Summary and Review of Baptism of Desire and Christian Salvation by Anthony Lusvardi, SJ

Introduction In Baptism of Desire and Christian Salvation, Anthony Lusvardi, SJ, offers both a historical and theological recovery of a frequently neglected doctrine—baptism of desire—as the Church’s most coherent response to the enduring problem … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of What Christians Believe: Understanding the Nicene Creed by Bishop Robert Barron

Bishop Robert Barron’s What Christians Believe offers a clear and compelling walk through the Nicene Creed, line by line. Formulated at Nicaea (325) and expanded at Constantinople (381), the Creed distills centuries of reflection on the biblical … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre

Chapter 1: Introduction Brant Pitre’s Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary offers a profound exploration of Catholic beliefs about Mary by examining them through the lens of ancient Judaism. Drawing on the method of biblical typology, Pitre … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) by Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II’s 1987 encyclical Redemptoris Mater (“Mother of the Redeemer”) is a deeply contemplative and theologically rich reflection on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mystery of Christ and in the life of the Church. Written in … [Read more...]

St. Joseph’s Mantle: A Miraculous Relic and Special Invitation

Tucked in the heart of ancient Rome—surrounded by crumbling imperial grandeur and the silent witness of martyrs—stands a church that guards a sacred secret: the Basilica of Saint Anastasia. Step through its doors, and you cross a threshold where … [Read more...]

The Resurrection of the Body | 7 Important Truths by St. Thomas Aquinas

During the Easter season, we rightly celebrate Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. Moreover, every Sunday, we proclaim in the Creed, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” But how often do we pause to reflect on what His … [Read more...]

Summary of Holy Saturday Meditations by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger

The following is a collection of 4 meditations by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on Holy Saturday (I have given a title for each), with my reflection question at the end: Meditation 1: "God is dead and we killed him!" It is with increasing … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Rescued: The Unexpected and Extraordinary News of the Gospel by Fr. John Riccardo

Introduction Fr. John Riccardo’s Rescued begins with three bold convictions to shake us awake: (1) we are not here by accident—we were born for this moment in history; (2) the world is crying out in spiritual despair, desperately in need of … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Litanies of the Heart by Dr. Gerry Crete

Preface In Litanies of the Heart, Gerry Crete invites readers on a healing journey inward to discover their true selves and encounter God’s loving presence at the center. Drawing from his experience as both a trauma survivor and therapist, Crete … [Read more...]

Summary and Review of Salvifici Doloris: On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering by Pope John Paul II

I. Introduction St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris (1984) offers a profound theological reflection on the Christian meaning of human suffering. Drawing on St. Paul’s words in Colossians 1:24—“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for … [Read more...]