Prayer of the Day Saint John Ogilvie Prayer

Prayer of the Day Saint John Ogilvie Prayer

Dear St John Ogilvie 

By your devotion to Christ You held fast to faith, 

even unto martyrdom. 

With the Grace of God, May I have a loving heart. 

In the midst of trials, may I, like you, ‘Be of good cheer’.

And trust in the love of God. 

Please hear my prayer … 

Amen.

This prayer is taken from:

John Ogilvie 

A Jesuit in Disguise 1579-1615 

CTS Saints of the Isle Series

Eleanor McDowell

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781784690274

eISBN 9781784694159

ASIN B073GZ54DL

CTS Booklet B761

I have tried to pray this prayer daily since I first encountered it back in 2019, at the time I read several volumes about the Saints of the Isles, and the Martyrs of England and Wales. I have had this as my third last prayer of the day since then and if I add prayers towards the end of the day move this one back and insert the other. 

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

...

Books in the Saints of the Isles Series:
Edmund Arrowsmith - John S. Hogan
Margaret Clitherow - Jean Olwen Maynard
Edmund Campion - Alexander Haydon
John Southworth Priest and Martyr - Michael Archer
Saint Thomas More - Alvaro de Silva
John Ogilvie - Eleanor McDowell
Frances Taylor - Eithne Leonard
Mary Potter - Elizabeth Gilroy
John Fisher - Richard L. Smith
Robert Southwell - Fiorella Sultana De Maria
Ignatius Spencer - Fr. Ben Lodge
Sr Elizabeth Prout - Dominic Savio Hamer
Forty Martyrs of England and Wales - James Walsh
Thomas Becket - J.B. Midgley
...

Still Waters - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 8

Still Waters

Annie O'Malley Book 8

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197078

ASIN B0CCPLB27B

This is another excellent read in a very good series. It is British Crime Procedural novel, a mystery, a thriller and this one is a little creepier than many in the series. This one was very hard to put down. It was an addictive read, and I devoured it in one day over a few sittings. Over the last few years, I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. And the DCI Jack Logan books by J.D. Kirk. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. They have not disappointed, and this one is one of the best.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister was missing for years. In this one O’Malley and the team are working a confusing case, a case with strange clues and no shortage of suspects. 

The description of the book is:

“In the midst of a local New Year's Eve celebration a teen boy emerges from the legendary Lowanford Lake. Missing for nearly a week, his skin bloated and covered in sores from the water, it’s a miracle he’s alive.

The legend weaves stories of the lake’s miraculous waters—warm and luminescent—possessing the power to heal all afflictions.

But the legend is soon questioned when the next day a body floats to the surface.

And when another teen boy goes missing, Annie and Swift are up against the clock to find him before he succumbs to the water too.

What is it that’s luring these young men to the lake? And why are they willing to risk their lives to find it?”

This case starts on new years eve, with a boy emerging from a lake like creature from the black lagoon. Except he is coloured blue and suffering greatly. During the investigation other boys start disappearing daily. Can Swift & O’Malley and the team put the pieces together in time to save the boys? To find out you will need to read this latest novel in the series.

The characters in this book and series are well written. Especially the core team of O’Malley, Swift, Tink and Page. The plot in this one had a very surprising twist. I would be surprised if we do not see at least one of the suspects end up being a villain in a future story.  The plot moves at a quick pace, and the side plot of O’Mally finding out more about her mom takes an interesting twist. It was a real page turner!

It is interesting to note on amazon the series is called ‘O'Malley & Swift Crime Thriller Series’ Where on Good Reads it is just called the ‘Annie O’Malley Series’. But no matter which name you use this is a great read in an excellent series.

Another intense read, in a good series and it leaves you waiting for the next volume Vanishing Act or the one after Chill Pill which has recently been announced.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

Product Review Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Natural Shaving Cream

Product Review Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss 

Natural Shaving Cream an Aftershave

Executive Shaving UK

Over a year ago I switched to a safety razor that is produced here locally, after a year I can state I love it, and my 16 years old son has started shaving using a Dr Squatch Branded version. I love my Henson AL13 Razor it is the best shave I have ever had and I have been shaving over 40 years now. When I first got my Henson I struggled with it and found a video from the Executive Shaving UK, that made a world of difference. And I wanted to give some of their products a try. My sister-in-law got a few of them for me for Christmas. The products I got were:

Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Natural Shaving Cream

Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Aftershave Balm

Executive Shaving Large Synthetic Shaving Brush with Black Handle

MÜHLE Black Porcelain Shaving Mug

Description of the Shaving Cream:

“Highly concentrated and made from all-natural ingredients, our Citrus Kiss Shaving Cream has a light Mediterranean citrus fruit scent with subtle notes of lime, lemon, orange and bergamot.

It contains glycerin and shea butter to deliver exceptional razor glide while moisturising and nourishing your skin to leave it soft and supple after shaving.

Only a tiny amount is required for each shave meaning the 200ml tub should last around 6 months of daily shaving. For best results, lather with a shaving brush.

Suitable for all skin types and perfect for use will all razor types including cut throat, double edge and single edge safety razors.

Comes in a 200ml aluminium container which is fully recyclable.”

Description of the Aftershave:

“Our Citrus Kiss Aftershave Balm comes with a light Mediterranean citrus fruit scent and will calm the skin after shaving.

Suitable for all skin types, it contains a blend of carefully selected ingredients including oat extract, aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish, soothe and moisturise the skin whilst also helping to fight the visible signs of ageing including fine wrinkles.

The Citrus Kiss Balm is non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin.

Also great as an everyday moisturiser.”

This review will focus on the Shaving Cream and Aftershave Balm both with the Cirtus Bliss Scent. Being in Canada I was concerned about the prices and shipping, so I asked for them as a gift. And I can state of the 4 Shave creams I have tried since switching over it is by far the best. The shave cream is soft and viscous, it is softer than any of the others I have tried. I have been using it for 6 months and have used just under half the tin. The scent is amazing. It is invigorating just to open the tin and smell it. I typically shave every other day, and this cream is amazing. It lathers up wonderfully. 

I do not use the aftershave often as I prefer to shave in the evening before bed, but I do use it occasionally if I shave earlier in the day, and sometimes just as a cologne. The two math perfectly in scent.  

This is by far the best shaving cream, gel, or soap I have ever used. It lathers up wonderfully. Application is easy. It does not dry out quickly like many others I have tried. And it smells amazing. I can easily recommend this product and look forward to trying others from Executive Shaving.

Here is the video that introduced me to their products!

 

(Video shared with permission from Executive Shaving.)

Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity - Third Plenary Council of Baltimore - TAN Books

Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity

Third Plenary Council of Baltimore

TAN Books

ISBN ‎9781505128338

eISBN 9781505128345

eISBN 9781505128352

This is a wonderful new edition of this book from TAN Books released in 2024, it was revised and completely new typesetting. They released a new imitation leather and eBook editions at the same time. It was originally published in 1888 as A Manual of Prayers for the Use of  the Catholic Laity by Clarence Woodman and later republished in a new edition in 1930 by John Murphy Company

The description of this book is:

“From the same council that issued the Baltimore Catechism, Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity will be the constant reference for any Catholic seeking to increase his devotion to God and to cultivate a deeper prayer life.

This latest leatherette edition has a new typeset to provide editorial notes, increase readability, and maintain the traditional aspects of the original.

You will also find:

1. Prayers and Psalms in both Latin and English,

2. Both the traditional (old) and the new liturgical calendars,

3. Traditional Devotions: The Forty Hours Devotion, The Seven Last Words of Christ, Sacred Heart, etc.,

4. Hymns and sequences for the Church's seasons in Latin and English, and

5. The Proper of the Mass for Sundays and Feast Days.

Manual of Prayers offers the pious soul a beautiful companion of prayers and sacred truths that have been the source of daily sanctity for Catholics in the United States since its first release in 1888. This new edition will lead future generations of Catholics deeper in love and adoration to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Calendar

Christian Doctrine

Christian Faith and Practice

Morning Prayers

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto)

Evening Prayers

Instructions for Hearing Mass

Devotions at Mass

Responses and Instructions for Serving a Priest at the Tridentine Mass

The Ordinary of the Holy Mass

Special Prayers

Occasional Prayers

Vespers

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

The Blessing of Children

The Seven Penitential Psalms

The Litany of the Saints

Instructions and Devotions for Confession

Instruction for Holy Communion

The Forty Hour’s Adoration

Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Stations of the Cross

The Devotion of the Seven Words upon the Cross

The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Devotions to Saint Joseph

Devotions to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Instruction on the Sacraments in General

The Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Matrimony

Blessing of Women after Childbirth

Blessing of Throats

Devotions for the Sick

The Holy Viaticum

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

The Visitation of the Sick

The Last Blessing and Plenary Indulgence

Prayers for the Sick and the Dying

The Burial of the Dead

Hymns and Sequences for the Church’s Seasons

The Proper of the Mass

Index

One of the bests parts is the Calendar section at the beginning of the volume. It first contains info on the moveable feasts. And then It has the feasts for the year but contains both the New and old versions of the feasts days. For example January:

New Calendar

 1. ✠ SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

 2. Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, B.D.

 3. The Most Holy Name of Jesus (opt.)

 4. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, R. (USA)

 5. Saint John Neumann, B. (USA)

 6. a) ✠ THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD – SOLEMNITY*

       b) Saint Andre Bessette, R. (USA) (opt.)

       Sunday after 6 January: The Baptism of the Lord – feast

 7. Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Pr. (opt.)

 8. Of the Season

 9. Of the Season

10. Of the Season

11. Of the Season

12. Of the Season

13. Saint Hilary, B.D. (opt.)

14. Of the Season

15. Of the Season

16. Of the Season

17. Saint Anthony, Abb.

18. Of the Season

19. Of the Season

20. Saint Fabian I, P.M. (opt.)

20. Saint Sebastian, M. (opt.)

21. Saint Agnes, V.M.

22. Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of

      Unborn Children (USA)

23. Saint Vincent, Dc.M. (USA)

      Saint Marianne Cope, V. (USA)

24. Saint Francis de Sales, B.D.

25. The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle – feast

26. Saints Timothy and Titus, B.

27. Saint Angela Merici, V. (opt.)

28. Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pr.D.

29. Of the Season

30. Of the Season

31. Saint John Bosco, Pr.

Old Calendar

 1. ✠CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD.

 2. The Most Holy Name of Jesus

 3. Of the Season

 4. Of the Season

 5. Saint Telesphorus, P.M. (comm.)

 6. ✠EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

     Sunday after the Epiphany: Feast of the Holy Family

 7. Of the Season

 8. Of the Season

 9. Of the Season

10. Of the Season

11. Saint Hyginus, P.M. (comm.)

12. Of the Season

13. Baptism of the Lord

14. Saint Hilary, B.C.D. Saint Felix, Pr. M. (comm.)

15. Saint Paul, the First Hermit, C.

      Saint Maurus, Abb. (comm.)

16. Saint Marcellus I, P.M.

17. Saint Anthony, Abb.

18. Saint Prisca, V.M.

19. Saints Marius and his Companions, M. (comm.)

      Saint Canute, K. (comm.)

20. Saints Fabian and Sebastian, M.

21. Saint Agnes, V.M.

22. Saints Vincent and Anastasius, M.

23. Saint Raymond of Pennafort, C.

      Saint Emerentiana, V.M. (comm.)

24. Saint Timothy, B.M.

25. Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap. (Comm. of Saint Peter)

26. Saint Polycarp, B.M.

27. Saint John Chrysostom, B.C.D.

28. Saint Peter Nolasco, C. Saint Agnes, V.M. (comm.)

29. Saint Francis de Sales, B.C.D.

30. Saint Martina, V.M.

31. Saint John Bosco, C.

Also many section that contain prayers have both the Latin and English version. Normally I am an eBook guy. I love having all the prayer books with me all the time. But this is such an excellent volume I plan to pick up the physical copy as well and have it with my small stash of prayers books.

This is a wonderful volume. It would be an excellent addition to any home library. I am typically an eBook guy buy as mentioned this on one I am going to have both versions of. I can easily recommend this volume.  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Justice in June - Doreen McAvoy - Fern Valley Mystery Book 3

Justice in June

Fern Valley Mystery Book 3

Doreen McAvoy

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

ISBN 9798891341586

eISBN 9798891341609

ASIN B0CVV9LP3W

This is the third offering pen of McAvoy. It is a great novel to wrap up this trilogy, but my son and I hope we have more stories with this gang as they move off to Secondary school. This book and series bring to mind many other books, other Catholic of Christian Middle Grade fiction, and even some secular books. In some ways it reminds me of the Goodballs series by Tony Abbott and Colleen Madden but geared for older children. It also reminds me of the West Brothers books by Theresa Linden but for a younger audience. And a bit like the Sisters of the Last Straw series and geared for about the same reading level. But with children as the main character and not nuns. This story is what I call realistic fiction. It is a story that could be set in the here and now. Nothing supernatural or otherworldly. Or as Madeleine L’Engle called it Chronos time, real time fiction. The description of the story is:

“Will expects June in Fern Valley to be a time of joyous celebrations. One message changes everything.

As the bittersweet end of eighth grade draws near, Will and his friends, old and new, plan to finish middle school on a high note. Fun spring projects, ball games, and celebrating momentous occasions all await. Only one thing mars the glorious promise of June—the looming trial of Otis Mayfield. A message about Betsy, revealed during the reading of Percy Mayfield’s will, sets off a series of events that threaten the safety of both Betsy and the class bully, Beefy Boris. With new clues, Will and the gang resume their quest to discover the truth behind the devastating fire that happened in Fern Valley thirteen years earlier. Can they, once and for all, bring a just resolution to the case that has plagued them the entire school year?”

My son and I greatly enjoyed all three novels in this series. This third story takes it to a new level. This story is very well written, and it is an engaging read, I was using adaptive technology while to listen to it while working out. It took a little longer to read this one, my son was really busy with school and extracurricular, but he wanted us to read the book together. He read it to me over a few sessions. We are both hoping that there will eventually be a story for each month of the year, at least to start with. The characters are very fun, they are good kids, you will see echoes of kids from your own childhood, or your own children and their friends. These story moves at a good pace. There is nothing in the story that explicitly makes it Catholic. Even the church with Sunday school feels more evangelical or mainline Christian. This opens the story up to a wider audience. It was a great read.

I did not read much when I was younger because of my dual form of dyslexiadual form of dyslexia. Because of that I really enjoy reading Middle Grade and Young Adult books now. McAvoy’s writing style is similar to those of Andrew Clements, Gordon Korman, and Chris d’Lacey. All of whom are among my favourite authors for those age groups. I would absolutely pick up the next volume in this series or another series featuring these kids in secondary school and give it a read. It is a great novel and I look forward to seeing where the characters go next.

A very fun middle grade school story it is sure to entertain the whole family.   

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Doreen McAvoy:

Fern Valley Mysteries:

Secrets in September

Deception in December

Justice in June

…

72 Crew Manual 1st Edition - Father Mark Goring CC

72 Crew Manual 1st Edition

Fr. Mark Goring CC

Owen Brine (Illustrator)

Companions of the Cross

ISBN 9788884785755

ASIN B0D34C3NYR

I love reading books by Father Mark Going, CC. I greatly enjoy his many videos. And I believe his Saint Mark’s School of Reading is life changing. This is one of a few volumes that he has released that are a little different.

The description of the book is:

“Here are 72 STATEMENTS that describe THE 72 CREW.”

In the forward Father Mark states:

“Note on the 1st Edition. The primary purpose of this 1st Edition is to launch The 72 Crew in the Ottawa area."

The book follows with the 72 Statements that describe the 72 Crew. Some samples are:

2. It’s a brotherhood united by a common commitment to spend 3 days alone in the wilderness ever year.

3. It’s a challenge to disconnect completely from all technology for 72 hours.

24. It’s an opportunity to start over again.

54 It’s not meant to be easy.

There are several statements along the lines of:

It’s 3 day of …

It’s an opportunity 

It’s a time …

It’s affirming …

It’s hearing …

The sections after the 72 points are:

3 Steps to Become Part of the Crew

Crew Meetings

Models of Inspiration

A Notes page

The last paragraph of the volume states:

“My dream is to have 72 young men in the Ottawa area who embrace this vision. In the future, I would love to buy a property in the wilderness and build a magnificent tree house that could be used for retreats by CREW members.”

The final line is a challenge:

“Are you in?!?”

The list of 14 Models starts with Jesus, includes Old Testament and New Testament characters, and saints down through the ages.

This book outlines what looks like an amazing program. Sort of a Wild at Heart course for Catholic Men ages 18-35. Father Mark is starting in Ottawa, and I will be praying for this initiative. While reading this it took me back to when I was in the younger end of that age range; I was a Scouter for many years, a cub and Venturer advisor in Kingston area. I have done a 7 days winter camping with no tents and limited food, so the Venturer’s could obtain a badge. We used ‘lean to’ and quinzhee. It also brought to mind my 16 year old son. He saw the book on my desk and asked about it. I hope that by the time he is 18, or at least before he is 35 there are options for those outside the Ottawa area. 

The instructions or 72 points are clear, concise and well thought out. Heck even just reading through the list has inspired me to start making little changes. Maybe even using Father Mark’s Sparkly Star Notebook to start tracking them. 

I know this program will be life changing for those who form crews and live these principals and goals. And For those of us outside the Ottawa Valley, I believe the book can inspire, encourage and challenge. 

This looks like an excellent tool. And another incredible offering from the pen of Father Mark.

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

Books by Father Mark Goring:

St. Joseph the Protector: A nine-day preparation for entrustment to St. Joseph

In His Zone: 7 Principles for Thriving in Solitude

Hold My Beer: An Apocalypse

You're not a Chicken

Proverbs Douay Rheims Bible Version

72 Crew: Manual 1st Edition

...

Journal's by Father Mark:

Treasure In Heaven: Journal Edition

40 Days Freedom Walk Journal: Volume I St. Matthew

40 Days Freedom Walk Journal: Volume II St. Mark

40 Days Freedom Walk Journal: Volume III St. Luke Workman Edition

40 Days Freedom Walk Journal: Volume IV St. John Life is Good Edition

I Love Journal

…

Notebooks by Father Mark:

Disciple Notebook: Discipleship. Living in the Spirit. Evangelization 2018

Disciple Notebook: Discipleship. Living in the Spirit. Evangelization 2019

Sparkly Star Notebook

...

Non-English Editions:

San Jose el Protector: Una Preparacion de Nueve Dias para Consagrarse a San Jose

Duc Thanh Giuse Dang Bao Tro: Chin Ngay Chuan Bi de Dang Minh Cho Duc Thanh Giuse

…

Father Marks - Saint Marks School of Reading

Father Marks - Saint Marks School of Reading The Reading List

...

Prayer of the Day Litany of St. Joseph

Prayer of the day Litany of St. Joseph 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

  

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.

Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.

Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.

Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.

Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.

Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.

Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

Joseph Most Just, pray for us.

Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.

Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.

Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.

Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.

Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of Patience, pray for us.

Lover of Poverty, pray for us.

Model of Workmen, pray for us.

Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.

Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.

Pillar of Families, pray for us.

Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.

Hope of the Sick, pray for us.

Patron of the Dying, pray for us.

Terror of Demons, pray for us.

Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. He has made him lord of his household,

R. And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

This prayer is taken from:

Consecration to St. Joseph: 
The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father
Donald H. Calloway, MIC
Marian Press
ISBN 9781596144316
eISBN 9781596145221
ASIN B083BFGDYS

I have tried to pray this prayer daily since I first encountered it back in 2020, when I read this book. As a husband and Father I pray to Saint Joseph a few times a day asking for him to intercede for me. 

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

...

Other reviews and articles about Saint Joseph:

Consecration to St. Joseph - Fr. Donald Calloway
Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph Compiled from Traditional Sources- TAN Books
Prayer to Saint Joseph Prayer of the Day
Joseph of Nazareth - Federico Suarez
Devotion to St. Joseph - F. Declaux
Go to St. Joseph: Do Whatever He Tells You - Brian Kiczek
Saint Joseph: Help for Life's Emergencies - Kathryn J. Hermes
Feast of Saint Joseph 2018 Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary Principal Patron of Canada
Companion to Saint Joseph - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series
Saints of the Roman Canon - Julien Chilcott-Monk - CTS Living the Liturgy Series
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues - Jean M. Heimann

Saint Joseph Prayers and Devotions - Donal Anthony Foley

Model of Faith - Leonard J. Delorenzo

St. Joseph and His World - Mike Aquilina

Do Carpenters Dream of Wooden Sheep? 

Old Men Don’t Walk to Egypt: Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph the Protector - Father Mark Goring - A nine-day preparation for entrustment to St. Joseph 

Nine Days with Saint Joseph - Andrew Offer, O.P. and Jonah Teller O.P.

Who is St Joseph? - Herbert Cardinal Vaughan - CTS Onefifties

Redemptoris Custos - Guardian of Redeemer Anniversary Edition - Pope John Paul II

30 Day Consecration to St Joseph - Father Gerard Skinner - CTS Books

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Stratford A Photo Essay

Prayer of the Day Litany of St. Joseph

...

Contact: Angeles - Caroline Furlong

Contact: Angeles

Caroline Furlong

ISBN 9798377579854

ASIN B0BYC75TN6

I have been aware of the work by Caroline Furlong for a few years now, but had not got around to reading any of them. I have the three Planetary Anthologies she contributed to, but have not got around to reading them. Her works have been mentioned by a number of authors I love and respect. So this is my first foray into her works and worlds. And what a story it is. I could hardly put this book down. It is an excellent read.

The description of this volume states:

“While removing a prototype sensor from the prow of her new Alliance battleship, the Ausa, Captain Elizabeth Goodwin and her crew encounter a setback when one of the engineers sent to remove and stow the device is injured in an accident. Before the other engineer can help the man, the two are surrounded by amoeboid creatures which seem immune to the effects of vacuum.

Thought to be hallucinations experienced by early spacers who had been alone in deep space too long, these creatures – known as “angel fish” – startle the crew by their sudden appearance. Despite her misgivings, Goodwin allows three of the aliens to be taken aboard for study. But less than an hour after the aliens have been brought on the ship, one of Goodwin’s men is killed and another is seriously wounded.

Her search for both the murderer and the escaped “angels” soon leads to a disturbing revelation. Eventually, Goodwin must decide which threat is greater: an old enemy of the Alliance, or the fabled “angels” encountered by the first explorers from Terra.”

I have a dual form of dyslexia and did not learn to read until later than most of my peers. I spend my summer between grades 7 and 8 in a private summer school and I went from reading at a grade three level to reading at a university level, and from reading about 30 words per minute to reading over 600 words per minute. This story took me back to the stories I loved when I was first reading. At the time I devoured books by James Blish, Edgar Rice Burrows, Piers Anthony, Steven Brust, Harry Harrison, Roger Zelazny and Herbert and others. This story took me back to those first books I could read on my own. 

This was a fascinating tale. A story of space, family, and alien encounters. It is the story of someone willing to risk it all and betray all they know for a big pay out. The characters are wonderfully written. The plot moves at a great pace. And the encounter is life changing for the Captain and her crew. 

This story feels like it could be an early story in the Star Trek TOS timeline, or a side story from Babylon 5. It is well written. It is entertaining, and very addictive. I can only hope that Furlong expands out from here and give us other stories set in this universe. Stories about the earlier war mentioned in this story, and stories of this Captain and crew. And as soon as I finished it I picked  the other three published books and a few of the magazines Furlong has contributed to.

This is a wonderful novella that I can easily recommend. It is a great story in a classic Science Fiction style. 

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

Books by Caroline Furlong:

Contact: Angeles

Knights of the Mutant Table

…

The Rise of the Discarded Series:

Debris

…

The Guardian Cycle Series:

In Dreams and Other Stories

American Mage and Other Stories

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Contributed to:

Postcards From Mars Postcard Stories Book 1

Luna: Planetary Anthology

Uranus: Planetary Anthology

Sol: Planetary Anthology

The Best of the Planetary Anthology Series

Organic Ink: Volume 2

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Magazines contributed to:

StoryHack Action & Adventure, Issue Seven

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Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense: 

Summer Special 2019

Issue 4 Summer 2020

Issue 7 Summer 2021

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St. Benedict Hero of the Hills - Mary Fabyan Windeatt - A Vision Book

St. Benedict Hero of the Hills

Mary Fabyan Windeatt

Philip Storey (Illustrator)

Ignatius Press

Vision Books

ISBN ‎9780898707670

ISBN 0898707676

Reading this marks the sixteenth work I have read in the Vision Books for Young Readers Series, 13 in the currently in print books from Ignatius Press and three of the older out of print volumes. This one is book 35 in the original series. A few years back I did some research on the Vision Books for Young Readers and from the books I have read can state that they are great reads for teens, young adults and adults. This was another excellent read and I understand that Ignatius has several other titles in the work to expand the series. It is also the third that I have read by Mary Fabyan Windeatt. But let us return to this specific volume. The description of the book is:

The description of this book states:

“Mary Fabyan Windeatt presents the powerful story of the famous life and miracles of St. Benedict for the Vision Book series of saints for youth. Known as the Father of Western Monasticism, St. Benedict played a major role in the Christinization and civilization of post-Roman Europe in the sixth century.

Having lived in an era of great immorality and vice, Benedict founded an order for monks whose strong life of prayer and work helped convert the godless society around them. It tells how his Benedictine order of monks spread throughout Europe and the New World. The heroic life of his sister St. Scholastica, his saving a boy from drowning, raising one from the dead, and the story of poisoned wine are all told in this exciting, dramatic tale of a great saint.”

The author has another volume called Saint Benedict - The Story of the Father of the Western Monks that is part of a different series but on the same topic. The chapters in this volume are:

 1. The Boy Who Ran Away

 2. A New Work

 3. The Father

 4. Wonders by the Water

 5. The Enemy Strikes

 6. Man of the Mountain

 7. The Way of Peace

 8. Distant Harvest

 9. Father of the Poor

10. The Sword of Sorrow

11. The Passing Years

12. The End of the Road

13. The Work Continues

Authors Note

I highlighted numerous passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“CYRILLA WAS WORRIED. Young Master Benedict, whose parents had sent him to study in the schools of Rome, was losing interest in his work. Only last night he had said that he didn't want to be a leader in law or politics. He wanted only to be a hermit in a cave.”

“Benedict smiled. ''I'm seventeen", he said gently. "Boys that age are old enough to go to war, even to marry. But I ... I just want to serve God. Surely you can understand that?"”

“It was a few days later that Benedict and Cyrilla left Rome and headed eastward into the hill country. They had no real destination, save that the boy still had his mind set on living in a cave. When they had gone far enough, he said, they would surely come across some such place.”

“It's going to be a wonderful life! he thought. I won't have to worry about being a success in the world, only about getting to heaven and praying that all my friends and relatives get there, too.”

“I DID NOT TAKE LONG for Romanus to discover that Benedict was really in earnest about being a hermit. Finally he agreed to take the boy to a cave and to give him a garment like his own, a rough tunic made of sheepskins.”

“As time passed Benedict grew strong and hardy. His cave was open to the weather, but he learned how to protect himself from rain and cold. Romanus was faithful, too, coming regularly from his monastery with food. All in all, the boy had no regrets for having left the busy streets of Rome. Had he not learned many things in his cave that he would never have learned in school?

"Lord, keep on teaching me", he often prayed. "Let me know more about you so that I may love you more. And show me how to pray well!"”

“The peasants went away, filled with much admiration for their new friend. Repeatedly they told their wives and children about the hermit of Subiaco.”

“To Benedict, time was merely something whereby he could continue giving himself to God in prayer and sacrifice.”

“Benedict was silent. Although it was hard to admit it even to himself, he had often been bothered by that very thought. This quiet life of a hermit with so few human worries-was it fair that he should know such peace while millions of his fellowmen struggled to earn a living in the world? While young men died in battle? While children went ignorant of the truths of religion?”

“Benedict knew what was going on behind his back, and his heart ached. The few rules he had made were not too hard. He himself willingly kept them, but these monks were lazy. When the bell sounded for prayers, many did not bother to come to the chapel. They did not feel like praying, they said. They would pray tomorrow.”

“As time passed, word of what was taking place at Subiaco spread far and wide. Other peasants came to join the venture, to become members of Benedict's family. Once entered upon the peaceful life of prayer and work, few felt the urge to leave it. The original number of twelve monks gradually increased, so that it was necessary to erect many more buildings. These were plain wooden shelters, sufficient only to provide protection from the rain and snow. Each housed twelve men, with a leader or abbot in command.”

“Those who bad visited Subiaco were quick to reply that Benedict's monastery was no ordinary one. He required his followers to till the soil, to work with their hands at humble tasks. He required them to foster charity in their hearts and obedience. By that time there were twelve wooden monasteries, each presided over by an abbot, built within a radius of two miles from Subiaco. From his own little monastery, dedicated to Saint Clement, Benedict watched over the welfare of the entire colony.”

“It was true. Benedict continually preached the gospel of peace. He insisted it could be found by every earnest soul through prayer and work. As a result, everyone at Subiaco came to see that the Father Abbot was a very wise man.”

“During the thirty years he had lived at Subiaco, first as a hermit and later as abbot, he had preached the beauty of peace. He had taught men to throw away their swords and to cultivate the peaceful arts. He had given his monastic family a special motto: "Turn away from evil and do good. Seek after peace and pursue it." Why should he forget his own words now?”

“Even Rome, the great city that once had ruled the world, was in a state of decay. Everywhere greedy men watched their neighbors slyly, hoping for a chance to seize power for themselves. Only a handful of Christians bothered to think of the Ten Commandments. In truth, it was a sad hour for civilization.”

“Sabinus sighed. "What fools men are! Why can't they see that peace is the secret of happiness? Good friend, you have put things well in your Rule. 'Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.' What wise words those are!"”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this series. I have yet to read a book in this series that did not inspire, encourage and challenge me. This is an inspiring life of one of the most known saints. It shows his triumphs, his sorrows. His victories and his struggles. It is an easy text to engage with. It can be read to younger children and older children, teens and adults can easily read the volume. 

My two youngest both teenagers enjoy them, I am in my fifties and I love them, those Ignatius brought back in print, the new expansions from them of the series, and the originals I can lay my hands on that Ignatius has not licensed. This is an wonder book in a excellent series. They would be great additions to any home, school, or church library. An excellent volume I can easily recommend!

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

Books in the Vision Books Saints Biographies:

Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant 

The Cure of Ars 

Edmund Campion 

Florence Nightingale's Nuns 

Fr. Damien and the Bells 

Fr. Marquette and the Great Rivers 

Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi 

Kateri Tekakwitha 

Louis and Zelie 

Maria von Trapp and Her Musical Family 

Mother Cabrini, Missionary to the World 

Mother Seton and the Sisters of Charity 

Our Lady Came to Fatima 

Saint Anthony and the Christ Child 

Saint Benedict 

Saint Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal 

Saint Dominic and the Rosary 

Saint Elizabeth's Three Crowns 

Saint Francis of the Seven Seas 

Saint Helena and the True Cross 

Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus 

Saint Isaac and the Indians 

Saint Joan the Girl Soldier 

Saint John Bosco 

Saint Katherine Drexel 

Saint Louis and the Last Crusade 

Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart 

Saint Pius X 

Saint Therese and the Roses 

Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Preaching Beggars 

Saint Thomas More of London 

Vincent De Paul: Saint of Charity 

Saint Jose, Boy Cristero Martyr 

Saint Maximilian Kolbe A Hero of the Holocaust

Hugh O'Flaherty The Irish Priest Who Resisted the Nazis

An American Little Flower Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

Courage Under Fire Father Willie Doyle, S.J. 

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Out of Print books in the Series:

Brother Andre of Montreal 

Catholic Campuses, Stories of American Catholic Colleges 

Champions in Sports and Spirit 

Chaplains in Action 

Charles de Foucauld, Adventurer of the Desert 

Children Welcome: Villages for Boys and Girls 

Christmas and the Saints 

Columbus and the New World 

Dear Philippine: Mission of Mother Duchesne 

Edel Quinn: Beneath the Southern Cross 

Father Kino, Priest to the Pimas 

Fighting Father Duffy

Frances Warde and the First Sisters of Mercy 

Good Pope John b

Governor Al Smith 

In American Vineyards, Religious Orders in the United States 

Irish Saints 

John Carroll Bishop and Patriot

John Neumann, The Children's Bishop 

Kit Carson of the Old West 

Lydia Longley, the First American Nun 

Marguerite Bourgeoys, Pioneer Teacher 

Martin de Porres, Saint of the New World 

Modern Crusaders 

More Champions in Sports and Spirit 

Mother Barat's Vineyard 

My Eskimos: A Priest in the Artic 

Peter and Paul: The Rock and the Sword 

Peter Claver, Saint Among Slaves

Pope Pius XII, the World's Shepherd 

Rose Hawthorne: The Pilgramage of Nathaniel's Daughter 

Saints of the Byzantine World 

Sarah Peter: The Dream and the Harvest 

St. Augustine and His Search for Faith 

St. Francis de Sales 

St. Gregory the Great, Consul of God 

St. Jerome and the Bible 

St. Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart 

The Bible Story, The Promised Lord and His Coming 

The Cross in the West 

The Ursulines, Nuns of Adventure 

When Saints Were Young 

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Overview of the Vision Books Series.

...

Books by Mary Fabyan Windeatt:

Blessed Marie of New France - The Story of the First Missionary Sisters in Canada

King David and His Songs - A Story of the Psalms

Patron Saint of First Communicants: The Story of Blessed Imelda Lambertini

Pauline Jaricot: Foundress of the Living Rosary and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith

Pennies for Paulina: Marie Pauline Jaricot-Foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith

Saint Benedict - The Story of the Father of the Western Monks

Saint Catherine of Siena - The Story of the Girl Who Saw Saints in the Sky

Saint Dominic - Preacher of the Rosary and Founder of the Dominican Order

Saint Francis Solano - Wonder-Worker of the New World

Saint Hyacinth of Poland - The Story of the Apostle of the North

Saint John Masias - Marvelous Dominican Gatekeeper of Lima, Peru

Saint Louis De Montfort - The Story of Our Lady's Slave

Saint Margaret Mary and the Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Saint Martin De Porres - The Story of the Little Doctor of Lima, Peru

Saint Masias Marvelous Dominican Gatekeeper of Lima 

Saint of First Communicants - The Story of Blessed Imelda Lamertini

Saint Paul the Apostle - The Story of the Apostle to the Gentiles

Saint Rose of Lima: The Story of the First Canonized Saint of the Americas

Saint Thomas Aquinas - The Story of the Dumb Ox

The Children of Fatima and Our Lady's Message to the World

The Children of La Salette

The Cure of Ars - The Story of Saint John Vianney

The Little Flower - The Story of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

The Miraculous Medal - The Story of Our Lady's Appearances to St. Caherine Laboure

The World Is His Parish: The Story of Pope Pius XII

Warrior in White: The Story of Blessed John Masias

Saint Benedict: Hero of the Hills

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