Benedict Books

This book feels like a gourmet multi-course meal. You begin with the appetizer of small reflections on the readings for each of the first few days of Lent. Then you dive into more and more substantial reflections on a diverse array of topics from the necessity of the connection between Christology and Ecclesiology to a beautiful reflection on priesthood. This is truly the sort of nourishing read one needs at any time, and in particular during a season which is geared to helping us grow in love of God and His Church.

I found this book deeply inspiring. Pope Benedict is able to convey the most profound truths with extreme clarity and simplicity. His reflections lead the reader to encounter the Person of Christ, to discover Him and eventually to be willing to embrace the challenging invitation to follow Him on the way of true Love and Life. I loved it! I suggest it to anyone!

This is adapted from http://eagleandelephant.blogspot.com/2006/03/jews-and-eucharist-cardinal-ratzinger.html

This book is a re-publication of the earlier book Journey towards Easter, a collection of retreat talks then-Cardinal Ratzinger gave in the Vatican in the presence of Pope John Paul II during the Lenten season of 1983.

All the chapters are worth reading, but one stands out, especially during this time (Lent) of the liturgical year. "Chapter 4: The Paschal Mystery." It is divided into four sections:

1. Holy Thursday
2. The Washing of the Feet
3. The Connection between the Last Supper, the Cross and the Resurrection
4. Risen on the Third Day.

There are some powerful and prevocative thoughts here. Discussing the relation and root of the Songs of the Servant of God to understanding Jesus' death, Ratzinger writes:

"He made of his death an act of prayer, an act of adoration. ... [H]e cried 'with a loud voice' the opening words of Psalm 21, the great Psalm of the just man suffering and set free: 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?'

"... [T]his dying cry of Jesus was the messianic prayer of the great Psalm of Israel's suffering and hope, which concludes with the vision of the poor satisfied and all the ends of the earth returning to the Lord. ... [T]he whole story of the passion is shot through with the threads of this Psalm, weaving in and out continually in an interchange between words and reality. ... It thus becomes clear that Jesus is the true subject of this Psalm ....

"... [W]hat took place at the Last Supper is an anticipation of the death, the transformation of the death into an act of love. ...

"The death without the Supper would be empty, without meaning; the Supper without the actual realisation of the death it anticipated would be a gesture without reality. Supper and Cross together ... The Eucharist does not spring from the Supper alone; it springs from this oneness of Supper and Cross ....

"Therefore the Eucharist is not simply Supper .... The Eucharist is the presence of Christ's Sacrifice, ... it is Christ distributing himself under the figure of bread and wine.

"... 'given for you', 'poured our for many for the remission of sins'. These words are found in the Songs of the Servant of God handed down to us in the book of the prophet Isaiah. These Songs presuppose the exilic period: Israel no longer has its Temple, the only legitimate place in which to adore God. So it seems exiled from God also--forlorn in the desert. No longer can sacrifices or expiation and praise be offered. The inevitable question arises: how can there now exist any relationship with God, on which depends the salvation of the people and of the world? In this passion, in this suffering of a life lived away from their homeland, a life far from their own culture, Israel underwent a new experience: the solemn praises of God could no longer be celebrated. The only possibility for drawing near to God was suffering for God. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Prophets understood that the suffering of believing Israel was the true sacrifice, the new liturgy, and that in this true litrugy Israel represented the world before the face of God. ... The hope found in their passion was that the suffering people were an anticipation of the true servant of God, and so, as 'sacramentum futuri' [a sacrament of things to come] , shared in his grace. By applying to the Last Supper these words about the Servant of God, Jesus says: I am this Servant of God. My passion and death are that definitive liturgy, that glorification of God which is the light and salvation of the world."

Here is where one experiences the preceding as a crescendo of sorts as Ratzinger builds up to then deliver the powerful and--to some or perhaps even to many--provacative lines about the people of Israel and their relation to the sacrifice of Christ in the Eucharist:

"Here we touch upon an important point for the celebration of the Eucharist. Israel concelebrated the Eucharist with Jesus, in that they shared in the sufferings of the Servant of God. To participate in the Eucharist, to communicate with the body and blood of Christ, demands the liturgy of our life, a sharing the passion of the Servant of God. In this participation our sufferings become 'sacrifice' and so we can complete 'in [our] flesh what is lacking in Christ's affliction' (Col 1, 24)."

Pp. 103-107.

Do not be dismayed by the few year's old publication date of this excellent collection of meditations upon this liturgical season, thinking that this is not therefore the "latest thing" in Lenten and Paschaltide theology. These reflections were actually first given as part of Pope John Paul II's Lenten retreat by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1983, already now a quarter century ago, and yet ring as truly and profoundly now as then.

As a former and respected seminary professor, who first recieved his position through the recomendations of fellow Catholic theologian, the influential and even infamous Reverend Father Hans Kung, who served as seminary professor for such influential Catholic theologians as Friar Leonardo Boff in Munich and who no doubt influenced the Basque Roman Catholic theologian, the Reverend and Jesuit Father Jon Sobrino studying in Frankfort, he who later served closely the martyred Jesuit community at the UCA in San Salvador, this talented seminary professor who also served with the Reverend Father Edward Schillebeeckx on the influential serial publication Concilium's editorial board, Pope Benedict XVI has the ability and the wisdom and the preparation to present for us the infinite mysteries, to express in human words the ineffable Spirit, to unfold for us that which is hidden deeply within the Lenten and Paschal Season, through the very words of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here we may read the genesis of these words, many of which spring from the Psalms, as explained here by Pope Benedict XVI, who thereby explains the fulfillment of the Messianic and prophetic promises of the Old Testament within the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as the good professor ably wweaves the intimate communication between the Old and the New.

This book, so accessible here upon the amazon, therefore presents for us faithful Roman Catholics seeking true and pure waters as we wander in the wilderness a rich fountain of Faith, a source of confidence and of wisdom, as these talks were given for Pope John Paul II by an able professor of Catholic dogma, and thus ought to be good enough for us as well, far better and richer and deeper for instance than the popularized and watered down offerings by Liguori of random writings by GK Chesterton around a Lenten theme. Read here instead in its fullness our Faith, our Roman Catholic theology, by one of its greatest authorities.

Of special interest to those who read this book and who realize this Pope and his predecessor condemn the US invasion and occupation of Iraq will be the Reverend Father Andrew Greeley's excellent collection of essays: A Stupid, Unjust, and Criminal War: Iraq, 2001-2007. Intriguing works by other approved authors of Roman Catholic theology mentioned in this review include Jesus in Latin America, Mysterium Liberations: Fundamental Concepts of Liberation Theology, Lord's Prayer: The Prayer of Integral Liberation, Praying With Jesus And Mary: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Lord Is My Shepherd: Divine Consolation in Times of Abandonment. Other recommended reading for this Lenten period include of course as ever Disarming the Heart: Toward a Vow of Nonviolence.

Excellent book to help deepen our faith as we journey through the Lenten Season to the beautiful Easter Celebrations.

by Joe from Providence.
This is a devotional book; it is meant to fit in your carryall or bag at all times: so that when you decide to go to Adoration, it is with you. I have had three copies of this little book (I left two in the pews at churches and chapels after adoration). If you want to learn how to enrich your Holy Hours or visits with Jesus, present in the Eucharist, this book will offer you a multitude of short-enough passages to contemplate the Eucharistic Presence. If you have been a participant in Adoration for a long time, this book will enrich the experience for you. Without a doubt, you will return to this book again and again, oftentimes TO CENTER YOURSELF when you enter Christ's Presence. The book is a marvel in miniature.

After reading Fr. Groeschel's insightful book, Arise From Darkness: What To Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense, and pushing it on everyone I know, I did not think that Groeschel would be able to top that. But he did. Whether you are a skeptic of the Real Presence of Christ, or believe beyond all doubt; whether you think this an invention of man or of God; whether you are a spiritual and intellectual weakling or a superman, this book is for you. The voice of Groeschel's inner city life and Bronx-style attitude shine through. That, coupled with his humble wisdom and faith, places him among the very best Christian writers. Enjoy.

This little book of readings and prayers has been very useful for me during Eucharistic Adoration.

This book does not just contain prayers to say during the time with Our Lord, but inspiritations and insights from Fr. Grouschel and many saints that will cause readers to think and contemplate the Real Presence during their visits to the Lord in the Eucharist. Small enough to bring with you every time.

A marvellous selection of readings prayers and meditations, conveniently categorised for Eucharistic devotion.

The correct title is:

Praying in the Presence of Our Lord - Prayers (not Players) for Eucharistic Adoration

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! The author lived long ago and yet his Christ-centered words ring out beautifully for us modern mortals. I was so moved by his humble approach to God and his deep love and surrender to Christ. A profoundly spiritual and moving experience awaits the reader of this book!

I agree totally with what previous reviewers have said about this book. De Caussade's message is truly profound and life-changing. However a much clearer and simpler exposition of substantially the same message is contained in "The Gift of Oneself" by Fr. Joseph Schryvers - also available on Amazon.

This is an amazing 18th century classic divided into 2 parts and giving the method espoused by de Caussade for attaining great holiness. Written for all no matter how advanced spiritually. The author believes that God hides behind the simplest of daily activities and can be found through total surrender to whatever His will is for the individual. Therefore, self-abandonment is the key to spiritual development An outstanding spiritual tool, revealing new insights with each reading. A must for any serious Catholic. 230pp. PB. Imprimatur.

This book fairly lept at me from the shelf. I wasn't particularly looking for it, but I found it nonetheless. For a former Ayn Rand afficianado & neo-Objectivist, the very title ought to have been anathema. However, it was a greater sense of peace that I was after, and to some extent, this book is helpful at understanding one's true relation to God, particularly in terms of recognizing and submitting to His will.

I had previously attempted Kempis' "The Imitation Of Christ", and found that it was difficult to disassociate from the intended audience of that book (cloistered religious). I'll try to review it in the near future. In any case, my experience with Thomas a Kempis made me a little gun-shy with regard to spiritual primers intended for religious communities. One of the challenges of "Self-abandonment" is the extent of its direct communication between the author (as spiritual director) and the nuns with whom he communicates. Nevertheless, the more generalized introductory sections overcome this difficulty.

I happened to be in the midst of "Self-abandonment" at the time of my grandmother's death. I must say that in retrospect I could not have found a better companion for those days. de Caussade does an excellent job at communicating the spiritual benefits of acceptance, duty, and forgiveness. It ought to be the goal of every Christian to make each day, and each moment of each day a paean to the Lord - seeing His will in all things - even small things and most particularly in painful things is a crucial step toward living a truly Christian life.

Finally, I don't know whether to call this book "life changing," as I believe that one must already be at a certain level of acceptance prior to realizing benefits from the approach that de Caussade recommends. Nonetheless, it is a useful and helpful aid to the continuing trauma of living in the world but not of the world.

God's omnipresence is taken for granted by all Christians. But it is so easy to assume this applies merely to the physical and material world. If He is omnipresent in a physical sense, then He must also be present in every circumstance we experience our lives, no matter how small. Thus, we can experience God just by yielding to what life brings. DeCaussade, in this beautiful book (I am in my third reading), has introduced me to this "new" way of experiencing God: I now "see" Him everywhere. This view of God brings great comfort and assurance. I find myself struggling less with life, accepting things that I would once have found distasteful, and discovering many new blessings from God. If you long for a more settled life you will gain much from this book.

I agree with L. Look -- somebody reprint this thing now! This was a favorite book for each of my sons, and now my 4-year-old nephew requests frequent rereadings. The bright colors and simple, rhythmic prose -- not to mention the variety of vehicles -- make this a fun and delightful read, particularly for kids who love things on wheels.

My son loves this book, all the different kinds of cars and trucks are fun to look at, and the rythm of the story is great for reading aloud. I hope the paperback edition maintains the foldout "centerfold" of the original.

My twin 21 month old sons are fixated on transportation vehicles, but especially buses. This book was renewed from the library as many times as was allowed and they still wanted to hear it every day, 10 times a day! They loved to have a story about a bus that was different from the ever popular "Wheels on the Bus". I enjoyed the text and the fact that it was easy to add my own special touches such as sound effects while reading it.

This can't be out of stock! As a children's librarian, I found this to be a wonderful book. Lots of repetition and vehicles, with big clear pictures. What more could you want? Even parents get into the spirit of the book, yelling 'Stop,' and 'Help' in the appropriate places. Hope that this is not a prelude to out-of-print

I work as a Toddler teacher in a daycare with children whose age range from 14mos to 2yrs and this is thier favorite book. I was so glad to see that it was here because I have looked everywhere for since our copy was recently ripped by one of the childern. I can not tell you just how much the children love this book. If I could give more stars I would.

Every questioning Catholic should read this catechism. It explains what the Church has always taught. Those who are confused by the Novus Ordo Church will certainly benefit from this Traditional Catechism written for Catholics of all ages.

This greatest of Catechisms was published after the great Council of Trent in response to the errors of the protestant revolt. It was edited under the guidance of Saint Charles Borromeo and was used for centuries (with the approbation of many Popes) as an important part in the formation of Catholic priests. It is specifically written to instruct priests and religious, but as the introduction to the work says, this catechism is designed for, "such as have care of souls in those things that belong peculiarly to the pastoral office . . ." So it is intended ultimately for the instruction of all the faithful.

While it is not a complete and exhaustive explanation of every detail of every dogma, it is designed to present a basic and overall understanding which any Catholic should possess. At a time when many Church teachings are greatly misunderstood by many even among the faithful of the Church, The Roman Catechism speaks with an authority unparalleled by any other catechism due to its centuries of hallowed use and approval by so many Ecclesiastical authorities and Supreme Pontiffs. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about understanding the Catholic Faith.

This is THE Catechism of the Catholic Church. Trash any imitations. This piece clearly and sternly explains the teachings of the Catholic Church in the face of the Protestant Revolution. Answers almost all questions about the faith which Protestants raise. Terrific! Super! Must-have! As timeless as the Summa Theologica.

Formerly called the Roman Catechism, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) said in this edition of the catechism that this is an important Catholic catechism.

St. Charles Borromeo was the chief editor of this catechism and later published by the degree of His Holiness, Pope St. Pius V. Pope Leo XIII recommended the Roman Catechism to all seminarians. His successor, Pope St. Pius X issued this [the Catechism of the Council of Trent] to be used by the religious to instruct the laity on the Catholic Faith. Recently, Pope Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger) recommended it as an important Catholic catechism to be read.

It covers each detail of the Seven Sacraments (*Seven Holy Mysteries) of the Catholic Church including the Our Father (Pater Noster) and Hail Mary (Ave Maria).

*Seven Holy Mysteries is the name of the Seven Holy Sacraments but is commonly used by the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church (ie. Byzantine, Maronite, etc).

The greatest catechism recommended by the saints--some who were Popes and a great theologian.

Every Catholic home should have this important catechism about the Holy Catholic Faith as it was reaffirmed by the present Holy Father, Benedict XVI to be "an important Catholic catechism".

CATECHISM OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT. Rev. John A. McHugh, O.P. and Chas J. Callan, O.P. Referred to as the Roman Catechism, it was composed by order of the Council of Trent under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Edited by St. Charles Borromeo. Published by decree of Pope St. Pius V. Prescribed by Pope St. Pius X to be used by all priests in instructing the faithful. Recommended by Pope Leo XIII for all seminarians. Pope Clement XIII said it contains a clear explanation of all that is necessary for salvation and useful for the faithful. Covers the basic knowledge of the Faith by detailed explanations of the Ten Commandments, Sacraments, and each word of the Apostles Creed and the Our Father. Includes over 5 pages, for example, on just the word "Amen" at the end of the Our Father. Easy to read. Cardinal Ratzinger called this "the most important Catholic catechism" the most exact English translation available anywhere today.

I have read most of the books about Eschatology because it is my personal interest and in order to help, like a deacon, many relatives of deceased people. I find this book written by Cardinal Ratzinger the most comprehensive, deep and clear exposition of the state of the art of this subject. I recommend its reading by anybody interested to know more about our end and life beyond that.

I am constantly surprised every time I read a book by Pope Benedict XVI how someone with his vast & profound theological knowledge can convey it's essentials to an ordinary layman. I had to have my trusty Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms in tackling this book; however I learned a great deal. Ratzinger's prose is so clear & concise and is accessible to all.
A rich & rewarding reading experience. I highly recommend this book to lay Catholics who would like to delve deeper into Eschatology.

Note: Any references to Pope Benedict XVI as Joseph Ratzinger in this review are not meant to slight him, but only to refer to him in his ecclesial context when he wrote this book. Now on to the review:

In "Eschatology ...", Joseph Ratzinger and Johann Auer lay forth a timely study in the "Last Things" according to a truly Catholic view point. While the text is an erudite, theological (and mildly philosophical) discussion of eschatology, it should not be viewed as being overwhelming for the reader. Anyone who has a true interest in the full foundation of Catholicism's stand on humanity's final destiny should read this.

A great strength of the treatise is its reflection upon modern theological thoughts with respect to Catholic Tradition. While many readers may not know of the thinkers of the last two centuries by name, we all live in the world which has been effected by their thoughts. Ratzinger and Auer show where some of these thinkers have departed from the Christian notion of the end of time. This is not performed in a polemic fashion. Instead, each subject is shown in light of its Old Testament roots, through the New Testament, and into continuous Church Tradition. In doing this, the authors help to refine the philosophical and theological thoughts of the readers. They show the pitfalls inherent in various modes of thinking, allowing the reader to see the Truth more clearly.

Perhaps the greatest strength, however, is not its theological erudition (in the pure sense). It is the fact that the text is soaked with the realization of Christianity as a religion of community. It emphasizes that we find our end in a Person, namely Christ and how this relates to all that we do in life.

For any one who is interested in the Catholic response to questions on the final destiny of mankind, I truly suggest this text. No matter how difficult it may seem, stick with it (and reread when necessary). You will find that it is time well spent.

"Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life" is a very mature and thorough study of this difficult topic. Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, originally wrote this book in German, as the final volume in a series on Dogmatic Theology. It is a very professional piece of scholarship and is the culmination of twenty years worth of research.

In this book, Ratzinger writes in a very clear and direct style, but as it is an academic piece, it does presuppose some background knowledge in Christian theology. The book begins by asking the questions, what do people think, and why do they think this. The beauty of this work is that it is an understandable but incredibly thorough study of the Judeo-Christian intellectual history for the topics of death and eternal life.

The book begins with an overview of the perspectives in contemporary Biblical scholarship on the issues of death, judgment and an afterlife. It explains in very simple terms what the Bible says on these topics and how this has been interpreted in Christian history. How various questions associated with death were approached in the Old Testament, the New Testament and in the Tradition of the Church, right up to the present day.

The final sections of the book make a close analysis of numerous questions of what was and is meant by Immortality, the Resurrection of the Dead, Final Judgment, Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. The book then finishes with an updated overview of contemporary approaches, written by then Cardinal Ratzinger on the occasion on the translation of this book into English in 1987.

If you want to really understand what Christianity teaches about death and an afterlife and why this is so, this book is for you.

I haven't yet read this book in its entirety, but a preliminary look at some passages reminded me of the depth of Pope Benedict's theological thought. I look forward to reading passages from it in greater detail.

Well written and amazing to read. Author captured the moment and took you there. Book was flooded with facts.

I would highly recommend this book, it is not only for the history buffs.
If you do enjoy history, you will love the author's details.

I very good book that gives the reader an interesting twist on what was believed to be gospel. The author's research is convincing.

An awesome book....definitely a different view .... a must read for anyone seeking to truely understand Benedict Arnold's story.

Who would have thought that what was assumed by the average student of American history to be an open and shut case against Benedict Arnold could be brought into question. And, furthermore, to do so with such detailed facts woven into a rather gripping novel format. Mr. WIlczak has laid out a compelling case that Arnold was not a traitor but a collaborator with George Washington to ultimately fool the British. This book could be the basis of an excellent movie.

This book expresses a thoroughly researched, fresh approach to one of history's most infamous legends. When I began to read the book I felt my feelings regarding Benedict Arnold could not be swayed. The author, however, through meticulous use of timeline, documented fact, and letters of many of the involved, opened my eyes to the possibility that Arnold may have been the protaganist in a great scheme to free the colonies and help create the United States. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks the truth instead of the commonly handed down history stories we have been fed since childhood. AAAAA+++++

In our time, with Europe and the west slowly falling into the sinkhole which is secularism, it is wonderful to have this new resource by Pope Benedict. It's a reminder of just how deep Christianity's roots go into the western world, and how many people have been martyred for the church.

The collection starts with Clement and ends with Augustine, covering all of the the fathers with a brief biography as well as an overview of what they wrote about.

Ignatius of Antioch (in about 105 AD) was the first to use the word 'Catholic' to describe the church. Although Ignatius, and all others, plead for unity, by "the second century the Church was threatened by...Gnostics (who) claimed to" (p 25) have secret knowledge that could save a few. Irenaeus responded that "truth and salvation are available to all" (p 27). The Catholic church, said Irenaeus, was "dispersed throughout the world...having received this faith from the apostles...For the churches which have been planted in Germany do not believe anything...different, nor do those in Spain...." p 28) but holds to the same Catholic teachings everywhere.

It is interesting to find the pope calling Origen 'crucial" (p 35) because he defended allegorism in scripture.

No matter how well acquainted you are with the fathers, you will find gems to ponder. For example, Eusebius of Vercelli is not well known. As with so many of the other early Christians, he was "condemned to exile, as were so many other bishops of the East and West: such as Athanasius, Hillary of Poitiers...and Hosius of Cordoba.


Everyone will be touched by Pope Benedict's frequent personal statements. At one point he says, "to dialogue with God, with his Word, is in a certain sense a presence of heaven, a presence of God. To draw near to the biblical texts, above all to the New Testament, is essential for the believer" (p 145).

The papacy of Pope Benedict XVI continues to be a great blessing for all of us. First, the Pope released his book Jesus of Nazareth(and we anxiously await the follow-up to it--correcting and recalling who Jesus is in this excellent book, next The Apostleswas released where Pope Benedict connect Jesus to the founding of the Church, the establishment of the Apostles and showed how the succession of the Apostles is something we find within the Bible. Now the Pope releases The Fatherswhich shows how the early Church continued to grow through the early thinkers who continued to unpack the deep meaning of Christ found in the Bible and expressed in the Church's spiritual practice. Our Sunday Visitor has done another excellent job in presenting the Pope's teaching in the same way that they previously did with The Apostles.
The book is peppered throughout with great sayings of the fathers of the Church, such as "The man without Christ is dust and shadow," (p.170) spoken by Paulinus of Nola or the words of Ambrose "Omnia Christus est nobis! "To us Christ is all!" (p.133).
Those looking to learn more about Jesus Christ can do no better than the encounter with the early Fathers who unpacked the meaning of the Bible and everything that the Word of God pointed to--Jesus.
I am the author of The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You

Pope Benedict's "The Fathers" is a collection of the texts from his Wednesday audiences, delivered between March of 2007 and February of 2008. During these weekly audiences, the Pope introduces us to the lives and works of twenty-six different Fathers of the Church, from the Apostolic Fathers to Saint Augustine. The audiences were orgionally given in Italian, while this edition is the official Vatican publication of the English translation.

In "The Fathers" Pope Benedict introduces us to what is most noble, holy and edifying in the lives and works of these Fathers of the Church. He begins with the early Apostolic Fathers, such as Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome and Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who lived soon after the apostles. He devoted two audiences to several third, fourth and fifth century Fathers, including Origen of Alexandria, Saint Basil, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Jerome. He also introduces two Syriac Fathers, Aphraates the Sage and Saint Ephrem the Syrian. Finally, he finishes with five seperate audiences on the life and works of Saint Augustine. These are not intended to be critical biographies but rather edifying and interest sparking introductions, each one lasting several pages.

Other fathers included in this book are St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus, St. Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, St. Cyrian, Eusebius, St. Athanasius, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Hilary of Poitiers, St. Eusebius of Vercelli, St. Ambrose, St. Maximus of Turin, St. Chromatius, and St. Paulinus.

If you are inerested in church history, the lives of saints or just are curious to learn more, I highly recommend this book.

I believe that this book is a brilliant, thoughtful account of the early Fathers of the Church. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate Christian faith. Richard R. Roach, S.J.

A couple of years ago, I picked up a book on the Church Fathers, those leaders of the early Church who came within the first few generations after the Apostles. It was a heavy tome with small print; it seemed very intimidating and I never did get around to reading it. That is why I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of "The Fathers" by Pope Benedict XVI (Our Sunday Visitor, 2008). The material in this book is a slightly edited record of the weekly general audiences Pope Benedict gave on this topic from March 7, 2007 to February 27, 2008. It is incredibly readable and very interesting.

The Church Fathers are fascinating to learn about. Many were converts to the faith and arrived at the Church through a variety of spiritual journeys. They were highly educated and several worked to integrate Greek philosophy with the Christian faith. They also struggled with many of the theological questions that now form the foundation of our faith: Christ as both God and man; the Trinity, and what it means to be a baptized Christian.

Pope Benedict began his treatment of this subject with St. Clement, the third successor of St. Peter who led the Church in the last years of the first century. He intervened in the Church of Corinth in what was the first exercise of Roman Primacy after St. Peter's death. In his letter to Corinth, "he clearly explains the doctrine of Apostolic Succession. . .The Father sent Jesus Christ, who in turn sent the Apostles. They then sent the first heads of communities and established that they would be succeeded by other worthy men. . . .The Church is above all a gift of God and not something we ourselves created."

Pope Benedict then devotes his attention to St. Ignatius of Antioch who was "the first person in Christian literature to attribute to the Church the adjective 'catholic' or 'universal'." St. Justin did his best to both defend the faith and explain it. He believed that both the Old Testament and Greek philosophy were two paths that led to Christ. St. Irenaeus of Lyons wrote the first catechism of the Catholic Church. Origen of Alexandria preached a message of love, as he was convinced that "the best way to become acquainted with God is through love." Tertullian would eventually join the Montanist sect but he gave the Church the terms "one substance" and "three persons" for help in explaining the mystery of the Trinity. Cyprian reflected on the communal message of the "Our Father": "Our prayer is public and common; and when we pray, we pray not for one, but for the whole people, because we, the whole people, are one."

Other Church Fathers Pope Benedict invites us to spend time with include St. Cyril of Jerusalem who emphasized the Christian's rebirth through baptism. St. Basil was one of the Fathers of the Church's social doctrine and encouraged interaction with the culture at large. St. Gregory of Nyssa reflected on the beauty of man as being created in the image of God. St. Hilary of Poitiers defended the divinity of Christ by quoting from both the Old and New Testament. St. Jerome translated the Bible into the Latin vernacular. St. Paulinus of Nola wrote beautiful poetry and made use of religious art to instruct pilgrims. Lastly, Pope Benedict focuses on St. Augustine of Hippo, perhaps the most famous Father of them all, who maintained that "faith and reason . . . must always go hand in hand."

Pope Benedict is a gifted teacher, speaker, and writer, and "The Fathers" is more evidence of this. He is able to take a complicated history and make it accessible to all. "The Fathers" provides a great introduction into the lives and works of many of the great men who helped to form the early Church. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Church history.

Every Catholic or any person wishing to know about Catholicism should read this book. Fr. Groeschal's presentation is stunning, challenging and moving. This book will move the reader from a nominal believer to a spiritual life that gives one a greater need for an intimate relationship with God.

"Healing the Original Wound" is a book that should be read by everyone. Father Benedict Groeschel does an excellent job of putting into perspective what the meaning of life really is. Father Benedict's faith, compassion and intelect flows freely in this easy to read book. For those that have read "Healing the Original Wound", putting into perspective everyday problems will no longer be a problem.

In this book, Fr Groeschel examines the consequences of original sin, and gives us reasons for hope in a world where God permits much that is tragic. Written in a conversational tone (compared to his earlier work) and in a tenor of affable tough-mindedness, Fr Groeschel illustrates his theses about hell, about penitence, about God's grace, using many incidents and real-life stories from his own experience as a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal in the South Bronx, an area which police have denominated "Fort Apache" and which priests call "Our Lady's Playground."

Unsentimental but never hectoring, clear-eyed and hopeful, acutely aware of the tragic and the sinful but nonetheless unwavering in faith, hope, and charity, Fr Groeschel has given us a book that you will read at least seven times a year. There is a marvellously restorative effect to "Healing the Original Wound," and without hesitation, this reviewer declares it to be the best of the friar's books.

It might be mentioned further that a book like this one reveals the crippling inadequacy of labels like "liberal" or "conservative." Benedict Groeschel is a Catholic priest who works among the poor in New York City, who has an ardent love of Catholic tradition, who doesn't take kindly to dissings of JP2, who reveres the memories of Archbishop Oscar Romero and Dom Helder Camara, and who on occasion has kind words to say about Mother Angelica. We think it safe to say that he is uncategorizable and inimitable. And we thank God for him, and this wonderfully magnanimous book of his.

Can't read Aquinas ? Read Groeschel !
Easy but profound and packed with
great insights and stories.

I love Fr. Benedict's writing style, he is very down to earth and because of this he is very clear. In this book he guides the reader towards understanding exactly what the Salvation that Christ gained for us is, what hallmarks our lives have to have in order to truly reflect Christ's presence in our lives, as well as to draw us heavenward. Throughout the book he illustrates the points he is trying to make with vignettes from the lives of his parishioners and his friends, from the tragic to the funny. I highly reccomend this book, particularly to all who think that we live, we die and then that's it.

Don't let the title scare you mothers away. "Listen My Son: St. Benedict for Fathers" brings the reader through the Rule of Saint Benedict, (RSB), by way of a brief daily reading that explains each section as it would be applicable in any parent's life today. The entire RSB is read within one year's time.

It is often said that child birth comes without any instruction manual. "Listen My Son: St. Benedict for Fathers" can be that manual.

This would make an excellent gift for a new parent.

My mother gave this book to all her sons (including me) for Christmas a year ago. This was my first exposure to Saint Benedict and his Rule. At that time I had very little exposure to the monastic life. As I read this book I could really begin to appreciate the devout nature of Benedict and his followers. It is clear that these men who give up their lives for Christ, these monks, truely have a calling to this vocation.

I really liked the interpretation that went along after each rule by Dr. Longenecker. This was especially valuable as I had not been experienced these teachings before. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the contemplative life.

Dr. Longenecker's meditations on the rule of St. Benedict are both inpirational and pragmatic. This book offer a useful re-tooling and reapplication of these essentially monastic directives for use in family life. It makes me want to work more dilligently at being a better father and person.

As a mother, I was intrigued by the title of this book, and now wish that I had read it long ago, when my children were younger. The advice is age-old and not just for fathers, rather, it is inspiring for all adults, but especially parents trying to keep a family together in these chaotic days.

As any who have read an ancient work in translation will tell you, any commentary that is included can be a blinding distraction, or the most illuminating aspect of the literature. In this case, Longenecker's accompanying prose is surely the latter. Benedict's Rule is related to the work of a father with practiced ease and grace. The work is profoundly instructive.
In fact, my only gripe is with the slightly unwieldy, slightly overlong introduction. Though it should by no means be skipped, I remember feeling a little anxious to get on to St. Benedict. Very high marks though, I thoroughly recommend this book to any father, or mother for that matter.