Bøger af Mike Aquilina

In this volume from the Fathers of the Faith series, you'll be introduced to Saint Augustine of Hippo. Who was he? What did he teach? Where and when did he live? Why is he an important figure in the history of the Church?In this accessible, bite-sized introduction, renowned author, speaker, and television host Mike Aquilina gives an overview of Augustine's life as a proud North African in the fourth and fifth century. His conversion from sinful young man to Catholic priest and bishop is well known from his autobiography, Confessions.One of the four great Doctors of the Roman Catholic Church, Augustine is considered the authority on almost everything because he wrote about practically everything. He incorporated the best of secular philosophy and science into his thought. His works are an encyclopedia of the Christian faith, and his writings have impacted countless millions. His legacy endures today.About the AuthorMike Aquilina is the award-winning author of more than fifty books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion. His works have been translated into many languages. He has hosted eleven television series and several documentary films. He and his wife, Terri, have been married since 1985. Their six children and growing number of grandchildren are much loved.

Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (first place, best new religious book series).Suspense, politics, sin, death, sex, and redemption: Not the plot of the latest crime novel, but elements of the true history of the Catholic Church.Larger-than-life figures such as Athanasius of Alexandria, Augustine, and Constantine played an important part in the history of the Christianity. In The Church and the Roman Empire (AD 301-490): Constantine, Councils, and the Fall of Rome, popular Catholic author Mike Aquilina gives readers a vivid and engaging account of how Christianity developed and expanded as the Roman Empire declined.Aquilina explores the dramatic backstory of the Council of Nicaea and why Christian unity and belief are still expressed by the Nicene Creed. He also sets the record straight about commonly held misconceptions about the Catholic Church.In this book, you will learn: The Edict of Milan didn't just legalize Christianity; it also established religious tolerance for all faiths for the first time in history.The growth of Christianity inspired a more merciful society: crucifixion was abolished; the practice of throwing prisoners to wild beasts for entertainment was outlawed; and slave owners were punished for killing their slaves.Controversy between Arians and Catholics may have resulted in building more hospitals and other networks of charitable assistance to the poor.When Rome fell, not many people at the time noticed. Books in the Reclaiming Catholic History series, edited by Mike Aquilina and written by leading authors and historians, bring Church history to life, debunking the myths one era at a time.

From the Angelus to First Fridays, vigil candles to novenas, Catholic practice of time-honored Church traditions can be confusing. For years, The How-To-Book of Catholic Devotions provided clarity and inspiration for the dozens of devotions that enliven and deepen the faith of Catholics. Now, the Second Edition offers even more to love in an updated text that includes: The Divine Mercy ChapletA section on St. FaustinaThe Luminous MysteriesUpdated information on technology that supports Catholic devotionUpdated prayers, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, and Marian consecrationMany more resourcesScapulars, pilgrimages, fasting and abstinence, the Rosary, prayer, sacred images learn about these subjects and many more, along with the graces and blessings associated with them, in The How-To-Book of Catholic Devotions, Second Edition.

"Meet the heroines of Christianity's formative years!"The Witness of Early Christian Women: Mothers of the Church demonstrates the radical nature of Christianity's understanding of women and their roles, especially in a pagan society that viewed them as little more than property. The variety of women here is striking: poor widows, consecrated virgins, heroic martyrs, but also businesswomen, the wealthy, and an indomitable traveler on a world tour.Each chapter features a concise biography accompanied by writings from the early Church about the woman in question.The Mothers of the Church include: Holy Women of the New TestamentSt. BlandinaSt. Perpetua and St. FelicitySt. HelenaSt. TheclaSt. Agnes of RomeSt. MacrinaProba the WidowSt. MarcellaSt. PaulaSt. EustochiumSt. MonicaEgeria the TouristExplore the impact of each of these women on the Church, then and now. Their stories will enthrall you. Their writings will inspire you. Their witness will empower you.

Ancient Rome's brutal culture exploited the weak and considered human life expendable. Women were used as property; unwanted children were left on the streets to die.Four centuries later, even ordinary men and women prospered in what had become a vigorous new Christian society; a society that served the vulnerable, exalted women, treasured virtue, and loved peace. Faith had triumphed. Truth was proclaimed. And on this rock-solid foundation, Christian society flourished in the West for the next 1500 years.These eye-opening pages document the many ways in which Christians penetrated and civilized that debased Roman empire, introducing then-radical notions such as the equal dignity of women, respect for life, protection of the weak and vulnerable, and the obligation of rulers to serve those they rule and maximize their freedom.Here you'll learn about the seven specific areas where any paganism, ancient or modern, is particularly vulnerable. They provide a roadmap for modern Christians to reclaim for the Faith our own neo-pagan modern culture.Facing an overwhelmingly dark and hostile culture, Rome's early Christians took the steps necessary to transform it. Their struggles and the hard lessons they learned - documented here - afford us hope that, by imitating their example, we may do the same for our culture today.

We hear the voices of the early Church Fathers even today. Their teachings, their guidance, their insights, and their sacrifice shaped the Catholic Church. They defined the canon of Scripture. They developed our creeds and forms of worship. They defined Christianity's distinctive moral sense.But who were they? What can we learn from their ancient teachings? What can the Fathers teach the 21st century - about holiness, culture, faith, and the Gospel.This is the definitive resource for anyone interested in learning about the Church Fathers and their legacy. Ideal for RCIA, catechists, clergy, as well as lay Catholics who want to learn more about the great teachers of early Christianity.In this new and extensively updated Third Edition, you'll find: New! Twenty Church Fathers never before covered in this seriesNearly 75 more pages of information on the early Church!New! Many poets of ancient Christianity, whose hymns we still sing today.An extensively revised introductionThe Mothers of the Church and their impactResearch-friendly references and citations, topical index, timeline, and detailed bibliography

Catholics of a certain age fondly remember the Baltimore Catechism, the gold standard question-and-answer catechism that provided an entire generation of Catholics with easy-to-understand-and-memorize answers to the basic truths of the Catholic Church.The authors have taken this time-honored question-and-answer format and written a new catechism rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the documents of Vatican II.From the very first question: "e;Who are you?"e; to the final "e;What prayers does the Church recommend?"e; this sure-to-become-a-classic is filled with the richness of Catholic teaching. In addition to the question-and-answer section, What Catholics Believe also contains sections on traditional Catholic prayers, a guide to making a good Confession, an explanation of the Mass, and much, much more.

There are few subjects so challenging" to authors as St. Joseph. So says scholar Scott Hahn in his foreword to this book. Yet the pages that follow give not merely glimpses, but vistas, of St. Joseph''s world. Hahn continues: "You''ll learn about Nazareth - and how it was created almost ex nihilo shortly before Joseph''s birth. You''ll learn about religious practice and education in that place and time. You''ll travel to Egypt and encounter the fascinating settlements of Jews in that land. You''ll also find out how a carpenter worked in those days: what tools he used, what items he crafted, where he got his training, and how he got to and from his job sites." This book provides an imaginative entry into one of the most important lives in all of history - a life too often obscured by later legends.Scott Hahn says in his forword - What we discover between the lines is that there were, in the first century bc, two guiding hands in history: there was the providential hand of the Lord God working God''s will, and there was the demonic hand of Satan manipulating the mad King Herod. As a result, there were two rival accounts of kingship, two rival ideas of temple-building, and two rival stories of salvation. Joseph was not the only Jew to recognize this dualism, but he was perhaps the most important one. Those who recognized it were forced to make difficult choices-and face terrifying consequences.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui Down in adoration falling, Lo! The Sacred Host we hail These words, written by the great theologian St. Thomas Aquinas, have inspired millions over the past seven centuries. St. Thomas's devotion to the Eucharist was profound. His brother Dominicans recalled that he would spend long hours kneeling before the tabernacle. When he faced a particularly difficult problem, he would lean against the tabernacle, as if to rest against the Master's heart as did the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper. Now St. Thomas's immortal poems of praise - in both their original Latin and stunning translation - have been assembled along with insightful meditations and commentary by Mike Aquilina in Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with St. Thomas Aquinas.

Beginning with the earliest martyrs and ending with the twentieth century, The Resilient Church offers a fascinating look at the trials and triumphs of the Catholic Church over the past two thousand years. Fast-paced sketches of critical periods in church history give readers perspective on the challenges faced by the church today. Short selections in each chapter highlight some of the great heroes who influenced the course of history.Mike Aquilina does not shrink from the realities of the past, including badly behaved leaders and those who betrayed the Lord. Yet he also leaves readers with well-founded hope for the future: God remains faithful in every circumstance and fulfills his promise to remain with his church always.

Donald Wuerl is one of the most accomplished and influential churchmen of the last half-century-a time of great seismic shifts in society and in the Church. Ordained a priest in the 1960s, he served as a Vatican official during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI. Ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II, he came to lead two major American sees. Created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, he emerged as a world leader in Catholic thought and pastoral practice. He has played key roles in several Roman synods. He remains a close and trusted advisor of Pope Francis.This book is an account of his pastoral years, his years as bishop and archbishop. He has lived as a public figure for most of his life; and even among public figures he has been known for his professional transparency. Yet he has made his reputation not by bombast, grand gestures, or provocative public statements. He has chosen instead to work quietly and work hard, to unify, to gain consensus, and to serve the Catholic Church and its faith.This book shines a light on his quiet work in the last three decades-work accomplished in the churches, in the fields, all across the world, and over coffee breaks in meetings of bishops and cardinals.As a bishop, archbishop, and cardinal, Donald Wuerl has learned from great mentors. He has learned from his own successes and his own mistakes. And he has emerged as a great leader and example for anyone who desires a life of service-anyone looking for "something more pastoral."

Build your career while you build your faith by discovering the balance and insight of one of history's greatest workers--St. Ignatius--founder of the Jesuits.Literally designed and written to be used in short breaks from work, there are three prompts following each meditation to help you apply St. Ignatius's teaching to interpersonal issues, stress, office politics, goal setting, moral issues, and more.

This engaging, straightforward Bible study shows how all Christians are sharers in Christ's priesthood. It opens the door for laity and clergy alike to grow in faith and understand their priestly role.Follow Scripture's path of the natural priesthood, Jesus as the high priest, and then Biblical priesthood today with the masterful weaving of history, Scripture, Tradition, and insightful discussion questions. Perfect for group or individual study, the easy-to-follow format of this study guide will inspire and enlighten.

Using the words of the early Christians themselves, from documents and inscriptions, Aquilina traces the Mass's history from Jesus' lifetime through the fourth century.