This work is the second volume in the Melville Studies in Church History. Kupke focuses on the piety of the Catholics in the Anglo-American colonies in the eighteenth century, specifically around the time of John Carroll, the founder of the American Catholic hierarchy. Through the exploration of sermons of eighteenth century Jesuit missionaries in Maryland, the author analyzes the spirituality of the Catholics in this time period. Kupke's work is a valuable and interesting contribution to the study of the roots of the Catholic church in America. A must read for all those interested in American preaching, spirituality, Jesuit history, and Maryland colonial history as well. Co-published with the Department of Church History at the Catholic University of America.

Father Bill Bausch's homilies are always outstanding. He brings a deep pastoral presence and much thought and preparation to each of them. This has never been more evident than here in this book of funeral homilies. Each is crafted to reflect the person remembered as well as the message of Scripture. Each reflects the communal nature of a Catholic funeral and is sensitive to the status of the mourners: non-Catholics, lapsed Catholics, faithful parishioners, relatives, and friends. Father Bill's words are faith-filled and compassionate, comforting and challenging, communal and personal. He regards the funeral liturgy as one of the greatest teachable moments the Church offers and here this is very evident. Highly recommended for all priests, deacons, and preachers. Book jacket.

THIS day we celebrate one of the most remarkable feasts in the Calendar. We commemorate a saint who gained the heavenly crown by prayers indeed and tears, by sleepless nights and weary wanderings, but not in the administration of any high office in the Church, not in the fulfilment of some great resolution or special counsel; not as a preacher, teacher, evangelist, reformer, or champion of the faith; not as Bishop of the flock, or temporal govornor; not by eloquence, by wisdom, or by controversial success; not in the way of any other saint whom we invoke in the circle of the year; but as a mother, seeking and gaining by her penances the conversion of her son. It was for no ordinary son that she prayed, and it was no ordinary supplication by which she gained him. When a holy man saw its vehemence, ere it was successful, he said to her, “Go in peace; the son of such prayers cannot perish”. The prediction, was fulfilled beyond its letter; not only was that young man converted, but after his conversion he became a saint; not only a saint but a doctor also, and “instructed many unto justice”. Aeterna Press