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Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Lenten Devotional
When Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, began keeping a ceramic skull on her desk and tweeting about it, she had no idea she'd be starting a movement. Her daily tweets about memento mori - Latin for remember your death - contained quotes and insights that have inspired others to remember death daily. Many have found this ancient practice to provide an important perspective on their lives in view of Jesus' call to repentance, conversion, and the hope of resurrection.
And now Sr. Theresa Aletheia's series of tweets has led to a memento mori-inspired Lenten devotional. Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal, also available from Pauline Books.
Lent is a time when we remember the death of Christ and the sacrifice he made to give us eternal life. This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.
And now Sr. Theresa Aletheia's series of tweets has led to a memento mori-inspired Lenten devotional. Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal, also available from Pauline Books.
Lent is a time when we remember the death of Christ and the sacrifice he made to give us eternal life. This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2019
157 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Aletheia Noble
8 books59 followersSr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP is a former atheist who, thanks to the grace of God, has returned to the faith she was raised in and now tries to help others bring their loved ones back to the faith. A few years after returning to the Church, she heard God calling her, so she left her job in Silicon Valley to join the Daughters of St. Paul. She now lives in Miami, where she prays, evangelizes, bakes bread, and blogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 12, 2020
An excellent read. A great Lenten devotional, or personal 40 Day retreat. Full review to follow soon.
...
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to read it. Without knowing anything else other than the title. I did not know that this book grew out of a series of tweets. For Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSB put a ceramic skull on her desk and started tweeting about memento mori. And a movement was born. Memento Mori – Latin for ‘remember your death’ and her daily tweets gathered a large following. She wrote quotes and personal insights into the practice of remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Lent is a time of preparation, and the whole concept of memento mori is a preparation. And in this volume Sr. Theresa combines both.
Now I have read this book through from beginning to end, in order to write a fair review. I also know that I will read it this year during lent and it will likely be read many times in the years to come over lent. Lent is a time to remember Christ’s death and sacrifice for us. And for us to think on our own mortality. But this book is much more than just another Lenten devotional. Part of the description for this book states:
“Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal.”
And also:
“This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.”
It can be read at any time of the year, but it is tied to the liturgical readings during lent. The sections in the book are:
Remember Your Death—Change Your Life
Live Memento Mori
The Memento Mori Daily Examen
The Lenten Journey Begins
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
First Week of Lent
Second Week of Lent
Third Week of Lent
Fourth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent
Holy Week Palm Sunday
Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
For a total of 47 devotional readings. These readings draw from the bible, church documents, and the writings of saints. A Sample devotion from the fourth week is:
"Saturday:
READINGS: JER 11:18–20 / PS 7:2–3, 9BC–10, 11–12 / JN 7:40–53
“A division occurred in the crowd because of him.” —John 7:43
IN TODAY’S GOSPEL, THE PEOPLE cannot decide on Jesus’ true identity. Is he a prophet? Is he the Messiah? Is he a fake? The crowd is divided. Jesus disrupts—Truth always does. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the incisive, challenging effect that Jesus’ truth has on people: “the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (4:12). God’s Word is Jesus, and his identity cuts right to the heart. The Word of God pierces souls and penetrates both our minds and our hearts.
However, like the people in the crowd, when we are met with the person of Jesus we are divided. This division occurs in two ways. First, it happens interiorly. We want to believe in the words of Jesus and to follow him to new life. But we are divided because we also want to forget his troubling demands for change. Second, when we begin to choose to follow Christ, we experience great division exteriorly. Prioritizing the Gospel concretely in our lives in a healthy but also a radical way can cause other people who love us to respond negatively. Some oppose us because they hate religion. Others resent moving to second place in our lives. Still others are frightened or bitter because our conversion of life calls them to similar changes.
Following Jesus requires death. In the midst of interior and exterior division, we must be willing to die to many of our desires and expectations. The people we thought would remain by our side might disappear. And those we expected to leave immediately might remain. The most religious people in our lives may, surprisingly, resent our radical discipleship more than the less religious. People will surprise us in good ways and bad. But in the midst of the confusion, we can remain by Christ’s side, knowing that he will bring good from this dying to ourselves. As Saint Paul reminds us: “If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Rom 6:8). Everything in our being may resist dying with Jesus. Nevertheless, we can ask Jesus to open our hearts to listen to his voice. In the power of Jesus Christ, we can walk with him through the screaming interior and exterior voices to the Place of the Skull. The Son of God will lead us through death to new life and to powerful unity of heart.
Examen and Intercessory Prayer
Review your day (see the Memento Mori Daily Examen, p. 8).
Think of someone you know who opposes your discipleship. Pray a Hail Mary for this person and for all who resist the call of Jesus in their own lives and in their loved ones’ lives.
“Seeing, then, that all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us—death and life; and everyone will experience it. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each has its special character stamped upon it [so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not ready to die into his passion, his life is not in us. … I exhort you to learn to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. Do all then, imitating the same divine conduct, pay respect to one another … continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be united with your bishop, and those who preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.”
—Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Magnesians
Journaling and Prayer
Consider a time that you felt tempted to make a bad choice but through God’s grace you chose the good. Give thanks to God and ask him how you can make more choices like this in the future. Draw a symbol that represents the battle between life and death within your soul. Or write a prayer thanking Jesus for already winning the battle and ask him to help you to grow in trust."
As can be see from the above sample, this is a deep devotional. It will help you reflect, help you connect with the saints. And help to foster growth. It is an amazing volume that I highly recommend.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
...
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to read it. Without knowing anything else other than the title. I did not know that this book grew out of a series of tweets. For Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSB put a ceramic skull on her desk and started tweeting about memento mori. And a movement was born. Memento Mori – Latin for ‘remember your death’ and her daily tweets gathered a large following. She wrote quotes and personal insights into the practice of remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Lent is a time of preparation, and the whole concept of memento mori is a preparation. And in this volume Sr. Theresa combines both.
Now I have read this book through from beginning to end, in order to write a fair review. I also know that I will read it this year during lent and it will likely be read many times in the years to come over lent. Lent is a time to remember Christ’s death and sacrifice for us. And for us to think on our own mortality. But this book is much more than just another Lenten devotional. Part of the description for this book states:
“Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal.”
And also:
“This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.”
It can be read at any time of the year, but it is tied to the liturgical readings during lent. The sections in the book are:
Remember Your Death—Change Your Life
Live Memento Mori
The Memento Mori Daily Examen
The Lenten Journey Begins
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
First Week of Lent
Second Week of Lent
Third Week of Lent
Fourth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent
Holy Week Palm Sunday
Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
For a total of 47 devotional readings. These readings draw from the bible, church documents, and the writings of saints. A Sample devotion from the fourth week is:
"Saturday:
READINGS: JER 11:18–20 / PS 7:2–3, 9BC–10, 11–12 / JN 7:40–53
“A division occurred in the crowd because of him.” —John 7:43
IN TODAY’S GOSPEL, THE PEOPLE cannot decide on Jesus’ true identity. Is he a prophet? Is he the Messiah? Is he a fake? The crowd is divided. Jesus disrupts—Truth always does. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the incisive, challenging effect that Jesus’ truth has on people: “the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (4:12). God’s Word is Jesus, and his identity cuts right to the heart. The Word of God pierces souls and penetrates both our minds and our hearts.
However, like the people in the crowd, when we are met with the person of Jesus we are divided. This division occurs in two ways. First, it happens interiorly. We want to believe in the words of Jesus and to follow him to new life. But we are divided because we also want to forget his troubling demands for change. Second, when we begin to choose to follow Christ, we experience great division exteriorly. Prioritizing the Gospel concretely in our lives in a healthy but also a radical way can cause other people who love us to respond negatively. Some oppose us because they hate religion. Others resent moving to second place in our lives. Still others are frightened or bitter because our conversion of life calls them to similar changes.
Following Jesus requires death. In the midst of interior and exterior division, we must be willing to die to many of our desires and expectations. The people we thought would remain by our side might disappear. And those we expected to leave immediately might remain. The most religious people in our lives may, surprisingly, resent our radical discipleship more than the less religious. People will surprise us in good ways and bad. But in the midst of the confusion, we can remain by Christ’s side, knowing that he will bring good from this dying to ourselves. As Saint Paul reminds us: “If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Rom 6:8). Everything in our being may resist dying with Jesus. Nevertheless, we can ask Jesus to open our hearts to listen to his voice. In the power of Jesus Christ, we can walk with him through the screaming interior and exterior voices to the Place of the Skull. The Son of God will lead us through death to new life and to powerful unity of heart.
Examen and Intercessory Prayer
Review your day (see the Memento Mori Daily Examen, p. 8).
Think of someone you know who opposes your discipleship. Pray a Hail Mary for this person and for all who resist the call of Jesus in their own lives and in their loved ones’ lives.
“Seeing, then, that all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us—death and life; and everyone will experience it. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each has its special character stamped upon it [so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not ready to die into his passion, his life is not in us. … I exhort you to learn to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. Do all then, imitating the same divine conduct, pay respect to one another … continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be united with your bishop, and those who preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.”
—Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Magnesians
Journaling and Prayer
Consider a time that you felt tempted to make a bad choice but through God’s grace you chose the good. Give thanks to God and ask him how you can make more choices like this in the future. Draw a symbol that represents the battle between life and death within your soul. Or write a prayer thanking Jesus for already winning the battle and ask him to help you to grow in trust."
As can be see from the above sample, this is a deep devotional. It will help you reflect, help you connect with the saints. And help to foster growth. It is an amazing volume that I highly recommend.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 6, 2021
Memento Mori = Remember your death. My sister got this for me last year, but I had too many other things to read then. It is a Lenten devotional designed to get you to look deeply into the reality of your own impending death, something almost everyone would rather forego, despite its inevitably.
Life has a way of demanding our focus on the day-to-day realities so that it’s extremely difficult to find time to think of the near future in this life, never mind the next.
That was the real value in Sister Noble’s book. During Lent, we are already preparing for the Passion and Death of our Savior, so it is the perfect opportunity to walk His journey contemplating our own limited existence as well. It is a good time, with the proper focus and the best of all companions.
Through a series of 40+ reflections, each consisting of the day’s Mass readings, Scripture verse, commentary on that Scripture, a brief selection from a saint/pope/spiritual writer, and journal questions and suggestions we face our own mortality in light of Our Savior’s Death and Resurrection.
The book also includes an-end-of-day Examen, a five step examination of conscience encouraged by and loosely based on that described by St. Benedict in RB 1980: The Rule Of St. Benedict. That offered in the book is quite simple, easy to follow and has the advantage of being at hand in the book as you are reading.
My Dad used to say, there are only two certainties: death and taxes ... and some people have found ways to avoid paying taxes.
However, if we also remember we are a Resurrection people, then death is not the horror it is for those without faith. Happy Easter and yes, happy reading! Despite its title, it is NOT a depressing book.
Life has a way of demanding our focus on the day-to-day realities so that it’s extremely difficult to find time to think of the near future in this life, never mind the next.
That was the real value in Sister Noble’s book. During Lent, we are already preparing for the Passion and Death of our Savior, so it is the perfect opportunity to walk His journey contemplating our own limited existence as well. It is a good time, with the proper focus and the best of all companions.
Through a series of 40+ reflections, each consisting of the day’s Mass readings, Scripture verse, commentary on that Scripture, a brief selection from a saint/pope/spiritual writer, and journal questions and suggestions we face our own mortality in light of Our Savior’s Death and Resurrection.
The book also includes an-end-of-day Examen, a five step examination of conscience encouraged by and loosely based on that described by St. Benedict in RB 1980: The Rule Of St. Benedict. That offered in the book is quite simple, easy to follow and has the advantage of being at hand in the book as you are reading.
My Dad used to say, there are only two certainties: death and taxes ... and some people have found ways to avoid paying taxes.
However, if we also remember we are a Resurrection people, then death is not the horror it is for those without faith. Happy Easter and yes, happy reading! Despite its title, it is NOT a depressing book.
April 13, 2020
Excellent Lenten devotion!! The perfect devotional to use year after year.
April 12, 2020
An excellent read. A great Lenten devotional, or personal 40 Day retreat. Full review to follow soon.
...
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to read it. Without knowing anything else other than the title. I did not know that this book grew out of a series of tweets. For Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSB put a ceramic skull on her desk and started tweeting about memento mori. And a movement was born. Memento Mori – Latin for ‘remember your death’ and her daily tweets gathered a large following. She wrote quotes and personal insights into the practice of remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Lent is a time of preparation, and the whole concept of memento mori is a preparation. And in this volume Sr. Theresa combines both.
Now I have read this book through from beginning to end, in order to write a fair review. I also know that I will read it this year during lent and it will likely be read many times in the years to come over lent. Lent is a time to remember Christ’s death and sacrifice for us. And for us to think on our own mortality. But this book is much more than just another Lenten devotional. Part of the description for this book states:
“Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal.”
And also:
“This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.”
It can be read at any time of the year, but it is tied to the liturgical readings during lent. The sections in the book are:
Remember Your Death—Change Your Life
Live Memento Mori
The Memento Mori Daily Examen
The Lenten Journey Begins
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
First Week of Lent
Second Week of Lent
Third Week of Lent
Fourth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent
Holy Week Palm Sunday
Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
For a total of 47 devotional readings. These readings draw from the bible, church documents, and the writings of saints. A Sample devotion from the fourth week is:
"Saturday:
READINGS: JER 11:18–20 / PS 7:2–3, 9BC–10, 11–12 / JN 7:40–53
“A division occurred in the crowd because of him.” —John 7:43
IN TODAY’S GOSPEL, THE PEOPLE cannot decide on Jesus’ true identity. Is he a prophet? Is he the Messiah? Is he a fake? The crowd is divided. Jesus disrupts—Truth always does. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the incisive, challenging effect that Jesus’ truth has on people: “the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (4:12). God’s Word is Jesus, and his identity cuts right to the heart. The Word of God pierces souls and penetrates both our minds and our hearts.
However, like the people in the crowd, when we are met with the person of Jesus we are divided. This division occurs in two ways. First, it happens interiorly. We want to believe in the words of Jesus and to follow him to new life. But we are divided because we also want to forget his troubling demands for change. Second, when we begin to choose to follow Christ, we experience great division exteriorly. Prioritizing the Gospel concretely in our lives in a healthy but also a radical way can cause other people who love us to respond negatively. Some oppose us because they hate religion. Others resent moving to second place in our lives. Still others are frightened or bitter because our conversion of life calls them to similar changes.
Following Jesus requires death. In the midst of interior and exterior division, we must be willing to die to many of our desires and expectations. The people we thought would remain by our side might disappear. And those we expected to leave immediately might remain. The most religious people in our lives may, surprisingly, resent our radical discipleship more than the less religious. People will surprise us in good ways and bad. But in the midst of the confusion, we can remain by Christ’s side, knowing that he will bring good from this dying to ourselves. As Saint Paul reminds us: “If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Rom 6:8). Everything in our being may resist dying with Jesus. Nevertheless, we can ask Jesus to open our hearts to listen to his voice. In the power of Jesus Christ, we can walk with him through the screaming interior and exterior voices to the Place of the Skull. The Son of God will lead us through death to new life and to powerful unity of heart.
Examen and Intercessory Prayer
Review your day (see the Memento Mori Daily Examen, p. 8).
Think of someone you know who opposes your discipleship. Pray a Hail Mary for this person and for all who resist the call of Jesus in their own lives and in their loved ones’ lives.
“Seeing, then, that all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us—death and life; and everyone will experience it. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each has its special character stamped upon it [so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not ready to die into his passion, his life is not in us. … I exhort you to learn to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. Do all then, imitating the same divine conduct, pay respect to one another … continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be united with your bishop, and those who preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.”
—Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Magnesians
Journaling and Prayer
Consider a time that you felt tempted to make a bad choice but through God’s grace you chose the good. Give thanks to God and ask him how you can make more choices like this in the future. Draw a symbol that represents the battle between life and death within your soul. Or write a prayer thanking Jesus for already winning the battle and ask him to help you to grow in trust."
As can be see from the above sample, this is a deep devotional. It will help you reflect, help you connect with the saints. And help to foster growth. It is an amazing volume that I highly recommend.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
...
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to read it. Without knowing anything else other than the title. I did not know that this book grew out of a series of tweets. For Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSB put a ceramic skull on her desk and started tweeting about memento mori. And a movement was born. Memento Mori – Latin for ‘remember your death’ and her daily tweets gathered a large following. She wrote quotes and personal insights into the practice of remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Lent is a time of preparation, and the whole concept of memento mori is a preparation. And in this volume Sr. Theresa combines both.
Now I have read this book through from beginning to end, in order to write a fair review. I also know that I will read it this year during lent and it will likely be read many times in the years to come over lent. Lent is a time to remember Christ’s death and sacrifice for us. And for us to think on our own mortality. But this book is much more than just another Lenten devotional. Part of the description for this book states:
“Each day contains a refection written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia based on the liturgy of the day for all of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The devotional also includes a memento mori examen or review of the day, a daily moment of intercessory prayer, and daily reflections on death from the tradition, including the Church Fathers and many of the saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal.”
And also:
“This devotional will help you to meditate on your own mortality and the incredible gift of salvation in preparation for Easter. Whether you get a skull for your desk, a memento mori journal, or a Lenten devotional, it is vitally important to the Christian life to remember the fragility of your life on earth - because one day you will die.”
It can be read at any time of the year, but it is tied to the liturgical readings during lent. The sections in the book are:
Remember Your Death—Change Your Life
Live Memento Mori
The Memento Mori Daily Examen
The Lenten Journey Begins
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
First Week of Lent
Second Week of Lent
Third Week of Lent
Fourth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent
Holy Week Palm Sunday
Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
For a total of 47 devotional readings. These readings draw from the bible, church documents, and the writings of saints. A Sample devotion from the fourth week is:
"Saturday:
READINGS: JER 11:18–20 / PS 7:2–3, 9BC–10, 11–12 / JN 7:40–53
“A division occurred in the crowd because of him.” —John 7:43
IN TODAY’S GOSPEL, THE PEOPLE cannot decide on Jesus’ true identity. Is he a prophet? Is he the Messiah? Is he a fake? The crowd is divided. Jesus disrupts—Truth always does. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the incisive, challenging effect that Jesus’ truth has on people: “the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (4:12). God’s Word is Jesus, and his identity cuts right to the heart. The Word of God pierces souls and penetrates both our minds and our hearts.
However, like the people in the crowd, when we are met with the person of Jesus we are divided. This division occurs in two ways. First, it happens interiorly. We want to believe in the words of Jesus and to follow him to new life. But we are divided because we also want to forget his troubling demands for change. Second, when we begin to choose to follow Christ, we experience great division exteriorly. Prioritizing the Gospel concretely in our lives in a healthy but also a radical way can cause other people who love us to respond negatively. Some oppose us because they hate religion. Others resent moving to second place in our lives. Still others are frightened or bitter because our conversion of life calls them to similar changes.
Following Jesus requires death. In the midst of interior and exterior division, we must be willing to die to many of our desires and expectations. The people we thought would remain by our side might disappear. And those we expected to leave immediately might remain. The most religious people in our lives may, surprisingly, resent our radical discipleship more than the less religious. People will surprise us in good ways and bad. But in the midst of the confusion, we can remain by Christ’s side, knowing that he will bring good from this dying to ourselves. As Saint Paul reminds us: “If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Rom 6:8). Everything in our being may resist dying with Jesus. Nevertheless, we can ask Jesus to open our hearts to listen to his voice. In the power of Jesus Christ, we can walk with him through the screaming interior and exterior voices to the Place of the Skull. The Son of God will lead us through death to new life and to powerful unity of heart.
Examen and Intercessory Prayer
Review your day (see the Memento Mori Daily Examen, p. 8).
Think of someone you know who opposes your discipleship. Pray a Hail Mary for this person and for all who resist the call of Jesus in their own lives and in their loved ones’ lives.
“Seeing, then, that all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us—death and life; and everyone will experience it. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each has its special character stamped upon it [so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not ready to die into his passion, his life is not in us. … I exhort you to learn to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before the beginning of time, and in the end was revealed. Do all then, imitating the same divine conduct, pay respect to one another … continually love each other in Jesus Christ. Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be united with your bishop, and those who preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.”
—Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Magnesians
Journaling and Prayer
Consider a time that you felt tempted to make a bad choice but through God’s grace you chose the good. Give thanks to God and ask him how you can make more choices like this in the future. Draw a symbol that represents the battle between life and death within your soul. Or write a prayer thanking Jesus for already winning the battle and ask him to help you to grow in trust."
As can be see from the above sample, this is a deep devotional. It will help you reflect, help you connect with the saints. And help to foster growth. It is an amazing volume that I highly recommend.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 4, 2021
Lovely daily devotionals for this season.
April 14, 2020
In the very simplest terms, memento mori(Latin for "remember you must die") is the practice of keeping a reminder in front of you that death is inevitable. The way I'd seen this most commonly was in paintings that included a skull tucked among still life items.
I'd never thought about it much one way or the other, except for the general way I would try to remember that my ultimate goal is heaven. When I saw this devotional it was after Easter 2019 so I waited until Lent 2020 to get it. How timely that turned out to be, what with global pandemics and suchlike.
Memento mori seems like a gloomy prospect but, especially as written by Theresa Noble, it is actually life affirming. How do we want to live ... and why? How can we draw closer to God? Where are we going wrong and how do we fix it? These are all Lenten questions and all questions we want to have figured out by the time we die. Remember Your Death helps you with that.
Noble has her own two-page reflection, a prompt for Examen and intercessory prayer, and a journaling/prayer prompt. I liked all of them, especially the long quote from a saint that was included in each intercessory prayer section.
This book will definitely be one I use for future Lenten reflection.
I'd never thought about it much one way or the other, except for the general way I would try to remember that my ultimate goal is heaven. When I saw this devotional it was after Easter 2019 so I waited until Lent 2020 to get it. How timely that turned out to be, what with global pandemics and suchlike.
Memento mori seems like a gloomy prospect but, especially as written by Theresa Noble, it is actually life affirming. How do we want to live ... and why? How can we draw closer to God? Where are we going wrong and how do we fix it? These are all Lenten questions and all questions we want to have figured out by the time we die. Remember Your Death helps you with that.
Noble has her own two-page reflection, a prompt for Examen and intercessory prayer, and a journaling/prayer prompt. I liked all of them, especially the long quote from a saint that was included in each intercessory prayer section.
This book will definitely be one I use for future Lenten reflection.
April 10, 2023
The best lenten devotional I’ve ever done. Every day had something so good to meditate on to fully enter into the lenten season and now embrace the joy of Easter! Alleluia!
April 4, 2021
This is a wonderful devotional for the Lenten season.
May 9, 2021
Well, finishing this well after Lent ended is better than not finishing it at all, I suppose! After all, as the last reflection goes, "'You who managed to come only at the eleventh hour, do not be dismayed by your lateness. No one will be deprived of heavenly joy.'"
April 4, 2021
This is the first time I’ve taken a Lenten devotional all the way through to Easter Sunday. Sister Theresa has produced a well-written and structured devotional that is not overwhelming, allowing the reader to determine the depth they can go in meditation. The simplicity of it helped me on those days when I couldn’t give it as much time. When I was able to give it more time it was extremely powerful. The excerpts taken from the writings of the Church fathers and various early century saints complemented the meditations so well. Additionally their writings served to educate me and reinforce the teachings and traditions of the Church. I will likely use it again outside of Lent because there were some days I didn’t spend as much time on the meditation as I could have due to time constraints. My goal in using this devotional was to overcome my fear of death. What it has done is set me on a path where I don’t see death as an ending but as a movement towards my loving Father. I’m not totally there yet and still have attachments I need to surrender. But my heart has shifted more on meditating on the love of my Heavenly Father who gave His only Son that we may all have life everlasting. Thank you, Sister Theresa! Deo gratias!
April 1, 2024
This was a great way to keep my mind on the purpose of Lent as well as how to refocus my mind to [try to] live life to the fullest.
That we live means we will die.
Christ died to free us from eternal/spiritual death.
There are great lengthy quotes from many saints as well as a journal prompt for every day except Holy Saturday.
That we live means we will die.
Christ died to free us from eternal/spiritual death.
There are great lengthy quotes from many saints as well as a journal prompt for every day except Holy Saturday.
April 22, 2019
There was much good to be taken from this book, however I was expecting so much more than what it offered. It did not go half as in depth as I was hoping it would be. Pretty basic concepts that related to living a good life, but didn't match up to the kind of preparation for death I was anticipating. Far less intense than the title and description would lead you to believe.
April 21, 2019
Life-changing, life-giving! I would recommend this devotion at any time of year, but it really was such a gift to journey through Lent with this.
April 18, 2022
A great Lenten read! The author sets up a manageable, yet deeply impactful Lenten devotional practice by guiding the reader in reflecting on their death. The readings are only a few pages, but her reflections are poignant. I didn’t find it to be fluffy, but rather had solid content that related to the readings for that day and included reflections from various church figures. I felt that each day was approachable whether I had a half hour or merely a few minutes to devote to it. I look forward to returning to the book again in the future as I’m sure there is much I could still gain from it!
April 5, 2021
Not the right book for my Lenten read this year as I lived Memento Mori but I carried on anyway. The reflections were very good and not overly long. I look forward to coming back to this book when I can appreciate it more.
April 1, 2024
Super cool Lenten devotion
April 12, 2020
This has been the most fruitful Lent I’ve ever had. Between the pandemic and the isolation that has come with it, my anxiety could have been through the roof. But this beautiful devotional kept me grounded and allowed me to think about living intentionally as a Christian – mindful of my death, and so living for Christ. I can see making this an annual tradition to keep me grounded in my Faith and mindful that this life must be lived in a way that makes my next life one that will be spent with Christ.
April 22, 2019
Glad I picked this up on a whim. Never thought to use season of Lent as a way to ponder death on a daily basis. Initially it seemed a melancholy way to experience lent, a real "downer". But it wasn't that way at all, more a way to appreciate the life we have.
June 28, 2019
Excellent book for a structured Lent, and despite the decorations, not depressing or morbid at all.
April 14, 2020
Such a great devotional to use during Lent. Sister Aletheia provided great and thoughtful reflections each day.
April 22, 2021
An exceptional Lenten devotional that has deepened my faith.
April 5, 2021
Remember Your Death is a Lenten Devotional by Sister Theresea Aletheia Noble. I read this book as part of my Lenten practice. As you might expect, it is broken down into readings for each day. Each day comes with an observation on the Gospel reading, usually focusing on the theme of Memento More (remember your death), a prayer focus, a secondary reading and a journal suggestion.
Right off the bat, let's just say that this is a Lenten Devotion. This is not something you would read straight through as a book of theology or biblical study. Rather, this is meant for the faithful tor read, digest and to be formed by. Those that are already familiar with the Devotion format will understand this.
I wasn't exactly sure what I was expecting. Surely the daily thoughts. The additional readings were a nice touch and some days became the focus for my prayer thoughts as they were more pertinent than Sister Noble's writings. This is not to say that what Sister Noble has written is bad. I just felt that it was off kilter some days with observations that were forced into the text and with prayer applications that didn't flow naturally. It was as if the 40 structure of Lent had taken over and the theme was forced into that structure than naturally flowing out of the devotion.
Having said that, there were days when I felt the devotionals were a little basic. But overall, I would recommend this as a Lenten exercise for people wanting to focus on their death.
A strength of this book is the journaling exercises. Not all of them were great, but she tries very hard to vary the approaches (including artwork and Igantian spirituality).
Not the best devotional I've used, but certainly not the worst.
Grade: B-
Right off the bat, let's just say that this is a Lenten Devotion. This is not something you would read straight through as a book of theology or biblical study. Rather, this is meant for the faithful tor read, digest and to be formed by. Those that are already familiar with the Devotion format will understand this.
I wasn't exactly sure what I was expecting. Surely the daily thoughts. The additional readings were a nice touch and some days became the focus for my prayer thoughts as they were more pertinent than Sister Noble's writings. This is not to say that what Sister Noble has written is bad. I just felt that it was off kilter some days with observations that were forced into the text and with prayer applications that didn't flow naturally. It was as if the 40 structure of Lent had taken over and the theme was forced into that structure than naturally flowing out of the devotion.
Having said that, there were days when I felt the devotionals were a little basic. But overall, I would recommend this as a Lenten exercise for people wanting to focus on their death.
A strength of this book is the journaling exercises. Not all of them were great, but she tries very hard to vary the approaches (including artwork and Igantian spirituality).
Not the best devotional I've used, but certainly not the worst.
Grade: B-
April 6, 2021
Overview: This book talks about our physical death daily but not in a way that makes you uncomfortable... well I guess that depends on the person. This places the things of life into perspective as it reminds us daily of whose eyes we should be looking through. A repeated theme is not that we are just remembering that we will die but remembering who it is that we live for, Jesus Christ.
My takeaway: Because the book was so easy to read, even with the mention of death daily, I wasn’t sure if anything was happening to me. But as the time went by I found myself more comfortable with death, more hopeful upon hearing about the death of others (I immediately began praying that they would be with our Lord) and excited/looking forward to my own death. I am truly eager to be with my Heavenly Father and I can finally acknowledge peacefully in my heart that I’d have to die to do that. But I also keep in mind that God has conquered death.
So yes! I love living as a Christian but to die is truly gain! (Philippians 1:21)
Recommendations: Even if you don’t get this Lenten devotional (or the full book) it’s good to do your examine with the perspective that you could’ve died today. Would you have been right with God? Also ask for the grace to live tomorrow well so if you should die, you died living for Christ.
My takeaway: Because the book was so easy to read, even with the mention of death daily, I wasn’t sure if anything was happening to me. But as the time went by I found myself more comfortable with death, more hopeful upon hearing about the death of others (I immediately began praying that they would be with our Lord) and excited/looking forward to my own death. I am truly eager to be with my Heavenly Father and I can finally acknowledge peacefully in my heart that I’d have to die to do that. But I also keep in mind that God has conquered death.
So yes! I love living as a Christian but to die is truly gain! (Philippians 1:21)
Recommendations: Even if you don’t get this Lenten devotional (or the full book) it’s good to do your examine with the perspective that you could’ve died today. Would you have been right with God? Also ask for the grace to live tomorrow well so if you should die, you died living for Christ.
April 18, 2022
This has been my favorite Lenten devotional by far.
It is a Lenten devotional & meets that format. Anyone expecting more from it will inevitably be disappointed.
I do hope Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble writes a more in depth book on Memento Mori because this just a taste of what she had to say.
The devotional spoke to me in ways few others have. I found it more relatable than most. It does not shy away from very real truths.
It definitely is for a younger audience, but older people can gain much too. Personally I’m middle-aged and took so much from it. I’ll be re-reading for sure &
I plan on giving it to my senior mom next year.
The readings from saints were amazing & perfectly complimented the author’s insights.
The journaling and prayer sections at the end of the readings are really great.
Creatives will love it. There are different options offered for those with less creativity. However, I encourage all to just give it what they got. It’s not for anyone, but yourself.
This devotional definitely helped me become closer to God this lent.
It is a Lenten devotional & meets that format. Anyone expecting more from it will inevitably be disappointed.
I do hope Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble writes a more in depth book on Memento Mori because this just a taste of what she had to say.
The devotional spoke to me in ways few others have. I found it more relatable than most. It does not shy away from very real truths.
It definitely is for a younger audience, but older people can gain much too. Personally I’m middle-aged and took so much from it. I’ll be re-reading for sure &
I plan on giving it to my senior mom next year.
The readings from saints were amazing & perfectly complimented the author’s insights.
The journaling and prayer sections at the end of the readings are really great.
Creatives will love it. There are different options offered for those with less creativity. However, I encourage all to just give it what they got. It’s not for anyone, but yourself.
This devotional definitely helped me become closer to God this lent.
March 4, 2021
UPDATE MID-LENT: I should never have given a recommendation for a book that I hadn't fully read! Lesson learned. I love the idea of Memento Mori. But, it is mid-Lent and I am really struggling with this devotional. The daily Memento Mori Examen feels a bit new age and secular to me. My soul can't relax into it. The excerpts from the bible, church fathers and saints are top notch, but the author's own reflections seem a bit immature and secular. I'm struggling with it.
***
Happy Ash Wednesday! I just started this Lenten devotional but I can already tell that I'm going to love it. I wanted to share it early, in case anyone was still looking for something this lent...
Written by Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble FSP, this deeply spiritual devotional is based on the ancient Catholic practice of Memento Mori (remembering your death). This would be beneficial to use every lent!
The author explains how to do a daily Memento Mori Examen. This is a systematic way to become aware of God's presence, ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance, review your day, remember your death and look toward tomorrow. Then, for each of the 40 days of lent, there are recommended scripture readings and a reflection. Combining a daily Memento Mori Examen, devotional readings and pauses for personal reflection would easily fill a 30 minute prayer time.
I recently heard an interview with the author on Catholic Answers and immediately ordered the book! In college, I had the privilege of living in a former Carthusian monastery in Austria for a semester. The holy monks that lived on those sacred grounds for hundreds of years would greet each other with the words: "Brother, remember your death". The idea of preparing for death, and seeking a good death, became a central unifying focus in my life.
Thinking about death may seem morbid, but it actually helps clarify a lot of things, so that you can intentionally live a good life. Ultimately, Memento Mori is about life! It frees you from petty concerns that might otherwise weigh you down or distract your focus. It trains your soul to say "yes" to God every day, so that on the last day your "yes" will come freely and loudly.
I highly recommend this spiritual practice!
***
Happy Ash Wednesday! I just started this Lenten devotional but I can already tell that I'm going to love it. I wanted to share it early, in case anyone was still looking for something this lent...
Written by Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble FSP, this deeply spiritual devotional is based on the ancient Catholic practice of Memento Mori (remembering your death). This would be beneficial to use every lent!
The author explains how to do a daily Memento Mori Examen. This is a systematic way to become aware of God's presence, ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance, review your day, remember your death and look toward tomorrow. Then, for each of the 40 days of lent, there are recommended scripture readings and a reflection. Combining a daily Memento Mori Examen, devotional readings and pauses for personal reflection would easily fill a 30 minute prayer time.
I recently heard an interview with the author on Catholic Answers and immediately ordered the book! In college, I had the privilege of living in a former Carthusian monastery in Austria for a semester. The holy monks that lived on those sacred grounds for hundreds of years would greet each other with the words: "Brother, remember your death". The idea of preparing for death, and seeking a good death, became a central unifying focus in my life.
Thinking about death may seem morbid, but it actually helps clarify a lot of things, so that you can intentionally live a good life. Ultimately, Memento Mori is about life! It frees you from petty concerns that might otherwise weigh you down or distract your focus. It trains your soul to say "yes" to God every day, so that on the last day your "yes" will come freely and loudly.
I highly recommend this spiritual practice!
April 18, 2022
You are going to die. Each day, we are getting closer and closer to our date of death. That is a fact. IT's inescapable.
One day you will stand before the judgment seat of God.
We must prepare through prayer and the sacraments. Above all, we must cooperate with God's mercy. Pray for others and be mindful of your own salvation.
Memento Mori= Remember death
I used this as a lenten devotional for Lent 2022. This has helped me grow in my own faith and trust in God's infinite mercy. An excellent read that took its sources from many different Saints and Doctors from the Church.
Thank you Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble for your excellent writing.
May we all meet each other in heaven together to sing God's praise for all eternity.
One day you will stand before the judgment seat of God.
We must prepare through prayer and the sacraments. Above all, we must cooperate with God's mercy. Pray for others and be mindful of your own salvation.
Memento Mori= Remember death
I used this as a lenten devotional for Lent 2022. This has helped me grow in my own faith and trust in God's infinite mercy. An excellent read that took its sources from many different Saints and Doctors from the Church.
Thank you Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble for your excellent writing.
May we all meet each other in heaven together to sing God's praise for all eternity.
April 11, 2021
For a lenten devotional, I think this had a really good mixture of the memento mori theme, a social conscience, prompts to pray for others, and reflection prompts to think about your own spiritual life. I really enjoyed it and think I got a lot out of it. It was the most productive thing I did during lent.
April 17, 2022
This Lenten devotional can be followed any time but it enriched my 2022 Lenten experience. Each day has a reflection from Sr. Theresa Aletheia and a short writing chosen from a variety of saints, priests, and holy people. You are then provided with the suggestion to review your day, pray for a suggested person, and reflect on a given topic.
April 12, 2020
Fresh mix of contemplative prayer guidance, devotional commentary, and creative writing prompts. Given to me by a close friend, this is a book I would recommend to only the very Catholic, as it includes doctrine-rich, daily excerpts from “Church fathers.”
March 22, 2022
This is a great Lenten devotional book reflecting on death in order to reflect on life. “Death was no longer an abyss but a shining doorway.”
It is a Catholic book and I am Protestant, but there wasn’t too much that I didn’t agree with or couldn’t just skim over.
It is a Catholic book and I am Protestant, but there wasn’t too much that I didn’t agree with or couldn’t just skim over.
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