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St. Joseph Picture Book Series, Part 3 of 12 books on the "Super-Heroes of God"--commonly known as Saints--by beloved author Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. introduces Catholic children to 15 of the most well-known Saints. Among the features of this book are:

• a full-color illustration of each Saint
• short, easy-to-understand lives of the Saints that offer a window on what made them so special in the eyes of God
• the feast day for each Saint in accordance with the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church

Contrary to popular belief, true progress in your prayer life is not solely a function of adherence to a fixed set of rules. Rather, it is governed almost entirely by the emerging fruits of your prayer as the Holy Spirit leads you to live a life ever more pleasing to God. Thus, progress in prayer is more of an art than a science. Few Christians become mystics not because few are called but because few figure out how to navigate the stages of prayer and leverage the fruits to achieve union with God.

Fr. Arintero will show you how to progress from simple vocal prayer to the depths of spiritual meditation. You'll learn how to “travel by foot” when those inevitable moments of dryness in prayer surface, and you'll learn how to maximize progress in times of deep consolation.

With the writings of Sts. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales, and Thomas Aquinas as his touch points, Fr. Arintero explains what is happening to the soul as it begins to enter into union with our Lord, including such manifestations as locutions and intellectual visions. Additionally, you will learn what to expect at each stage of contemplation, as well as the corresponding gifts many receive, such as ecstasies and raptures. Through the wisdom of the mystics, Fr. Arintero unpacks these mysteries and shares insights about:

• The importance of making specific resolutions to grow in virtue

• Why times of both great and light aridity are natural

• How God pours out the gift of wisdom on souls through prayer

• Why attachment to specific methods of prayer can hinder God's movement

• What distractions in prayer may indicate and how to approach them

• How to prepare yourself for prayer of quiet and infused recollection

You'll also receive guidance from the saints and mystics on difficulties in prayer, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, passive and active purgation, and the practice of mental prayer.

There is no authentic active life without a fervent contemplative life. Fr. Arintero will teach you “not to think much but to love much” in prayer. You will glean how to attain peace and joy in God's presence in this life and the next. By striving to grow in virtue and union with God, you will be emboldened to work for His kingdom and the salvation of souls. Through prayer, your charity will become more ardent, and you will be an instrument of God's healing in the world.

Seeds of the Kingdom
By Fr Almire Pichon, S.J.

The history of our Holy Faith gives many an instance of Saints working hand-in-hand for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls. AS St. Teresa of Avila was given St. John of the Cross, so too was God's own "Little Flower" in need of a devout teacher. It was the saintly spiritual direction from the little-known Fr. Almire Pichon, S. J., which aided her in her daily life at Carmel and helped her to reach the heights of the spiritual life.

Inside this book one will find simple truths and profound treasures of our Catholic Faith, transmitted by a holy man to those who were placed in his care.

Hardcover, 271 pages.

Self –abandonment, is itself the work of God: While he strips of everything the souls who give themselves absolutely to him, God gives them something which takes the place of all; of light, wisdom, life and force: this gift is his love

Fr. Caussade’s Self Abandonment to Divine Providence is a book for all those who in the words of St. Benedict, “Truly seek God”. Fr. Caussades’s spiritual teaching was derived from two extremely pure sources, St. Francis de Sales and St. John of the Cross. Another source of influence on Caussade were his penitents, the Nuns of the Visitation.

Fr. Caussade effectively synthesizes both Salesian and Carmelite traditions in this book, which is comprised of his letters and dialogues on prayer. Fr. Caussade refers to the Salesian teaching of self-abandonment and simplicity, and the Carmelite emphasis on grace as a dynamic force that enlightens and cleanses the soul. When speaking of death to self, he refers to “abandonment” “trust” and “acquiescence”. He impresses upon the reader, that abandonment may be taught and practiced by repeated acts. It is the duty of every Christian to acquire this virtue.