Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Blood Country - Declan Finn - Honeymoon from Hell Book 2

Blood Country
Honeymoon from Hell Book 2
Declan Finn
ISBN 
eISBN 
ASIN B0DJB97C2Q
 
Blood Country - Declan Finn - Honeymoon from Hell Book 2

This is the 50th volume I have read from the pen of Declan Finn, I read most in under a year after first discovering his works. I read them at the pace of about a book a week. This is the second story in the Honeymoon from Hell series, and the sixth story featuring Marco Catalano and Amanda Colt and it is an amazing story. It really packs a punch. It is the first of 5 planned in this series. And from where we leave off in this one, I am cannot imagine what they will get up to next! 

The description of this volume states:

"THE HONEYMOON FROM HELL CONTINUES!

Until death do they part.

After surviving their first stop, Marco and Amanda have arrived in wine country.

Everything should go well.

Assuming the dragon constructs made from fire don't derail their train. Or the local triads don't hunt them down. Or if the local politician doesn't turn into some sort of supernatural hell beast.

All in all, it should be a quiet trip."

The chapters in this volume are:

Playing in the Sandbox
Morning After
Going Back
Taken For a Ride
Flight of Dragons
Dragon Punched
(Asian Fusion) Take Out
Friends of Friends
Check-In
Elf Help
Tea and Blood
Napa Valley of Death
The Rainbow Tastes You
Hell to Pay
Dirty Business
Nocked and Loaded
Blow Back
Big Trouble, Little Napa
Droning On
Dial M for Magic
Reach Out and Touch Someone
Play Through
Death Trap
Path of the Vampire
Enter Night
All in the Reflexes
Get Ahead
Epilogue

You can tell just by the chapter headings or titles how much fun this story is going to be. And there are so many one liners and nods to movies and tv shows I am not even sure I caught them all on my first read through. I am beginning to think of Marco as a mash up of Jack Reacher, John Wick, and the Punisher. He can dish it out, he can take it and with each encounter he seems to be changing and becoming stronger, faster, and smarter. 

This story and series tie this series into other works by Finn that I had not known were previously connected. In the last volume we found out that Galadren was a cousin or uncle to Marco, and that his full name is Galahad Wren, and he works for Sean A.P. Ryan And Associates, private security company. We have a convoluted cast of characters in this story and it ties to many of Finn’s other series in one way or another. Our main cast again includes:

Marco Catalano – the groom,  a physician assistant. Killer of evil, brilliant with a supercomputer like mind, and like Kirk does not believe in no win situations nor does he know how to back down.
Amanda Colt – 100 year old vampire, force for good. Takes communion, goes to confession, and has fought in almost every war for a century and is a spy with top clearance.
Jennifer Bosley – 400 year old vampire, president of the New York Vampire Association, mentor to Amanda,.
Raymond Wilson – Police Commissioner – Bosley’s plus one.
Enrico – crime family contact for Marco.
Galadren – relation to Marco, most dangerous man in middle earth. 
Merle Kraft – spook specializing the weird, strange and unusual. Runs a team out of San Francisco, has previously worked with Marko.
Rory – aka Sean Allis Treacy, a vampire who fights for good, an Irishman who still reminisces about eh old days. 
Father William Rodgers - 
Vatican Ninjas
SpecOps
…

Foes:
A warlock who throws lightning
Triad minions with magic meat cleavers that throw fire.
Mad science and magic
Apparent Dragons
Magically infused weapons
And more
…

The events in this story take place over a few days. They pick up right after book 1. And For Marco and Amanda they take place in Chicago, on a train, in Napa Valley, San Francisco and a final battle against the big boss on a former military base. Some of our supporting cast have engagements in the Middle East, New York, and Mexico. The main story is Marco’s and Amanda’s honeymoon is continuing and with each new stop on their trip new foes are encountered and new baddies to destroy. It also includes the beginning of their honeymoon a tripped planned to take months and travel across America by train from New York to the west coast. People back in New York are gathering many who Marco has worked with in the past, and are beginning to realize that something very big is happening. Merle Kraft plays a much bigger role in this one, mostly cleaning up after Marco, and one of his brothers even makes an appearance with some advice. Unfortunately there were no Zombies in this part of the story, so it can’t connect to Zombie Death Extreme Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator by Karina Fabian.

This story if full of Finn’s usual action, and even levels it up. Marco continues to use a new toy sent as a wedding present. And Marco goes on a warpath. Challenging his no F’s given and no sh!t taken attitude to the max. Marco, Amanda are just trying to enjoy their honeymoon but when bad guys start burning down vineyards they have to step up and do something, because they can! Marco leaves a wake of destruction in his path including some broken bad cops. More work for Merle to clean up. There are some surprises and some great twists. It was nearly impossible to put this book down. I again, stayed up way too late on a work night finishing it. It will leave you desperate for the next volume. 

Another excellent read from the masterful pen of Finn. The second in what is shaping up to be an amazing new series. A book I can easily recommend. Urban Noir Fantasy crossover done to perfection.  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Declan Finn:
Love At First Bite Series:
Short Stories:
…
Novels:
     (Murphy's Law of Vampires)
…

Honeymoon from Hell Series:
Wyverns Never Die
Cross Over
Fae'd to Black
...


Other books:
...

Anthologies contributed to:
Luna: Planetary Anhtology Series Book 2
Supernatural Streets
Starflight: Tales From The Starport Lounge
Tales of the Once and Future King
Mercury: Planetary Anthology Series Book 4
Venus: Planetary Anthology Series Book 5
Mars: Planetary Anthology Series Book 7
Places Beyond the Wild: A Z-Day Anthology
Shoot the Devil: Ten Tales of Humans Defeating the Demonic
Fantastic Schools, Volume 6
Fantastic Schools Staff 7 Staff
Shoot the Devil 2 Dark Matter
Beast Hunt Volume 1
...
Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Catechism of the Catholic Church - Ascension Edition

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition
ISBN 9781954881648
eISBN 9781954881570
ASIN B0C7CP2WG6

Catechism of the Catholic Church - Ascension Edition eBook

For many years I have used the Ignatius Press Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition. I loved the larger size and large margins. I have used it for a long time and had both the eBook and the physical copy. When Father Mike started the Catechism in a Year, podcast this edition was not available in Canada as either eBook or physical. So my first time through the CIAY I used my older editions. Then a friend picked up the physical copy of this edition for me and part way through the year I grabbed the eBook edition. 

The description of this volume is:

“The edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church read by Fr. Mike Schmitz in The Catechism in a Year podcast. From the publisher of the popular Great Adventure Catholic Bible comes the first-ever edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church with the brand-new, specially designed Foundations of Faith approach! Now, everyone can learn and understand the teachings of the Catholic Faith. This version of the Catechism This remarkable book, formed by Holy Scripture and 2000 years of Church Doctors, scholars, and theologians, helps Catholics achieve the ultimate goal of their faithful life on earth—to know, love, and serve God to be in union with him in heaven. Understand the Catechism and the Catholic Faith like never before.”

I can state I love this version of the Catechism, and I wish the note taking edition had been available when I received a copy. I believe the wider margins and note sections at the side would be excellent. I also wish it came in a colour other than white. It has depended on the day which version I have read this year, Sometimes the eBook was more convenient and sometimes sitting and studying at home with the physical was nice. Part of the full description of this volume  highlights these features:

“This version of the Catechism contains:
• Carefully designed pages to make the majestic truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith readable, organized, and inviting
• An original and specially designed color-coded approach that helps readers understand how everything in the Catechism is connected together
• The Catechism at a Glance Chart woven within the text to show how the Catechism is structured and where to find key teachings of the Catholic Faith
• Highlighted keywords and visual references that help Catholics quickly identify major truths and easily find their place within the big picture of the Catechism
• Dozens of callout boxes to highlight the books of Sacred Scripture and the writings of the Church that are the basis for the Catechism’s teachings
• An exclusive, never-before-seen appendix, “Sources from Scripture and the Church,” with a clear introduction to hundreds of sources in the Catechism

With a beautiful design to reflect the profound beauty of the Faith, this edition of the Catechism adorns the treasures of the Church’s wisdom with:
• A smooth, white, leatherlike cover
• Dazzling gold foil stamping
• 4 silky, color-coded ribbons

This remarkable book, formed by Holy Scripture and 2,000 years of Church Doctors, scholars, and theologians, helps Catholics achieve the ultimate goal of their faithful life on earth—to know, love, and serve God to be in union with him in heaven.”

Back in 2006 I was part of a team blog called Catholic Catechism Dialogue blog but the owner dissolved it after a short time. It was the first time I read through the Catechism in a Year, and I have done it a few times since. Including other catechisms. And I can state that the Ascension Press Edition is one of the best I have used. I will always have a warm spot for the green Ignatius Press Edition I used for almost 2 decades. 

This edition is wonderfully laid out and the extra side boxes and other resources in it take it to a new level. If you are doing the Catechism in a Year I really believe that the Ascension Edition will enhance the experience. An excellent resource any Catholic would benefit from having!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Related Posts:
The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume III
…

Books from the Council of Baltimore:
Baltimore Catechism Two
Baltimore Catechism Three
Baltimore Catechism Four
…

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume I - Fr. Mike Schmitz, Petroc Willey, and Ann Koshute

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume II - Fr. Mike Schmitz, Petroc Willey, and Ann Koshute

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume III - Fr. Mike Schmitz, Petroc Willey, Matthew Doeing, and Ann Koshute

Catechism of the Catholic Church - Ascension Edition Leather

Catechism of the Catholic Church - Ascension Edition eBook

Catechism of the Catholic Church - IgnatiusEdition

Labels: , , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, 18 November 2024

Twelfth Night Stratford Festival 2024 A Review

Twelfth Night 
2024
Director Seana McKenna
Set and Costume Designer Christina Poddubiuk
Lighting Designer Bonnie Beecher
Composer Paul Shilton
Sound Designer Verne Good
Fight Director Anita Nittoly
Choreographer Stephanie Graham
Executive Producer David Auster
Casting Directors Beth Russell, Ari Weinberg
Creative Planning Director Jason Miller

Twelfth Night Stratford Festival 2024 A Review Playbill

Twelfth Night Stratford Festival 2024 A Review Stage


This was the fourth of four planned shows this season my son and I attended with shows ranging from early April to mid-October. Over the last few years my son, who is now 16, and I have attended a number of plays in Stratford at the festival. We eagerly await the announcements of the season’s shows and often buy our tickets early in the winter. The other shows we have seen or plan to see this season are Something Rotten, Cymbeline, and Romeo and Juliet. 

We both read a version of it before attending it. 

We both really enjoyed this production. It was wonderful to see it set in the 1960’s, and the one gender swap. We really appreciated the cast and staging of the production.  

The summary of the play on the festival site states:

“"O Time, Thou Must Untangle This, Not I. It Is Too Hard A Knot For Me T'untie."

A terrible storm leaves Viola shipwrecked on the island of Illyria. A woman alone in a strange land, Viola disguises herself as "Cesario" and enters the service of Duke Orsino to deliver love letters to Countess Olivia. Orsino's plan backfires when Olivia falls for Cesario, whose heart now belongs to Orsino, who is still smitten with Olivia. When Viola's twin brother appears, complications peak! Twelfth Night remains one of the Shakespeare's most beloved romantic comedies, a sumptuous feast of unrequited love, mistaken identity, high poetry and riveting drama, reimagined in a setting closer to our time and around the corner from the Summer of Love: the late '60s.”

My top ranking for the performances would be:
Jessica B. Hill as Viola
Vanessa Sears as Olivia
Austin Eckert as Sebastian
André Sills as Orsino
Deborah Hay as Feste

My son’s top picks were:
Austin Eckert as Sebastian
Deborah Hay as Feste
Scott Wentworth at Sir Toby Belch
Rylan Wilkie as Sir Andrew Aguecheek 
Austin Eckert as Sebastian

The full cast in alphabetical order is:

The Travellers
Viola - Jessica B. Hill
Sebastian - Austin Eckert
Sea Captain - David Collins
Antonio - Emilio Vieira
Sailor - John Kirkpatrick
Shipwreck Survivors - Marissa Orjalo, Glynis Ranney, Michael Spencer-Davis

Backpackers - Hilary Adams, Nick Dolan

Duke Orsino’s Court
Orsino - André Sills
Curio - Tarique Lewis
Valentine - Andrew Iles
Luca, Attending Lord - Nick Dolan
Benicio, Attending Lord - Thomas Duplessie
Alessandro, Attending Lord - Jonathan Mason

Musician - Rob Stone

Countess Olivia’s Household
Olivia - Vanessa Sears
Sir Toby Belch - Scott Wentworth
Feste - Deborah Hay
Malvolio - Laura Condlln
Maria - Sarah Dodd
Sir Andrew Aguecheek, A Visitor - Rylan Wilkie
Fabian - Michael Spencer-Davis
Priest - John Kirkpatrick
Sofia, Lady In Waiting - Antonette Rudder
Rosa, Servant - Hilary Adams
Anna, Servant - Marissa Orjalo

Gardeners - Nick Dolan, Thomas Duplessie, Tarique Lewis, Jonathan Mason

Town And Country
First Officer - Jonathan Mason
Second Officer - Nick Dolan
Café Staff -  David Collins, Tarique Lewis
Widow - Glynis Ranney

Understudies
Feste, Anna - Hilary Adams
Malvolio - Sarah Dodd
Valentine, Fabian - Nick Dolan
Priest, First Officer, Second Officer, Backpacker, Sailor - Thomas Duplessie
Olivia - Jenna-Lee Hyde
Sir Andrew Aguecheek - Andrew Iles
Antonio, Sea Captain, Café Staff - John Kirkpatrick
Sebastian - Tarique Lewis
Curio, Café Staff - Jonathan Mason
Sofia - Marissa Orjalo
Maria - Glynis Ranney
Viola - Antonette Rudder
Sir Toby Belch - Michael Spencer-Davis
Orsino - Emilio Vieira

This was an excellent staging and production of this play. As the house program indicates it is one of the most popular of the Bard’s romantic comedies. It along with A Midsummer Night’s Dream are tied for the honour of most stages at the Stratford festival.

This is an easier play to follow and one many have studied in high school or university. It is a story many are familiar with. The director’s note in the handbill states:

“I have a confession to make: I rarely read director’s notes before I see a play. I want to see “the thing itself” without any preparation for it. I want to be able to receive the play as it unfolds, without any preconceptions of what it might be. So, dear reader, if you want to skip this part of your program, I will understand wholeheartedly. 

Although Twelfth Night, or What You Will (as it is known by its alternate title) has been loved for centuries for its comic predicaments exposing human frailty and folly, for me, there is an ache at the heart of the play. Perhaps it is a yearning for that which is missing or is perceived to be missing; a longing for that which the characters believe will make them “whole.” Each character seeks something or someone that they hope will make life . . . better. 

For some of us, such as myself, travel makes life better. To be a stranger in a strange land opens one’s eyes to new landscapes, new cultures, new people—and also to oneself. You have the possibility to “re-create” yourself.”

And it concludes with:

“For better or worse, people themselves have not changed all that much since this play was written. We still mourn our losses, we still laugh at our own absurd behaviours and we still know the pangs of unrequited love, the wondrous joys of love returned, as well as the dilemmas that disguise or self-delusion can create. We still know and yearn for the healing powers of music, laughter, love and that whirligig of Time. No matter what century we were born in, we all share the bittersweet awareness of our mortality and the need to appreciate our brief moment in the sun. Feste the Fool sings it best: 

“Present mirth hath present laughter:
What’s to come is still unsure. 
In delay there lies no plenty, 
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty:
Youth’s a stuff will not endure.””

This was another great production from the cast, crew and artistic team at the Stratford festival. If you have the chance to see it, in theatre or on film if this is one they record we can easily recommend it.

Twelfth Night Stratford Festival 2024 A Review 1

Twelfth Night Stratford Festival 2024 A Review 2

Twelfth Night Stratford Festival 2024 A Review3





Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, 17 November 2024

The Rock from Which You Were Hewn The Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women - Edited by Fr John S Hogan and Dr. Patrick Kenny

The Rock from Which You Were Hewn: 
The Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women
Dr. Patrick Kenny (editor)
ISBN 9781621647492
eISBN 9781642293326

The Rock from Which You Were Hewn The Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women - Edited by Fr John S Hogan and Dr. Patrick Kenny Ignatius Press Edition

I have waiting a long time to read this volume. And it did not disappoint. Originally it was to be released by Veritas, but they have shuttered their doors. I reviewed the World wide edition that was released by Ignatius Press, there is a UK edition by The Cenacle Press as well. It was well worth the wait.

The description of this volume is:

“This book presents brief, inspiring biographies of over 40 Irish men and women whose causes for canonization are in progress, along with others who enjoy a strong reputation for sanctity. Written in response to Pope Benedict XVI's call to the Irish to renew the Church in Ireland by drawing on the legacy of their ancestors, it details the heroic lives of twentieth-century saintly models, as well as a few older ones, to encourage contemporary Catholics to seek holiness.

Featuring chapters by various contributors, including the postulators of some of the causes, the book offers moving insights into its subjects and the times and places in which they lived. Some lived and died in Ireland, while some were missionaries in other countries. Some were priests or consecrated religious; others were devout and dedicated laypeople. Some died as martyrs; others were distinguished by lives of humble service. What unites them all is their profound love for Christ and his Church.

This is a timely, important work given the decline of Christianity in Western society, and the need for the Church to embrace a process of spiritual renewal and evangelization. While it deals with Irish models, it is a work for the universal Church since the saints have relevance for all of us, regardless of where they are from.

Those whose inspiring stories are told include Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J., Father Edward Flanagan, Frank Duff, Sister Clare Crockett, Venerable Patrick Peyton, Venerable Matt Talbot, Venerable Edel Quinn, Blessed John Sullivan, Blessed Columba Marmion, and many more.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Foreword
Introduction
A note on the process of canonization
Part 1: Causes in Progress
1. Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy; Father John S. Hogan
2. The Martyrs of Ireland; Father John S. Hogan
3. Father John Meagh; Patrick Corkery, S.J.
4. Venerable Nano Nagle; Sister Elizabeth Maxwell, P.B.V.M.
5. Venerable Catherine McAuley; Sister Brenda Dolphin, R.S.M.
6. Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice; Brother Donal Blake, C.F.C.
7. Venerable Mary Aikenhead; Sister Phyllis Behan, R.S.C.
8. Sister Alice O’Sullivan; Sister Louise O’Connell, D.C.
9. Father Patrick Ryan; Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano
10. Margaret Mary Healy Murphy; Cecilia Gutierrez Venable, Ph.D.
11. Father William Doyle; Dr. Patrick Kenny
12. Blessed Columba Marmion; Father Columba McCann, O.S.B.
13. Venerable Matt Talbot; Father Brian Lawless
14. Blessed John Sullivan; Father Conor Harper, S.J.
15. Bishop Joseph Shanahan; Sister Angela Ruddy, M.S.H.R.
16. Venerable Edel Quinn; Father John S. Hogan
17. Father Edward J. Flanagan; Steven R. Wolf
18. The Columban Martyrs of Korea; Father Seán Coyle, S.S.C.
19. Mother Mary Kevin Kearney; Sister Cecilia Sweeney, F.M.S.A.
20. Alfie Lambe; Father Oliver Skelly
21. Frank Duff; Father Eamonn McCarthy
22. Venerable Angeline McCrory; Sister Maria Therese Healy, O.Carm.
23. Venerable Patrick Peyton; Father David S. Marcham and Dave Kindy
24. Father Declan O’Toole; Father Philip O’Halloran, M.H.M.
25. Sister Clare Crockett; Sister Beatriz Liaño, S.H.M.

Part 2: Irish Men and Women with a Reputation for Holiness
26. Bishop William Walsh; Father John S. Hogan
27. Father Andrew Mullen; Father John McEvoy
28. Father Luigi Gentili; Father Joseph O’Reilly, I.C.
29. Father Paul Mary Pakenham; Father Paul Francis Spencer, C.P.
30. Father Henry Young; Dr. Patrick Kenny
31. Father John Spratt; Professor Fergus A. D’Arcy
32. Archdeacon Bartholomew Cavanagh; Tom Neary
33. Father Thomas Nicholas Burke; Father Terence Crotty, O.P.
34. Ellen Organ; John Donovan
35. Olivia Mary Taaffe; Dominic Dowling
36. Father James E. Coyle; James Pinto
37. Father James Cullen; Father Bernard McGuckian, S.J.
38. John McGuinness; Dr. Patrick Kenny
39. Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty; Fiorella De Maria
40. Mother Mary Martin; Sister Isabelle Smyth, M.M.M.
41. Tom Doyle; Liam Hayden
42. Dame Judy Coyne; Mary Wilson
43. Father Colm O’Brien; Father Michael Mullins
44. Mary Ann Gemma O’Driscoll; Megan McNulty Henderson

Contributors
Notes

The forty contributors wrote moving pieces. A few of the people listed I was familiar with a few I had heard of and some this was my introduction. And there are three I have deep personal devotion to: Father Willie Doyle, Matt Talbot, and John Sullivan. A few I have added to my list to research and find out more about. 

This book should come with a warning; it will challenge and encourage you. I took my time reading this volume only reading 1 or 2 a day and my son who is 16 now wants to read it. There are so many inspiring stories in this volume, men and women of faith, service and a number who made the ultimate sacrifice. I only highlighted a few passages but kept a list of people to do more reading on. Some of those highlights are:

“The editors and contributors trust that this volume will encourage members of the Church in Ireland at this time. They take their cue from Pope Benedict, who, quoting Isaiah in his 2010 pastoral letter to the Catholics of Ireland, asked us to remember “the rock from which you were hewn”. The prophet wrote these words to put fresh heart into the beleaguered Jewish people during their exile in Babylon, surrounded at the time by the trappings and temptations of a powerful foreign culture and already beginning to forget the heritage and faith of their fathers:”

“Pope Saint Paul VI famously said, “The Church needs her eternal Pentecost; she needs fire in her heart, words on her lips, a glance that is prophetic” (General Audience 11/ 29/ 72). I am convinced that the Spirit is already actively at work in Ireland, calling, as in past generations, the “saints next door” and inspiring the charisms that will be needed for a new springtime of growth and abundance in faith.”

“In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI wrote a letter to the Catholics of Ireland addressing the historic scandals, urging the Church in Ireland to take action, while also calling the faithful’s attention to a deeper and more positive legacy that may have been forgotten.”

“This book is a modest response to Pope Benedict’s call to remember our local holy men and women and to seek inspiration from the example of their lives and virtues. Ireland was once known as the land of saints and scholars, but this saintly heritage is not a mere relic of the past. Ireland has a vibrant living tradition of holiness and heroism, extending even up to the present day.”

“This book is a modest response to Pope Benedict’s call to remember our local holy men and women and to seek inspiration from the example of their lives and virtues. Ireland was once known as the land of saints and scholars, but this saintly heritage is not a mere relic of the past. Ireland has a vibrant living tradition of holiness and heroism, extending even up to the present day.”

“Secondly, we wish to draw attention to the lives of certain heroic Irish men and women who show great holiness but for one reason or another do not have an active canonization cause.”

“Our third hope for the book is that it will be a source of good news for a Church sorely in need of it. We are all familiar with bad news within the Church, but bad examples should be abnormal in the Christian life—they are the exception, not the rule. The saints are those who have followed Christ. Theirs is the normal path we should follow; they show us what it truly means to be a Christian. It is those who were faithful to Christ who show us what Christianity means, not those who denied the Gospel by their crimes.”

“Every single person profiled in this book was an ordinary human sinner, with human weaknesses and defects of character just like us. But they were not complacent in their weakness; they strove for holiness, even in the face of setbacks, persecutions, sickness, and their personal limitations.”

“The first step on the road to being declared a saint is a very informal one. A reputation for sanctity on the part of a deceased person develops among the faithful. They recognize the holiness of the person’s life, and they ask him in prayer to intercede for them in Heaven.”

“There are three types of causes: heroic virtues—those who are canonized because of a life of great holiness (for example, Blessed Columba Marmion or Blessed John Sullivan); martyrdom, in the case of those who were killed in hatred of the Faith (for example, the seventeen beatified Irish Martyrs and potentially Father James Coyle); and a third type, recently introduced by Pope Francis—the “offer of life” in which a candidate willingly laid down his life as a “martyr of charity”.”

“Martyrdom is the supreme act of witness a Christian can make to Christ and the Faith. The story of Christianity is, for a great part, the story of martyrdom as men and women, enlivened by their faith, unite themselves with Christ in his sacrifice.”

“The authorities did not see it that way, nor could they see that those who rebelled against the Crown should not also be made to answer for their religion. Many times, those captured in rebellions were interrogated with regard to their Catholic Faith, and it was their refusal to adhere to the new religion that was often the greater cause for concern for the authorities and led to their condemnation and execution. This has created a problem that has to be overcome when examining the cause of Irish martyrs—politics and faith have to be separated.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for the volume. The quotes all come from the first part of the book before we get into the first biography. Occasionally when reading a book I know it will be one I return to again and again. This volume like some of Alice Curtayne’s works on Irish Saints and some of the people in this volume are one I will read and reread the rest of my life. 

This is an excellent volume. One any Catholic would benefit from reading. The reader will be challenged in their own faith and action, but also inspired and encouraged. And especially if one is Irish or has Irish heritage this is one that will have a deep personal impact. An amazing volume one I am very thankful to have read. I can easily recommend this book.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by John S. Hogan:
…

Books in the Living Fruitfully Series:
…



Books by Dr. Patrick Kenny:
…
The Rock from Which You Were Hewn The Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women - Edited by Fr John S Hogan and Dr. Patrick Kenny Ignatius Press Edition

The Rock from Which You Were Hewn The Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women - Edited by Fr John S Hogan and Dr. Patrick Kenny Cenacle Press Edition

The Rock from Which You Were Hewn The Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women - Edited by Fr John S Hogan and Dr. Patrick Kenny Veritas Edition
Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, 16 November 2024

Prayer of the Day 9 Year Novena Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc

9 Year Novena Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc
Prayer of the Day  


St. Joan of Arc
Like you, we want to be faithful to the promises of our baptism; guide us. 
We want to discern the will of God to accomplish it; enlighten us. 
We desire to follow the standard of Christ to extend his reign over our lives, our homeland, and the Church; go before us. 
We implore you for the salvation of our country and our souls; pray for us. 
Amen.

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Joan of Arc

This prayer comes from the above pictured book (top):

Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc
Great Spiritual Teachers
ISBN 9781646803606 
eISBN 9781646803613 
ASIN B0CW1KBKWM

I only encountered this prayer in the fall of 2024, I worked through the eBook mentioned above, and have given my youngest the physical book. Joan was her confirmation saint. There is a prayer each day in the volume, but this 9 year novena prayer at the end of the volume really spoke to me, and I immediately added it to my daily prayers.

"At the close of 2022, Catholic philosopher and essayist Thibaud Collin proposed a sustained campaign of prayer in France in anticipation of the six hundredth anniversary of Joan of Arc’s death in 2031. The intention of this novena is the renewal of the Catholic faith in France, and each of the nine years highlights one of Joan’s many virtues. To join this initiative, offer the prayer below daily. To learn more about it, visit jeanne2031.fr."


Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, 15 November 2024

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road? - Gordon Korman

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road?
Gordon Korman
ISBN 9780590475020
ISBN 9780590475013

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road? - Gordon Korman

This was the 50th volume I have read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman. My son who is 16 still loves his books, my daughter in 13 picks and chooses, But I am trying to work my way through his complete catalogue, in my 50’s. 

Most of the titles by Korman I have read, I read over the last 5 year. I had read a few back in 2009 when the 39 Clues first came out. I do not recall reading any when I was young, but with my dual form of dyslexia I did not read many Children’s or Middle Grade books. It was only later I learned to really read. 

My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together five years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book.

When reading Korman books; some he reads to me, some we use adaptive technology and listen to in the car, and some I just read on my own. This one we read over three sittings. 

The description of this book states:

“Fourth-grader Justin Zeckendorf has tons of ideas for scoring the most points in the Good Deed Contest, especially since the prize is a trip to the Tidal Wave Water Park. But his problem is his team -- Jessica Zander and Margaret Zachary are two of the drippiest girls on the planet. And Justin's crazy plans always seem to backfire, earning the team negative points!

Korman's trademark zany style -- short, snappy, and fun -- makes this book perfect for middle-grade readers, avid and not-so-avid alike.”

According to Goodreads there are over 6 editions of this book, as of the writing of this review. In Canada the original publisher was Scholastic, in 1994 and the most recent reprint with a new cover was in 2003. To date there has not been an eBook edition of this story.

This was one of those Korman stories that has some in fact there are a lot of laughs as the Z’s attempt to do grandiose good deeds keep backfiring with serious consequences! From creating an incredible traffic incident with an old lady’s bloomers blowing all over the street and even causing an accident. Flooding a house not realizing a window was open when they went to clean it. To training the wrong kindergartners for the sports day. One mix-up after the other and soon they have more negative points the first place has positive. But with the goal of try, try again they just might be able to turn it around. To find out if and maybe how read this fun story. 

This was another really fun story and one that I can easily recommend. Another great Middle Grade read from Korman! 

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road? - Gordon Korman

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road? - Gordon Korman Reprint Edition

Books by Gordon Korman:
MacDonald Hall Series:
         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)
The Zucchini Warriors (1988)
Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)
          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)
The Jokes on Us (1995)
          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)
…

Bugs Potter Series:
…

Jeremy Bloom Series:
The D−Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1992)
The Last-Place Sports Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1996)
…

Monday Night Football Series:
The Quarterback Exchange (1997)
Running Back Conversion (1997)
Super Bowl Switch (1997)
Heavy Artillery (1997)
Ultimate Scoring Machine (1998)
NFL Rules! Bloopers, Pranks, Upsets, and Touchdowns (1998)
…

Masterminds Series:
Masterminds (2015)
…

Slapshots Series:
The Stars From Mars (1999)
All-Mars All-Stars/The Dream Team (1999)
The Face-off Phony (2000)
Cup Crazy (2000)
Ouch I got slapped (2023)
…
4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)
…

Nose Pickers Series:
Nose Pickers from Outer Space! (1999)
Planet of the Nose Pickers (2000)
Your Mummy Is a Nose Picker (2000)
Invasion of the Nose Pickers (2001)
…
4-in-1 The Ultimate Nose-Picker Collection (2006)
…

Island Series:
Shipwreck (2001)
Survival (2001)
Escape (2001)
…
3-in-1 Island Trilogy Collection (2006)
…

Son of the Mob Series:
Son of the Mob 2: Hollywood Hustle (2004)
…

Everest Series:
The Contest (2002)
The Climb (2002)
The Summit (2002)
…
Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:
The Discovery (2003)
The Deep (2003)
The Danger (2003)
…

On the Run Series:
The Stowaway Solution (2005)
Public Enemies (2005)
Hunting the Hunter (2006)
…

Kidnapped Series:
The Search (2006)
The Rescue (2006)
…

Swindle Series:
Swindle (2008)
Zoobreak (2009)
Framed (2010)
Showoff (2012)
Hideout (2013)
Jackpot (2014)
Unleashed (2015)
Jingle (2016)
…

Titanic Series:
Unsinkable (2011)
Collision Course (2011)
S.O.S (2011)
…

The 39 Clues Series:
Vespers Rising (2011)
The Medusa Plot (2011)
Flashpoint (2014)
…

Hypnotists Series:
The Hypnotists (2013)
Memory Maze (2014)
The Dragonfly Effect (2015)
…

Ungifted Series:
Ungifted (2012)
Supergifted (2018)
…

Slacker Series:
Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)
...

Non Series Books:
Losing Joe's Place (1990)
The Twinkie Squad (1992)
The Toilet Paper Tigers (1993)
The Chicken Doesn't Skate (1996)
No More Dead Dogs (2000)
Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America (2003)
Jake, Reinvented (2003)
Born To Rock (2006)
Schooled (2007)
Pop (2009)
Restart (2017)
Notorious (2019)
War Stories (2020)
Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)
Unplugged (2021)
Linked (2021)
The Fort (2022)
Mixed Up (2023)
Slugfest (2024)
Faker (2024)
Old School (2025)
Snoop (2025)
…


Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)