thee; grant also, that from this day forth, I may devote myself with all my might to drawing, both by word and example, many souls to know Thee and to experience the riches of Thy Heart. From this moment I offer and dedicate myself wholly to propagating the honor due to Thy most sweet Sacred Heart.

    I choose It as the object of all my affection, and desires, and from this hour forevermore I set up in It my perpetual abode, thanking, adoring and loving It with all my heart, inasmuch as It is the Heart of my Jesus, Who is worthy to be loved, the Heart of my King and sovereign Lord, the Bridegroom of my soul, my Shepherd and Master, my truest Friend, my loving Father, my sure Guide, my unfailing protection and my everlasting blessedness. Amen.

    Act of Consecration

    My loving Jesus, out of the grateful love I bear Thee, and to make reparation for my unfaithfulness to grace, I give Thee my heart, and I consecrate myself wholly to Thee; and with Thy help I purpose to sin no more.

    Prayer to the Immaculata

    O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst make ready a
    fitting habitation for Thy Son, we beseech Thee that Thou Who didst keep her clean from all stain by the precious death of the same Thy Son, foreseen by Thee, mayest grant unto us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain unto Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen (Roman Missal).

    Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain
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    sa Mayo 16, 2006 6 comment(s)
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    Linggo, Mayo 14, 2006
    Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism


    I just finished a wonderful 5-star book, "Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism" by Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster. I'm not an avid reader, but this book was easy to read and captivating since page one. The book traces the life of Fr. Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Colombus along with his impact on those around it. The book also looks at how the Catholic Church was assaulted by prejudice in the 1800s.

    It was a great read, and it was very informative and inspiring. I had no idea the Knights of Colombus had such a hard time at the beginning. At the time of Fr. McGivney's death in 1890, there were 6000 members. Those were nearly all men from Connecticut. Today the Knights of Colombus is made of 1.7 million men from the US, Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam, and Saipan. Currently, they are expanding into Poland.

    In 1997 Daniel A. Cronin, the archbishop of the Hartford Diocese, offically began the canonization process for Fr. McGivney. He is currently at the first step in sainthood as he has been given the title of "Servant of God".

    Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney

    God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

    (Say an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. )
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    sa Mayo 14, 2006 3 comment(s)
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    Linggo, Abril 9, 2006
    Jesus Dynasty: Don't read it

    I just watched a 9 minute news segment by ABC News about an upcoming book "The Jesus Dynasty" by James D. Tabor. This is the first time that I have heard about this new book. Dr. Tabor's book centers around two lies - there was no virgin birth and Jesus Christ did not rise again from the dead. He also claims that Jesus had a half-brother James who became the king of Jesus's new dynasty after the crucifixion.



    This is preposterous! This book joins the growing list of "Christian" books attacking the truth of Our Lord. With the DaVinci Code's success, we see a growing number of people repeating lies against Our Savior that have circulated since the first century solely to gain wealth. Dr. Tabor believes that the Resurrection did not take place but rather that Jesus's body was moved. How sad that this lie has been believed for centuries as the Gospels states clearly:

    While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. They assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.' And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy (him) and keep you out of trouble." The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present [day] (Matthew 28:11-15).

    Thankfully, Catholic Culture just published a short article precisely on how such theories to disprove the Resurrection are ridiculous. Here is part of the article:
    It is, of course, inconceivable that the stone could have been moved without waking the “sleeping” guards, and even more inconceivable that the grave robbers would take the trouble to unwrap the body and set the head-covering neatly aside before getting safely away. But the logical fallacy of this accusation against the disciples is more outrageous still. As St. Augustine noted, if the guards were awake, how could the theft have succeeded? And if the guards were asleep, how could they identify the disciples as thieves?
    My advice: Again, don't waste your time on such blasphemy. The Gospels are the true stories - not what some 21st Century archeologist wants to believe.
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    sa Abril 09, 2006 1 comment(s)
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    Lunes, Marso 27, 2006
    Beware of "Conversations with God"

     
    I received this warning in an email and wanted to share it to my readers. After reading this review, I urge my readers to neither buy nor read this book.

    Beware of the book, Conversations with God...Two particular books, "Conversations with God" and "Conversations with God for Teens," written by Neale D. Walsch, sound harmless enough by their titles alone. These books have been on the New York Times best sellers list for a number of weeks, and! these publications make truth of the statement, "Don't judge a book by its cover/title." The author purports to answer various questions from kids using the "voice of God". However, the "answers" that he gives are not Bible-based and go against the very infallible word of God... [One girl] poses the question "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents say that I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?" His reply is, "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong." Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin[s]. His reply "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "'judge not lest ye be judged.'" And the list goes on. Not only are these books the false doctrine of devils, but in some instances even quote (in error) the Word of God. These books (and others like it) are being sold to school children (The Scholastic Book Club), and we need to be aware of what is being fed to our children. Our children are under attack. So I pray that you be sober and vigilant about teaching your children the Word of God, and guarding their exposure to worldly mediums, because our adversary, the Devil, roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). And how many of us know that lions usually hunt for the slowest, and weakest and YOUNGEST of its prey. Pass this on to every Believer you know. God bless! And, if in doubt, look at the books yourself.

    I wanted to pass this warning along. The sad truth is that there are numerous "spiritual" books that go completely against the Word of God. Please be cautious and vigilant in all you read. Trust God and the Church for anything spoken against either of them is a lie.
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    sa Marso 27, 2006 26 comment(s)
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    Linggo, Disyembre 18, 2005
    Review: "Christ the Lord Out of Egypt" by Anne Rice

    My favorite program on EWTN is Sunday Night Live with Father Benedict Groeschel. Today he had several words of wisdom and one of which was on Anne Rice's new book, "Christ the Lord, Out of Egypt". And, Fr. Benedict reminded viewers that this book is fiction. It is a work of religious fiction with Anne Rice's opinions on some issues and the Church's on others.

    Let me explain. The book does teach some Church's firm truths, but some areas go further than the Gospel. One such instance is the Presentation of the Lord, where Anne Rice writes that Christ, as a child then, did not yet know He was the Son of God. Pope St. Pius X condemned the assertion that Christ did not always possess the consciousness of His Messianic dignity as a error in a list of errors (Lamentabili).

    Above all else, remember that the Gospel should always be our main source for the truth on Jesus Christ.

     This book is not recommended by me.
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    sa Disyembre 18, 2005 3 comment(s)
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    Lunes, Nobyembre 28, 2005
    Required Reading

    Advent is a spiritual time to not only help us on our journeys to Christ but bring others along. When we prepare for this journey, as a book I'm reading, "On the Way to Jerusalem" reminds us not to worry about so much to pack. Think of the love and humility of Christ. Imagine the king of the Wworld was born in a manager, a place for animals to eat. He was born in a shack in the cold of the night instead of even a building. Christ chose humility; He chose poverty to show us His love for us. Christ never even had to leave Heaven, but think about how much he loved us. Think about the Cross, He never complained but pleaded, "Father, forgive them."

    So, during this time of year, I would like to recommend a great book for newer Catholics called "The Confirmed Catholic's Companion: A Guide to Abundant Living". It features in-depth coverage of prayers, the basics, tradition, the Sacraments, Mary and more. It also includes great side-bar notes and a journal section at the end for readers to reflect and write down their thoughts. This is a guide for those teaching the faith to newcomers or those in RCIA or those that have recently gone through the program.

    For those of you hoping to rediscover the faith please try "A Faith Interrupted: An Honest Conversation with Alienanted Catholics" by Alice L. Camille. 17 million American Catholics are inactive in Our awesome faith. Let us bring someone else closer to God this Christmas. Let us pray for the poor and those in desolation and hope to rekindle our anticipation for the Day Our Savior was born to us. The day of His Second Coming is just as glorious. Let us be ever watchful.
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    sa Nobyembre 28, 2005 1 comment(s)
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    Lunes, Setyembre 26, 2005
    Book Reviews


    '"A willow tree,' says Pope St. Gregory the Great, 'bears no fruit, but by supporting as it does the vine together with its grapes, it makes these its own by supporting what is not its own.' In like manner, he who warmly recommends a book calculated to do much good makes his own all the good that is done by the book" (Father Michael Mueller in The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass)

    My Reviews:
    Books contrary to the Holy Faith:
    Let me know if these book reviews help you out. I've done book reviews for readers before. If you are a convert and seeking book recommendations, see this post.
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    sa Setyembre 26, 2005
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