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Fr. Edward Looney continues reading from the introduction of the Mystical City of God for Volume 2 and then offers a reflection on our choices and desires and saintly friends.

Year 3, Day 92: Volume 2, Book 3, Introduction, Paragraphs 12-21

&ldquo;To live life without faith, without a patrimony to defend, without a struggle for truth, that is not living, but existing.&rdquo;&nbsp; &mdash;Pier Giorgio Frassati &nbsp; Enter the heart of a passionate young man who in his brief life reached the heights of adventure, friendship, and sanctity. &nbsp; Born to a wealthy family in Turin at the dawn of the 20th century, Pier Giorgio Frassati was good-looking, popular and athletic. He spent much of his youth climbing the rugged Italian Alps, disappearing into the clouds for days at a time. He was quick with a joke or a prank and enjoyed a good time.&nbsp; It seemed he was blessed with everything a young man could ask for.&nbsp; &nbsp; But he hungered for more. &nbsp; Despite coming from a family of such prestige, Pier Giorgio spent most days in the slums of Turin, visiting the poor and serving the sick. His love for Christ burned within him and brushed off on everyone he came into contact with&mdash;from lepers and orphans to college friends and political diplomats. He shared his Faith with kindness and charity, and defended it passionately against the evils of Fascism, even coming to blows with Mussolini&rsquo;s thugs on numerous occasions.&nbsp; &nbsp; Pier Giorgio touched the lives of thousands, yet his high-society parents remained unmoved by the life he led as they frowned upon his religious practices and charitable work.&nbsp; Reaching them would be his last challenge, his final mountain to climb. &nbsp; To the Heights&nbsp;is an unforgettable novel about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.&nbsp; Dig deeper than the biographical facts and discover the heart of a charismatic young man whose soul blazes brightly and uniquely among the host of heaven.

To the Heights

01 - Opening Credits

02 - Dedications

03 - Preface

04 - Chapter 1 - What Did Jesus Do

05 - Chapter 2 - Why Do We Do That as Catholics

06 - Chapter 3 - Two Obstacles to Healing

07 - Chapter 4 - How to Pray the Mass

08 - Epilogue

09 - Examination of Conscience

10 - About the Narrator

11 - About TAN Books

12 - Closing Credits

As a kid I was forced to go to Church every Sunday. My senior year of high school I gave up faith and religion all together and embraced being agnostic. &#160; I sought the American dream by co-founding a $4.5mil software company and pursued money, fitness, and success, but none of that ever satisfied or gave me peace.&#160;&#160; &#160; One day my business partner, a devout Catholic, asked me how I reconciled my behaviors and beliefs. Through historical research, intellectual honesty and this thing called “prayer,” I moved from being agnostic, to “spiritual,” to non-denominational Christian, then, ultimately home to the Catholic Church.&#160; Why Be Catholicis not exactly my journey, but it is the Journey of the Church.&#160; This book will take you along the pieces of logical and historical realities that reveal how and why the Catholic Church is who She says She is. This book will address the questions: "What did Jesus do: give us a Church or Bible?" and "How can you know?". &#160; It will also address the questions of why Catholics believe in the Real Presences of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, praying to Mary, and confession to a Priest. Why Be Catholicwill also identify and help the reader overcome two obstacles to receiving God’s healing graces in their lives. And lastly, and most importantly, it will open up for the reader “How to Pray the Mass.”&#160; I say it is the most important, because many Catholics I work with throughout my ministry say they get distracted or bored at Mass. This book will open up the Mass from both practical and mystical ways, in hopes of making the Mass come alive for the reader.&#160; &#160; Why Be Catholic is not just the journey of Christians, it is the fulfillment of all Faith.

Why Be Catholic

Fr. Edward Looney reads Chapter 4 of Book 1 in its entirety and then provides a reflection on the day's reading.

Year 2, Day 8: Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 35-51

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 10 of book 8 and then comments on the power of reflecting on Christ's passion.&nbsp;

Day 342: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 10, Paragraphs 575-584

Here are over 20 true stories of women who had been guilty of adultery, murder, fornication and abortion, plus engaged in hatred, envy, lying and other sins -- yet found forgiveness, mercy, healing and peace through Our Lord Jesus Christ. These women were as passionate in atonement as they had formerly been in sin. Some had been rejected by their partners in sin; others had to make a supreme effort and tear themselves away. Some had children. Some were punished by civil law. Some had to turn their backs on riches. Some had to disentangle themselves from political relationships. But all converted and spent the rest of their lives doing penance -- a pattern that will be repeated till the End of Time by many other Great Magdalens.

The Great Magdalens

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 12 of book 6 and then comments on the prayer of Jesus in the garden, the unification of Jesus and Mary, and our good resolutions.

Year 2, Day 238: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 12, Paragraphs 503-511

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 15 of book 3 and reflects on the Visitation.

Year 2, Day 112: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 190-199

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 6 of book 7 and then comments on the preaching of St. Peter and the conversion of the crowd. &nbsp;

Year 3, Day 287: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 73-79

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter eight of book three and then offers a reflection about the heart of Mary and her awareness of her sinlessness.

Year 2, Day 102: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 87-98

Fr. Edward reads chapter 2 of book 6 and then comments on Mary&#39;s presence during the ministry of Jesus.

Year 2, Day 219: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 333-341

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 22 of book 8 and then comments on the tomb of Our Lady. &nbsp;

Day 364: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 775-785

Fr. Edward reads chapter three of book 5 and then reflects on the visits to the temple and how Jesus is the New Temple, a reflection on an individual from the Old Testament, and the significance of Mary hearing the Father&#39;s voice.

Year 2, Day 184: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 26-34

Fr. Edward Looney finishes chapter 3 of book two of The Mystical City of God and then offers a reflection on poverty, chastity, and the enclosure.

Year 2, Day 53: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 452-462

The Ideal Gift for Reconciliation or First CommunionPray Always is the perfect gift for any child. Whether for their first Confession, Communion, or even just a birthday, this little prayer book will make a lasting impact on the child closest to you. Along with the basic prayers that every child should know, Pray Always features prayers for every time—every moment—of the day. Accompanied by original, vibrant illustrations, this book is sure to lift the hearts and minds of children to God.Pray Always&#160;will grow with your child, offering an Examination of Conscience and Act of Contrition, as well as prayers for before and after receiving the Eucharist.Packed with more than 35 prayers and more than 40 beautiful, full-color illustrations, this book will be cherished for years by the beloved child in your life, as it truly teaches them to pray always.&#160;Pray Always&#160;also features:• Prayers for a child's family • A prayer to Mary for mothers • A prayer to Joseph for fathers • A guide to praying the Rosary, specifically designed for children • Brief prayers that can be uttered many times throughout the day • Short biographies of saints along with a special prayer of intercession geared toward helping children overcome their unique strugglesPray Always concludes with the Litanies to the Sacred Heart and to Mary, as well as the Divine Praises—more short exultations that will keep Christ in the mind and on the lips of your children, grandchildren, students, or communicants all day long.

Pray Always: A Catholic Child's First Prayer Book

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 3 of book 7 and then comments on the age of Mary.

Year 2, Day 282: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 32-38

Fr. Edward Looney begins reading from chapter 8 of book 2, and then offers a reflection on love and copying Mary's love.

Year 3, Day 60: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 516-525

Raising Blue-Collar Kids in a White-Collar World is a bold call to arms for parents who want to raise grounded, resilient children in an age of entitlement and ease. In a culture where elite education is often prized above common sense, and where young adults expect success without sweat, this unapologetic book offers a different vision: one rooted in grit, humility, and moral strength.With the frankness of a business owner who’s watched the workforce shift, and the heart of a parent who wants more for the next generation, Conor Gallagher challenges modern parenting norms that coddle rather than cultivate. He argues that while white-collar dreams are worthy, they mean little if our children lack the blue-collar soul—the tenacity to work hard, embrace suffering, take responsibility, and persevere with grace.This book is not about rejecting ambition or education. It’s about forming the kind of character that can stand strong in adversity, that doesn’t crumble under criticism, and that values contribution over comfort. Through engaging reflections and real-world wisdom, readers are invited to rediscover the lost art of tough love, personal responsibility, and virtue-driven parenting.If you want to raise kids who aren’t just employable—but dependable, courageous, and spiritually anchored—Raising Blue-Collar Kids in a White-Collar World is your essential guide. Grit isn’t optional. It’s the foundation for greatness.Are you ready to raise kids who can stand tall when the world leans hard? Then it’s time to get your hands dirty and raise them right.

Raising Blue Collar Kids

Fr. Edward Looney reads from Chapter 7 of the Mystical City of God and provides a reflection on limbo and the lure of evil.

Year 3, Day 12: Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 80-85

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 7 and then comments on courage of the Apostles. &nbsp;

Year 2, Day 315: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 316-324

National Catholic Register Saturday Book Pick: Mike Aquilina's A Year With the Church Fathers (June 4, 2011)Times change, but human nature does not. Neither do the daily struggles that all Christians experience in their walk with the Lord. Today as two thousand years ago we fight anger, pride, lust, spiritual sloth. Now as then we strive to be more diligent in prayer, more faithful to the commandments, more patient and charitable toward others. And in our time, no less than in the earliest centuries of Christianity, we need wise guidance to direct us on the road to holiness.In A Year with the Church Fathers, popular Patristics expert Mike Aquilina gathers the wisest, most practical teachings and exhortations from the Fathers of the Church, and presents them in a format perfect for daily meditation and inspiration. The Fathers were the immediate inheritors of the riches of the Apostolic Age, and their intimacy with the revelation of Jesus Christ is beautifully evident throughout their theological and pastoral writings: a profound patrimony that is ours to read and cherish and profit from.Learn to humbly accept correction from St. Clement of Rome. Let Tertullian teach you how to clear your mind before prayer. Read St. Gregory the Great and deepen your love for the Eucharist. Do you suffer from pain or illness? St. John Chrysostom's counsels will refresh you. Do you have trouble curbing your appetite for food and other fleshly things? St. John Cassian will teach you the true way to moderation and self-control.A Year with the Church Fathers is different from a study guide, and more than a collection of pious passages. It is a year-long retreat that in just a few minutes every day will lead you on a cycle of contemplation, prayer, resolution, and spiritual growth that is guaranteed to bring you closer to God and His truth. From the Church Fathers we should expect nothing less.

A Year with the Church Fathers

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 18 of book 7 and then comments on the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and how we can foster a devotion to her today. &nbsp;

Day 319: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 353-364

In desperate circumstances, the Faithful have always turned to the sure help of St. Jude Thaddeus—Apostle, cousin of Our Lord, and martyr for the Catholic Faith. This powerful Saint is invoked in cases of extreme need, grievous illness, poverty, and when circumstances seem hopeless.Plus, he is a special defender of (and helper in regaining) purity. St. Jude has obtained remedies and comfort for countless people who have turned to him in prayer. This book explains his relationship to Our Lord (as "the Brother of God") and describes his preaching of the Gospel in Persia.There, along with St. Simon, he performed many miracles, defeated two magicians, converted thousands—including kings—and was martyred. Besides many interesting traditions about St. Jude, this booklet also contains the entire text of the Epistle of St. Jude with an explanation of this little-known New Testament book. Also included are famous, powerful prayers and novenas.Impr. 54 pgs, PB

Saint Jude Thaddeus: Helper in Desperate Cases

No Greater Love&nbsp;presents the Church&rsquo;s teaching on martyrdom and a prayerful exposition of Catholic witnesses. Born from the sacrifice of Christ, the Faithful Witness, martyrdom remains the Church&rsquo;s most powerful testimony to the Eternal Truth. From the Holy Innocents to modern saints, martyrs have offered their lives with unwavering love and fortitude.
&nbsp;
This work treats the visible martyrdom of blood and the hidden martyrdom of desire, showing how every Christian is called to offer life in love, even without the sword. Drawing on Scripture, papal wisdom, and the witness of saints, readers are invited to take their place in the militant Church, pursuing holiness with courage and charity. In an age of noise, compromise, and confusion, Bishop Schneider reminds us that the Truth is worth dying for, and even more, worth living for.

No Greater Love: The True Meaning of Martyrdom

When Fredericik Berretta plunged into the icy waters of the Hudson, God spared his life in an instant—and changed his heart forever.Frederick Berretta was an amateur pilot himself, so when U.S. Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese and lost both engines, minutes after takeoff from Laguardia Airport on that fateful afternoon of January 15, 2009, he knew before most of his fellow passengers that something was seriously wrong. As the roar of the jets quieted and the aircraft ceased to climb, as the pilot guided the powerless plane towards a desperate crash landing and announced, "Brace for impact," Berretta fingered the prayer book in his pocket and tried to prepare himself for death.A multitude of thoughts flooded his mind all at once. He reminded himself that the odds of surviving a water landing were slim to none. He thought of his wife and his four children, and how they would miss him. He remembered he had just been to confession and to Mass, and he wondered if his soul would be ready to meet the Lord. And he knew he had to pray."God, please be merciful to us, for the sake of your Son," he whispered. "Please spare us. I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Mother of God, please pray for us."At that very instant, Berretta felt a "push" or "nudge" on his conscience; a state of awareness he'd never before experienced; and a keen realization that he had to do something. But what? Then God's voice sounded strong and clear in the depths of his soul:"Are you going to accept My will for your life?"For Frederick Berretta, the events of that fateful January day were the crystallizing moment of a lifetime of conversion. This story tells how he lost his childhood faith and as a young adult embraced a selfish, worldly life, how he suffered through family turmoil and the death of a child, and how by God's grace he slowly returned to the Church, humbled and grateful. God used the "Miracle on the Hudson" to confirm him in his faith and set him on fire to share it with others. Flight of Faith is the inspiring true story of how God works in our lives in simple and extraordinary ways.

Flight of Faith

Hilaire Belloc stands as one of the most important Catholic writers in English of the twentieth century. Going toe-to-toe against purveyors of modernist, irreligious, scientistic, and secularist views of the worlds in the early part of the twentieth century, he brought his immense dedication and personal willpower to his unabashedly Catholic and intensely passionate work. Running through all his thought is a dedication to the Christianized society that developed in Europe throughout the Middle Ages and that, since the Reformation and especially the Enlightenment, was in swift and grotesque decline. In this collection, entitled Essays of a Catholic, the storied Catholic writer turns his powerful mind, wide-ranging erudition, robust common sense, and supreme confidence in the Catholic Faith to a host of topics, in such essays as:"The New Paganism,""Legend,""Usury,""The Schools,""The Two Cultures of the West,""The Catholic Church and the Modern State,"And much more!Belloc's work predicted and explains much of the chaos we now witness. Although he was unable to prevent the onslaught in his own time, his wisdom as to the present crisis of decadent Western civilization provides the balm to soothe our ills—or at least the diagnosis to properly understand the horror of what has been wrought in our formerly Christian society. This brilliant work is a tonic sorely needed by Catholics today.Hilaire Belloc was born in 1870 in France to a French father and an English mother. After his Father's death, his mother took him and his sister to England to grow up. After pursuing a degree at Oxford, Hilaire became a writer and served a stint in the French military necessary to retain citizenship. He fell deeply in love with an American woman named Elodie, and after six years of suffering-laden courtship, they were finally married. Belloc continued to write for a living, serving for a time also as one of the few Catholic members of the British parliament. He became a notorious debater and essayist, and was good friends with fellow English Catholic writer G. K. Chesterton. Throughout all his work, he proclaimed one particular idea, emblematized in one of his most famous quotes: "Europe is the Faith, and the Faith is Europe." To modern observers, Belloc as staunch defender of Christ and Christendom appears eerily prescient and convincingly truthful. Essays of a Catholic will show you why.

Essays of a Catholic

Fr. Edward Looney reads and reflects on Chapter 7 from the Mystical City of God by Venerable Maria of Agreda.

Year 2, Day 13: Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 86-93

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 13 of book 8 and then comments on fostering gratitude for graces received and the gifts of our Catholic faith. &nbsp;

Day 348: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 636-641

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 6 and then reflects on Jesus's torturous night in the dungeon jail. &nbsp;

Day 246: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 572-578

01 Opening Credits

02 Editors Introduction

03 Chapter 1

04 Chapter 2

05 Chapter 3

06 Chapter 4

07 Chapter 5

08 Chapter 6

09 Chapter 7

10 Chapter 8

11 Appendix

12 Closing Credits

The spiritual wisdom of Saint Benedict has endured for centuries and quite literally shaped Western culture from its inception. Tenets of the order, like its motto and Saint Benedict’s Rule, are just as influential for lay people as they are for the Benedictine monks and nuns. The cross and medal of St. Benedict is also among the gifts bestowed by the Benedictine Order. For centuries, it has been a conduit for God’s power against malicious spirits. The history of this cross and medal—how it first came about, how it was used, miracles attributed to its use—was not easily apparent, nor readily accessible. However, this book successfully delineates the history, theology, and potency of the cross and medal of St. Benedict. Drawing from a number of ancient and reliable sources, Fr. Robert Nixon has compiled, translated, and edited a most powerful book on the cross and medal of St. Benedict. With this book, you’ll learn from various saints and holy men as the history of St. Benedict’s cross and medal unfolds. In doing so, you will learn about the life and legend of St. Benedict, the Father of Western Monasticism, who established the most ancient religious order. Sancte Benedicte, ora pro nobis!