Description
Book SynopsisWho were Catholicism's greatest orators? What was the key to their effectiveness? Was it mere scholastic ability or spiritual inspiration? The answer is both. In this follow-up work, Father Ray E. Atwood examines the lives, theologies, and preaching examples of the Church's greatest preachers. This book tells the story, in biographical form, of Catholic preaching from the Old Testament through today, concluding with the homilies of Benedict XVI. Masters of Preaching takes the reader around the world in search of homiletic gems. Readers will learn about the stories of familiar figures, such as Saint Gregory the Great, and less familiar figures, such as Monsignor Francis Friedl. Readers will also discover how these men moved their congregations to deeper faith and greater understanding of the mysteries of salvation. Two appendices at the end of the book serve as a terrific resource for those looking for practical illustrations of lectionary themes. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the subjects of public speaking and Church history.
Trade ReviewFather Atwood’s book, Masters of Preaching: More Poignant and Powerful Homilists in Church History, Volume Two, is in harmony with the Pope Benedict’s call for a renewal of preaching and the new evangelization. The attention to detail and creative writing are evident in developing the story of Catholicism’s pulpit masters. Both clergy and laity will be able to drink more deeply of the wellspring of truth in Scripture through this book. His hope is that through the study of this book, ‘God may be glorified in all things.’ -- Jerome Hanus, O.S.B., Archbishop of Dubuque
As with Masters of Preaching, Volume One, I find this book to be brilliant, deep, comprehensive, inspiring, and helpful. -- Richard Schaefer, Archdiocese of Dubuque
Father Atwood’s second volume of Masters of Preaching is another invaluable resource for all who are called to preach the word of God. The examples of those who were—and are—masters of that ministry remind us that homilists must first be men of deep faith who spare no energy in preparing homilies. -- Richard Pates, Bishop of Des Moines
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction 1 The Principles and Mechanics of Effective Preaching 2 Preaching in the Old Testament 3 Preaching in the New Testament 4 Preaching in the Post-Apostolic Church 5 Preaching in the Patristic Age 6 Preaching in the Middle Ages 7 Preaching in the Reformation and Post-Reformation Periods 8 Preaching in the Modern and Contemporary Era Conclusion Abbreviations Chronology of Historical Periods and Homilists Covered in This Book Patristic Appendix Mass Readings Index Bibliography Index of Homilies Index About the Author
