Fr. Alfred McBride's latest book, Staying Faithful Today: To God, Ourselves, One Another has been reviewed here. Check out the buzz!

Ask a Franciscan: Answers to Catholic Questions by Fr. Pat McCloskey, O.F.M., has been reviewed by HomeschoolBlogger.com.

From the review: "It is very well written in a conversational tone...It’s easy to read, and I learned some things..."

Check out the full review here!

"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.