One of the conditions to gain plenary indulgence is usual to pray for the pope's intentions. What does that mean? According to the Raccolta the following are some of the Holy Father's intentions.
1. The progress of the Faith and triumph of the Church.
2. Peace and union among Christian Princes and Rulers.
3. The conversion of sinners.
4. The uprooting of heresy.
The Raccolta, 1910 Edition
Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo, Sophia Institute Press, 2022.
Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, Catholic homeschooling mom of two.
This is another of Anthony DeStefano's beautiful picture books for children. In this story, he tells how the angels were created, how some of them fell, and how God in His goodness gave each of us a Guardian Angel.
Whenever I see a book about angels I am always concerned that the illustrator should correctly depict them. Angels do not have bodies, so what is the correct representation of them? Well, each time angels appear in Sacred Scripture they appear as strong young men.
Happily, that is how the Antonio Javier Caparo represented them in this lovely picture book. The angels are depicted as young men and many of them in battle uniforms. They look strong and handsome.
Anthony DeStefano's easy rhymes will help younger children appreciate the story of the angels. It will also give them an awe for these holy beings that God in His Goodness and Wisdom has given to each one of us to be our helper and guide on our journey to Heaven.
This beautifully illustrated book is highly recommended as a gift for children on the Feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2), or the Feast of the Archangels (September 29), or any child's birthday.
https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/how-the-angels-got-their-wings
This book is a beautiful addition to the whole-hearted observance of Lenten fasts. Lent is that sacred time in the Liturgical Year where we focus on the three pillars of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.
Scott Hahn, Professor of Biblical Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, writes the introduction to this unique cookbook. In it he traces the history of fasting in the life of the Church.
Drawing from Biblical sources, and Sacred Tradition, he carefully explains the reason and motives of fasting in the Church and in Her Liturgy. The essays explain the tradition of fasting throughout the year and on those special days of the Church's calendar such as the Ember Days and of course, Lent.
This exquisitely illustrated book is a cookbook by David Geisser, author of The Vatican Cookbook and The Vatican Christmas Cookbook. He is a former Swiss Guard and an award-winning chef. The simple and delicious recipes will give the readers many ways to eat meatless meals that are both tasty and nutritious. Some of the unique recipes include Lentil and Eggplant Moussaka, Cottage Cheese Frittata with Cucumber and Radish Dip, Eggplant au Gratin, Spinach Quiche, and Marinated Artichokes with Pine Nut Cream. He also includes various bread recipes to round out the Lenten table: Flatbread, Potato Bread, Hot Cross Bun recipes, as well as many breakfast offerings such as Muffins with Dates, and Baked Muesli.
This fascinating book will not only be a treasure for the family because of its detailed explanation of fasting, but will be a most welcome addition to the family meals during Lent.
Highly recommended reading for Lent.
Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, a Catholic homeschooling mother of two girls.
by Rose Rea, Sophia Institute Press, 2021.
This a beautifully illustrated book that highlights and explains the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
Each sacrament is explained in easy to understand prose, and supported by quotes from the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of the Saints. It also includes various stories from different persons from various perspectives, all with a love and veneration of the sacraments. Each of these elements adds to the beauty and deep dimension of the sacraments.
This books is colorful, exquisitely illustrated and will make a lovely coffee table book or perfect gift, just interesting and long enough to hold the attention of readers of almost any age.
Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, Catholic homeschooling mother of two.
Adapted by Stanley Silverstein, Sophia Institute Press, 2021.
This Bible comic book is a reprint of the 1974 Peter Pan Children's Bible Storybook. The illustrations are classic and vividly colored. The print is very readable. It contains twenty-three of the most loved Bible stories for children of all ages, such as David and Goliath, the Great Flood, Adam and Eve, and of course, the Nativity.
Beautifully illustrated and classic, this 80+ page book will make a charming gift for a youngster in your life.
by Adam and Angela Smyth, Sophia Institute Press, 2021.
This sweet little board book will make a perfect gift for a new or expectant mother, especially if she is expecting a girl. This little book, so perfect for little hands, contains bright and cheery images of eight women saints. This little sturdy book will make a wonderful introduction to beloved saints at an early age.
The eight women saints are St. Faustina, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Cecilia, St Kateri, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St Joan of Arc, St Josephine Bakhita, and St. Therese of Lisieux. Each saint is drawn to captivate a small child with its bright and cheery colors and happy faces. The poem for each is so melodic that it will soon become a favorite for any little child.
The rhyming verses are so flowing and musical, I plan to have my twins memorize them. This is a delightful little book and I was very charmed by it.
A truly precious little book that is highly recommend.
Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, Catholic homeschooling mother of two.
THE PAPAL VISIT TO IRAQ put the spotlight on Christian persecution in the Middle East, as a new poll shows American Catholics expressing growing concern about Christian persecution around the world.
Fifty-seven percent of US Catholics believe that the persecution of Christians around the world is “very severe,” up from 41 percent a year ago; and 67 percent say they are “very concerned” about the issue.
Almost 50 percent of US Catholics believe that half or more of religiously based attacks around the world are directed at Christians; they identify China as the country where Christians are most severely persecuted, followed by North Korea and Pakistan.
The fourth annual nationwide poll examining the views of US Catholics on the global persecution of Christians was conducted in February 2021 by McLaughlin & Associates for Aid to the Church in Need-USA (ACNUSA). The survey aimed to measure:
Yet, despite their awareness of Christian persecution around the world, US Catholics are not well informed of the horrific instances of persecution, such as in Pakistan, in 2020, where 1,000 primarily Christian under-age girls were abducted and threatened to be forcibly converted to Islam; in China, Mass-goers are subject to digital surveillance; in Nigeria, nearly 3,500 Christians were killed for their faith in 2020, and in North Korea, being a Christian can carry the death penalty.
The survey reveals that fifty-two percent of US Catholics say that Pope Francis is “very engaged” on the issue of the persecution of Christians—up from 47 percent a year ago; 30 percent think their local bishop is “very engaged” and 28 percent believe their parish is very involved with the issue.
“It is heartening that, compared to a year ago, significantly more US Catholics say that Christian persecution around the world is very grave and that the issue has become a matter of concern to more faithful. They also want both their Church and their government to step up efforts to do more to combat the issue,” said George Marlin, ACNUSA chairman.
Most importantly, “The poll shows the great need to inform the public regarding specific instances of Christian persecution; the US bishops and organizations like our own must step up our educational and informational efforts.”
He concluded: “It is my hope that leaders around the world embrace the fundamental human right of religious freedom, and promote a society that respects ethnic, cultural and especially religious diversity.”
Survey findings can be accessed here: www.churchinneed.org/
With picture of ISIS graffiti on the wall of Virgin Mary kindergarten in Bashiqa, northern Iraq (© ACN)
Editor’s Notes:
Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.
Founded in 1947, the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.
The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, over 40 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.
For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax 718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org
THE HOLY FATHER WILL VISIT AL-TAHIRA CHURCH Sunday, March 7in Qaraqosh, the town in northern Iraq also known as Baghdeda or Bakhdida. Father Yako Ammar, the parish priest of Al-Tahira, explains to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which supported the restoration of the church which had been badly damaged by ISIS, the symbolism of the stole Pope Francis will receive at Al-Tahira.
The stole is entirely handmade from the fabric woven by Khaya Bakter, a local artisan, in the traditional colors of Qaraqosh, black and purple. Gorjia Kapo, a mother of two sons and a daughter, was then entrusted with the task of embroidering and decorating the stole. Her family has lived in Qaraqosh for many generations, but in 2014 they had to flee because of ISIS. Now she and her family have returned and decided to stay to rebuild the town and resume its traditions. One of Gorjia's sons decided to become a priest and was ordained a year ago.
“On one side of the stole is the Lord’s prayer in our language, Syriac, which comes from Aramaic, the original language of Jesus. On the other side is the Hail Mary,” says Father Ammar, who designed the stole.
“The crosses at the two ends of the stole are the crosses of Al-Tahira church, the same crosses as inside the church that were destroyed by ISIS during its occupation of the Nineveh Plains. These crosses are now the symbol of a new life. As the stole is a very symbolic ornament for us priests, Gorjia has also included bread and wine in the embroidery, the symbols of the Eucharistic mystery,” explains Father Ammar.
The Iraqi priest ordered two stoles to be presented to the Pope in Qaraqosh: the one made by Gorjia, as a symbol of the Christians who decided to stay in Qaraqosh despite all the difficulties, and one made by Iman Qasab, a Christian from Qaraqosh who had to-- give up her roots and culture to emigrate to Canada during the terrorist occupation. The latter stole is decorated with a palm tree, the symbol of Iraq, which also appears in the logo of the Pope's visit.
Both fates—of those who have returned and stayed on despite many hardships, as well as of those who had to leave their homeland—dare part of this city, and both kinds of sufferings will be represented in the gift to Pope Francis.
—Maria Lozano
With picture of Khaya Bakter weaving one of the stoles (© ACN)
Editor’s Notes:
Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.
Founded in 1947, the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.
The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, over 40 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.
For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax 718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org
