Catherine McAuley (1778-1841), the founder of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, frequently gave oral instructions to the first Mercy community. Though she sometimes spoke explicitly about their religious vows, her words were always focused on the life, example, teachings, and evangelic spirit of Jesus Christ, emphasizing "resemblance" to him, and fidelity to the calls of the Gospel. Her instructions have, therefore, a broad present-day relevance that can be inspiring and encouraging for all Christians. They are the "shining" words of a companion, a soul-friend, who offers guiding light to those who wend their pilgrim way toward the full embrace of God's merciful reign.

A powerful, moving, and revelatory novel set in nineteenth-century Africa--the captivating story of the loyal men and women who carried the body of explorer and missionary David Livingstone from Zambia to Zanzibar so that his remains could be returned home to England. Dawn, 1 May 1873, on the outskirts of Chitambo's village, near Lake Bangweulu in modern-day Zambia. The Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone has died. He had been heading south in the African interior on an increasingly maniacal mission to penetrate the greatest secret of Victorian exploration. He wanted to find the source of the world's longest river, the Nile. Instead, on an isolated and swampy floodplain, Dr. Livingstone found his death. How Livingstone is to be buried will be decided by his African companions, a group of sixty-nine men, women, and children. They decide that come what may, Livingstone, his papers and maps, must all be carried to England. They bury his heart and other organs under a tree and dry his flesh like jerky in the sun. Over nine months, battling severe illness and hunger, hostile chiefs and unknown terrain, all while taking a tortuous route of more than 1,000 miles to the coast to avoid marauding slave traders, they march with Livingstone's body and the evidence of his explorations. Their journey has been called "the most extraordinary story in African exploration." In this novel, their story is retold anew in the distinct, indelible voices of Livingstone's sharp-tongued female cook, Halima; a repressed, formerly enslaved African missionary named Jacob Wainwright; and the collective voice of the retainers. The result is a profound and tragic journey--an epic like no other--that encompasses all of the hypocrisy of slavery and colonization while celebrating resilience, loyalty, and love. In Out of Darkness, Shining Light, Petina Gappah has created an ambitious and artful masterpiece.

It has been prophesied, over and over in the Bible. They will masquerade through this world as beacons of enlightenment, promising freedom and self-fulfillment to all who would listen to their message. Some are willing messengers of their Master's will, while others are unwitting victims themselves, fooled into believing that peace and prosperity can only come by uniting the world under one government. It sounds so peaceful and loving. Governments and religions are coming together for the goal of bettering humanity. Humanitarian efforts are seemingly underway, under the guise of helping the poorest among us. It's no wonder that some of the kindest of us can fall prey to these lies. Some even turn to New Age religions in hopes of finding joy and harmony in the world. You've heard the propaganda at every level. From the brainwashing of our children, to the most popular entertainers of our time, even our Presidents have been known to serve the goals of the New World Order. Unfortunately, the best among us can be deceived if we don't take a closer look. In this book, you will learn more about the Luciferian agenda. There are those amongst us who are actually serving a much darker power, while purporting to be messengers of light and hope. You will learn of some of the movements that have been shaping world politics and economics, and shifts in world religious thought. The influence of powerful occultists and dynasties of families can be traced back to very frightening origins. Clayton Traylor is a Birmingham, AL resident. He studied Political Science at the University of Alabama and minored in History. After leaving school, he has pursued several entrepreneurial ventures, especially ecommerce websites. This has given him the time and freedom to pursue his true passion for writing.

This book continues the story of the secret government and alien involvement as well as information about the photon belt, cosmic holograms photographed in the sky, a new vortex forming near Sedona, and nefarious mining on the sacred Hopi land.

Mary C. Sullivan, R.S.M., is Professor Emerita of Language and Literature, and Dean Emerita of the College of Liberal Arts, at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is the author of numerous works, including The Correspondence of Catherine McAuley, 1818-1841 (CUA Press) and Catherine McAuley and the Tradition of Mercy.

Make Me a Shining Lamp is a collection of nine short stories that share the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in a fun and inspirational way for children four to eight years old. Each story serves as a mini-lesson to teach a virtue and includes a quote from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, a reflection question, and a prayer. Forming a relationship with 'Abdu'l-Bahá is an exciting journey for children. Learning to love 'Abdu'l-Bahá inspires children to connect with their best selves and nurture the seeds of virtue within their hearts. Virtues serve as compass points to guide a child's choices and actions, helping them become shining lamps and brilliant stars. Prayers and reflections at the end of each story help young hearts think about their own lives and values while nurturing a meaningful relationship with their Creator. Dispersed throughout the book are photos of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. His tender eyes and magnetic countenance serve to both engage and open hearts.