Cruz, Joan Carroll
Joan Carroll Cruz is a native of New Orleans and is the educational product of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. She attended grade school, high school and college under their tutelage. Mrs. Cruz has been a tertiary in the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order (Third Order) since 1968; for eight years she served as Mistress of Formation (Novice Mistress). For her non-fiction books, Joan Carroll Cruz depended heavily on information received from foreign shrines, churches, convents and monasteries. Her books include The Incorruptibles, published in 1977; Desires of Thy Heart, a strongly Catholic-themed novel, also in 1977; Relics, published in 1983; Eucharistic Miracles in 1987; Secular Saints in 1989; Prayers and Heavenly Promises in 1990; Miraculous Images of Our Lady in 1993; Miraculous Images of Our Lord in 1995; Mysteries, Marvels, Miracles: In the Lives of the Saints in 1997; Angels & Devils in 1999; and Saints for the Sick in 2010.
Lay Saints: Noble and Humble
Lay Saints: Noble and Humble
by Joan Carroll Cruz
“It is not by the help of gold or gems that I hope to render myself acceptable to the Almighty Father . . . , but rather by resignation to His will and a sense of my own nothingness.” — Saint Hedwig
In Lay Saints: The Noble and the Humble, Joan Carroll Cruz guides you through the lives of sixty-one lay men and women who achieved the heights of sanctity. These inspiring biographies present saints, whether kings and queens or peasants and farmers, who sanctified their daily work through the application of prayer and virtue.
Find a role model from among these saints as Joan Carroll Cruz explores:
The saints in this volume range from the great kings and queens of Europe, who were the epitome of true leadership and by whose example whole nations were converted, to the humble farmers and day laborers, who went about their work giving praise to God and calling others to the way of Perfection.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 280 pages
by Joan Carroll Cruz
“It is not by the help of gold or gems that I hope to render myself acceptable to the Almighty Father . . . , but rather by resignation to His will and a sense of my own nothingness.” — Saint Hedwig
In Lay Saints: The Noble and the Humble, Joan Carroll Cruz guides you through the lives of sixty-one lay men and women who achieved the heights of sanctity. These inspiring biographies present saints, whether kings and queens or peasants and farmers, who sanctified their daily work through the application of prayer and virtue.
Find a role model from among these saints as Joan Carroll Cruz explores:
- their acts of humilty that you can imitate
- how they performed their daily tasks with love
- stories of the saintly leadership of truly Catholic rulers
- how small, habitual acts of virtue lead to perfection
The saints in this volume range from the great kings and queens of Europe, who were the epitome of true leadership and by whose example whole nations were converted, to the humble farmers and day laborers, who went about their work giving praise to God and calling others to the way of Perfection.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 280 pages
Lay Saints: Models of Family Life
Lay Saints: Models of Family Life
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Everyone has dreams and goals that you want to achieve, but the foremost and overarching goal for every catholic, and the only one that brings true happiness, should be to become a saint and enjoy the Beatific Vision. It is a momentous task that can often seem overwhelming and unattainable. Indeed, without the aid of grace it is impossible. But confident hope can be placed in God that He will always provide the grace necessary to accomplish such a feat. The saints in this volume are evidence of this fact and serve as role models for cooperation with the action of God’s grace.
Within this volume are fifty eight saints who achieved holiness as husbands, wives, parents, or youth. Some lived in marital bliss with never a quarrel; others suffered greatly at the hands of their spouse, and many became saints while still at a tender young age. Each of these saints has qualities to be emulated in living as a member of a family, whether patience is needed in bearing with the faults of a spouse, or temperance is needed to check a natural inclination to anger.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 296 pages
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Everyone has dreams and goals that you want to achieve, but the foremost and overarching goal for every catholic, and the only one that brings true happiness, should be to become a saint and enjoy the Beatific Vision. It is a momentous task that can often seem overwhelming and unattainable. Indeed, without the aid of grace it is impossible. But confident hope can be placed in God that He will always provide the grace necessary to accomplish such a feat. The saints in this volume are evidence of this fact and serve as role models for cooperation with the action of God’s grace.
Within this volume are fifty eight saints who achieved holiness as husbands, wives, parents, or youth. Some lived in marital bliss with never a quarrel; others suffered greatly at the hands of their spouse, and many became saints while still at a tender young age. Each of these saints has qualities to be emulated in living as a member of a family, whether patience is needed in bearing with the faults of a spouse, or temperance is needed to check a natural inclination to anger.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 296 pages
Lay Saints: Martyrs
Lay Saints: Martyrs
by Joan Carroll Cruz
This is the third volume in our Lay Saints series.
“The best souls are they that have been travailed in spiritual business, and find most comfort therein.” — St. Thomas More
In Lay Saints: Martyrs, Joan Carroll Cruz guides you through the lives of seventy-three lay men and women who achieved the heights of sanctity. These inspiring biographies present martyrs who displayed extraordinary fortitude in holding fast to their faith in the midst of great persecution. Find a role model from among these saints as Joan Carroll Cruz explores:
• their acts of fortitude that you can imitate
• the burning love for God displayed by the martyrs
• stories of heroism, self-denial, and trust in God
• how martyrdom and suffering, heroically endured, encourages the faith of others
In this volume are people from all walks of life and time periods who lovingly embraced the opportunity to die for their refusal to renounce the True Faith.
While many people may never get the chance to forfeit their lives for Christ in so dramatic a fashion, these saints should serve as a guiding light in the endurance of the small sacrifices and persecutions of everyday life.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 331 pages
by Joan Carroll Cruz
This is the third volume in our Lay Saints series.
“The best souls are they that have been travailed in spiritual business, and find most comfort therein.” — St. Thomas More
In Lay Saints: Martyrs, Joan Carroll Cruz guides you through the lives of seventy-three lay men and women who achieved the heights of sanctity. These inspiring biographies present martyrs who displayed extraordinary fortitude in holding fast to their faith in the midst of great persecution. Find a role model from among these saints as Joan Carroll Cruz explores:
• their acts of fortitude that you can imitate
• the burning love for God displayed by the martyrs
• stories of heroism, self-denial, and trust in God
• how martyrdom and suffering, heroically endured, encourages the faith of others
In this volume are people from all walks of life and time periods who lovingly embraced the opportunity to die for their refusal to renounce the True Faith.
While many people may never get the chance to forfeit their lives for Christ in so dramatic a fashion, these saints should serve as a guiding light in the endurance of the small sacrifices and persecutions of everyday life.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 331 pages
Lay Saints: Ascetics and Penitents
Lay Saints: Ascetics and Penitents
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 212 pages
by Joan Carroll Cruz
“These are the footprints that the saints on ascending to heaven left behind upon our earth, in order that we, following after, might attain to the same reward.” — The Venerable Bede
In Lay Saints: Ascetics and Penitents, Joan Carroll Cruz guides you through the lives of fifty-eight lay men and women who achieved the heights of sanctity.
These inspiring biographies present saints who seemed destined for sainthood, as well as those who led sinful lives prior to a conversion of heart.
Find a role model from among these saints as Joan Carroll Cruz explores:
Through their examples, these saints will inspire ever-greater acts of charity and remind sinners that there is yet hope for salvation.
In Lay Saints: Ascetics and Penitents, Joan Carroll Cruz guides you through the lives of fifty-eight lay men and women who achieved the heights of sanctity.
These inspiring biographies present saints who seemed destined for sainthood, as well as those who led sinful lives prior to a conversion of heart.
Find a role model from among these saints as Joan Carroll Cruz explores:
- the acts of charity that you can imitate
- ascetical practices that lead us closer to God
- stories of conversion
- effective acts of penance to atone for prior sins
- the stories of pilgrims who spent their lives searching for closer union with God
Through their examples, these saints will inspire ever-greater acts of charity and remind sinners that there is yet hope for salvation.
Includes:
58 Saints listed on page 2
Index of Saints
Bibliography
58 Saints listed on page 2
Index of Saints
Bibliography
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 212 pages
Saintly Women of Modern Times
Saintly Women of Modern Times
by Joan Carroll Cruz
This collection presents seventy-five portraits of Catholic women of the past century whose extraordinary holiness set them on the path to sainthood, showing that sanctity is attainable in a variety of states of life. Drawing on the Church’s tradition of hagiography and rooted in Scripture and authentic witness, it offers modern examples of faith lived with love, courage, and perseverance for God and neighbour.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 280 pages
by Joan Carroll Cruz
This collection presents seventy-five portraits of Catholic women of the past century whose extraordinary holiness set them on the path to sainthood, showing that sanctity is attainable in a variety of states of life. Drawing on the Church’s tradition of hagiography and rooted in Scripture and authentic witness, it offers modern examples of faith lived with love, courage, and perseverance for God and neighbour.
- Profiles seventy-five Catholic women whose lives manifested heroic virtue and holiness.
- Includes laywomen, mothers, workers, and professionals who witnessed to Christ in diverse circumstances.
- Shows how ordinary struggles and everyday life can become occasions for sanctity.
- Written by a respected author of saint biographies who draws on tradition and testimony.
- Provides inspiration and companionship for readers striving for holiness in modern times.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 280 pages
Prayers and Heavenly Promises
Prayers and Heavenly Promises
compiled from Traditional Sources by Joan Carroll Cruz
This unique book of powerful prayers and devotions compiled by Joan Carroll Cruz includes wonderful promises made by Our Lord or Our Lady, most of which were revealed to famous Saints, including St. Faustina, St. Gertrude, and St. Catherine Labouré. Author Joan Carroll Cruz has carefully selected and compiled devotions to Our Lady, the Infant Jesus, the Precious Blood, the Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, St. Michael, and more in one place so that your daily prayer can be more powerful and more fruitful than ever before.
Among the many treasures in this book you will find:
compiled from Traditional Sources by Joan Carroll Cruz
This unique book of powerful prayers and devotions compiled by Joan Carroll Cruz includes wonderful promises made by Our Lord or Our Lady, most of which were revealed to famous Saints, including St. Faustina, St. Gertrude, and St. Catherine Labouré. Author Joan Carroll Cruz has carefully selected and compiled devotions to Our Lady, the Infant Jesus, the Precious Blood, the Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, St. Michael, and more in one place so that your daily prayer can be more powerful and more fruitful than ever before.
Among the many treasures in this book you will find:
- Supplemental prayers, devotions, and promises to the Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet, making these common prayers even more fruitful.
- St. Louis de Montfort’s beautiful Consecration to Jesus through Mary
- Dozens of devotions to Our Lady from St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and others, offer unique promises of grace and blessings
- Powerful, in-depth meditations and reflections on Our Lord’s Passion and Death, including the powerful graces promised to St. Martha Mary Chambon
The promises set forth in this book show that God is eager to grant us many favors—if we will just pray! Designed to fit in your pocket or purse, you will have these powerful prayers with you at all times.
Paperback, size 6" x 3.75", 142 pages
Miraculous Images of Our Lady
Miraculous Images of Our Lady
100 Famous Catholic Statues and Portraits
by Joan Carroll Cruz
100 true stories of Church-approved miraculous statues, paintings, and other images of Our Lady from all parts of the globe and spanning almost 2,000 years. Included are images that have spoken, brought miraculous cures and other special favors, helped in the construction of Catholic churches, shed luminous rays leading to their discovery in hidden places, given off a celestial fragrance, or suddenly and unexplainably become extremely heavy so as to resist being moved from a favored place. Also described are images of Our Lady weeping blood and tears or lovingly holding the Infant Jesus, as well as the ornate and costly garments the faithful have created for these dear figures and the special feast days celebrated in their honour.
Ranging across Mexico, Japan, Italy, the U.S., France, Poland and elsewhere, Cruz tells stories of the images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, of Akita, of Pompeii, of Prompt Succor, of the Smile (through which St. Therese the Little Flower was cured at age 10), of the Holy Rosary, the Comforter of the Afflicted, the Madonna of Consolation, the Mother of Divine Love, Our Lady of Zapopan, the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, and many, many more! Scores of pictures make the book come alive and will inspire fervid devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 488 pages
100 Famous Catholic Statues and Portraits
Eucharistic Miracles
Eucharistic Miracles
And Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints
by Joan Carroll Cruz
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51-52)
There is no greater gift that God has given His Church than this: that the Eucharist is a visible sign of the self-sacrificing love that continues to save the world from sin.
On many occasions throughout the history of the Catholic Church, God has provided us with visible proof of the reality of the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
In Eucharistic Miracles, Joan Carroll Cruz documents 36 miracles that occurred from 800 A.D. to the present day. This book tells of consecrated Hosts that have turned to human flesh, bled, levitated, and have become hard as flint when received by a person in mortal sin. It details the official investigations that have been made into these miracles by scientists throughout the world, as well as the locations of the miracles that can still be venerated today. Eucharistic Miracles also recounts miraculous Eucharistic phenomena in the lives of saints: saints who lived with only the Eucharist for sustenance, experienced raptures, ecstasies, levitations, visions, locutions, and much more…
Photographs of the miracles, the churches they took place in, the art they inspired, and the people involved are included—these add the final touch to a comprehensive, detailed, and extraordinary overview of these Eucharistic miracles.
Eucharistic Miracles is a superb compilation of God's visible testimony of the truth of the Catholic Faith, proving the reality of one of its loftiest mysteries: the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 330 pages
And Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints
by Joan Carroll Cruz
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51-52)
There is no greater gift that God has given His Church than this: that the Eucharist is a visible sign of the self-sacrificing love that continues to save the world from sin.
On many occasions throughout the history of the Catholic Church, God has provided us with visible proof of the reality of the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
In Eucharistic Miracles, Joan Carroll Cruz documents 36 miracles that occurred from 800 A.D. to the present day. This book tells of consecrated Hosts that have turned to human flesh, bled, levitated, and have become hard as flint when received by a person in mortal sin. It details the official investigations that have been made into these miracles by scientists throughout the world, as well as the locations of the miracles that can still be venerated today. Eucharistic Miracles also recounts miraculous Eucharistic phenomena in the lives of saints: saints who lived with only the Eucharist for sustenance, experienced raptures, ecstasies, levitations, visions, locutions, and much more…
Photographs of the miracles, the churches they took place in, the art they inspired, and the people involved are included—these add the final touch to a comprehensive, detailed, and extraordinary overview of these Eucharistic miracles.
Eucharistic Miracles is a superb compilation of God's visible testimony of the truth of the Catholic Faith, proving the reality of one of its loftiest mysteries: the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 330 pages
And Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints
The Incorruptibles
The Incorruptibles
A Study of the Incorruption of the Bodies of Various Catholic Saints and Beati
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Continuously popular since it first appeared in 1977, The Incorruptibles remains the acknowledged classic on the bodies of saints that did not undergo decomposition after death. Many remained fresh and flexible for years, or even centuries.
After explaining both natural and artificial mummification, the author shows that the incorruption of the saints' bodies fits neither category but rather constitutes a much greater phenomenon that is unexplained by modern science to this day. The author presents 102 canonized saints, beati, and venerables, summarizing their lives, the discovery of their incorruption, and investigations by Church and medical authorities.
The incorruptible bodies of saints are a consoling sign of Christ's victory over death, a confirmation of the dogma of the Resurrection of the Body, a sign that the Saints are still with us in the Mystical Body of Christ, and proof of the truth of the Catholic Faith—for only in the Catholic Church do we find this phenomenon. Impr.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 342 pages
A Study of the Incorruption of the Bodies of Various Catholic Saints and Beati
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Continuously popular since it first appeared in 1977, The Incorruptibles remains the acknowledged classic on the bodies of saints that did not undergo decomposition after death. Many remained fresh and flexible for years, or even centuries.
After explaining both natural and artificial mummification, the author shows that the incorruption of the saints' bodies fits neither category but rather constitutes a much greater phenomenon that is unexplained by modern science to this day. The author presents 102 canonized saints, beati, and venerables, summarizing their lives, the discovery of their incorruption, and investigations by Church and medical authorities.
The incorruptible bodies of saints are a consoling sign of Christ's victory over death, a confirmation of the dogma of the Resurrection of the Body, a sign that the Saints are still with us in the Mystical Body of Christ, and proof of the truth of the Catholic Faith—for only in the Catholic Church do we find this phenomenon. Impr.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 342 pages
A Study of the Incorruption of the Bodies of Various Catholic Saints and Beati
Miraculous Images of Our Lord
Miraculous Images of Our Lord
Famous Catholic Statues, Portraits and Crucifixes
by Joan Carroll Cruz
42 true accounts about miraculous manifestations of Our Lord from various parts of the globe, richly illustrated by actual photos. Miraculous statues, crucifixes and other holy images. Includes The Holy Shroud, Veil of Veronica, Infant Jesus of Prague, San Damiano Crucifix (cover photo) from which Our Lord spoke to St. Francis, etc., etc. Shows Our Lord's infinite love for us--causing Him to manifest it through His venerated images. A well of inspiration; a buttress to our faith in Christ!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 235 pages
Famous Catholic Statues, Portraits and Crucifixes
by Joan Carroll Cruz
42 true accounts about miraculous manifestations of Our Lord from various parts of the globe, richly illustrated by actual photos. Miraculous statues, crucifixes and other holy images. Includes The Holy Shroud, Veil of Veronica, Infant Jesus of Prague, San Damiano Crucifix (cover photo) from which Our Lord spoke to St. Francis, etc., etc. Shows Our Lord's infinite love for us--causing Him to manifest it through His venerated images. A well of inspiration; a buttress to our faith in Christ!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 235 pages
Famous Catholic Statues, Portraits and Crucifixes
Mysteries, Marvels, Miracles
Mysteries, Marvels, Miracles
In the Lives of the Saints
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Includes hundreds of true stories of miraculous phenomena in the lives of the Saints: bilocation, levitation, multiplication of food, etc. Fascinating, hard to put down, and helpful to strengthen one's faith.
This world CANNOT be all there is -- and this book helps to make that truth more REAL to each one of us! An excellent gift book, suitable for all ages. Impr.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 597 pages, 77 Illustrations
In the Lives of the Saints
by Joan Carroll Cruz
Includes hundreds of true stories of miraculous phenomena in the lives of the Saints: bilocation, levitation, multiplication of food, etc. Fascinating, hard to put down, and helpful to strengthen one's faith.
This world CANNOT be all there is -- and this book helps to make that truth more REAL to each one of us! An excellent gift book, suitable for all ages. Impr.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 597 pages, 77 Illustrations
In the Lives of the Saints
Angels and Devils
Angels and Devils
by Joan Carroll Cruz
In today's age of disbelief and skepticism, even many Christians no longer believe in angels—or in devils. Yet the existence and importance of spiritual, bodiless powers is one of the most basic and prominent features of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Creation abounds with heavenly guardians and patrons who pray on our behalf and guide us in life—and with demons who desire our ruin through temptations and deceits.
Here, in Angels and Devils, TAN mainstay author Joan Carroll Cruz provides an excellent summary of what the Church has been revealed about angels and devils. She expounds upon the traditional definitions and delineations of the angels and devils and provides practical advice about their relevance in all of our lives, from prayers and devotions to good angels to warnings about the New Age and occult connections to the devils.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 320 pages
by Joan Carroll Cruz
In today's age of disbelief and skepticism, even many Christians no longer believe in angels—or in devils. Yet the existence and importance of spiritual, bodiless powers is one of the most basic and prominent features of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Creation abounds with heavenly guardians and patrons who pray on our behalf and guide us in life—and with demons who desire our ruin through temptations and deceits.
Here, in Angels and Devils, TAN mainstay author Joan Carroll Cruz provides an excellent summary of what the Church has been revealed about angels and devils. She expounds upon the traditional definitions and delineations of the angels and devils and provides practical advice about their relevance in all of our lives, from prayers and devotions to good angels to warnings about the New Age and occult connections to the devils.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 320 pages
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