31 Meditations before Mass

During my summer placement at Corpus Christi parish, I was asked to give short (2-5 minute) sermons to help prepare people for Mass. Here is a link to 31 reflections (Click here).   … [Read more...]

Summary of The Curé d’Ars by Abbé Francis Trochu

The Curé d'Ars by Abbé Francis Trochu, Translated by Dom Ernest Graf, OSB, Baronius Press, 2015. Abbe Trochu presents an inspiring journey into the life of the Cure that is at once marvelous and authentic. As no one else, the author gives readers a … [Read more...]

Summary of A Guide to Christian Meditation by John Bartunek, LC

The Importance and Benefits of Christian Meditation "Daily meditation keeps your faith, that pearl of great price, lively, supple, and relevant. It irrigates the soil of your soul, making your sacramental life more fruitful, keeping your other prayer … [Read more...]

St. John Vianney on Prayer

From Cure d'Ars by Trochu: John Vianney was always fond of telling a story of when he asked a humble farmer what he was doing in Church all the time in the morning before work. And the farmer replied: "I look at the good God, and he looks at me" … [Read more...]

Summary of And You Are Christ’s – The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Fr. Thomas Dubay

And You Are Christ's - The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Fr. Thomas Dubay, Ignatius Press, 1987.  Dubay states that his book "aims to meet the needs of young people who wish to give themselves entirely to God... and those of their … [Read more...]

Prayer to Embrace God in Love by St. Anselm of Canterbury

As I prepare for my eight-day silent retreat this afternoon, I came across this prayer from St. Anselm of Canterbury. “I am desperate for your love, Lord. My heart is aflame with fervent passion. When I remember the good things you have done, my … [Read more...]

Summary of The Meaning of the Mass by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqDMO5iAX64&t=1s Few talks on the Mass are as powerful, clear, and unforgettable as this one by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. It is the kind of teaching that deserves to be heard not once, but many times. Sheen … [Read more...]

Summary of Good News, Bad News: Evangelization, Conversion and the Crisis of Faith by Fr John McCloskey III and Russell Shaw

Good News, Bad News: Evangelization, Conversion and the Crisis of Faith by Fr John McCloskey III and Russell Shaw, Ignatius Press, 2007. Drawing on moving, firsthand accounts of conversions gathered by Fr. McCloskey (famous "convert maker" priest) … [Read more...]

Summary of Priestly Spirituality by Hans Urs von Balthasar

Priestly Spirituality by Hans Urs von Balthasar. Translated by Frank Davidson, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2013.   On Priestly Spirituality "The fundamental basis of all priestly spirituality - whether it concerns the religious or the … [Read more...]

Summary of The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila

Here is my book summary of St. Teresa of Ávila's The Way of Perfection (Second Edition. London: Thomas Baker, 1919), according to some key themes: 1. Prayer St. Teresa of Ávila teaches that every soul is a dwelling place for God, who resides within … [Read more...]