Following his acclaimed first book, Fr. Mark Haydu, international coordinator of the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums, serves once again as your spiritual guide for a breathtaking journey through time, meditation, and the Vatican art collections. Meditations on Vatican Art: Angels offers you a deeper understanding of your own spiritual journey as you follow Fr. Haydu's explanation of the battle between the fallen angels and the faithful angels and God sending His angels to watch over you. The book's splendid reproductions of major works represent ancient through contemporary periods in art. Each day's meditation includes a: Unique image with descriptive and contextual background about the artist and the work Relevant and insightful passage from Scripture Reflection on the meaning of the work with questions to ponder Contemplate the 34 meditations in this hardbound book as the Holy Spirit inspires or use them to create a retreat for yourself or a group.

Meditations on Vatican Art allows you to deepen your relationship with God as you reflect on art from the Vatican collections and pray the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Fr. Mark Haydu, International Coordinator of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, serves as the spiritual guide for this exquisite collection of art, contemplation, and prayer. The book follows the four categories of the Ignatian Exercises: 1) Creation, 2) Sin, 3) Jesus Christ, and 4) Resurrection. Each day of prayer includes: Vatican Art image with a poetic overview and short descriptive background information about the art Scripture passage Reflection on the art image and scripture passage Concluding prayer Reflective questions for the reader to ponder or use as writing prompts Create your own retreat with these 28 days of prayer or feast on their beauty as time allows. A rich treasury of art and spirituality for all those seeking to grow in their experience of God.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) gives us profound meditations on what our life in Christ should be like as it is lived through the various Seasons and Feasts of the liturgical year. This book also includes thoughts on other spiritual and secular themes such as the true nature of peace, why it is difficult for so many to experience joy, the relationship between spirit and matter, vacation and rest, etc. These inspiring insights from the man who became Pope, show how Joseph Ratzingerಙs deeply spiritual and theological experience, together with his wide literary and cultural interests are a gift to the Church in the modern world. Here is a shepherd leading the faithful entrusted to his care to deep springs of refreshing, life giving water. Within the pages of this gem of a book, readers from all backgrounds will find helpful and encouraging wisdom which can be referred to again and again. It is a perfect gift, as well as inspirational and instructive spiritual reading for oneself throughout the year.

Over fifty years ago, Msgr. Romano Guardini resolved to help his parishioners overcome the distractions and restlessness they suffered at Mass. Just before Mass each Sunday, he gave a brief talk on some aspect of the Mass, teaching them week by week, topic by topic, how to pre-pare themselves to participate more prayerfully. Afterward, he provided a few minutes of silence for reflection, and then began to offer Mass. So helpful were these 32 talks that they were soon published and have since been reprinted countless times in numerous countries and languages, helping generations of Catholics to deepen their devotion during Mass. Practical, straightforward, and full of wisdom, these talks will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow receptive to God's grace during Mass. In these pages, you'll discover: The three principal hindrances to full participation in the Mass- to which all of us are prone The real meaning of "keeping holy" the Sabbath. Its special importance for the family One tendency we must overcome when listening to Scripture readings How to gain control over your wandering attention The one indispensable element of a deep liturgical life What to do when the Mass becomes boring and "routine" How to achieve a genuine - not superficial - stillness The importance of listening. Inner barriers that prevent it Why it's good to arrive early at Mass whenever possible The true significance of kneeling and standing in church And dozens of other practical ways to enrich your worship Although he was an eminent theologian, Msgr. Guardini wrote for ordinary Catholics who are struggling to become closer to Christ. Practical, straightforward, yet full of wisdom, Meditations Before Mass will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow more receptive to grace.

A shaman as well as the leading Navajo modern artist, Paladin is one of the first Native American painters to move beyond traditional themes and styles. Praised by the renowned artist Marc Chagall, Paladin's brilliant and evocative paintings are admired for their exuberance, eclecticism, spirituality, and original use of symbols.

Arranged according to themes from Scripture and the liturgical seasons, these meditations provide a wonderful source of inspiration and prayer. Cardinal Ratzinger emphasizes the importance of uniting charity with truth to help awaken in each reader the courage and generosity to become co-workers with the Gospel.