Most Popular Books by Mike Aquilina

In his previous release, you were invited to a year long retreat with the Church Fathers; now, Mike Aquilina presents a new volume of contemplations and prayers about those most mysterious of all created beings: the Angels. Drawing again from the deep well of the Fathers'' wisdom, Aquilina has compiled a year''s worth of reflections on the Nine Choirs of Angels. A Year With The Angels invites you to discover the authority and strength of the Heavenly Host. Angels embody virtues, graces, and knowledge of the Truth because they stand before the very Throne of God. Among the Angels'' responsibilities are governing the universe and the movements of nature, defending creation from the attacks of the devil, and acting as messengers of God to mankind. This year, learn to appreciate our unique relationship with the Angels - especially those assigned to protect us during our sojourn on earth. What better protectors and intercessors could we ask for than the first of all creatures who have beheld the face of God from their very beginning? The beautiful Premium UltraSoft gift edition features two-tone sewn binding, ribbon marker, gold edges, and designed interior pages.

From the very first "Who are you?" to the final "What other prayers does the Church recommend?" A Pocket Catechism for Kids, Updated is the ideal introduction to the treasures of the Catholic Faith for children in kindergarten through grade 8. Using a popular question-and-answer format, authors Father Kris Stubna and Mike Aquilina explain the saving truths that Jesus taught in short, easy-to-understand-and-memorize sections that draw from both Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Examining the basics, A Pocket Catechism for Kids, Updated serves as both a primer on the Faith and a readily accessible resource and reference guide. A Pocket Catechism for Kids, Updated also contains sections on traditional Catholic prayers, a guide to making a good Confession, an explanation of the Mass, and more - virtually everything children need to know to understand and live the Faith! ABOUT THE AUTHORS Father Kris D. Stubna received his doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is the pastor of Saint Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA, as well as an author and speaker. Mike Aquilina is a prolific author in the Catholic press. He is the author, editor, or co-editor of several Our Sunday Visitor books including The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions, The Mass of the Early Christians, and The Fathers of the Church.

The best-selling book, now updated with new content and a great new cover! This is a great resource for all Catholics, and perfect for RCIA candidates. Includes an updated examination of conscience, as well as updates on spiritual direction, Marian consecration, helpful Catholic apps, and lots more.

Imagine the dangerous life of an early Christian. You''ve embraced your newfound faith in Christ but fear the risk of persecution or death at the hands of the pagans living around you. Then a trusted friend tells you about some of Jesus'' followers who secretly meet. He whispers into your ear, "Look for a fish carved in a paving stone" by a certain home on the Via Tiburtina. You smile in gratitude. Still today, modern society recognizes those Christian symbols that kept the early Christians safely connected: they appear on churches, bumper stickers, mugs -- even mints and stuffed animals. Yet we are often ignorant of the rich meaning of these symbols: their origins in Scripture, in ancient culture, and in the preaching of the Church Fathers. In this book, noted author Mike Aquilina conducts an intriguing and insightful tour of the symbols that expressed the life and devotion of the Church through the first four centuries of its existence. He explains how Christians freely borrowed pagan and Jewish symbols, giving them new, distinctly Christian meanings. Recover the zeal of our spiritual ancestors as you learn to read their symbolic language -- and discover the impact the symbols still have on your life today. More than a hundred illustrations, reproduced by artist Lea Marie Ravotti from the ancient originals, beautifully complement the text. View a mulitmedia presentation and listen to an interview of the author here.

The real mystery is the Real Presence "The Grail Code satisfies the hunger that people have for knowledge of this mystery. The true Grail bears witness to a divine gift that exceeds even the deepest human longing." --Scott Hahn, author of "The Lamb''s Supper "and "Hail, Holy Queen" The Holy Grail stories possess a mysterious power that has seized the human imagination for centuries. They tell of a great secret finally revealed, of a surprising answer to the most profound questions, of a hidden mystery that satisfies our deepest longings. Writers, poets, artists, composers, and filmmakers have pursued the Grail for 1,700 years. The great quest drives the legends of King Arthur, propels Indiana Jones''s greatest adventure, and keeps many people turning the pages of "The Da Vinci Code." These tales of quests and miracles and of honor and betrayal have capti-vated humankind for so long, say the authors of "The Grail Code," because the stories really do touch the deepest parts of our hearts. They reveal our innate yearning to know Christ, to be in communion with the Divine. What we''ve lost in the pop-culture transformations of the Grail is what made it holy in the first place: the intimate link with the Eucharist. "The Grail Code "is a literary and theological detective story, centuries in the making, that ends where the Grail legends began--in the room where Jesus gathered his closest friends for the last time, spoke blessed words, broke bread, and shared a sacred cup.

Mothers of the Church: The Witness of Early Christian Women will reinforce Catholics understanding of the part played by women in the early Church. Drawing upon a wide spectrum of sources, it illustrates the many kinds of women that left their mark on sacred history by responding to God s call. Whether they were martyrs, abbesses, mothers, desert solitaries, or managers of large family businesses, these women s stories will encourage you and deepen your faith. Each chapter features a concise biography that is supplemented by quotes from the Fathers writings concerning the woman in question, poetry concerning her, and other ancient testimonials. The Mothers of the Church include: Holy Women of the New Testament --St. Blandina --St. Perpetua and St. Felicity --St. Helena --St. Thecla --St. Agnes of Rome --St. Macrina --Proba the Widow --St. Marcella --St. Paula --St. Eustochium --St. Monica --Egeria the Tourist

"Newman provides a model for so many different kinds of Catholics. He did what love required." -- Scott Hahn John Henry Newman''s journey to Catholicism is one of the greatest stories of the nineteenth-century Church. He relied on divine revelation, together with logical reasoning and historical facts, to reach religious truths and vigorously defend religious doctrines. Each topical entry begins with an excerpt from this saintly man''s writings, followed by these helpful prompts: Think About It -- Points that serve as a springboard for prayerful consideration of each meditation topic. Just Imagine -- A scripture scene that brings the issue at hand to life. Remember --A simple memorization passage to help you work through the meditation topic. Learn how to apply John Henry Newman''s inspiring teachings to all of the situations in your life!

From the pious to the practical, the reflections of the Fathers of the Church cover virtually every aspect of the Christian life. Noted author Mike Aquilina has compiled their ancient axioms into a concise collection of comments designed for busy, modern readers. Pray with the poetry of St. Gregory Nazianzen. Find clear direction in the practical advice of St. Jerome. And, let your heart turn toward the heavenly Jerusalem, following the 1,000 timeless treasures in The Way of the Fathers. "A power-packed collection of the Fathers'' concise, clear, and challenging statements on issues still relevant to Christians today. A helpful tool, for anyone seeking to live the authentic Gospel life as understood by the first Christians."

Every day is a holiday in the Catholic Church. In their latest collaboration, Cardinal Wuerl and Mike Aquilina examine the history and traditions behind both favorite and forgotten holidays, from Christmas to Easter, from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity to the Feast of the Holy Angels Catholic faith is festive, and the Catholic faithful count their days by celebrating the mysteries of Jesus'' life. There is a message to be found in the passing of days, weeks, and seasons. Through the feasts, ordinary Christians learn the life of Christ, share it, and come to imitate it. This book continues the work the authors began in their books The Mass and The Church, exploring the meaning and purpose of the most basic and beloved aspects of Catholic life. Each chapter uncovers the biblical origins and development of one of the great feasts or fasts -- Advent, Epiphany, the Holy Angels, all the Marian feasts, and even this very day. The calendar can be a catechism for Catholics who know how to live it. "The feasts form us," write the authors, "They help to make us and remake us according to the pattern of the life of Jesus Christ. We number our days as we walk in his footsteps, from his birth to his baptism, from his passion to his resurrection, from his Ascension to his sending of the Spirit to make us saints. We do this faithfully every year, and it defines us as who we are." "Cardinal Wuerl and Aquilina show us the transformative spiritual power in the Church''s original and most ancient feasts. This is a book to be prayed with and meditated on. Because when we understand the meaning of the Church''s liturgical feasts, we know better the great dignity and destiny we have as children of God." - Most Reverend Jos� Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

Known for his hit songs The Wanderer and Runaround Sue in the 1960s, Dion continued to make great music while slowly returning to his Catholic roots. His hard-won wisdom filters through his stories.

Donald Wuerl is one of the most accomplished and influential churchmen of the last half-century-a time of great seismic shifts in society and in the Church. Ordained a priest in the 1960s, he served as a Vatican official during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI. Ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II, he came to lead two major American sees. Created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, he emerged as a world leader in Catholic thought and pastoral practice. He has played key roles in several Roman synods. He remains a close and trusted advisor of Pope Francis. This book is an account of his pastoral years, his years as bishop and archbishop. He has lived as a public figure for most of his life; and even among public figures he has been known for his professional transparency. Yet he has made his reputation not by bombast, grand gestures, or provocative public statements. He has chosen instead to work quietly and work hard, to unify, to gain consensus, and to serve the Catholic Church and its faith. This book shines a light on his quiet work in the last three decades-work accomplished in the churches, in the fields, all across the world, and over coffee breaks in meetings of bishops and cardinals. As a bishop, archbishop, and cardinal, Donald Wuerl has learned from great mentors. He has learned from his own successes and his own mistakes. And he has emerged as a great leader and example for anyone who desires a life of service-anyone looking for "something more pastoral."

"Yours is the Church" celebrates the key role the Catholic Church has played in culture, history, and society, detailing the many ways the Church has transformed our world.

Why did the author pick the popes you''ll meet in the pages of this book? Why not Gregory I, whom many would call the greatest pope of all time? Why not Leo X, who was pope at the beginning of the Protestant Reformation? Why not Leo XIII, who boldly stood up for the rights of workers? Every pope is by definition a remarkable man. But the popes whose stories you''ll read here were chosen because they reveal how the papacy developed. They show us how Christ kept his promise to his bride, the Church, not only in her health but also in her sickness. The great popes advanced our understanding of Christian doctrine. But even more remarkable, the worst popes could do nothing to damage the teaching of the Church. That''s why, even in its darkest moments, the story of the papacy is a story of triumph. And that''s why it''s worth knowing these twelve popes.