Wednesday, June 08, 2022

Gaining Plenary Indulgence - Praying for the Pope's Intentions

 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


Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Book Review -How the Angels Got Their Wings, by Anthony DeStefano

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 




Friday, February 18, 2022

Book Review: The Lenten Cookbook, by David Geisser with essays by Scott Hahn, Sophia Institute Press, 2021.


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.

The Lenten Cookbook


Reviewed by Rosa Sautner, a Catholic homeschooling mother of two girls.