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...]

Summary of If Your Mind Wanders at Mass by Thomas Howard

If Your Mind Wanders at Mass by Thomas Howard, San Francisco, Ignatius Press, 1995.  INTRODUCTION Since the apostolic era, Christians have approached Mass, as the central act of worship, with both great ardour (spontaneity and devotion) and profound … [Read more...]

Prayer is the #1 Pastoral Activity of a Priest

Just a short collection of some good quotes reminding us of the importance of prayer in the life of a priest...  Pope Benedict XVI “Activism by itself can even be heroic, but in the end, external action is fruitless and loses its effectiveness unless … [Read more...]

Summary of Heart of the Christian Life: Thoughts on Holy Mass by Pope Benedict XVI

Heart of the Christian Life: Thoughts on Holy Mass by Pope Benedict XVI, Ignatius Press, 2008.  The Bread of LifeWhereas on Holy Thursday we process with Jesus to the Mount of Olives to accompany Him in solitude during His betrayal towards the via … [Read more...]

Catholic Summary of The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Saints are men and women who perform acts of heroic virtue habitually. In our journey to the heights of holiness, we need to create good habits so that God's grace may transform us "from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Habits … [Read more...]