20% off for Advent & the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe

Offer ends Wednesday, December 11th, 2013 at 12:00 midnight EST.

These prices are available online only through Ignatius.com

20% off of meditations for Advent, titles that explore the life of Mary
and her apparition to her children at Guadalupe!

"Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope...It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."
— Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), from his book Seek That Which Is Above: Meditations on Major Feasts

Advent

“This should be our first Advent light: to understand everything, all that happens to us and all that threatens us, from the perspective of life's character of waiting. We must endure all the blessedness and un-blessedness of waiting because we are underway... 'Those who really wait for Him will not be disappointed.'”
— Fr. Alfred Delp, S.J.

Advent of the Heart
Alfred Delp
Accused of conspiring against the Nazi government, Fr. Alfred Delp, S.J., a heroic german Jesuit priest, was arrested in 1944, tortured, imprisoned, and executed on Feb 2, 1945. While in prison, Fr. Delp was able to write a few meditations found in this book, which also includes his powerful reflections from prison during the Advent season about the profound spiritual meaning and lessons of Advent, as well as his sermons he gave on the season of Advent at his parish in Munich. These meditations were smuggled out of Berlin and read by friends and parishioners of St. Georg in Munich.

His approach to Advent, the season that prepares us for Christmas, is what Fr. Delp called an "Advent of the heart." More than just preparing us for Christmas, it is a spiritual program, a way of life. He proclaimed that our personal, social and historical circumstances, even suffering, offer us entry into the true Advent, our personal journey toward a meeting and dialogue with God. Indeed, his own life, and great sufferings, illustrated the true Advent he preached and wrote about.

From his very prison cell he presented a timeless spiritual message, and in an extreme situation, his deep faith gave him the courage to draw closer to God, and to witness to the truth even at the cost of his own life. These meditations will challenge and inspire all Christians to embark upon that same spiritual journey toward union with God, a journey that will transform our lives. Also available as an e-book.
Regular price: $14.95, sale price: $11.96

Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting
Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.
These Advent reflections by the abbess of a Poor Clare monastery, an accomplished spiritual writer, focus our attention on the coming of Jesus into our lives. There is a double movement to this coming; both our active preparation to be ready for him and our patient waiting for the Lord to arrive in his own good time. There is also an art to this simultaneous preparation and waiting, and no one knows better than the beloved Mother Mary Francis how to encourage us in our attempts to master this art.

Meditating on passages from Scripture about the coming of the Messiah into the world and our hearts, Mother challenges us to persevere in overcoming our faults and keeping our eyes on the Lord who has called us to himself-for it is he, through the gifts of his grace, who will complete in us the work of sanctification which he has begun.

Though written for Advent, the wisdom of Mother Mary Francis collected by her sisters is profitable at any time because a Christian life is one of constant growth into the very likeness of God. Also available as an audio download and e-book.
Regular price: $15.95, sale price: $12.76

The Immaculate Conception

"Preparing for the advent of the year 2000, the great memorial of Christ's birth, is a fundamental concern of the encyclical [Mary God's Yes to Man]. In the liturgy, Advent is a Marian time: the time when Mary made room in her womb for the Savior of the world and bore within her humanity's hope and expectation. Celebrating Advent means becoming Marian, imitating Mary's unconditional Yes which is ever anew the place of God's birth, the 'fullness of time'"
— Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

Mary: God's Yes to Man
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II's only encyclical on our Blessed Mother, with introduction by the Cardinal Prefect of the congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and commentary by one of the world's leading Catholic theologians, Hans Urs von Balthasar. The Church's supreme magisterium and representative of the Church's most penetrating theological reflection combine to provide for all the faithful a rich and concise compendium of the Mother of the Redeemer.

The development of traditional Marian dogma in the light of the present day bears the Pope's unmistakable personal stamp. The three parts of the encyclical ("Mary in the Mystery of Christ", "The Mother of God in the Midst of the Pilgrim Church" and "Motherly Mediation") draw predominantly from two sources: Sacred Scripture and the central documents of the Second Vatican Council. There is a particular emphasis on ecumenism. What binds all Christians to Mary becomes ever clearer: she is the model of their faith.
Regular price: $10.95, sale price: $8.76

The World's First Love (2nd edition)
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
With his characteristic eloquence and brilliance, Fulton J. Sheen presents a moving portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary that combines deep spirituality with history, philosophy and theology. All the major aspects and events of Mary's life are lovingly portrayed in this word portrait that is a never failing source of information, consolation and inspiration. Sheen also gives profound insights into all the Marian beliefs ranging from the Immaculate Conception to the Assumption to the miracle of Our Lady of Fatima.

While considering the different phases of Mary's life, Bishop Sheen discusses various problems common to mankind of every age and reveals clearly that every problem can be resolved. He emphasizes the unique dignity, strength and gifts of women and their ability to help heal the world's problems. Sheen stresses mankind's need of the Mother of God and her burning love for all her children. The great resurgence of devotion to Mary is God's way of emphasizing the worth and dignity of every person against the false doctrines that have so confused the modern world. Also available as an audio download and e-book (first edition).
Regular price: $16.95, sale price: $13.56

Footprints of God: Mary
This second film in the the Footprints of God series follows Mary on her extraordinary journey on location in Turkey, Israel and Greece with popular Catholic author and speaker Stephen Ray as guide. Down-to-earth teaching on subjects like Mary’s Immaculate Conception, Assumption into Heaven, and her role of intercessor, and more are offered in an energized, high-impact style that combines the best elements of a travel documentary, biography, Bible study, apologetics course, and church history review.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96

What Every Catholic Needs to Know About Mary
Now, you'll be empowered with the truth about such important Marian topics as her Divine Maternity, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Bodily Assumption into Heaven. Plus, you will learn the crucial role that the Church's Traditional Biblical interpretation regarding the Blessed Virgin plays in understanding her role in the Church today. Perfect for adult inquiry classes, RCIA, Confirmation and Catholic Bible study groups. With this inspiring and enlightening presentation, you'll have a powerful and "painless" way to share the essential truths about the Blessed Virgin Mary. With Matthew Arnold, Scott Hahn, Michael Barber, Brant Pitre, Jesse Romero, and Tim Staples.
Regular price: $19.95, sale price: $15.96

Our Lady of Guadalupe

“Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the Fountain of Life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?”
— Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego on December 12, 1531


Maria of Guadalupe: Shaper of History, Shaper of Hearts
Paul Badde
Mexico, December 9, 1531. Ten years after the Spaniards conquered this land, on a hill on the outskirts of the capital, something inconceivable happens to Juan Diego, a native of the area. At dawn a heavenly figure comes to meet him, revealing herself as “Mary, mother of all men”. To confirm the first vision, the Lady not only entrusts him with several messages. But, also, in the final vision, leaves her portrait mysteriously present on his tilma. It is the portrait of a young woman looking downward. She is clothed in a dress figured with roses and a mantle spangled with stars.

From the time of its occurance this event has moved people. However, because of the fascination with the image itself, doubts have been raised, causing some to reject it altogether. This image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, along with the Shroud of Jesus in Turin, have possibly become the most mysterious images on earth. The more studies are made of the image and of the cloth, the more mysterious it all becomes, for believers and scientists alike.

In a hands-on investigation, Paul Badde has been delving into this mystery from a historian’s point of view, but also with the growing wonder of a journalist who has stumbled across a fabulous treasure.

In this heartfelt report, Paul Badde tells the fantastic story of the apparition that changed the history of the world. Only in light of this mysterious event, can one explain why the inhabitants of Central and South American entered the Church so quickly. Mary of Guadalupe was the person who inserted a whole continent into Western Culture.
Regular price: $16.95, sale price: $13.56

A Handbook on Guadalupe
Brother Francis Mary, F.F.I., Editor
This is the most authoritative, complete and up-to-date book on all the facts, history and devotion of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It includes the latest research and contributions from numerous Guadalupe experts including Fr. Christopher Rengers, Dr. Charles Wahlig, Janet Barber, Fr. Martinus Cawley and many others. Articles on over 35 topics, both scholarly and popular, include the historical roots of Guadalupe, scientific studies of the tilma, miracles and conversions, and much more. It offers the most in-depth treatment available of the biblical, liturgical, sociological, historical and scientific evidence on the Image and Our Lady's message for today. Includes many color photos.
Regular price: $12.95, sale price: $10.36

Our Lady of Guadalupe
A stirring documentary that tells the story in complete detail of the history of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico in 1531. It urges us to heed the message of the Pope to promote Our Lady to end abortion and to evangelize America. It tells of miracles and conversions through the presence of Our Lady's image. Experts include Warren Carroll, Dan Lynch, and more.
Regular price: $19.95, sale price: $15.96

Guadalupe: A Living Image
When the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531 to give him a message for the Bishop, she left a miraculous image of herself on his tilma. Centuries later, the results of scientific analysis of the image on the tilma are amazing. In the Virgin's eyes the 13 figures who witnessed the miracle are visible. The stars on her cloak are positioned exactly as they were on the day of the miracle in 1531. The painting technique used is unknown. The colors are vibrant and intact; the cloth itself uncorrupted by time. An extraordinary discovery reveals the Spanish origin (from Extremadura, Spain) of the name of Guadalupe and its incredible connection with the Evangelist St. Luke.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96

The Beautiful Lady
Pat Mora
Every December, Grandma Lupita tells Rose the true story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As they make paper flowers to put around her statue, Grandma begins: Long ago, in the year 1531, on a cold December morning near what is now Mexico City, a man named Juan Diego put on his cloak and started down the road to church . . . On his way, Juan Diego sees a beautiful Lady at the top of a hill. She tells Juan Diego to go to the Bishop and ask him to build a special church for her. There she will hear all the prayers and needs of her children. But the Bishop doesn't believe that Juan Diego has seen the Lady; he asks for a sign. Again the Lady sends Juan Diego, and again the Bishop asks for a sign. Until finally, she provides an amazing, miraculous sign: her beautiful image on Juan Diego's cloak for everyone to see.

The Bishop realized Juan was telling the truth, and built a great Church in her honor. Today in Mexico City the big Shrine still stands in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where millions of pilgrims visit every year to show their love for Our Lady. And the same cloak that Juan Diego wore, on which the beautiful image of Our Lady was printed, still hangs in the Shrine.
Regular price: $16.95, sale price: $13.56

Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Pop-Up Book
Francisco Serrano
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the most important religious icon in the Americas. This lavish, colorful pop-up book tells her story and that of Juan Diego, the humble Mexican peasant to whom she appeared on Tepeyac hill in Mexico. The Virgin tells Juan Diego that Tepeyac is where she would like her sacred house built, that she will love and help all who seek her there, and that he must relay this to the Bishop. At first Juan Diego is not believed, and the bishop asks that he return with proof. Vivid pop-ups convey the anticipation when the Virgin tells him to fill his cloak with flowers and the thrill as Juan Diego presents the flowers to the bishop, revealing a beautiful image of the Virgin on his cloak.
Regular price: $22.95, sale price: $18.36

Catholic World ReportThe Pope Emeritus and the Questioning Atheist
By James V. Schall, S.J.

A recently released letter by Benedict XVI confronts and challenges several faulty premises of militant atheism.
“Distinguished Professor, my critique of your book [Dear Pope, I’m Writing to You (2011)], is, in part, tough. However, frankness is a part of dialogue. Only thus can knowledge grow. You have been very frank and so you will accept that I am, too. In any case, however, I consider it very positive that you, in confronting my Introduction to Christianity, have sought such an open dialogue with the faith of the Catholic Church and that, despite its contrasts, at the centre of it all, convergences are not completely lacking.
— Benedict XVI, “Letter to an Atheist” (National Catholic Register, November 26, 2013)

In September, the Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, published a letter of Pope Benedict to Professor Piergiorgio Odifreddi. The whole of this letter was finally published in English in the National Catholic Register on November 27. In 2011, Odifreddi had published a book in the form of an open letter to the Pope about his understanding of the Pope’s position on various basic issues. Obviously ... Homiletic & Pastoral Review Faith in the Year of Faith: The Early Proposal of Joseph Ratzinger
By Father Pablo Sarto

…It is only when we exercise obedience and the expression of our own personality at the same time that we have real faith. Faith is born from the union of the two freedoms: God’s and ours.
In his Introduction to Christianity, written while he was living in a revolutionary Tübingen, Professor Ratzinger examined the problem of faith in contemporary society. He was writing in the famous year of 1968, surrounded by the student riots, and in a context of polemic and skepticism that is almost ancient history today. The three Ms—Mao, Marx, and Marcuse—were put up against Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Barth, names that were already gathering rust. The question addressed in the book was how to understand faith in that turbulent world. Ratzinger turned to a story once told by Kierkegaard ...
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And be sure not to miss the theatrical screenings of the new epic film, Mary of Nazareth that are coming to your area. For specific locations, dates, and times, and to purchase tickets please visit: http://www.maryfilm.com/showtimes