Catholic Traditions and Treasures: An Illustrated Encyclopedia

by Helen Hoffner, Helen Hoffner

New converts and cradle Catholics alike are often perplexed by the myriad of devotions, traditions, practices, and beliefs that the Catholic Church has accumulated over the past twenty centuries. Why pray to St. Anthony to find something lost? Why keep a St. Christopher medal in your car? Or why bury a statue of St. Joseph upside down in your yard when selling your house? In Helen Hoffner's lovingly-illustrated, encyclopedic Catholic Traditions and Treasures , you'll find succinct and sometimes amusing answers to these and hundreds of other questions. This delightful book explains the origin and nature of most of the common traditions of the Catholic Faith, as well as the source and meaning of many of the quaint and obscure ones. From Forty Hours to First Fridays and from Holy Hours to Holy Days, you'll find in these pages an informative, delightful compendium of the Catholic way of life, including information Novenas * Penance * Prayers for the Dead * First Fridays * Votive Candles * Religious Medals * St. Francis Statues * Bathtub Madonnas * Holy Cards * Crucifixes * House Blessings * Prayer Corners * Advent Calendars * Jesse Trees * Marian Apparitions * Vestments * Icons * Divine Mercy * The Sacred Heart * The Liturgical Year * Holy Days * Religious Orders * The Holy See * The Roman Curia * The Divine Office * Holy Oils * Genuflecting * Relics * Stations of the Cross * The Sacraments * The Angelus * Litanies * Patron Saints and much more to acquaint you with the many wonderful treasures and traditions of the Catholic Faith!

Genres: Catholic, Faith, Religion, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2018

Reviews

[Lori Schwabenbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent introduction to all the things that make Catholicism unique! Dr. Hoffner has given concise and well-written summaries of the Catholic Church’s most important practices, resources, prayers, structures and traditions. References at the end lead the reader to much more on the Church’s doctrines and teachings, found in specific Bible translations and catechisms.

A “cradle Catholic,” I knew a fair amount about the Church already, but I picked up a lot more just leafing through... for instance, I’ve owned a San Damiano crucifix for decades, but just the other day wondered who the other people depicted around Christ could be. What a pleasure to find them listed by Dr. Hoffner, along with the history of this style of crucifix!

This book is not too large - a good size for child or adult. It’s nicely produced and of high quality, in both writing and organization. It would make a lovely gift for anyone interested in Catholicism, as well as to mark an occasion such as a Catholic wedding, Confirmation, or First Holy Communion. Every parish library or Catholic school should have a copy.

[John Swaringen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful Reference

This book is a good reference for anyone converting to Catholicism. It gives you a good overview of Catholic practices.

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and wonderful book that takes you through traditions of the Catholic Church, as well as basic information.

As a lifelong Catholic, I was surprised to find some traditions in this book that I wasn't aware of! A wonderful book.

[casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for anyone who wants to learn more about their Catholic Faith. Would highly recommend it.