John Michael Talbot's Reflections on St. Francis offers readers an accessible entrance into the Rule and Testament of St. Francis of Assisi. Talbot's reflections shed light on Francis as a saint, a founder, and a reformer. Drawing on his own experience as the founder of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage, an integrated monastic community of celibates, singles, and families, Talbot provides unique observations on how Francis's life and the Franciscan tradition can be a source of inspiration for those of all states of life even today. These meditations allow readers to contemplate the ways in which prayer, community, and simplicity can be integrated into their own lives while also giving readers Talbot's distinct interpretation of Francis's work.

In "St. Francis and the Cross, each of the authors provides two reflections on key texts and events from the life of the saint. Cantalamessa mediates on Francis' "Canticle of Creation" and his "Testament," calling us to allow the beauty of creation to draw us to Christ and open us to love. Martini considers how the folly of the cross brings us to wisdom and to perfect joy. This is an ideal book to use during prayer times or on retreat.

Through one of the world’s most beloved and inspirational prayers, the Peace Prayer, Franciscan priest Albert Haase challenges us to look beyond ourselves and toward God, and henceforth all of humanity. In this compact but compelling book Haase reflects on each phrase of the Peace Prayer, offering us ideas about what it means to truly be a peacemaker and “Little Christ.” Haase explores six seeds he says we need to sow if Easter Peace is to blossom in this world—love, forgiveness, faith, hope, light and joy. Stories from the author’s life as well as those of friends punctuate each reflection and encourage us to plant these seeds of virtue and send forth the eternal message that we all desire and need peace in our daily lives.

Christians regard St. Francis of Assisi as the most joyful of saints, and Francis himself valued joy as an essential for holiness and Christian living. In this book of readings and reflections, the author presents thirty excerpts on joy from the writings of St. Francis and offers readers insightful and inspiring commentaries on the passages.

Lent calls us to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. Few saints have done this more intentionally than St. Francis of Assisi. He lived the teachings of Jesus, often quite literally, from the time of his conversion until his death. In doing so, he inspired people of his own time as well as millions from his day to our own, to do likewise. By pairing the words and deeds of Francis with the Scripture readings for Lent, Lent With St. Francis: Daily Reflections helps readers reflect on how they, too, can live the Gospel in the circumstances of their daily lives. It is written in a simple and engaging style that will draw readers in to the life of Francis, as they grow in their faith and spiritual practice through the inspiration of this beloved saint.

In 1972, a young Franciscan friar named Murray Bodo wrote a unique book about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis: The Journey and the Dream offered readers a unique combination of lyrical prose and brief, absorbing vignettes that inspired hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to contemplate the life of the famous saint and see him in a new way. Fifty years and over 200,000 copies later, this book still captivates people everywhere, and Fr. Bodo is still writing about St. Francis and the Franciscan way of life. His poetic style continues to draw readers in, and he himself continues to gaze in wonder at the saint who worked nearly his entire life to rebuild the church. This special anniversary edition includes a new preface in which Fr. Bodo reflects on a half century spent immersed in the Franciscan way.

Images of travel and voyages abound in the writings of St. Francis de Sales who encouragingly and alluringly invites those seeking his guidance to travel the road that Jesus himself has so graciously and courageously opened up for us. This he has done by his life, death and resurrection, thereby giving us access to God. It is St. Francis de Saless thought and ideas that are paraphrased and adapted here to present an enticing invitation to make this Lenten journey in his company and in that of Our Lord. Accept the invitation to journey through Lent with Jesus Christ and one of the great spiritual writers of the Catholic Church, St. Francis de Sales. Inside you will find an Invitation from St. Francis de Sales, a short biography of St. Francis de Sales, a description of the Salesian Spirit, and more. Each day of Lent, weekdays and Sundays, begins with: a Gospel Reading, a selection from the Writings of St. Francis de Sales, a Reflection, and a Prayer. May the presence of Jesus Christ and the gentle and loving kindness of St. Francis de Sales guide you on your Lenten Journey, and lead you to Gods Holy Easter of Peace, Love and Joy.

What it means to be a man or a woman is questioned today like never before. While traditional gender roles have been eroding for decades, now the very categories of male and female are being discarded with reckless abandon. How does one act like a gentleman in such confusing times? The Catholic Gentleman is a solid and practical guide to virtuous manhood. It turns to the timeless wisdom of the Catholic Church to answer the important questions men are currently asking. In short, easy- to-read chapters, the author offers pithy insights on a variety of topics, including • How to know you are an authentic man • Why our bodies matter • The value of tradition • The purpose of courtesy • What real holiness is and how to achieve it • How to deal with failure in the spiritual life

The basis of this book is The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. A poem was written about each line of The Prayer by the author of the book. Selected individuals also wrote reflections about each line of The Prayer. A preface was composed by an individual who also wrote one of the reflections regarding one of the lines within The Prayer. An introduction is presented by the composer of the poems. This entire project is founded on Christ’s message that we love one another as Christ loved all of us.