This guidebook was written to help Catholic priests appreciate better the beauty and power of Confession and to administer it more effectively to the faithful. Beginning with the Gospel call to holiness for all souls, it points out ways for confessors to serve the faithful by helping them to acknowledge their sins and to confess them sincerely. Among other features, the book includes: Leading insights of classical moral theology on the nature of the human person, including knowledge, free will, and responsibility.Practical ideas on how to catechize and motivate people to use the sacrament of God's mercy more frequently.Effective experience in giving advice to many different kinds of people: old and young, married and single, penitents with special needs such as recidivists, those with addictions or mental disorders, and the scrupulous or lax.Suggestions on helping penitents to make complete and sincere confessions, especially in the area of personal and marital chastity.Specific approaches to guide and support persons to live faith, hope, charity, and justice, based on real contemporary situations.Three informative appendices which include leading quotes from the Magisterium on the Sacrament of Penance, a description of censured sins from the Code of Canon Law, and excerpts from the Holy See's Vademecum for Confessors. The book draws ideas from the long and proven tradition of holy and effective confessors in the Catholic Church, along with spiritual insights of saints such as John of the Cross, Philip Neri, John Vianney, and Josemaría Escrivá. In addition, insightful quotations from the recent writings of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI are offered.

This rich classic passed out of common usage years ago, but here we find it restored for the first time to the benefit of the English reader. St. Alphonsus transformed the landscape of the experience of this Reconciliation, and our confessional experience would be unthinkable without his saintly, intellectual, and pastoral prowess. While the cultural and historical context is amazingly fascinating, it necessitates peeling back those layers to see the glimmering treasure within. For that reason, this edition provides an introductory essay that steps lightly to take note of these difference for a fruitful reception of the saint's genius. May all readers benefit for the greater glory of God.

Knowledge of the pragmatici analyses pragmatic normative literature in colonial Ibero-America. It explores the circulation and the functions of these media in the Iberian peninsula, New Spain, Peru, New Granada and Brazil.

Shares the unique perspective that our fears are not our enemies but an opportunity to help people--including ourselves--to understand them, cherish them, and find God within them.

A guide is a welcome addition on most any journey. So it is with the greatest of all journeys: the journey to God. One of the Church’s most long-standing and fruitful traditions, spiritual direction is an instrument of God’s glory in the world. The act of clearing the way for the Holy Spirit is a delicate yet challenging matter, and one that requires humility, patience, and charity, among other virtues. Through Wind and Waves is a guidebook for those undertaking this important work. It offers wisdom for both the supernatural and the practical elements of spiritual direction. It shows that being a spiritual guide is not simply a matter of prayer and meditation, but one of a firm interior life, genuine friendship, and the daily realities of living one’s life for the Lord. That life will be marked by adventure, since every soul is unique and is led by the Spirit to blaze new paths to holiness. Filled with wisdom from the saints, as well as Jesus’ words in the Gospels, Through Wind and Waves is a valuable resource for those called to lead others into the safe harbor of God’s love. Rev. Francis Fernández-Carvajal holds graduate degrees in both History and Canon Law. Ordained in 1964, he is a priest of the Opus Dei Prelature and the author of many popular spiritual works. His seven-volume series In Conversation with God provides over 500 meditations to be used throughout the liturgical year. It has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into many languages.