St. Pope John Paul II
Meaning of Vocation
The Meaning of Vocation: In the Words of John Paul II Over the years, the Holy Father has said much about The Meaning of Vocation and how Catholics should respond to God?s call ? but it has been scattered through dozens of addresses he has given all over the world. Now at last this compact compendium collects the Pope?s choicest remarks on God?s call and how you should strive to hear and obey Him. He helps you clarify what God is calling you to do, explains how and when God calls, and even helps parents face up to their children's vocations!
- Please log in to review this product
100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World
"There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us."
Pope Saint John Paul II embodied these words throughout his life. Born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Józef Wojtyla lived in times of political turmoil. As a young man during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he studied in an underground seminary. As pope, he was instrumental in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering hope in the ultimate triumph of love, truth, and beauty. He remains a hero to millions of people for his unflinching defense of the Church and her teachings.
John Paul II changed the world in many ways; this book describes 100 of the most important. Each of the 100 accomplishments, teachings, or stories about John Paul II is fascinating, providing a glimpse into the astounding life and impact of this great and beloved saint.
"No one can deny that Pope Saint John Paul II had a staggering impact on the world. Among other things, he was a political visionary, a cultural influencer, an artist, a formidable thinker and theologian, and above all, a courageous shepherd of the people of God. Patrick Novecosky has done the Church and the world an invaluable service by highlighting 100 of the most important ways in which this beloved saint transformed the world by urging souls to 'Be not afraid, ' and to allow themselves to fall deeply in love with Christ." -- Raymond Arroyo, EWTN News Director and New York Times bestselling author
"Pope Saint John Paul II was a leader in every sense -- spiritual, moral, intellectual, and political. With vision, charisma, and most of all love, he exerted a profound and lasting influence on the Church and the world, and that influence continues today -- 100 years after his birth. Of course, he changed the world in millions of ways that no book will ever be able to capture. But in 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a sweeping picture of the astonishing impact of this great man. Read this book and share it with everyone you know." -- Senator Rick Santorum
"I cannot think of anyone who has had a bigger impact on the world in recent years than Saint John Paul II. Patrick has masterfully described 100 ways in which this saint has brought about global change. This list is important as it reminds us of the changes that must be upheld and provides inspiration to those who want to bring about 100 more changes!" -- Jeff Cavins, founder of The Great Adventure Bible Study
"To many, Saint John Paul II was the only pope they knew while growing up. However, many younger Catholics have yet to discover the greatness of his life and legacy. In his book 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a wealth of stories and examples that will rekindle devotion in all for this tremendous saint!" -- Jason Evert, author of Saint John Paul the Great and Theology of the Body in One Hour
"Patrick entered the winner's circle when he wrote this book, unpacking the historical papacy of Saint John Paul into 100 topics that reveal the breadth, depth, and beauty of his long pontificate. Thorough, well-researched and documented, yet easily readable, 100 Ways unveils the brightness of John Paul's soul, the brilliance of his mind, and the boldness of his travels and initiatives such as World Youth Days. Behind every gesture, every prayer, every innovation, every apostolic trip, every bold move was John Paul's simple, childlike, trusting faith in both God and mankind. Patrick's personal stories and memories of Saint John Paul enhance this riveting journey through a unique papacy, and leave you awed, inspired and thankful for this saintly pontiff." -- Joan Lewis, EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief
"A fascinating and enjoyable commentary, rich with insights into the many facets and feats of the inimitable Pope John Paul II." -- Patrick Madrid, host of the Patrick Madrid Show on Relevant Radio
"Novecosky has done a superb job pulling together many of the threads in Saint John Paul II's life. At the heart of this story, you will see the fruit of a life lived from a place of encounter with Jesus Christ. There is something in 100 Ways for everyone -- I highly recommend it!" -- Curtis Martin, founder, Fellowship of Catholic University Students
"In 1997, Patrick Novecosky and I were both in Rome for the first time. Over pizza and gelato, we spoke of what it would be like to meet the saintly Polish pope. Days later Patrick was blessed to meet him while I missed the opportunity because I ate too much gelato and got sick! Now in this delightful book, my longtime friend has reminded me of why John Paul II was so great and why he remains one of my greatest heroes. I highly recommend this book to everyone. John Paul II, we still love you!" -- Very Rev. Donald Calloway MIC, Vicar Provincial, Marian Fathers
"A brilliant glimpse into an extraordinary life! Flipping through the pages of 100 Ways was like looking at a photo album of Saint John Paul II's life. Each short story paints a picture of an amazing accomplishment in the life of this modern-day saint and shows how everything he did was rooted in relationship -- his relationship with countries and world leaders, religious and laity, saints and sinners, children and elderly, fathers and mothers, authors, artists, women, teenagers, and ultimately his relationship with Jesus Christ and his Blessed Mother. This book opened my eyes to the incredible depth of influence Saint John Paul II had on the world and made me realize that treating everyone we meet with openness, respect, and tenderness is how we can evangelize each and every day!" -- Kelly Wahlquist, founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization, author of Created to Relate: God's Design for Peace and Joy
"A beautiful tribute to an exceptional human being. Whether you are a longtime fan of Saint John Paul II, or just beginning to learn about his world-changing legacy, this book is a must-read!" -- Danielle Bean, brand manager of CatholicMom.com
"A unique collection of short, historic snapshots of Pope John Paul II's life and thought, 100 Ways is a delightful blend of history, commentary, and quotes from the pope himself. Extremely readable, engaging, and inspiring, it's a perfect gift, and a book of gems you will return to again and again." -- Vinny Flynn, speaker and author of Seven Secrets of the Eucharist
"The pontificate of Pope John Paul II will be remembered for many things, ranging from his voluminous writings to his impact on world history. It is because his legacy is so daunting that we need a book that compresses his life into an easily readable format. This is what Patrick Novecosky has done. He has made John Paul II's pontificate accessible to everyone, and for that we can all be grateful." -- Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
"I thank my friend Patrick Novecosky for a fantastic book -- eminently readable, overflowing with the pope's own words, recounting so many aspects of his astounding life, both internal and external, and reminding us that we must not miss out on the lessons of a pope and saint whom God placed right in our midst." -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life
- Please log in to review this product
Love and Responsibility (revised)
Central to his argument is the contrast between the personalistic and the utilitarian views of marriage and of sexual relations. The former views marriage as an interpersonal relationship, in which the well-being and self-realization of each partner are of overriding importance to the other. It is only within this framework that the full purpose of marriage can be realized. The alternative, utilitarian view, according to which a sexual partner is an object for use, holds no possibility of fulfillment and happiness. Wojtyla argues that divorce, artificial methods of birth control, adultery (pre-marital sex), and sexual perversions are all in various ways incompatible with the personalistic view of the sexual self-realization of the human person.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the book is that Wojtyla appeals throughout to ordinary, human experience, logically examined. He draws support for his views on the proper gratification of sexual needs, on birth control, and on other matters, from the findings of physiologists and psychologists. His conclusions coincide with the traditional teachings of the Church, which invoke scriptural authority. His approach ensures that non-Christians also can consider his arguments on their own merits.
"A courageous apologetic. In no other book does the Pope emerge more clearly as an independent thinker. This book is a high-minded rejoinder to the sexual revolution."
-- Kenneth Briggs, New York Times Book Review
- Please log in to review this product
On the Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Faith because the Blessed Sacrament is Christ himself, the full manifestation of his boundless love.
In this encyclical letter On the Eucharist, Pope John Paul II seeks to rekindle in the faithful the profound sense of amazement and gratitude that surrounds the Eucharist.
"In the humble signs of bread and wine, changed into his Body and Blood, Christ walks beside us as our strength and our food for the journey, and he enables us to become, for everyone, witnesses of hope," John Paul II writes. "The Church has received the Eucharist from Christ her Lord not as one gift -- however precious -- among so many others, but as the gift par excellence, for it is the gift of himself, of his Person in his sacred humanity, as well as the gift of his saving work."
- Please log in to review this product
Pope and the CEO (about JP II)
"John Paul II showed me what real leadership looks like. He modeled for me how to pursue our God-given potential. Not coincidentally, this also makes us and those around us better employees, more capable of and more willing to work hard at building a stronger company. That's something that makes both good human sense and good business sense."
--Andrea Widmer
Former Swiss Guard, CEO and business leader Andreas Widmer gives a behind-the-scenes look into Pope John Paul II, "the most authentically human person I've ever met, " and reveals how those memories shaped and forged his success as a corporate executive. In what papal biographer George Weigel calls "a powerful example of leadership at work," Widmer recounts his personal experiences serving Blessed Pope John Paul II in the Swiss Guard, and the secrets of successful leadership that he learned at the feet of the great pope.
"John Paul's influence made me understand that business and faith go together. The free market and Christianity are not opposed to each other but business can be a wonderful school of virtue and faith. Faith and virtue, on the other hand, make a business and the economy truly prosperous. The late pope is a great inspiration and example for business leaders and CEOs. He is for me and I hope he will be for you as well. "
"Andreas Widmer has given us a true gift by sharing his first-hand experience of Pope JPII's personal habits so that we can incorporate these in our own leadership journey," says Dr. Carolyn Woo, Dean of the Business School at Notre Dame.
This up-close look at the pope's influence raises the bar for leadership to new heights. Christian executives, CEOs, entrepreneurs, small business owners--anyone who wants to avoid mediocrity--will find the lessons Widmer learned and imparts both inspirational and practical.
Peter Cardinal Turkson comments that this book is "an excellent tribute to the memory of [Pope John Paul II] and a commendable guide to successful entrepreneurship."
Widmer learned from the pope that moral leadership doesn't just make a difference for the leaders themselves, but makes a difference for their companies, customers, and teams. Companies, led by a strong, moral leader, says Widmer, also have a proven track record of performing better in the long run.
"Andreas' insights from daily life with a great man like John Paul II drives home the point that business decisions can be made from purely human motives OR with God's inspiration for us and for our work. The anecdotes and insights make The Pope & The CEO a worthwhile read," says Claire Huang, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
The Pope & The CEO offers nine chapters of stories and reflections about John Paul II and practical applications connecting those teachings to the world of business, big or small, and to anyone wanting to lead a team of people in today's world.
Published by Emmaus Road, this is a first of its kind look into the life of a Swiss Guard and what he learned from perhaps the greatest Christian of our time. Widmer's observation of John Paul II, and his direct experience of the late pope's approach to leadership, had a profound impact on the way he sees the centrality of human interaction: "When you were with the Holy Father, you felt like you were the reason he got up in the morning."
- Please log in to review this product
Rule: St. John Paul II's Rule for a Joy-filled Marriage of Divine Love
At the present moment, in the Church and in society, there is no more critical issue for us to address than the truth about marriage. Our world has presented us with an atmosphere in which the integrity of marriage has been under attack for decades.
In the midst of pressure from a secularized culture there comes a bright light of joyful hope from Theresa and Peter Martin: The Rule offers us the first English translation of Cardinal Wojtyla's Rule for a joy-filled marriage of divine love.
Theresa & Peter Martin have brilliantly taken a concise, six-point "Rule for Married Couple Groups" written by St. John Paul II and expounded upon it, using St. John Paul II's own words, to allow the reader to fully understand its meaning. The Rule gives you St. John Paul II's key to deepening spouses' conjugal spirituality and finding lasting Joy!
What is this Rule?
Why do we need it?
Could it really be the key we have been searching for-to help us get beyond the struggle and live a life of enduring joy in Christ?
JPII thinks so.
Theresa and Peter Martin guide the reader with their theological expertise as well as their lived experience. The Rule's main purpose is to live the truth of Humanae Vitae, which will build each couple's conjugal spirituality. Humanae Vitae is a pivotal point in cultural morality stating that God, and not man, is the author of life and human sexuality. Imagine the wellspring of renewal if more couples would truly live according to this very simple reality!
The Rule helps good couples become great through grace and would be the perfect addition to a marriage catechumenate! The Wojtyla Community & Institute (WCI) is a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to further the mission of spreading St. John Paul II's Rule and helping spouses live it. (wojtylaci.com)
Engaging, endearing and passionate, this book opens a pathway to finding a joy-filled marriage of divine love!
Order your copy today!
- Please log in to review this product
Supreme Vocation of Women: According to St. John Paul II
St. John Paul II propelled the Church into a new era of fruitful contemplation about the dignity and value of women, often reiterating how women -- specifically as women -- reveal the image of God in the world. But his final contribution to that topic may be his most profound. Just months before he passed into eternity, he summed up his decades of teaching on the topic: "To you, women, falls the task of being sentinels of the Invisible!"
In these eye-opening pages, author Melissa Maleski shows how this final bold admonition succinctly embodies the Catholic Church's entire, consistent vision of women as powerful, vital agents for good. Drawing not only on the works of John Paul II and on those of the Church Fathers but also on the example of scores of holy women in the Bible plus the Blessed Virgin Mary and the many female saints of the Church, these pages offer profound and practical insights into the fundamental strengths and habits that distinguish womanhood as a particular way of being human, while giving authentic witness to the divine image of our Creator.
Be warned: here you'll encounter no outdated, sentimental ode to "feminine genius." On the contrary, reaching across time and space, Maleski's straightforward, engaging prose introduces you to the bracing, universal truths of the Church about the inherent strength and supreme vocation of womanhood, equipping you to counter forcefully our secular culture's distorted views of personhood, the human body, gender, sexuality, and the profound, God-ordained complementarity of men and women. Along the way, you'll come to learn:
How women, specifically as women, reveal the image of God in the world
The full truth about the vital place of womanhood in the Church and in the world
"Sentinels of the Invisible" what the phrase means and why it's so important
How womanhood as a "supreme vocation" is part of every personal vocation
Why the devil has a special fear of womanhood and a particular hatred of women
Why the devil always seeks to promote an imbalance of power between the sexes
How modern notions of sexuality and gender pervert God's image and His plan for creation
How marriage and religious life empower women rather than oppress them
Why St. John Paul II called women "Guardians of the Gospel Message"
And much more, in our confused times, to show forth for you "the supreme vocation of women"!
- Please log in to review this product
Teachings for an Unbelieving World: Newly Discovered Reflections on Paul's Sermon at the Areopagus
Winner of a first-place award for English translation editions from The Catholic Media Association.
Teachings for an Unbelieving World is a newly discovered work written by St. John Paul II--then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla of Kraków--in the years just after Vatican II. He uses St. Paul's sermon to the people of Athens in Acts 17 as a framework for articulating the faith in a culture of skepticism and unbelief. These thirteen brief reflections provide compelling teaching for Catholics in today's post-Christian world and give fresh insight into JPII's pontificate. This is the first English-language publication of this important work.St. John Paul II composed these thirteen reflections at a unique point of convergence in history--the closing of Vatican II in 1965 and the 1966 observance of one thousand years of Christianity in Poland.
Teachings for an Unbelieving World is an extended meditation on Acts 17 where Paul speaks to the cultural elite of Athens after he observed an altar of an unknown god in the city. Quoting from both the Bible and the documents of Vatican II, John Paul II draws timely wisdom from the apostle's mission to bring the truth of the Gospel to a worldly culture of sophistication and disbelief, one not unlike our own.
The future pope reveals Paul's memorable encounter as an enduring framework to boldly present the core truths of Catholic faith to those living under Poland's communist regime. In so doing, JPII demonstrates how relevant Paul's words are today and equips us to meet the challenges of proclaiming the faith in our times.
Teachings for an Unbelieving World affirms the continuity of Catholic faith about:
- Please log in to review this product
Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
"A remarkable book. Weigel's biography is likely to remain the standard one-volume reference on John Paul II for many years to come." -- Pittsburg Post-Gazette
?"Fascinating. . . sheds light on the history of the twentieth century for everyone." --New York Times Book Review
The definitive biography of Pope John Paul II that explores how influential he was on the world stage and in some of the most historic events of the twentieth century that can still be felt today
Witness to Hope is the authoritative biography of one of the singular figures--some might argue the singular figure--of our time. With unprecedented cooperation from John Paul II and the people who knew and worked with him throughout his life, George Weigel offers a groundbreaking portrait of the Pope as a man, a thinker, and a leader whose religious convictions defined a new approach to world politics--and changed the course of history. As even his critics concede, John Paul II occupied a unique place on the world stage and put down intellectual markers that no one could ignore or avoid as humanity entered a new millennium fraught with possibility and danger.
The Pope was a man of prodigious energy who played a crucial, yet insufficiently explored, role in some of the most momentous events of our time, including the collapse of European communism, the quest for peace in the Middle East, and the democratic transformation of Latin America. With an updated preface, this edition of Witness to Hope explains how this "man from a far country" did all of that, and much more--and what both his accomplishments and the unfinished business of his pontificate mean for the future of the Church and the world.
- Please log in to review this product