In this definitive guide to the Jubilee of Mercy, EWTN’s Rome Correspondent, Joan Lewis, takes you back in time for a look at the history of Jubilees, and then brings you to the present with a visit to the seven pilgrim basilicas of Rome and the immeasurable treasures of Rome and the Vatican. Joan shares with you the many special graces you can receive this year, as well as countless fun facts such as the significance of the Holy Doors, the key features of Catholic architecture, the liturgical customs that are unique to the Jubilee of Mercy, how to obtain an indulgence, and so much more. Whether you make a pilgrimage to Rome or are celebrating this extraordinary year in your own home, there’s no better guide than EWTN’s Joan Lewis.

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900-06. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI The Ceremonies Of The Jubilee In the still unpublished diary1 of Francesco Mucanzio, papal master of ceremonies at the close of the sixteenth century, we find that distinguished rubrician in December, 1574, discussing at some length the ritual to be used in the unwalling of the Holy Door at the forthcoming celebration of the Jubilee. He tells us that as the time for the ceremony drew near he went to his Holiness Pope Gregory XIII. and submitted to him a memorandum concerning the preparations to be made, and the things to be then observed. It appears, however, that his colleague in the office of master of ceremonies also went to the Pope with a similar programme, which he declared to be that which had been followed by Julius III. in the year 1550. "It differed very little from mine," says Mucanzio, "except in the versicles and responses. Those which I had set down were taken from an ancient roll (a quodam rotulo antiquo) used in the time of Clement VII., and of these versicles there was probably no accurate copy forthcoming in 1550 on account of the pillage and disasters to which the city had been subjected [he refers presumably to the sack of Rome in 1527]; hence they had been somewhat altered. My opinion was that out of the two sets which we had before us, a third more appropriate than either might have been drawn up, but when the matter was proposed in the Congregation of Cardinals appointed for the revision of ceremonies, they decided that as regards the versicles 1The copy here quoted is contained in MS. Addit. 26811 at the British Museum. and prayers the precedent of Julius III.'s time should be adhered to in every particular. The fact is," adds Mucanzio, " we have nothing prescribed about this matter in the Book of Ceremonies,1 and on this ac...

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

In his apostolic letter Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis reflects on Saint Joseph and his multifaceted role as a father. The purpose of this letter, Pope Francis writes, “is to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.” Saint Joseph is a beloved father; a tender, loving father; an obedient father; an accepting father; a creatively courageous father; a working father; and a father in the shadows. As protector, advocate, and guardian of the Holy Family, Saint Joseph has always been venerated as a father to all Christians. With this letter, promulgated on the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of Saint Joseph from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021. Patris Corde ends with a new prayer to Saint Joseph, and the OSV edition includes additional prayers and a litany to this beloved saint.

“In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!” – Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ In his second encyclical, Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home, Pope Francis draws all Christians into a dialogue with every person on the planet about our common home. We as human beings are united by the concern for our planet, and every living thing that dwells on it, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Pope Francis’ letter joins the body of the Church’s social and moral teaching, draws on the best scientific research, providing the foundation for “the ethical and spiritual itinerary that follows.” Laudato Si’ outlines: The current state of our “common home” The Gospel message as seen through creation The human causes of the ecological crisis Ecology and the common good Pope Francis’ call to action for each of us Our Sunday Visitor has included discussion questions, making it perfect for individual or group study, leading all Catholics and Christians into a deeper understanding of the importance of this teaching.

Pope Francis has called mercy "the Lord's most powerful message." Published in partnership with the Vatican, A Year of Mercy celebrates the Jubilee year of 2016 with a collection of his most moving words on the subject.These short passages reflect the pope's warm, accessible style and powerfully convey the message of God's love and his infinite capacity for forgiveness. Pope Francis addresses not only God's mercy for his people, but also our own call to be merciful to our fellow sinners. This inspiring collection is sure to renew and reaffirm your own trust in God's infinite mercy.