Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church Books

Book SynopsisLiturgy and Ecclesiology in Sacrosanctum ConciliumTrade ReviewAn articulate, clear response to those who seek to reject the liturgical renewal of the Council as inauthentic, antiquarian, and modernist…. A must-read for all those seeking a deeper understanding of the Second Vatican Council and the liturgical renewal of the Church.Timothy O’Malley, Church LifeMassimo Faggioli has emerged as one of the most insightful and energetic young scholars in Catholic theology today. In this bold new book, Faggioli makes a compelling argument that the significance of Vatican II's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was not limited to liturgical reform; the document established a compelling ecclesiological vision that set the agenda for later conciliar documents and the post-conciliar church. Faggioli lays out for us what is really at stake in the many recent assaults on the council's liturgical reform—nothing less than an assault on the entire ecclesiology of the Council. This book belongs on the short list of those truly indispensable studies of the Second Vatican Council.Richard R. Gaillardetz, McCarthy Professor of Systematic Theology, Boston CollegeTrue Reform is a thoroughly documented analysis of Sacrosanctum Concilium and its reception by the Second Vatican Council itself. The document’s connection with the ecclesiology of the Council emerges fully. In this way, the book provides a deep understanding of the Council in its liturgical dimension and its unavoidable call to reform the Church in order to be more faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Fr. Enzo Bianchi, Founder and prior of the ecumenical monastic Community of BoseThis is a valuable, even groundbreaking, study for the interpretation of Vatican II. Faggioli succeeds in showing how the liturgy constitution and the subsequent liturgical reform are essential for the understanding and implementation of the Council. It should be required reading for ecclesiologists and historians of the contemporary Church as well as for students of the liturgy—perhaps even for members of the Roman Curia.John F. Baldovin, SJ, Professor of Historical and Liturgical Theology, Boston CollegeI was particularly struck by the richness and multifaceted dynamism of the liturgical reform that Faggioli describes. . . . This work is both thought-provoking and timely. Rita Ferrone, CommonwealFaggioli argues masterfully for the ecclesiological dynamic of Sacrosanctum Concilium. Hilmar Pabel, The TabletThis masterful work is a must read for any who seriously wish to move beyond the battle for the meaning of the Second Vatican Council and enter into respectful dialogue, as also for any who wish to gain a fresh understanding of the Constitution's deeper meaning for the future renewal of the church. Gilbert Ostdiek, OFM, Professor of Liturgy, Catholic Theological UnionThis is an important and valuable book because Faggioli clarifies and supports with data what many have already known (and perhaps feared) about the critical link between liturgy and ecclesiology and the seminal importance of SC for the theology of Vatican II. This book should be read not only by liturgists, but also by ecclesiologists and all those interested in the legacy of Vatican II. It is an important resource for students of Vatican II, seminarians, and undergraduates and graduates of theology. The connections made are vital; the concerns raised are important, and the insights shared provide a fresh understanding of the legacy of Vatican II. Judith M. Kubicki, Fordham University, American Catholic Studies

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Trade ReviewThis study of the ancient catechumenate in the first edition was already helpful to many people who were working for the initiation of new Christians because it provided a way to see the practical pastoral reality of their work from the point of view of another culture in another time. This revision has benefitted not only from many reviewers' comments about that first edition but also from more than twenty years of Bill's teaching, preaching, discussing, and celebrating the sacraments of initiation. -From the foreword by Allan Fitzgerald, OSA"Harmless has once more produced a very readable descriptive history with broad appeal that is of value to experts but deliberately written in a style that is accessible to nonspecialists."Paul R. Kolbet, Catholic Historical Review"This landmark book is a mini-course in why catechumenate remains so promising for the Church's future. It should be in the hands of all responsible for shaping initiation ministry."Michael Cameron, associate professor at the University of Portland, Pastoral Liturgy"Harmless has scourged the corpus of Augustine to find every scrap of evidence useful for understanding his catechumenate; these sources are summarized in a series of helpful charts, enabling the interested reader to delve easily into the original texts themselves. Bill was a master teacher; that skill is evident in this book not least of all in the clarity of his exposition and in the pedagogical care with which the material is presented."Mark DelCogliano, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, American Benedictine Review

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Book SynopsisA Revised Critical EditionTrade Review"The translation is stylish and accurate without being slavish. Text and translation are laid out on facing pages, with a critical apparatus and sometimes commentary beneath the Latin text, and notes beneath the English translation."Dr. Dennis Minns, OP, Tjurunga

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Book SynopsisThe Future of EcumenismTrade ReviewSince Margaret O'Gara had the unique opportunity of participating, over a period of decades, in several official international and national dialogues, an experience relatively few others have had, her interpretations of some of the achievements of these dialogues, as well as the further insights to ecumenical progress she garners when comparing several dialogues, constitute a most valuable aspect of this book. O'Gara, with a profound commitment to Christian unity, recognizes that renewal within the divided churches is a key to ecumenical progress and, with deep Catholic convictions, does not hesitate to give her views concerning areas in which renewal must be explored in the Catholic Church. These essays comprise an important collection for showing those devoted to the future of ecumenism some significant steps toward Christian unity already taken and the dedication that is necessary as the movement continues. John A. Radano, Seton Hall UniversityReflected in this collection of articles and addresses by Margaret O'Gara is an exciting vision of God's calling to the visible unity of the church in our world today. No Turning Back challenges all churches to take seriously Jesus' prayer "that they may all be one" (John 17:21): not as a burden, but as a gift to be received and shared and celebrated. This book will serve to keep alive Margaret's deep commitments to an ecumenism that is grounded in theological integrity, honest dialogue, abiding prayer, and (most significantly) personal friendships. Robert K. Welsh, President, Council on Christian Unity and Ecumenical Officer, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and CanadaWith personal gentleness and profound conviction, Margaret demonstrated ecumenical imagination in searching for new insights on lingering issues of division. She was persistent in the quest for ways to reflect more deeply the unity that we have been granted in Christ through baptism. She recognized that the unity of the church is not ours to create. It is a gift. Rev. Lowell G. Almen Secretary, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 1987-2007 U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue, 1998-presentDuring the eight years I was privileged to be Margaret O'Gara's colleague in Canada, I experienced her deep passion for Christian unity and her relentless pursuit of it through theological research, ecumenical dialogue, and (not least) humble prayer. I am convinced that readers of No Turning Back will experience something of what I did. Prof. Pablo Argarate Institute for Ecumenical Theology, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Patristics University of Graz, AustriaWe are in the presence of an ecumenical theologian par excellence, a veteran dialogue partner, and a brilliant educator: insistently hermeneutical, yet keeping the whole in view, finding the secret Scripture in ancient formula, dissenting voice, and dangerous memory. Prof. Geraldine Smyth, OP Irish School of Ecumenics Trinity College, DublinA passionately committed ecumenist, the theologian and teacher Margaret O’Gara was taken from us prematurely by cancer in 2012. O’Gara was an active participant in official dialogues among the Roman Catholic Church and Anglicans, Evangelicals, Lutherans, Mennonites, and others, both in North America and abroad, over several decades, and her ecumenical credentials run long and deep. Her husband, Michael Vertin, collects here a number of her essays as a sequel to her 1998 book, The Ecumenical Gift Exchange. O’Gara herself chose the title, No Turning Back, to express the irreversible commitment to church unity of those who follow Jesus today. Susan Wood, Commonweal MagazineNo Turning Back introduces readers to the spirit of ecumenism-Margaret O'Gara's spirit-which shines through even the more technical essays here. It is a spirit of warm friendship across lines of historical suspicion, creative persistence in search of fresh understandings, and even (dare I say it?) fun! Prof. Gerald W. Schlabach University of Saint Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota Co-Founder, BridgefolkTaken collectively, the essays offer astute theological insights into ecumenical perspectives, especially perspectives on authority, in addition to practical suggestions for the ecumenical endeavor, notably the essentially collaborative nature of theological study and dialogue. . . . No Turning Back is beneficial for all theology students, Christian readers, and ecumenical specialists. It provides all readers with a clear and thorough sense of the ecumenical work that has been done, and it encourages its movement forward by offering a glimpse of a life dedicated to such work. Ella Johnson, Catholic Books Review

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Book SynopsisFather Thomas Keating was known throughout the world as an exponent, teacher, and writer on contemplative prayer. A Cistercian (Trappist) monk of St. Benedict's Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado, he was a founder of the Centering Prayer Movement and of Contemplative Outreach. He authored numerous books, particularly of the trilogy Open Mind, Open Heart; Invitation to Love; and The Mystery of Christ. Among his books is The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living, compiled by S. Stephanie Iachetta.Trade Review"The book would be an ideal resource for a liturgy committee or parish scripture study group that might come together to reflect on the liturgical season. What Keating does in this book, ideally, is what every homilist should do also. He weaves together the Scripture proclaimed, the mystery that the liturgy celebrates, and the everyday life of the people assembled. When that weaving is done with a contemplative, sacramental imagination, the mutual presence of Christ and those gathered has the power to transform the world." -Rite -- Kathleen Hope Brown

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Trade Review"Michael Lawler has written a challenging invitation to theologians to incorporate social science in the construction of theological categories, and he has gone a good way in helping us to see how this is done. The book is particularly useful for the field of practical theology or (in Lonergan's terms) communications, but its relevance extends to the other tasks of direct discourse in theology as well. May we accept the challenge!" -- Robert M. Doran S.J."In masterful fashion Michael Lawler describes how knowledge drawn from experience and developed critically and interactively by sociologists and theologians can provide fuller and more accurate insight into Christian faith and participation in the institutionalized church. This is a significant contribution to the study of theological method, one that draws and enriches the heritage of both Congar and Lonergan." -- Bernard J. Cooke"Michael Lawler has written a sprawling, ambitious book that comes in under 200 pages, a feat for which he should be praised, and an example which ought to be followed by other scholars...Because the issues he raises are so vital to almost any theologian working today, the book should be required reading...this is a very, very important book, which raises a real issue. This text, along with Terry Tilley's Inventing Catholic Tradition, begin to outline a trajectory forward for those of us younger Catholics who find ourselves desiring more tradition than some post-Vatican II theology gives, and yet who find the idea of unchanging and authoritarian tradition completely in-credible in today's church and world." -Catholic Books Review, 2005 -- Catholic Books Review"[Lawler's] book deserves to be read on its own for his contribution to enriching theology, especially in the line of Lonergan's reflection." -Leo Laberge, Recensions, Vol. 40, 2009Table of Contents1. Theology, Sociology, and Theologians; 2. Theology and Sociology: Mutual Mediations; 3. Sociology of Knowledge and Theology; 4. Theology, Sociology, and Scripture; 5. The Church Emerging in the Human Community; 6. Reception and Sensus Fidei; 7. Sociology, Divorce and Remarriage, Contraception

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Book SynopsisDrawing upon many testimonies and archival sources, this scholarly biography of Bernadette Soubirous explains who Bernadette was, and how she lived and died but takes no position on whether or not her visions were genuine. It places Bernadette in the context of her time.Trade Review"'Taylor's excellent biography offers a fascinating look at Bernadette's short and in many ways tragic life. The book thus offers not only a vivid portrait of a remarkable young woman, but fascinating insights into the interactions between official and popular religion. Taylor does not take a stand on the veracity of Bernadette's visions, and her tone is balance enough to appeal to sceptics and believers alike. The book is well researched and written in elegant prose refreshingly free of scholarly jargon. This must-read for scholars' of French religious history and/or the history of women is accessible for undergraduates and general readers as well. Essential. All libraries/levels' Choice"Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part One. Lourdes: The Making of a Shrine; 1. Like Any Town: Lourdes Before the Apparitions; 2. An Ignorant Young Girl: The Childhood of Bernadette, 1844-1858; 3. The Fortnight: Daily Visions from 18 February to 4 March 1858; 4. So Many Extraordinary Things: Miracles in Lourdes, 1858; 5. The Spirit of Resistance: Lourdes, May to September 1858; 6. For the Sake of Religious Enlightenment: The Episcopal Mandate, 1858-1866; 7.What Will You Become?: The Education of bernadette, 1860-1866; Part Two: Nevers: The Afterlife of a Visionary; 8. Dedicated to Perfection: Life, Work and Death among the Soeurs de Nevers; 9. I Have Come Here to Hide Myself': Life in the Novitiate, 1866-1867; 10. Watching Over the Sentiments of My Heart: REligious Life at St Gildard; 11. Silence of the Self: Bernadette as a Sister of Nevers; 12. Atrocious Sufferings: The Deathbed, 1875-1879 Conclusion; Notes; Bibliogrpahy; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn this illuminating and engaging book, Alban McCoy imaginatively and intelligently addresses the key questions that non Catholics and even Catholics have about Roman Catholicisim .Trade Review"'At every turn he challenges complacency and makes ancient wisdom fresh, exciting.' - Commonwealth"Table of ContentsI. Common Questions; Faith and reason: enemies or allies? / God and Proof: argument or assertion? / 'God' and God: language or reality? / God: three and one? / God and Evil: can they both exist? / The Church: do we need it? / Sacraments: saving signs or magic? / Our Lady: mariology or mariolatry? / The Papacy: help or obstacle? / Catholicism and Conscience: are they compatible? / The Ordination of Women: why not? / Annulment: divorce by another name? / Christianity and world religions: can they all be true? II. The Ten Commandments; Human Flourishing / God: not idols, magic or performance / Parents: honour them, despite Philip Larkin / Value Human Life - all of it / Defend Marriage / Property, Poverty and Relationships / Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say; III. The Seven Deadly Sins; The First Deadly Sin: Pride / The Second Deadly Sin: Sloth / The Third Deadly Sin: Envy / The Fourth Deadly Sin: Avarice / The Fifth Deadly Sin: Gluttony / The Sixth Deadly Sin: Wrath / The Seventh Deadly Sin: Lust; IV. The Virtuous Life; Introducing the Virtues / Faith / Hope / Love - and do what you will

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Book SynopsisFrom its very title, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II showed that he wished to give the protection of life, from conception to its natural end, a highly positive character and great new spiritual thrust.While realistically countering new and unprecedented threats to life and the rapid spread of a culture of death, the primary intention of this document is to proclaim the good news of the value and dignity of each human life, of its grandeur and worth, also in its temporal phase. The cause of life is in fact at the same time the cause of the Gospel and the cause of man, the cause entrusted to the church.This encyclical was published following consultation with an extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals in 1991 and subsequently with all the bishops of the world. It is a precise and vigorous reaffirm

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