"From the centuries-long prejudices against Catholics in America to the efforts of fascism, communism, and modern terrorist organizations to 'break the cross and spill the wine,' this book brings to life the Catholic Church's role in world history, particularly in the realm of diplomacy. Former U.S. abmassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney provides a comprehensive guide to the remarkable path the Vatican has navigated to the present day and a first-person...

Most books about the saints are thin on women, especially contemporary women. Even Butler's LIVES OF THE SAINTS, the 'bible' of this category, lists far more men than women. No book about the saints could ignore such beloved early martyrs as Agnes of Rome and Lucy of Syracuse but this new book will introduce readers to many new women who have been canonized or beatified by Pope John Paul II. Of the more than 377 women mentioned in the book, 159 have...

Traces the career of a parish priest and his rise to the upper levels of the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy.

"For centuries the historical records of the Inquistion have been locked away to beome the subject of legend. In 1998 the Vatican opened these archves for the first time ever. Secret Files of the Inquistion unveils the incredible true story of the western world's most potent religion and its determination to maintain power at any cost. From the pages of secret documents hidden in European archives comes a tale of faith and fervor, of torture and courage,...

Written by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a French Jesuit priest and author, "Abandonment to Divine Providence" contained in this volume is a treatise on the practice of total abandonment to Divine Providence, or in other words, completely giving yourself over to God's will. Father De Caussade, born in 1675 in Cahors, France, became the spiritual director to the Nuns of the Visitation in Nancy, France from 1733-1740. During his time at the convent...

Publisher's description: Scott Hahn argues that every society--be it nation, neighborhood, family, or Church--is held together by the power of personal commitments. When we really want to change our lives, when we want to make love endure, we mark the transition by an oath. That's what people do on their wedding day, on the day they become citizens, on the day they enter the military, or on the day they assume public office. The words we say bind...