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Happy Birthday, Mother Mary!

On September 8, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, Traditions, By Patrick

The Many Faces of Mary:
a love story

The Many Faces of Mary:
the love story continues…
by Bob and Penny Lord

Today is nine months since the Immaculate Conception, which means today we celebrate the birthday of Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bob and Penny Lord (who we recongize as that cute old couple on EWTN who talk about the Saints and visit shrines) have written these really cool books on Our Lady with emphasis on her apparitions and the messages contained therein.

The subtitle says it all: it’s a love story–of her love for her Son and of her love for each and every one of us. Through these apparitions over the centuries, we get to meet face-to-face with Mary; we get to know the Mother of God personally, intimately; we get to feel her great concern–her longing–for us to be saved through her Son, Jesus Christ.

Not only do these two books offer the historical accounts of her many apparitions, it is spiritually uplifting and reassuring. Bob and Penny Lord shows us the importance of Our Lady’s intercessions and praying the Rosary, and that she is just as present now as she was in these past events, and, she will continue to be there for us until the end of days.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

The Baltimore Catechism

On September 7, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Sacraments, By Patrick

The Baltimore Catechism

This is the time of the year that parish-based educational ministries are starting up again.

The Baltimore Catechism is a time-tested and proven-effective resource to put at the core of a religious education curriculum. The three books cover First Communicants learning the basics of the faith through high schoolers getting ready for Confirmation. It can also be excellent supplementary material used in conjunction with an existing program, or, for one’s independent enrichment.

Even adult students who haven’t been in school for a number of years can benefit from this series as the lessons are presented in a clear and concise question-and-answer format that facilitates learning. It makes sure to incorporate Church Doctrine, Sacred Scripture, and practical application for a thorough understanding of the lesson.

Around since 1885, The Baltimore Catechism is the trusted name in teaching about Catholicism.

Called

On September 7, 2010, In Bible Study, Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

The Apostles
(Illustrated Edition)
by Benedict XVI

I heard a story that when it was becoming apparent he was going to be the next pope, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger silently prayed, “Oh God, please don’t do this to me….” He had wanted to retire quietly and devote the remainder of his days writing books–but, His will be done.

“If you want to make God laugh,” so says the popular quip, “tell Him your plans.”

We hear this all the time when talking about vocations. It is not something we choose for ourselves–rather, it is God calling us. And, we can figure out what it is He wants from us by spending lots of time alone, in silence, in prayer.

In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:12-19), Jesus spent an entire night alone in the mountain praying. When He came down in the morning, He chose the Twelve whom He called His Apostles. Those twelve men did not apply for that position, they did not step forward to volunteer, they did not pass a test or beat out others in a competition–they were individually called.

I know of very devout men who applied for the seminary and were rejected–they need to trust in God that the priesthood is not their calling. Similarly, I know of men who were literally plucked by God from their worldly, hedonistic lifestyles to become His holiest priests. God does not call the equipped–He equips the called.

So if you’ve got an inkling that God wants you to do something for Him, don’t worry and answer it! He will make sure you have what it takes to fulfill the task, and, trust that the path He was chosen for you is the one you will be the happiest.

Learn more about the Twelve in Pope Benedict XVI’s The Apostles, Illustrated Edition.

Catholic Teddy Bears?

On September 1, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

Russ Teddy Bears

Not exactly a feast day… September 9 is recognized as Teddy Bear Day.

We all know the famous story that it was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, a hunting enthusiast, who refrained from shooting a cute and cuddly cub.

For gift-givers and parents trying to “keep it Catholic” with the little ones, don’t worry: these Russ bears are undoubtedly Christian! The large bears have a patch saying “God Danced the Day you were Born,” while the smaller ones have a simple cross at the bottom of one of their paws; boys, girls, or unisex colors to choose from.

Show someone you love them, and that God does, too.

Mother Teresa Books, DVDs, and Gifts

On September 1, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

moteresa Mother Teresa Books, DVDs, and Gifts

We just celebrated her 100th birthday last August 26. On September 5, we will honor her 13th death anniversary. And then, on October 19, the 7th year since she was beatified by John Paul II.

For my generation, Mother Teresa (along with John Paul II) was the face of Catholicism, the very model of what it is to serve and to suffer for Jesus Christ. I’ve heard many of her quotes and stories told about her; and, I have a friend who has a sister in the Missionaries of Charity. I have such high esteem for that vocation, of their selfless giving to everyone, most especially the impoverished and dying.

We have a special biography page on Mother Teresa where you can find every book we have written by her or on her, a couple of DVDs (documentaries and adaptations), and some other gifts. Check it out here: Mother Teresa Books and Gifts.

St. Rose of Lima

On August 30, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

St. Rose of Lima
by Sister Mary
Alphonsus O.SS.R.

So many people today are obsessed with making themselves look attractive: gym memberships, dieting, makeup, plastic surgery. St. Rose of Lima, who is celebrating her feast today, was just the opposite.

She was born in 1586 and died in 1617. Her real name was Isabel, but was given this nickname when a servant supposedly saw her face transformed into a rose–and, for her remarkable beauty. She would later officially take the name “Rose” at her Confirmation.

St. Rose of Lima
Patron Saint Medals
1.6cm ENGRAVABLE
2.0cm ENGRAVABLE

Early on she had already decided to give her life entirely to Jesus, despite her parents’ wish that she marry. She feared that her beauty was leading others to sin (as many would stare at her), so she would cut her hair or disfigure her face using peppers and lye. She spent many hours alone in prayer and penance in a grotto she built herself, or, before the Blessed Sacrament.

In 1602, she entered a Dominican convent where she spent the remainder of her days. She predicted her own death in 1617, at the young age of 31. She was beatified by Clement IX in 1667 and canonized by Clement X four years later. She is the first saint from the Americas. Our current pope, Benedict XVI, has a special devotion to St. Rose of Lima.

Newsflash: There IS a God

On August 24, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

The Godless Delusion:
A Catholic Challenge
to Modern Atheism
by Patrick Madrid and
Kenneth Hensley

In his 2006 book, The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins argues that a supernatural creator does not exist, and, that faith is a delusion–a fixed, false belief. Translated into 31 other languages, the English version of this book alone has sold more than 2 million copies.

Dawkins, who is referred to as “Darwin’s Rottweiler,” is a very intelligent and well-spoken man with a long list of credentials from prominent, reputable institutions to back him up; for someone on the fence or wavering in their faith, this book could very well sway them into atheism.

But hold on a minute… don’t make a decision until you hear BOTH sides of the argument. Dawkins may be “Darwin’s Rottweiler,” but we have “GOD’s Rottweiler”–Benedict XVI–and, the credentials of tw0 thousand years’ worth of the most intelligent thinkers who ever walked the Earth.

Answering the
New Atheism:
Dismantling Dawkins’
Case Against God
by Scott Hahn and
Benjamin Wiker

Patrick Madrid and Kenneth Hensley’s The Godless Delusion is not a book defending Catholicism from atheist attacks–rather, it is a direct assault on atheism itself. And it does so with logic and reason, by exposing the contradictions within the atheists’ arguments entirely apart from the tenets of our faith. Madrid and Hensley then are able to present the arguments FOR the existence of God.

Scott Hahn and Benjamin Wiker’s Answering the New Atheism meets Dawkins toe-to-toe, and finds that The God Delusion, and most other atheist arguments, are unreasoned, unfactual, and nothing more than diatribe and caricature. Hahn and Wiker then use reason and the truth to show the errors in atheist arguments.

These two are excellent resources to have when encountering an atheist challenge to our faith–whether it is a loved one on the fence, or, our own questions about the existence of God.

St. John Bosco: Mission to Love

On August 23, 2010, In Pop Culture, Stuff In Our Store, The Saints, By Patrick

St. John Bosco:
Mission to Love
DVD

I’d say this is the leading biopic on St. John Bosco. It is the most recently produced and has the best actors by far.

The only drawback is that it was filmed in Italian–so you’ll just have to bear the awkward English overdub or the subtitles. As is the norm for biographical movies, events have been dramatized, others omitted (like his dreams and encounters with the devil), though the key elements of this great Saint’s life are all there. And, perhaps it runs a little long.

I can’t say that Flavio Insinna resembles St. John Bosco, either, but this very capable actor has convincingly portrayed the zeal, the self-sacrificial love, and the humility possessed by the Apostle of Youth–which is the important point of this movie.

St. John Bosco’s relics are making their way to the United States next month. I will most definitely make a pilgrimage to see them. I had a very influential teacher when I was in the sixth grade who was a Salesian Cooperator, so I’ve been out camping with the Salesians and on retreat. And, this teacher of mine possessed for herself a first-class relic, which she passed around to us one day. So I guess you can say I’ve met St. John Bosco already.

August Birthstone Rosary

On August 17, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

Peridot Rosary
(Sterling Silver with
Swarovski Crystals)

For your August birthday celebrants, we have this stunning peridot Rosary for your consideration.

Made by Creed in the USA, these LIFETIME GUARANTEED Rosaries feature intricately-faceted and precisely-cut peridot crystal beads produced by Swarovski in Austria. It is complemented by an ornate sterling silver oriental crucifix and Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal centerpiece.

This, like all our birthstone rosaries, qualifies for fast and free shipping anywhere in the United States.

Find more Rosaries like this in our store. For September celebrants, check out this Sapphire Rosary that’s available with sterling silver or 22k gold plated.

Engravable Catholic Gifts!

On August 16, 2010, In Stuff In Our Store, By Patrick

ENGRAVABLE
Catholic Bibles

Gift-giving is an artform. Though we don’t usually show it, we feel kinda bad when we open a present and it’s something that’s obviously been re-gifted; or, picked up at the last minute; or, shows that they don’t really know us and what we’re into. Sometimes we think it would’ve been better if they hadn’t given a gift at all–to spare all that awkwardness.

But a gift-giver who takes their time to pick just the right item, who goes out of their way to make it known that it was selected and given from the heart, with much thought and love–when that gift is opened, the giver immediately receives ten-fold the trouble and price put into it from the sincerest gratitude of the recipient. So if you want to give a gift, go the extra mile.

ch1stsimeofy m Engravable Catholic Gifts!
ENGRAVABLE
1.6cm Patron Saint Medal
2.0cm Patron Saint Medal

At Catholic Books and Gifts, we have made available a heat-press engraving option for most of our hardcover, vinyl, or leatherbound books (such as the New American Bible: Deluxe Parish Edition pictured above). Etched engravings are also available for both sizes of our round Patron Saint Medals (see inset). What better way to show that the gift was picked out especially for them with just a few lines of text, added for just a little more on the already low prices and fast and free shipping.

Happy Birthday, Mother Mary!

The Baltimore Catechism

Called

Catholic Teddy Bears?

Mother Teresa Books, DVDs, and Gifts

St. Rose of Lima

Newsflash: There IS a God

St. John Bosco: Mission to Love

August Birthstone Rosary

Engravable Catholic Gifts!

Welcome to the Catholic Books and Gifts Blog!

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