One of the conditions to gain plenary indulgence is usual to pray for the pope's intentions. What does that mean?  According to the Raccolta the following are some of the Holy Father's intentions. 1.  The progress of the Faith and triumph of the Church. 2.  Peace and union among Christian Princes and Rulers. 3.  The conversion of sinners. 4.  The uprooting of heresy. The Raccolta, 1910 Edition ..read more

Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo, Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, Catholic homeschooling mom of two. This is another of Anthony DeStefano's beautiful picture books for children.  In this story, he tells how the angels were created, how some of them fell, and how God in His goodness gave each of us a Guardian Angel. Whenever I see a book about angels I am always concerned that the illustrator should correctly depict them.  Angels do not have bodies, so what is the correct representation of them?  Well, each time angels appear in Sacred Scripture the ..read more

This book is a beautiful addition to the whole-hearted observance of Lenten fasts.  Lent is that sacred time in the Liturgical Year where we focus on the three pillars of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. Scott Hahn, Professor of Biblical Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, writes the introduction to this unique cookbook.  In it he traces the history of fasting in the life of the Church.  Drawing from Biblical sources, and Sacred Tradition, he carefully explains the reason and motives of fasting in the Church and in Her Liturgy. The essays explain the tradition ..read more

by Rose Rea, Sophia Institute Press, 2021. This a beautifully illustrated book that highlights and explains the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church:  Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Each sacrament is explained in easy to understand prose, and supported by quotes from the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of the Saints.  It also includes various stories from different persons from various perspectives, all with a love and veneration of the sacraments.  Each of these elements adds ..read more

Adapted by Stanley Silverstein, Sophia Institute Press, 2021. This Bible comic book is a reprint of the 1974 Peter Pan Children's Bible Storybook. The illustrations are classic and vividly colored.  The print is very readable.  It contains twenty-three of the most loved Bible stories for children of all ages, such as David and Goliath, the Great Flood, Adam and Eve, and of course, the Nativity. Beautifully illustrated and classic, this 80+  page book will make a charming gift for a youngster in your life. Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, Catholic homeschooling mother of two. Classi ..read more

by Adam and Angela Smyth, Sophia Institute Press, 2021. This sweet little board book will make a perfect gift for a new or expectant mother, especially if she is expecting a girl.  This little book, so perfect for little hands, contains bright and cheery images of eight women saints.  This little sturdy book will make a wonderful introduction to beloved saints at an early age. The eight women saints are St. Faustina, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Cecilia, St Kateri, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St Joan of Arc, St Josephine Bakhita, and St. Therese of Lisieux.  Each saint is drawn to ..read more

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist It is one of the oldest feast days in the Liturgy of the Church. The only other births the Catholic Church celebrates as a feast are our Blessed Mother's and our Lord Jesus. Why does the Church celebrate his birth? It is because he was "filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb." (Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 717) " It is also believed that Jesus sanctified him from the womb and removed his original sin. Before John was born, the angel announced that "many would rejoice in his birth." Thus, his feast day is one of the more joyous fea ..read more

  Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who pass their life in labor,  obtain for me the grace tow work in a spirit of penance to atone for my many sins;  to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my own inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to use and develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God;  to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or difficulties.  Help me to work, above all, with purity of intention and with detachment from self,  having always before m ..read more

  THE PAPAL VISIT TO IRAQ put the spotlight on Christian persecution in the Middle East, as a new poll shows American Catholics expressing growing concern about Christian persecution around the world.   Fifty-seven percent of US Catholics believe that the persecution of Christians around the world is “very severe,” up from 41 percent a year ago; and 67 percent say they are “very concerned” about the issue.   Almost 50 percent of US Catholics believe that half or more of religiously based attacks around the world are directed at Christians; they identify China as the country whe ..read more

  THE HOLY FATHER WILL VISIT AL-TAHIRA CHURCH Sunday, March 7in Qaraqosh, the town in northern Iraq also known as Baghdeda or Bakhdida. Father Yako Ammar, the parish priest of Al-Tahira, explains to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which supported the restoration of the church which had been badly damaged by ISIS, the symbolism of the stole Pope Francis will receive at Al-Tahira.   The stole is entirely handmade from the fabric woven by Khaya Bakter, a local artisan, in the traditional colors of Qaraqosh, black and purple. Gorjia Kapo, a mother of two sons and a daughter, was then e ..read more