"Effulgence," a blog for Catholics, recently published a review of The Mass: A Guided Tour by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.:

"Speaking of impact, this book did what I imagine all authors want their works to do- it made me think, and it actually made me change something about my life.  Before reading this book, I always hesitated to take the Precious Blood in addition to the Host during communion.  In fact, I could count on one hand the number of times I did- two. Once at my confirmation, and another at my wedding. I kept rationalizing, “I don’t want to share germs with people, it’s gross, and I don’t need it anyway because the church says I can get all the same benefits in one species.”  While the latter part is true, the author makes a simple point that really changed my outlook.  Since we should look at the Eucharist as not only a sacrifice but a meal, would you go to someone’s house for dinner and only eat, not drink?

"This simple question changed my outlook and now I regularly receive both species if they are offered, with no qualms on my part."

Read the complete review here.

 St. Anthony Messenger Press is pleased to announce the release of What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About the First Five Years of Marriage by Roy Petitfils. As a professional counselor and married person, Petitfils has had numerous occasions to test and develop his theories of what makes a marriage work, especially in those critical first years. As he writes in the introduction:

"If you are reading this book, perhaps it is because you sense something of the importance and sacredness in marriae. You want to give your marriage the very best chance to 'make it.' Somewhere inside you feel a desire to have a great relationship, one marked by deep intimacy, joy, and significance.

"I share those same desires. I am convinced that it is not only possible for marriages to thrive, but that it is God's plan for marriage. God designed marriage to be joyful...[but] Marriages are not self-sustaining and do not survive on autopilot. They require constant attention and intentional effort.'

With these thoughts in mind, Petitfils goes on to share information "in areas that are vital (author's italics) to healthy relationships" so readers can gauge where to place their "intentional efforts." This book can help those newly married, those contemplating marriage, and the already married who feel their relationship has gotten off track. To order this book, visit our online catalog here.

St. Anthony Messenger Press is pleased to announce the release of A Priest Forever: Nine Signs of Renewal and Hope by Alfred McBride, O. Praem., just in time to celebrate The Year for Priests as announced by Pope Benedict XVI. Early reviews of this book have been very complimentary:

"Every priest will find in this book nourishment for his soul, encouragement for his vocation, and advice for his ministry. This is a spiritual gem." -- James Martin, S.J., author, My Life with the Saints

"...a large serving of wisdom and common sense. A Priest Forever is a call to appreciation of what priests are and what they do. If priesthood is important to you for whatever reason, so is this book." -- Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of Cincinnati

"...an invaluable reflection of a faithful priest on his vocation. I recommend Father McBride's insights to anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the priest's vocation and ministry." -- Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

"...a master catechist at work in describing the tremendous gift of the priesthood. In a fresh and solid way this book bolsters and strengthens a priest's spirit and commitment." -- Most Reverend David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay

"...a priest's life as I know it--the joys, problems, and challenges. Father Al McBride uses his own wide experience and that of priests across the country to give practical ways of growing. I recommend this book for spiritual reading, a personal retreat or to be read chapter by chapter by priests' support groups." -- Jeremy Harrington, O.F.M., guardian and commissary of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land.

Order this book here.

"Creo en Deos!," a blog for Catholics, recently reviewed Saint of the Day, Sixth Revised Edition by Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey: 

"...I think this is the sort of book worth having. I think the saints have a lot to teach us and fear that they occupy too small a place in the lives of most Catholics. The biographies, comments and quotes in this book offer a good start for developing a relationship on some of those who have come before us."

Read the complete review here

"Treasure Chest for Tweens," a blog for Catholic families, recently posted a review of Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feasts by Leonard Foley and revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.: 

 "Leonard Foley and Pat McCloskey blessed us with an updated version of Saints of the Day. Thank you. While exciting stories can't be woven in one page, the basics can be covered while keeping the language fresh. And this book accomplishes it. Even better, it shakes up the format by offering a quote of the day and a comment that is right at-level for a tween and parent to bite into. Should you so desire, a little discussion can ensue from this reading; all the necessary material is given to you.

"I had to trade in the glossy pictures of the saints that graced my older book. But I got the better half of the deal. I’m after the words, and this one is well-written. My other book also ended with a short prayer. But we have our own daily morning prayer that we like to use. Now, we also add… St. (insert name of saint from book)… pray for us.

"I wish my church could gift a copy of this to every Catholic family and that every family would try to read it frequently. There’s no better and accessible way to catechize and inspire a future generation."

Read the complete review here.

"Loving and Serving", a blog for Catholics, recently published a review of Thank God Ahead of Time: The Life and Spirituality of Solanus Casey, O.F.M.:

"Overall, I like and recommend the book.... [H]e does a fine job of conveying the story and soul of this humble, holy, inspiring servant of God, Capuchin Father Solanus Casey." Read the complete review here.

"Frugal Catholic Mommies", a blog for Catholics, posted a review of Can You Find Saints?

"I  love the idea of this book!  Kids learn about the Saints of the Church in a very fun, interactive way--preschoolers through tweens will all enjoy the book, and can learn something from it at their own level."  Read the complete review here.

St. Anthony Messenger Press announces the release of The Mass: A Guided Tour by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D. In this volume, Fr. Richstatter invites readers to join him as he explores the Mass: "if you are looking for a different kind of adventure, pack your bags and let's begin." Richstatter uses simple, easy-to-understand language to explore and explain the Mass. The result is a guide to what the Mass means to our Catholic faith and how everything from the Instroductory and Concluding Rites, the Liturgies of the Word and the Eucharist invite us to experience that faith more deeply and express it more fully.

St. Anthony Messenger Press announces the release of the new Sixth Revised Edition of Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons & Feasts by Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by St. Anthony Messenger magazine editor, Pat McCloskey, O.F.M. Fr. Foley wrote in the foreword to the original edition:

"Most saints weren't private people concerned with 'saving their soul.' There were a few hermits, of course, but so many of them were out there in the front lines doing the Church's work, at times in spite of the Church itself. Because there were reformers, prophets, leaders, people who did what was right regardless of opposition, they were controversial. Some were even dismissed from their religious orders for being troublemakers."

A perennial best-seller, this new edition adds many new saints and saints-to-be such as Mother Teresa, Jeanne Jugan, Damien of Molokai, and more. Ligourian magazine said, "We highly recommend it." Modern Liturgy commented, "Combining short biographies and insightful reflections, this book offers a practical, inspirational assist when it comes to seeking, finding and receiving the friendship of the Lord in our everyday lives as the saints did."

St. Anthony Messenger Press announces the release of a new volume in its Called to Holiness: Spirituality for Catholic Women series, Creating New Life, Nurturing Families: A Woman's Perspective. In this book, Callahan poses the question:

"What makes a woman a hero?

"Does she need to possess almost superhuman qualities or an ability to leap tall to-do lists in a single day? Must she grab headlines or set out to save our world?

"No, says Sidney Callahan. A hero is simply a woman who makes small, daily self-sacrifices out of love for others. Nowhere is this definition more embodied than in the love of wives and mothers for their families."

Read more about this dynamic addition to this series  here.