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The Wonders of the Holy Name
The Wonders of the Holy Name may well be the most valuable of all Fr. O'Sullivan’s very popular and soul-stirring books, for it reveals the simplest secret of holiness and happiness over. Scarcely one Catholic in a million has heard about the amazing power of the Holy Name of Jesus which the author explains here. He brings forth stories and quotes from Scripture, history and the lives of the Saints, showing the incredible efficacy of this Sacred Name and urging us to invoke it often — dozens of times, even hundreds of times each day!
The author describes what remarkable prayers can be summed up in the one word, “Jesus.” He shows how the habitual practice of this simple devotion shields us from temptation and leads us to holiness of life. He says that by repeating reverently the Holy Name we can glorify God, call upon His aid, pay our spiritual debts, assist the Souls in Purgatory, obtain a share in the graces God is constantly pouring out, receive protection from the devil, obtain the grace of a happy death, be preserved from disasters and even regain our physical health!
The Wonders of the Holy Name reveals a tremendous secret almost unknown today. In bringing out this secret, Fr. O'Sullivan gives us thereby a glimpse into the infinite holiness at the heart of our Catholic Faith.
The author describes what remarkable prayers can be summed up in the one word, “Jesus.” He shows how the habitual practice of this simple devotion shields us from temptation and leads us to holiness of life. He says that by repeating reverently the Holy Name we can glorify God, call upon His aid, pay our spiritual debts, assist the Souls in Purgatory, obtain a share in the graces God is constantly pouring out, receive protection from the devil, obtain the grace of a happy death, be preserved from disasters and even regain our physical health!
The Wonders of the Holy Name reveals a tremendous secret almost unknown today. In bringing out this secret, Fr. O'Sullivan gives us thereby a glimpse into the infinite holiness at the heart of our Catholic Faith.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1947
About the author
Paul O'Sullivan
30 books40 followersFather Paul O'Sullivan, O.P., was born on February 7, 1871. After studying in Dublin, he went on to Rome, where he was ordained a Dominican. He then pursued a Lectorate degree for theology, which in turn prepared him for his future career in writing simple, profound books and preaching to the faithful. Father O'Sullivan also founded the "Catholic Printing Press" and established the Rosary Association, one of several associations he created with the Church's permission. He wrote on and had a great devotion to St. Philomena as well. He died in 1958, on the Feast of the Presentation.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 20, 2022
Despite Juliet’s argument about sweet smelling roses no matter their name, words matter and names even more so. The most beautiful and powerful name ever is that of Our LORD Jesus and Fr. O’Sullivan’s little book on the Savior’s Holy Name is divine! It was written in 1947 yet is timeless. It is also a quick read, full of good spiritual information and will renew/repair/refresh your relationship with Jesus. Cannot recommend this book too highly.
December 19, 2022: for this second reading I read a Kindle version so that I might have easier access to the quotes. This book is amazing and greatly simplifies prayer. It is as simple as His Holy Name, but also that deep and profound. As the books suggests: read this book often and well and pray His Holy Name deeply and constantly!
December 19, 2022: for this second reading I read a Kindle version so that I might have easier access to the quotes. This book is amazing and greatly simplifies prayer. It is as simple as His Holy Name, but also that deep and profound. As the books suggests: read this book often and well and pray His Holy Name deeply and constantly!
February 17, 2021
This was the third volume from Father Paul that I have read. I picked the first, was The Holy Ghost, Our Greatest Friend and the second The Wonders of the Mass. I picked up the first book because it was promoted by TAN books in an email blast. They were promoting a bundle of books by Father Paul O'Sullivan. I know I have seen the covers before. After reading the first one I picked up a few more. And this was the third volume I have read. The beginning of the description of this book is:
“The Wonders of the Holy Name may well be the most valuable of all Fr. O'Sullivan’s very popular and soul-stirring books, for it reveals the simplest secret of holiness and happiness over. Scarcely one Catholic in a million has heard about the amazing power of the Holy Name of Jesus which the author explains here. He brings forth stories and quotes from Scripture, history and the lives of the Saints, showing the incredible efficacy of this Sacred Name and urging us to invoke it often — dozens of times, even hundreds of times each day!”
And the chapters are:
Letters of Approbation
Letter from the Master General
To the Reader
1. The Wonders of the Holy Name
2. What Does the Name of Jesus Mean?
3. The World in Danger Saved by the Holy Name
4. The Plague in Lisbon: The City Saved by the Holy Name
5. Genseric the Goth
6. D. Melchior Smiles at His Tormentors
7. The Saints and the Holy Name
8. The Doctrine of the Holy Name
9. We Can Ask for Everything in the Name of Jesus
10. The Devil and the Name of Jesus
This is another great little volume. It is the third by Father Paul I have read and it will not be the last. The author in the section ‘To The Reader’ states:
“Read this booklet slowly and with attention, not once, but many times, and you will thank God all the rest of your life.
It will give you much happiness, and it will enable you to obtain from God wonderful graces and blessings.
It teaches the wonders of the Holy Name of Jesus, which few Christians understand. The frequent repetition of this divine name will save you from much suffering and great dangers. The world is now threatened with the direst calamities. Each one of us can do much to save himself from the impending evils, and we can do much to help the world, the Church and our Holy Father the Pope, simply by repeating frequently, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” (See page 3).”
And that is exactly how I feel about the book. When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This volume reminds me a lot of those books, but specifically geared for Catholics. And a quick look at some of his other titles look the same. The author states the same above in his letter to readers. I have a feeling that the books by Father Paul will be ones I return to time and time again for these very reasons. But even before that letter to the readers of the volume are three letters promoting and encouraging the use of the book. It is a fantastic little volume.
Some of the sections I highlighted my first time through this volume are:
“Two things we must do. First of all, we must understand clearly the meaning and value of the Name of Jesus.
Secondly, we must get into the habit of saying it devoutly, frequently, hundreds and hundreds of times every day. Far from being a burden, it will be an immense joy and consolation.”
“Each time we say, “Jesus,” we give God infinite joy and glory, for we offer Him all the infinite merits of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.”
“Bear in mind that each time we say, “Jesus,” devoutly, 1) we give God great glory, 2) we receive great graces for ourselves, 3) and we help the souls in Purgatory.”
“Every Christian must turn to God and ask Him to have mercy on us. The easiest of all prayers, as we have seen, is the Name of Jesus.”
“The Name of Jesus is the shortest, the easiest and the most powerful of prayers. Everyone can say it, even in the midst of his daily work. God cannot refuse to hear it.”
“Many people find it hard to sleep.
They will find help and consolation by invoking in these sleepless moments the Holy Name, and very probably they will fall into a tranquil slumber.”
““Whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” He adds: Whether you eat or whether you drink, or whatever else you do, do all in the Name of Jesus.”
As I hope can be seen by these samples from the book just how valuable it is. The book helps us realize the importance of the praying the name of Jesus. Helps us learn to draw in deeper in prayer. It is an excellent volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Paul O'Sullivan.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
“The Wonders of the Holy Name may well be the most valuable of all Fr. O'Sullivan’s very popular and soul-stirring books, for it reveals the simplest secret of holiness and happiness over. Scarcely one Catholic in a million has heard about the amazing power of the Holy Name of Jesus which the author explains here. He brings forth stories and quotes from Scripture, history and the lives of the Saints, showing the incredible efficacy of this Sacred Name and urging us to invoke it often — dozens of times, even hundreds of times each day!”
And the chapters are:
Letters of Approbation
Letter from the Master General
To the Reader
1. The Wonders of the Holy Name
2. What Does the Name of Jesus Mean?
3. The World in Danger Saved by the Holy Name
4. The Plague in Lisbon: The City Saved by the Holy Name
5. Genseric the Goth
6. D. Melchior Smiles at His Tormentors
7. The Saints and the Holy Name
8. The Doctrine of the Holy Name
9. We Can Ask for Everything in the Name of Jesus
10. The Devil and the Name of Jesus
This is another great little volume. It is the third by Father Paul I have read and it will not be the last. The author in the section ‘To The Reader’ states:
“Read this booklet slowly and with attention, not once, but many times, and you will thank God all the rest of your life.
It will give you much happiness, and it will enable you to obtain from God wonderful graces and blessings.
It teaches the wonders of the Holy Name of Jesus, which few Christians understand. The frequent repetition of this divine name will save you from much suffering and great dangers. The world is now threatened with the direst calamities. Each one of us can do much to save himself from the impending evils, and we can do much to help the world, the Church and our Holy Father the Pope, simply by repeating frequently, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” (See page 3).”
And that is exactly how I feel about the book. When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This volume reminds me a lot of those books, but specifically geared for Catholics. And a quick look at some of his other titles look the same. The author states the same above in his letter to readers. I have a feeling that the books by Father Paul will be ones I return to time and time again for these very reasons. But even before that letter to the readers of the volume are three letters promoting and encouraging the use of the book. It is a fantastic little volume.
Some of the sections I highlighted my first time through this volume are:
“Two things we must do. First of all, we must understand clearly the meaning and value of the Name of Jesus.
Secondly, we must get into the habit of saying it devoutly, frequently, hundreds and hundreds of times every day. Far from being a burden, it will be an immense joy and consolation.”
“Each time we say, “Jesus,” we give God infinite joy and glory, for we offer Him all the infinite merits of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.”
“Bear in mind that each time we say, “Jesus,” devoutly, 1) we give God great glory, 2) we receive great graces for ourselves, 3) and we help the souls in Purgatory.”
“Every Christian must turn to God and ask Him to have mercy on us. The easiest of all prayers, as we have seen, is the Name of Jesus.”
“The Name of Jesus is the shortest, the easiest and the most powerful of prayers. Everyone can say it, even in the midst of his daily work. God cannot refuse to hear it.”
“Many people find it hard to sleep.
They will find help and consolation by invoking in these sleepless moments the Holy Name, and very probably they will fall into a tranquil slumber.”
““Whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” He adds: Whether you eat or whether you drink, or whatever else you do, do all in the Name of Jesus.”
As I hope can be seen by these samples from the book just how valuable it is. The book helps us realize the importance of the praying the name of Jesus. Helps us learn to draw in deeper in prayer. It is an excellent volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Paul O'Sullivan.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
May 28, 2012
This book is amazing, i read a bit of it every morning!
January 4, 2021
Perfect little booklet to read today, the Feast of the Holy Name, or throughout the month of January, the month of the Holy Name of Jesus.
July 15, 2025
If I'm going to be honest, I'm usually neglectful when it comes to calling upon the name of Jesus as if it were a prayer. When I'm at work or just busy with other things I usually don't even think of Jesus, mostly because my mind is preoccupied. This book was short, informative and it helped me realize how BEAUTIFUL the Holy name of Jesus truly is!
December 10, 2018
Wonderful little booklet!! Everyone should read this one. There is real and substantial power in the name of Jesus!
July 28, 2013
Starts off with three letters of approbation from Cardinals from 1947. An interesting little booklet that discusses the history, method and doctrine of praying the name of Jesus, repeatedly many times through the day. First discusses the wonders of the Holy Name and what exactly saying "Jesus" means. Next follows a succession of historical events where calling upon the Holy Name brought relief and answers to prayers such as the plague in Lisbon in 1432. Then a discussion of Saints who received miracles by specifically calling upon the divine name of Jesus. Next the doctrine of the Holy Name is explained and while it is a simple prayer to repeat "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" for specific intentions or for general prayer, this part tells how one must know exactly what one is calling upon when devoutly saying the Holy Name. I'd never heard of this prayer before and can see myself putting it into practice quite easily as I do call upon the Lord quite frequently. The history was interesting but I did find the section on the Saints could have been written better. It presents the mysticism and miracles as plain facts, when in reality they should have been prefaced with such phrases as "legend has it" or "it has been said" as some of the miracles presented are quite, shall we say far-fetched. Not that I don't believe in miracles, just that the Church gives us the opportunity to make up our own minds about these things. Well-written otherwise and I liked the style from this time-period. The editors did make a few footnotes that updated some of the material. The current edition on the publisher's site is copyrighted 2009, so there may have been more updates at this point. My review is of the 1993 edition.
November 11, 2019
94/100 (= 5.6/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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The blue book! Truly an amazing discovery. What's in a name? In this one, everything!! Hallowed by Thy Name!
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The blue book! Truly an amazing discovery. What's in a name? In this one, everything!! Hallowed by Thy Name!
August 9, 2024
A must-read for everyone! Short, sweet, and to the point, and full of stories and examples, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to grow closer to Our Lord.
December 16, 2025
Just a few of my notes:
1. Of the Power of the Holy Name by the Example of St. Vincent Ferrer
“Happy those who in life have made sure of acquiring the habit of calling on the name of Jesus. Facts like these we have just mentioned are to be found in the lives of all the great servants of God, who became Saints, and reached the highest degrees of sanctity by this simple and easy means.
St. Vincent Ferrer, one of the most famous preachers the world has ever heard, converted the most abandoned criminals, and transformed them into the most fervent Christians. He converted 80,000 Jews and 70,000 Moores, a prodigy we read of in the life of no other Saint. Three miracles are demanded by the Church for the Canonization of a Saint, whereas in the Bull of Canonization of Saint Vincent, 873 are mentioned. This great Saint burned with the love for the name of Jesus, and with this Divine Name, worked extraordinary wonders. We therefore, sinful as we are, can, with this omnipotent name, obtain every favor and strong Grace. The weakest mortals can become strong, the most afflicted find it in consolation and joy. Who then can be so foolish or negligent as not to acquire the habit of repeating: Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Constantly. It robs us of no time, presents no difficulty, and is an infallible remedy for every evil.” (O’Sullivan, Ch. 7).
2. On Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
“We have pity for the poor, whom we see in the streets, for the hungry, and for all those who suffer. None suffer so terribly as the souls in purgatory, for the fire of purgatory, as St. Thomas tells us, is the same fire of Hell. How often, dear reader, do you pray for the Holy Souls? Days, and weeks, and perhaps months pass and you do little, perhaps nothing for them. You can easily help them, if you will say frequently the name of Jesus, because you thus offer them the previous blood and suffering of Jesus Christ. As we have explained, you gain 300-days indulgence every time you say Jesus. Having the custom of repeating often you can, like St. Mechtilde, relieve thousands of souls, who will thereafter never cease praying for you with incredible fervor.” (O’Sullivan, Ch. 9.1).
3. On the Hatred of the Devil and the Name of Jesus
“The great, great evil, the great danger that threatens each of us every day and every night of our lives is the Devil. St. Peter and St. Paul warn us in the strongest language to beware of the Devil, for he is using all his tremendous power, his mighty intelligence, to ruin us, to harm, to hurt us in every way. There is no danger, no enemy in the world we have to fear, as we should fear the Devil. He cannot attack God, so he turns all his implacable hatred and malice against us. We are destined to take the thrones he and the other bad angels have lost. This lashes him into wild fury against us. Many foolish, ignorant Catholics never think of this. They take no care to defend themselves, and thus allow the Devil to inflict on them infinite harm and cause them untold sufferings. Our best, our easiest remedy is the name of Jesus. It drives the Devil flying from our sides, and saves us from countless evils. Oh dear reader, say constantly this all-powerful name, and the Devil can do you no harm. Say it in all dangers, in all temptations. Wake up if you have been asleep. Open your eyes to the terrible enemy who is ever seeking your ruin. Priests should preach frequently on this all-important subject. They should warn their penitents in the Confessional against the Devil. They counsel people to avoid bad companions, who make them lead bad lives. Incomparably more dreadful is the influence of the Devil on them. Teachers, catechists, and mothers should constantly warn their children against the Devil. All their efforts will be only too little.” (O’Sullivan, Ch. 10).
1. Of the Power of the Holy Name by the Example of St. Vincent Ferrer
“Happy those who in life have made sure of acquiring the habit of calling on the name of Jesus. Facts like these we have just mentioned are to be found in the lives of all the great servants of God, who became Saints, and reached the highest degrees of sanctity by this simple and easy means.
St. Vincent Ferrer, one of the most famous preachers the world has ever heard, converted the most abandoned criminals, and transformed them into the most fervent Christians. He converted 80,000 Jews and 70,000 Moores, a prodigy we read of in the life of no other Saint. Three miracles are demanded by the Church for the Canonization of a Saint, whereas in the Bull of Canonization of Saint Vincent, 873 are mentioned. This great Saint burned with the love for the name of Jesus, and with this Divine Name, worked extraordinary wonders. We therefore, sinful as we are, can, with this omnipotent name, obtain every favor and strong Grace. The weakest mortals can become strong, the most afflicted find it in consolation and joy. Who then can be so foolish or negligent as not to acquire the habit of repeating: Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Constantly. It robs us of no time, presents no difficulty, and is an infallible remedy for every evil.” (O’Sullivan, Ch. 7).
2. On Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
“We have pity for the poor, whom we see in the streets, for the hungry, and for all those who suffer. None suffer so terribly as the souls in purgatory, for the fire of purgatory, as St. Thomas tells us, is the same fire of Hell. How often, dear reader, do you pray for the Holy Souls? Days, and weeks, and perhaps months pass and you do little, perhaps nothing for them. You can easily help them, if you will say frequently the name of Jesus, because you thus offer them the previous blood and suffering of Jesus Christ. As we have explained, you gain 300-days indulgence every time you say Jesus. Having the custom of repeating often you can, like St. Mechtilde, relieve thousands of souls, who will thereafter never cease praying for you with incredible fervor.” (O’Sullivan, Ch. 9.1).
3. On the Hatred of the Devil and the Name of Jesus
“The great, great evil, the great danger that threatens each of us every day and every night of our lives is the Devil. St. Peter and St. Paul warn us in the strongest language to beware of the Devil, for he is using all his tremendous power, his mighty intelligence, to ruin us, to harm, to hurt us in every way. There is no danger, no enemy in the world we have to fear, as we should fear the Devil. He cannot attack God, so he turns all his implacable hatred and malice against us. We are destined to take the thrones he and the other bad angels have lost. This lashes him into wild fury against us. Many foolish, ignorant Catholics never think of this. They take no care to defend themselves, and thus allow the Devil to inflict on them infinite harm and cause them untold sufferings. Our best, our easiest remedy is the name of Jesus. It drives the Devil flying from our sides, and saves us from countless evils. Oh dear reader, say constantly this all-powerful name, and the Devil can do you no harm. Say it in all dangers, in all temptations. Wake up if you have been asleep. Open your eyes to the terrible enemy who is ever seeking your ruin. Priests should preach frequently on this all-important subject. They should warn their penitents in the Confessional against the Devil. They counsel people to avoid bad companions, who make them lead bad lives. Incomparably more dreadful is the influence of the Devil on them. Teachers, catechists, and mothers should constantly warn their children against the Devil. All their efforts will be only too little.” (O’Sullivan, Ch. 10).
January 12, 2020
Mi sono approcciata a questo libro con l'aspettativa di trovare un approfondimento serio, storico e teologico, sulla devozione al Sacro Nome di Gesù, invece ho trovato un testo abbastanza superficiale, troppo ricco di aneddoti riguardo alla relazione dei Santi con il nome di Gesù, aneddoti raccontati in modo fin troppo infiorettato. Anche i capitoli che si prefiggono una spiegazione più dottrinale rimangono superficiali e risultano spesso ridondanti. Manca completamente la parte dedicata alla storia di questa devozione. Peccato.
February 13, 2020
Very good, short, and informational.
January 11, 2021
This is an interesting, inspiring book that I have read several times.
October 10, 2021
Haven't read this in a few years and was edified to be reminded of the power of the sacred name of Our Blessed Lord.
November 25, 2021
I remember seeing this book in our home library years ago. The other day, I decided to read this. In short, it's a good read. I just hope that the text was a bit longer.
December 2, 2021
good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2022
A great compilation of the beauties of the name "Jesus"
July 9, 2025
swag
October 14, 2025
What a wonderful Jesus we have been given.
January 25, 2016
O what a Name we have to call on.
October 16, 2025
This is an oldie but goodie, great to begin new year
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews