Priesthood and Religious Life
Bound by the Seal
Based on the True Story of a Priest who Sacrifices all to Maintain the Seal of Confession
by Fr Joseph Spillmann, S.J.
It is the year 1888 in the idyllic southern French village of Sainte Victoire. Its pastor, Father Francis Montmoulin, is loved by his faithful parishioners and even grudgingly respected by the local anti-clericals.
Tragedy suddenly strikes, however, when a charitable old parishioner is brutally murdered under the priest’s own roof, and a large sum of money destined to build a hospital for the poor is stolen from her.
All the circumstantial evidence points to the innocent priest as the murderer and he becomes the prime suspect. However, Father Montmoulin knows through the confessional who the real culprit is. He is faced with a decision: either break the seal of confession or face shame, scandal and certain death at the guillotine.
This is an entirely revised and re-typeset version of “A Victim to the Seal of Confession”. The language has been updated to suit a modern readership.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 296 pages
Heroic Catholic Chaplains
Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls
by Thomas J. Craughwell
For nearly 200 years—standing alongside our heroic military men and women—have been heroic Catholic priests risking their lives to carry wounded soldiers to safety and to console, anoint, and absolve the dying. Heroic Catholic Chaplains spotlights the stories of these courageous, selfless, holy priests who volunteered to bring the Mass and the sacraments to American troops, while also offering them their friendship and spiritual counsel.
In this book, you’ll encounter… Father William Corby, who left his post at Notre Dame to serve the Irish Brigade during all four years of the Civil War; Father Francis Duffy, a World War I chaplain whose story became the subject of a Hollywood movie; Father Aloysius Schmitt, who, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, saved the lives of a dozen men before losing his own; Monsignor James O’Neill, who composed the famous “Weather Prayer” for General Patton, an incident that would be immortalized in film, if not entirely accurately; Father Emil Kapaun, who, during months in a North Korean prison camp, worked tirelessly to save the lives and the souls of his fellow POWs (the process that could lead to Father Kapaun being declared a saint is underway); Father Vincent Capodanno, who was killed by the Viet Cong as he ran to help a wounded corpsman; And more!
Heroic Catholic Chaplains brings to the fore the stories of remarkable priests, most of whom have been overlooked by both military and Catholic historians. Their sacrifice and courage are difficult to imagine. They served so that our servicemen and women would not be without comfort, or without a friend, or be deprived of the Mass and the sacraments; so they would not fall into despair. These chaplains deserve to be remembered, their stories told, and their memories honored.
Hardback, size 8.75" x 5.6", 216 pages
by Fr Richard Butler, O.P.
Many young Catholics today agonize over their "vocations" and "whether God is calling" them. To some extent, even a whole subculture of "vocational anxiety" has arisen because of the modernist myth of "religious vocation." Written by the solidly Thomistic Dominican Fr. Richard Butler in 1961, Religious Vocation: An Unnecessary Mystery shows that the idea that we have to discern what God wants for our lives in the depths of our hearts by finding something out within ourselves is completely incorrect. It is a modernist myth, a totally wrong approach to a religious vocation that began in the early 20th century. It is true that many have needlessly suffered over this question, misunderstanding (because of the poor teaching of theologians) how it is that a soul responds to Divine Grace.
The truth, as Fr. Butler notes with the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas and "the unanimous opinion of Fathers of the Church," is that the evangelical counsels are open to all. Entering religious life is about the decision of the individual, and must be based not on discernment of one's interior desires or feelings per se, nor of "what God wants" (for He has expressed Himself in the Gospels!), but rather of one's ability to follow through and one's lack of real impediments. Though Fr. Butler deals primarily with vocations to the religious life, he also gives the classic guidelines on priestly vocations, including indications of fitness and of unfitness.
The message of this book will be very surprising, but also extremely liberating to many generous souls wanting to explore a supernatural vocation. The author states—based on the tradition of the Church—that religious vocation is "not uncommon, rare, or extraordinary" and that it does not require an introspective search for some "special voice" or attraction in the inmost depths of the heart. All that is needed is a willing heart and disattachment from other demands of charity in life.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 167 pages
How to Discern and Prepare
by a Bishop, Priests and Religious
“What the current situation of our world calls for is a generation of priests and religious (both men and women) who bear witness to Our Lord Jesus Christ—even against all odds. For this world that is half-dead, we need a generation who will bear witness to the all-powerful redemptive force that is found in Our Lord Jesus Christ, and only in Him. We need a generation who will bear witness to this truth through their words, without fear or deviation, and even more so through their lives, lived according to His rule and His love. This will be a generation in which each person, in his or her own way, will be—as Pope Pius XII declared— ‘a living image of our Savior.’”
—Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
Sermon, Ecône (January 7, 1973)
This little book is for those seeking to understand Christ's call more deeply. If you are considering the priesthood or religious life, it will illuminate the profound nature of this sacred calling. It will help you discover both your strengths and weaknesses, and it will equip you to prepare thoroughly so you can respond with your whole heart. Without vocations, the Catholic Church would cease to exist, and without the assistance of the grace procured by priests and religious, many souls would be lost. The awesome reality of a vocation cannot be understood without a clear vision of what this call from God truly entails. Take this book, read it, and decide if you, too, will answer the call!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 144 pages
Doubling for the Mother of God
by Fr M. Raymond, O.C.S.O.
This book was originally published in 1941 and was written by a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. He had a sister who was a nun, and he dedicated this treatise—it is actually written more in the style of a letter of instruction or exhortation—to her and therefore by proxy to all female religious. It presents to them a challenging meditation on what the essence of their vocation is. He calls it “Doubling for the Mother of God.”
This book has been brought back into circulation by the publisher at the request of a traditional house of Sisters who have found it very useful and inspiring to them in their spiritual life and their apostolate.
We are certain that not only those female religious who take their vocation of assisting others to attain salvation very seriously, but also many whose vocation is in the world or in the clerical state but who also have that same burning desire to help save souls and to build up the Mystical Body of Christ in the modern world, will find solace and sound advice in the pages of this powerful meditation.
Theologically sound and based upon years of meditation, especially on the doctrines of the mystical body, this work is certain to be of interest to all who are called to be mothers.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.2", 56 pages
Contents
Foreword
Your Role in the Great Drama of the Redeeming
Will You Think Along With Me?
Will You Admit This Analogy?
Go Back to Your Noviceship Days
See How Natural This Makes the Supernatural
See How This Colors Your Relations with Others
See How This Concept Explains Your Past
This Concept Reveals Your Future
The Few Lines You Must Learn and Live
Lilies Are Lofty
Violets Are Lovely
The Lady of the Smiling Eyes and Singing Heart
Do Not Lose Your God
The Last Lines
Some Stage-Directions for the Leading Lady
Show Thyself a Mother
Aids to Learning Your Lines
Some Parting Suggestions
I. Let Thoughtlessness Remind You!
II. Meet St. John
III. Use Doors!
Whispers From the Wings
by Fr M. Raymond, O.C.S.O.
Originally identified annonymously as a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, the writer of this spiritual treasure was Joseph Flanagan of Roxbury Massachusettes, known in religious life as Rev. Fr. Raymond, O.C.S.O. This short volume of advice to nuns was the sequel to Doubling for the Mother of God, that he first published two years earlier, in 1941. He dedicated the first book to his sister who was a nun and therefore, by proxy, to all female religious. The first book presents to them a challenging meditation on what the essence of their vocation is.
This second book is a series of counsels and admonitions on the topic of how to live that vocation to the utmost. Both books were immensely popular during the war years and through the 1950's, but they have been out of circulation for decades. Since the collapse of religious life, in the wake of the revolution within the Church over the last several decades, many faithful Catholic women have begun to look to history to find the proper pattern for living a life dedicated to religion. Loreto Publications, at the request of a traditional house of Sisters who have found both short books very useful and inspiring to them in their spiritual life and their apostolate, has reprinted them in the hopes of inspiring more women, both vowed religious and those pius women whose vocation is in the world, to take their vocations seriously and to live them joyfully and with great enthusiasm, for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Theologically sound, and based on years of meditation, especially on the doctrine of the Mystical Body, this work is certain to be of interest to all who are called to be mothers either corporeally or spiritually. If, as the Bard has said, "All the world's a stage", then our job is to know our part perfectly and perform it heroically. Rest assured that God, in his infinite mercy and wisdom has a part for each one of us to play. If you have ever felt the need of some "whispers from the wings", to help you perform the part that God has chosen for you, then here is your answer.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.2", 60 pages
Learning the Mass
A Manual for Seminarians and Priests
by Fr Walter J. Schmitz, S.S., S.T.D.
First published in 1960, this instructive book by rubrician Fr. Walter J. Schmitz, gives detailed instructions on how to properly say the traditional Roman Mass (Missale Romanum), and has been treasured by priests and seminarians for decades for its brief and concise explanations of how the celebrant offers Low Mass.
For the explanation of the Mass, texts are arranged into parallel columns, with one side presenting in English the minute actions made by the celebrant with his hands (especially when dealing with the consecrated Species), eyes and body, while the other side gives the actual Latin text as seen in the missal for comparison. In addition to many helpful tips, authoritative footnotes are also included.
There is also a chapter on bination (celebrating two Masses consecutively, hence how to avoid breaking the necessary fast) rubrics, Requiem Masses, distributing Communion, and executing the ceremonies of Benediction. Also included is a nota bene about some minor revisions made in 1962 not contained within the book due to its publishing date.
This compact book is a must for any cleric learning to celebrate the traditional Roman Mass, or even for just brushing up on the Mass or Benediction rubrics!
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 58 pages
A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology
by Fr. Adolphe Tanquerey, SS, DD
The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology by Fr. Tanquerey is undoubtedly the finest, most comprehensive and best respected one-volume treatise on the spiritual life ever written.
Clear, thorough, easy to read, orthodox, authoritative, beautifully organized, logically developed, lively, and practical, the book covers the whole field of spirituality.
Based on Sacred Scripture, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, especially St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as other great Saints and spiritual writers of all ages.
Hardcover, size 8.75" x 5.75", 832 pages
Containing a Message from Our Divine Lord for the Clergy of the World
by Fr Patrick O'Connell, B.D.
A 20th-century Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, is Mother Louise Margaret Claret de la Touche, who received revelations from Our Lord about His irrepressible love for mankind and how He desires to communicate it to the world. This book will surprise readers with its profundity and many spiritual revelations.
Mother Louise Margaret Claret de la Touche lived from 1868-1915. She entered the Visitation convent in 1890 at Romans, France and is the artist of the "Picture of Jesus Merciful" painting, which she transcribed after an interior vision. She wrote her Autobiography from 1904-1905 as ordered by Father Alfred Charrier, her spiritual director. She was named superior of her convent two years later and retained the position until 1913. Mother Louise Claret is the author of The Little Book of the Work of Infinite Love, The Love and Service of God, The Book of Infinite Love, and The Sacred Heart and the Priesthood. She died in Vische on the fourteenth of May, 1915, and subsequently earned the title of Venerable.
Paperback, size 8.25" x 5.5", 235 pages
Thoughts on the Religious Life
With an Appendix of Maxims and Counsels of Saints and Spiritual Writers
by Fr Francis Xavier Lasance
The virtues are treated clearly and practically, and in a manner that incites the soul to their exercise. We cherish the hope and pray that this book may fall into the hands of many, and, by the grace of God, be instrumental in rousing some from spiritual torpidity due to the blandishments of the world; in opening their eyes to the grandeur of that enclosed garden of the Lord, where the fairest flowers of virtue - above all, the rose of charity - bloom in unsurpassed abundance and splendour of development; and in attracting them to that school of sanctity, where, as St. Bernard says, “Men lead a purer life, fall into sin less frequently, rise again more easily, walk more cautiously, rest more tranquilly, die more happily, and reap a richer reward for eternity.”
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 927 pages
or The Nun Sancified by the Virtues of Her State
by St Alphonsus Maria Ligouri
A book on the religious life, showing how to make use of the great means of sanctification in this state and the obligation to work diligently at perfection. Really brings home the true purpose of the religious life, something much misunder-stood and all but forgotten today. Also includes the "Declaration on the Question of the Admission of Women to the Ministerial Priesthood" (1976) by the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, plus a commentary in support of this document.
Paperback, size 7.1" x 4.25", 737 pages
Its Historical Development and Theological Foundations
by Cardinal Alfons Maria Stickler
In order to arrive at a correct understanding of the much discussed topic of clerical celibacy, it is necessary to clarify the pertinent facts and regulations found within the Church from its beginnings until the present time. Further, itis also necessary to explore the theological reasons for celibacy. This can be done only on the basis of a knowledge of the relevant sources and of current scholarship, especially if this book's presentation is to be accepted as valid and credible. Before tracing the historical development of celibacy in the Western and European Churches, this study begins with an analysis of the actual concept of clerical celibacy, which necessarily lies at the basis of the respective obligations that it imposes.
To give solidity to his conclusions, Cardinal Stickler provides an outline of the method which a proper treatment of this argument demands. The final part of his book is dedicated to the theological presuppositions and foundations of celibacy.
Paperback, size 7.25" x 4.75", 106 pages
by Fr Emmanuel Marie Andre
What do we care if this book originally appeared in 1863? People are still people; priests are still priests. The principles concerning both are timeless. Here's a book praised by Archbishop Lefebvre who during his life often referred to its author as an extraordinary example of the Catholic priesthood in practice.
Fr. Emmanuel's work on the priestly ministry has long captivated the attention of Catholic priests resolved to understand the profoundly supernatural nature of their priesthood, determined to see it as a continuation of the great mystery of the Incarnation, overwhelmed by the sense of what it is to be an instrument of Holy Mother Church. Father's clear understanding of the danger of naturalism, and the supernaturally empty and "lifeless" ministry which is its consequence, and his analysis of the evils of liberalism, were a century ahead of his time.
This great little manual will help priests to live their priesthood united to the Sovereign High Priest Whom they represent. How the priest's "death to the world" is not a passing act, but a continuing holocaust. As long as there are priests, the Blood which baptizes the world will not cease to flow and the Living Source of charity will be in good hands... better hands if this book were followed. Intended for priests, but excellent for lay people as well who will benefit by knowing the true purpose of those with whom they are called to cooperate in the apostolate.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 44 pages
by Fr Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange O.P.
The famous Thomistic theologian Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P. expounds in a disciplined manner upon the specific holiness of the priesthood and the supernatural fruitfulness of the priestly apostolate.
Steeped in Sacred Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas and other traditional Catholic sources, the author presents the classic Catholic traditions on the priestly vocation traditions which many seminarians and young priests today may have never even heard of.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 264 pages, Impr
Pohle-Preuss Manual of Dogmatic Theology
12 Volumes in a Six Book set
by Fr. Joseph Pohle S.J.
Many Catholics living today can remember when priests were well trained in theology and could express the Faith properly in their sermons and in their writing. That is because they were given sound teaching at the seminary in Logic, Philosophy, and Dogmatic Theology from textbooks such as this 12 volume set. The famous Pohle-Preuss Manual was used in many seminaries in America and other countries prior to the 1950's when seminary training began to go downhill.
This particular manual was used in the Jesuit seminary where Fr. Leonard Feeney, who was one called by his Jesuit superior "the greatest theologian we have in America...by far" was trained. This beautiful hardbound series is an exact reproduction of the edition originally published in 1911, and it was written by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pohle an edited by Arthur Preuss.
Joseph Pohle was a Jesuit and one of the founding faculty members of the Catholic University of America as well as a frequent contributor to the Catholic Encyclopedia. He died in 1922 after having produced one of the clearest and most succinct and useful systematic studies of Catholic theology ever published. This series is invaluable for priests, seminarians, and anyone interested in a systematic study of dogmatic theology.
The original publication was in 12 separate volumes. This set has been re-issued as a complete set of 12 volumes in six books.
BOOK ONE
Volume 1 - God: His Knowability, Essence, and Attributes
BOOK TWO
Volume 2 - The Divine Trinity
Volume 3 - God: The Author of Nature and the Supernatural
BOOK THREE
Volume 4 - Christology
Volume 5 - Soteriology
Volume 6 - Mariology
BOOK FOUR
Volume 7 - Grace: Actual and Habitual
BOOK FIVE
Volume 8 - The Sacraments - Part 1
Volume 9 - The Sacraments - Part 2
Book SIX
Volume 10 - The Sacraments Part 3
Volume 11 - The Sacraments Part 4
Volume 12 - Eschatology
Full Set of Six Hardcover Books, size 9" x 6",
by St Leonard of Port Maurice
Jesus is the physician of our souls, and it is through his priests that he exercises this healing power in our ailing world. Our hope is that priests and laymen may, through the study of this small volume from one of the great Franciscan confessors of the 18th Century, arrive at a more thorough understanding of, and a great love for, the healing sacrament which reconciles the sinner to the all powerful, all just, all seeing, and all merciful God.
Paperback, size 85" x 5.5", 68 pages
The Autobiography of St. Robert Bellarmine
Along with A guide to composing Sermons,
Sermons on the Annunciation
by St Robert Bellarmine
Bellarmine never set out to compose any writings, but always did so out of obedience. He wrote his autobiography for 2 of his brother Jesuits out of courtesy for their request to have an account of his life. Though he never intended it for any eyes but theirs, it was discovered and published in the 18th century, and became a great success. It is a brief and simple account of the life and travails of a great soul that loved Jesus Christ above all things.
Also included are St Robert Bellarmine’s Guide to Composing Sermons and evidence of this in action, his Sermons on the Annunciation given in Italy. These sermons explore the depths of the mysteries contained in the Annunciation made by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin, which were preached in Italy while he was a Cardinal in Rome. These explore subjects as diverse as Greek and Hebrew etymology, Angelology, Mariology and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ. The publishers have also added pictures of the places and people St. Robert mentions when relating his life.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 157 pages
by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
After the posthumous book of Archbishop Lefebvre, The Mass of All Time, we offer now its pendant, Priestly Holiness.
"The passages brought together in this volume constitute a veritable Summa of the priesthood, independent of time and place. It is an invitation to breathe in those ultimate principles which guided Archbishop Lefebvre, so that we, too, might remain faithful to the path he traced out for us. The last chapter is dedicated to the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, a work of the Church raised up by Providence as a beacon of Catholic Tradition; its mission both yesterday and today is to defend and protect the priesthood and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in all their splendor and their doctrinal purity. May our Lady, Queen of Apostles and Confessors, deign to bless this work and make it an instrument of the grace of her divine son, so that priests might always increase in number and in holiness, for the greater glory of God and of His Church." -- His Excellency Bernard Fellay, Superior General, Society of Saint Pius X
Here are Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre's own words on the back cover.
"The true priest loves souls, gives himself to them, sacrifices himself for them for the love of God. He gives himself to souls as he gives them the Eucharist. He gives them Jesus by teaching and by Holy Communion. All of his priestly life thereby becomes a Mass. The holy priest lives his Mass and brings all those around him to live it, as well. He leads them to understand that all of our lives ought to be a Mass, a total oblation, a continual sacrifice of ourselves, out of love of God and out of love of neighbor. That is the ideal of the true priest, an ideal which brings him a lasting joy and peace of soul."
Hardcover, size 8.8" x 6", 512 pages
Designed to Aid Parish Priests in the Regular Exercise of the Pastoral Ministry
This liturgical book is a new version of the Ritual that is similar to what was called the Collectio Rituum, having most of the features of that book. This Latin/English Ritual will certainly be a benefit for all priests who wish to have a useful travel-size book.
This book is designed and printed in the traditional way: real ink, sewn signatures, 2 ribbons, imitation flex black leather, front & back stampings, round & gilt edges, durable end sheets; 314 pages + 16* appendix.
Table of Contents
- Baptism: 1-104
- Confirmation of the Sick & Danger of Death: 105-109
- Sacrament of Penance: 109-120
- Administration of Holy Communion outside of Mass: 121-124
- Forty Hours: 125-138
- Benediction: 139-140
- Extreme Unction: 141-149
- Communion of the Sick: 150-155
- Visitation and Care of the Sick: 156-165
- Manner of Assisting of the Dying: 166-184
- The Funeral Rite: 185-220
- Celebration of Marriage; Silver or Golden Wedding Anniversary, etc.: 221-250
- Blessings (most common & frequently used): 251-296
- Litanies: 297-308
- Prayer for the Church & Civil Authorities: 309-310
- Index: 311-314
- Appendix 1: Hymns
- Appendix 2: Blessing of St Benedict Medal, Solemn Blessing of the Cross, longer act of Consecration of the Sacred Heart: 1*-16*