Manage Account

Delete Account

Manage Subscription

Fr. Edward Looney finishes reading volume one with the conclusion of chapter 24 and then he offers a reflection on Mary being praised at the city gates of heaven.

Year 3, Day 90: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 24, Paragraphs 794-802

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 7 of book 6 and then reflects on the events of Palm Sunday.&nbsp;

Day 230: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 410-416

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

The promise of Eternal life has been a clarion call to the Saints for centuries, rousing them to action and heroic virtue. They knew that, compared with Eternity, this life is but a shadow. We must seek the same destination as the Saints in the midst of a world filled with amusements and vanities that constantly threaten our journey to Heaven.St. Alphonsus Liguori's Attaining Salvation is a timeless, priceless compass for that journey. Written when the great Doctor of the Church was 77 years old, this treasury of reflections shines with the mature learning of a brilliant mind and a life filled with the study and service of God. With 45 short chapters filled with provocative Scripture quotes, this book is at once challenging and easy to understand. It can be read a little at a time or all at once with equal benefit. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including "The Thought of Eternity," "We Are Pilgrims on Earth," "I Must One Day Die," "Necessity of Mental Prayer," "The Mercy of God," "Detachment from Creatures," "Lukewarmness," and "Purity of Intention." Attaining Salvation is a beautiful gem that will instruct and inspire every reader because it is written with the commanding insight of one of the Church's great saints. Its words do not just feed the intellect; they nurture the soul. It is St. Alphonsus Liguori at his best.

Attaining Salvation

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 8 and then comments on what we remember from the four volumes, having a pure motive for love of God, and the value of a daily examination. &nbsp;

Day 332: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 473-479

This book is written to bring to our minds the thoughts of Advent so that we may think and pray with Mary, who brought Christ to us. Advent, like Lent, is a time of preparation in thought and deed for a great event. Certainly, if a king or a cardinal were to come to our home as a guest, we would prepare for his advent. Should we not prepare, then, for the great King of the universe during these days? Instead of coming to our homes, however, His Advent, or “coming,” is one into our hearts, and it depends on how we pray and meditate during these preparatory days leading up to Christmas.Advent should not cause sorrow, for penance is a joy when done for God. These Advent days, then, will be most joyful if they are dedicated to God. We are happiest when all things are in harmony and in their proper place. This is the definition of health. This is the understanding of peace. This is to be Christian. It is our aim here to put Christ back into Christmas, to welcome the Christ Child in our souls, and to enjoy the godliness of having Christ’s Mass at Christmas.As an added bonus, when you purchase Spiritual Steps to Christmas: Daily Meditations for Sanctifying Advent, you will receive a daily email throughout the Advent season with reflections to help you follow along through the book!

Spiritual Steps to Christmas

Hilaire Belloc was a poet, polemicist, and prose stylist without peer, but above all, an entire generation's mighty champion for the Catholic faith. He was a prolific historian who authored many important works such as How the Reformation Happened, Europe and the Faith, and The Crusades. The Essential Belloc, a timely new compilation of his insights on religion, politics, Western history and culture, is perfect for Catholics struggling against secularism. Included are his lighter musings on the particular charms of towns and peoples throughout the world, the love of good food and drink, and the songs of camaraderie that go with them. This is the perfect book for those who know and love Belloc and for those not yet familiar with the brilliance and humor found in his prose.

The Essential Belloc

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 22 of book 5 and then comments on Mary as co-redemptrix, Mary being called woman, how Maria of Agreda is instructed as an abbess, and how we can imitate Jesus. &nbsp;

Day 208: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 249-253

NOTE: The eBook edition of this title is currently only available in MOBI (Kindle) format.Saints for Boys is compiled especially for little Catholic boys preschool-age up through the second-grade level with over forty illustrations in full color—one on every page. These stories will be loved by little Catholics and will remain in their hearts and memories for years.Saints included in this edition are: Aloysius Gonzaga, Vincent de Paul, Dominic Savio, Francis of Assisi, the Archangel Gabriel, Joseph, Patrick, Benedict, and Michael the Archangel. Also included are some special and important first prayers.

Saints for Boys: A First Book for Little Catholic Boys

Is there a short explanation for what each part of the Traditional Latin Mass signifies? Why are there so many little movements, prayers, and gestures? Why does each matter?&#160; Father Victor Hintgen, a seminary formator during the 1950s at the premier seminary in the world, the Louvain, gives short, succinct explanations of each part of the Traditional Latin Mass in his book&#160;What the Mass Means. The explications are simple enough for a child but deep enough to give sufficient consideration to the infinite worth of the Mass. Instead of a technical exploration of the Mass, its parts, and its history,&#160;What the Mass Means&#160;gives a formative introduction and catechetical elucidation of the Mass perfect for beginners, teachers of the Mass, and those simply curious about why&#160;this&#160;action comes at&#160;this&#160;part of the Mass.&#160;Formatted with questions after each section, this book is ideal for First Communicants preparing to better understand the Traditional Latin Mass, small study groups, or homeschoolers.

What the Mass Means

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

Fr. Edward Looney reads from Chapter 16 of Book 2. &nbsp;In this reading we return to Mary in the temple and get a glimpse into her spiritual life.

Year 3, Day 76: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 660-666

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 21 of book 4 and then reflects on Mary&#39;s novena prayer, her aid in attaining God&#39;s will for us, Mary following Joseph, and a beautiful thought for our imaginative prayer.

Year 2, Day 170: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 21, Paragraphs 606-612

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

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

;How can we save civilization?; Its becoming a common question. As the world descends into chaos, Christians are thinking deeply about how to stem the tide. Many options have been presented to overcome Christian persecution and cultural decadence, but the The Marian Option is one that is already in motion&hellip;and has been for centuries. Dr. Carrie Gress provides a thoroughly researched account of the significant cultural and military events where Mary interceded on behalf us, her children. With a detectives eye, Gress uncovers the fascinating details of Marys role in major geopolitical shifts, showing how instrumental Our Mother was in:Freeing Spain from Islamic occupationIgniting the largest mass conversion to Catholicism in historyLeading an unassuming priest to bring down the worlds most powerful empire without firing a shotStomping out heresies and false teachings from the ChurchBeyond the battlefield, The Marian Option also highlights the link between Marian devotion and culture, showing how the arts flourish when devotion to her is strong.If we want to protect our children and our faith—if we want to restore civilization to Christ—Mary is the key. Not only is she keenly interested in assisting Christians, she has the ability to do so, even in the face of the gravest odds. We just have to ask. The Marian Option will leave you with a new perspective on the Blessed Mother, a renewed hope in the future of the Church and the world. INCLUDES AN APPENDIX WITH A ROAD MAP OF PRACTICAL ADVICE AND EXAMPLES FOR EVERY CATHOLIC (INCLUDING CHILDREN) TO LIVE OUT THE MARIAN OPTION!

The Marian Option

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 12 of book 7 and then comments on the nature of sacramentals and early Christian doctrine.&nbsp;

Year 2, Day 302: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 12, Paragraphs 202-212

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter four of book two and then offers a reflection on the graces of being in God's presence and the need for a daily schedule.

Year 3, Day 54: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 463-471

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 4 and comments on the significance of the Magi.

Year 2, Day 164: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 565-572

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 13 of book 4 and reflects on the Circumcision of Jesus and the Holy Family&#39;s obedience to the Law.

Year 2, Day 157: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 513-521

Fr. Edward finishes reading volume 3 and comments on what we have read in volume 3. &nbsp;

Day 273: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 29, Paragraphs 810-820

Fr. Edward Looney reads from book 2, chapter, 9 about prudence and then offers a reflection on that cardinal virtue.

Year 2, Day 62: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 9, Paragraphs 533-542

Fr. Edward Looney finishes reading Chapter 19 of Book 2 and then reflects on Mary and St. Anne.

Year 2, Day 82: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 19, Paragraphs 720-727

Fr. Edward Looney continues his reading from book 2, chapter 14, and offers a reflection on purgatory.

Year 3, Day 72: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 623-630

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 26 of book 5 and then comments on heavenly food and virtues over vices.

Day 213: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 26, Paragraphs 290-297

Fr. Edward reads from chapter 8 of book 5 and reflects on Mary and the Beatitudes.

Day 190: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 84-95

No one likes to think about death, and many are not ready for it, either as the patient or a loved one. And yet, the dying process is oftentimes marked by an array of diverse and confusing questions that can catch anyone off guard. What are we supposed to do?&#160; We Are the Lord's&#160;is a succinct, quick-reference guide to difficult end-of-life questions, framed by divine wisdom and Church teaching. Its easy-to-read chapters and question-and-answer format can be a welcome help to any person or family who are searching for answers during a difficult and traumatic time. We Are the Lord’s&#160;answers such questions as:<ul><li>What's the difference between medical care and medical treatment?</li><li>Are pain medications okay? How much is too much?</li><li>What should I do if my loved one refuses to eat or drink?</li><li>When is it okay to suspend nutrition and hydration?</li><li>What to do if medical personnel pressure you to accept treatment that you feel is not morally acceptable?</li><li>Is a breathing tube considered “extraordinary care”?</li><li>Is a breathing tube morally different from a feeding tube?</li><li>How do I know when it’s okay to let go and stop treatment of my loved one?</li><li>How do I handle challenging situations concerning DNR (“do not resuscitate”)?</li><li>How do I handle the guilt of making a decision that ended a person’s life?</li><li>And more . . .</li></ul>This book is an invaluable resource for direct and focused responses to some of life’s most difficult and painful questions. It straightforwardly addresses end-of-life questions, such as the gift of life, redemptive suffering, judgment, and the hope of eternal life, as well as how to properly understand the Catholic Funeral Mass. Whether as a preparation for a future journey or as an immediate guide for you now,&#160;We Are the Lord's&#160;is available and ready to help.

We Are the Lord's: A Catholic Guide to Difficult End-of-Life Questions

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 5 and then comments on the necessity and benefits of devotion to St. Joseph.

Year 2, Day 199: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 175-183

From the creation of man to the current ecclesial infiltration and world revolution, the devil and his minions have sought to destroy the human race made in the image of God. No longer attacking from without, they are now secretly laying siege from within the Holy Roman Catholic Church. But why is God allowing this? He loves to see souls heroically battle for the faith.In the nineteenth century, Venerable Leo Dupont said that Communists would one day enslave the world—that is, ;close up their churches, and make them slaves of the state . . . unless reparation is done, unless men come before the Face of their Saviour to ask His forgiveness and His help!;In this powerful book, Father Carney reveals the essence and history of the Holy Face Devotion, its apostles, and how to save society and the Church from her foes.;Reparation is destined to save society,; said Blessed Pope Pius IX. Join the ranks of Saint Thér&egrave;se and other saints in the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face and contemplate His Face to help restore Christendom from the evils of Communism and Freemasonry. Heaven longs for this devotion. Here is a timely book that provides a counter-revolution of reparation, reverence, and reversion.

Secret of the Holy Face

Manual for Women is for women who seek to grow closer to Christ and his Blessed Mother, for women who seek to discover or rediscover what it means to be a woman after Gods own heart.In Part I, noted Catholic author Danielle Bean, using examples from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and modern life, reminds women of today to embrace and cultivate their distinctive gifts:Receptivity, or an openness and welcoming spirit toward othersSensitivity, or an ability to see and understand the needs and feelings of othersCompassion, or an instinct to suffer with and alleviate the suffering of othersBeauty, or the recognition that the female body is a reflection of her great capacity for nurturing, whether she ever becomes a mother physically or notGenerosity, or an extraordinary capacity for self-giving love She also reminds readers that they will embrace those gifts most perfectly if they imitate that most immaculate of women, Mary of Nazareth. Bean concludes with practical advice which every woman, whatever her state in life, will benefit from. In Part II, readers will be nourished by the depth and richness of the Catholic traditions teaching on women. Church documents, wisdom of the saints, relevant passages from Scripture, wisdom from todays Catholic women, prayers, and hymns will inspire, delight, and edify women, young and old, single and married, consecrated to God in the religious life or a member of the laity. Now, perhaps more than ever, women need to be women. But what it means to be a woman has been so distorted by the various ideologies that the modern world imposes. Manual for Women serves as a reminder to women that authentic femininity (and, yes, authentic feminism) springs from an embrace, rather than a spurning, of the great and unique gifts God has bestowed on them, whether they be married or single, in religious life or a laywomen, a homemaker or a woman who works outside the home, or, as so many women in todays hectic world are, some combination thereof!

Manual for Women

One of the most popular Saints in the Church for centuries, St. Rita is known as the "Saint of the Impossible" because of her amazing answers to prayers, as well as the remarkable events of her own life.Desirous of being a nun, she instead obeyed her parents and married. Her husband was cruel, and caused her much suffering, to which she responded with love and prayers, eventually converting him. After the death of her husband and two sons, Rita was able to enter a convent, where she devoted herself to prayer and penance.She abandoned herself totally to God, diminishing herself as He increased in her. Here is the inspiring story of a soul completely resigned to God's will. 132 pgs, PB

Saint Rita of Cascia

Fr. Edward Looney reads the entirety of chapter 3 of book 4, and then comments on sleep and how God communicates with us.

Year 2, Day 140: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 397-402

Fr. Edward Looney begins reading chapter 22 and then comments about the life and role of St. Joseph.

Year 2, Day 85: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 755-764

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 15 of book 2 and then offers a reflection.

Year 2, Day 75: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 646-659

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 7 of book 8 and then comments on the power of the sacraments.

Year 2, Day 337: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 519-532

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter ten of book five and then comments on Mary's knowledge of the Law and connection to the Ten Commandments.

Day 192: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 10, Paragraphs 106-118

The knot of Eves disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith.;—St. Irenaeus of LyonsFew devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary have spread more in recent years than Our Lady, Undoer of Knots. When the faithful encounter trying moments, when all hope seems to be lost, they turn to their mother. ;Come with me to my Son,; she tells us. And all is unbound.Through ordinary and everyday situations, rhymed verse, whimsical art, and subtle theology, this charming work—one of the first childrens books to celebrate this beloved devotion—will teach everyone in the family how to approach their mother when they are in need.Just as she untangled the knot of fallen humanity through her fiat, so Our Lady does for us in all our difficulties, both big and small, by teaching us to say yes to God.Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

Our Lady Undoer of Knots

Fr. Edward Looney reads from Book 2, Chapter 3, and then offers a reflection on mortal/venial sin and obedience.

Year 3, Day 52: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 444-451

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 2 of book 2, finishing the chapter, and then offers a reflection on the reading.

Year 2, Day 51: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 436-443

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 9 of book 8 and then comments on establishment of the feasts of the Church and praying for your priest.

Year 3, Day 341: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 9, Paragraphs 566-574

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 8 of book 4 and comments on God&#39;s will for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem and how those events come about.

Year 3, Day 148: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 448-455

Fr. Edward Looney reads from Chapter 18 about Mary&#39;s experience of temptation and assault of the evil one and he offers a reflection on Mary&#39;s prayer in those moments.

Year 3, Day 79: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 18, Paragraphs 689-701

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 7 and then comments on the event of Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;

Day 285: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 58-65

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 11 of book 5 and then comments on the five precepts of the Church, Our Lady's nudges for us to go to confession and make frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament. &nbsp;

Day 194: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 129-134

According to the great St. Alphonsus Liguori, the choice between going to Heaven and going to Hell depends on whether or not we pray—since prayer is the great means of grace! But that does not have to cause us trouble, since all we need to do is pray simply and humbly.Many try to overcomplicate their prayer lives by pining after meditation and contemplation—objectively higher levels of prayer that do not necessarily correspond to the best way for them to try to commune with God. That's where the simple basics of foundational vocal prayer come in; this kind of prayer holds a special place in the life of Christians, because of its special place in God's heart.Based on Scripture and the lives and words of the Saints, this booklet shows the power of our seemingly lowly prayers of petition, especially the Our Father and Hail Mary. Although some souls are favored with exalted forms of prayer, nothing is more practical or essential than a simple, humble prayer life based on the perennial, traditional prayers of the Church. After all, when the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray, how did He respond?

Prayer: The Great Means of Grace

Fascinating accounts of a much misunderstood reality, describing well-known and well documented cases: St. Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio, Therese Neumann, etc. A scientific and theological examination sparks the interest of all. &#160;

The Stigmata and Modern Science

In Consoling Thoughts on Sickness and Death, St. Francis de Sales, the beloved Doctor of the Church, teaches how to grow closer to God through suffering well the most bitter trials.The bed of sickness is an altar of sacrifice, writes the saint in this treasure of spirituality. He explains what prayers are suitable for the sick, how to persevere in patience, and even how to overcome an excessive fear of death. Most importantly, St. Francis de Sales teaches about abandonment to God's will in both life and death, drawing from his memories of the deaths of his own mother and sister.Readers of Consoling Thoughts on Sickness and Death will experience firsthand why St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is known to history as the Gentle Saint. St. Francis was Bishop of Geneva and a tireless preacher, who yet made time to correspond with numerous souls who wrote him for his insight and guidance. His Consoling Thoughts are compiled from these letters as well as from his other spiritual works.

Consoling Thoughts on Sickness and Death

Fr. Edward Looney reads from The Mystical City of God, chapter 13, and offers a reflection on the day's reading.

Year 3, Day 23: Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 178-183

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 10 of book 7 and then comments on Mary remembering the church in prayer, Mary and her role in Purgatory, and the tactics of the devil. &nbsp;