Poustinia: Christian Spirituality of the East for Western Man

Doherty, Catherine De Hueck

Religion & Spirituality

Ave Maria Press

The "Summa Theologica" is considered the greatest work of St. Thomas Aquinas. This work immortalized St. Thomas. The author himself modestly considered it simply a manual of Christian doctrine for the use of students. In reality it is a complete scientifically arranged exposition of theology and at the same time a summary of Christian philosophy. In the brief prologue St. Thomas first calls attention to the difficulties experienced by students of sacred doctrine in his day, the causes assigned being: the multiplication of useless questions, articles, and arguments; the lack of scientific order; frequent repetitions, "which beget disgust and confusion in the minds of learners". Then he adds: "Wishing to avoid these and similar drawbacks, we shall endeavour, confiding in the Divine assistance, to treat of these things that pertain to sacred doctrine with brevity and clearness, in so far as the subject to be treated will permit." Eight years were given to the composition of this work, which was begun at Rome, where the First Part and the First of the Second were written (1265-69). The Second of the Second, begun in Rome, was completed in Paris (1271). In 1272 St. Thomas went to Naples, where the Third Part was written, down to the ninetieth question of the tract On Penance. The work has been completed by the addition of a supplement, drawn from other writings of St. Thomas, attributed by some to Peter of Auvergne, by others to Henry of Gorkum. These attributions are rejected by the editors of the Leonine edition (XI, pp. viii, xiv, xviii). Mandonnet (op. cit., 153) inclines to the very probable opinion that it was compiled by Father Reginald de Piperno, the saint's faithful companion and secretary. The entire "Summa" contains 38 Treatises, 612 Questions, subdivided into 3120 articles, in which about 10,000 objections are proposed and answered. So admirably is the promised order preserved that, by reference to the beginning of the Tracts and Questions, one can see at a glance what place it occupies in the general plan, which embraces all that can be known through theology of God, of man, and of their mutual relations . . . "The whole Summa is arranged on a uniform plan. Every subject is introduced as a question, and divided into articles. . . . Each article has also a uniform disposition of parts. The topic is introduced as an inquiry for discussion, under the term Utrum, whether — e.g. Utrum Deus sit? The objections against the proposed thesis are then stated. These are generally three or four in number, but sometimes extend to seven or more. The conclusion adopted is then introduced by the words, Respondeo dicendum. At the end of the thesis expounded the objections are answered, under the forms, ad primum, ad secundum, etc." . . . . The "Summa" is Christian doctrine in scientific form; it is human reason rendering its highest service in defence and explanation of the truths of the Christian religion. It is the answer of the matured and saintly doctor to the question of his youth: What is God? Revelation, made known in the Scriptures and by tradition; reason and its best results; soundness and fulness of doctrine, order, conciseness and clearness of expression, effacement of self, the love of truth alone, hence a remarkable fairness towards adversaries and calmness in combating their errors; soberness and soundness of judgment, together with a charmingly tender and enlightened piety — these are all found in this "Summa" more than in his other writings, more than in the writings of his contemporaries, for "among the Scholastic doctors, the chief and master of all, towers Thomas Aquinas, who, as Cajetan observes (In 2am 2ae, Q. 148, a. 4) 'because he most venerated the ancient doctors of the Church in a certain way seems to have inherited the intellect of all'" (Encyclical, "Aeterni Patris", of Leo XIII).

The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas (Volume 5 Only)

Literature & Fiction

St. Thomas Aquinas

Short Stories & Anthologies

Mary's Journey is a meditation on Mary in the life of the Bible, in the teachings of the Church, and in our life of worship and devotion. It outlines the journey of faith by the most beloved female figure in the Catholic faith tradition. It reflects the best of contemporary scholarship and theological insight. A collection of well-known Marian prayers appear at the back of the book. Father Cameli writes: "I invite you to share in this meditation. Together we will certainly recognize the unique and privileged place of Mary in the story of salvation and in the Church. We will also see her setting a pattern for our journey and accompanying us along the way. My hope is that you, the reader, will return to your own image of Mary, the Mother of God, and find her more alive and present to you than ever before."

Mary's Journey

Christian Books & Bibles

Louis J. Cameli

Catholicism

Nearly fifteen centuries ago, Benedict of Nursia wrote a rule for Christians who wanted to live, work and pray together in community. With its core values of contemplation, hospitality, and simplicity, the rule remains as useful and fresh today as it was when Benedict created it in Italy those many centuries ago. But the Rule is not without its difficulties in contemporary practice. Author Laura Swan, a Benedictine Sister, looks at the Rule with a critical eye, seeking to unpack those parts that are problematic and to uncover gems that support the yearnings of today's seekers. She takes the obstacles that women and young people find in the Rule, and offers them insights that resonate with their experience and are still faithful to the challenge of the Rule. Readers will discover that Benedict's wisdom can shed much light on their own lives. By wrestling with the Rule, and hence taking it seriously, Laura Swan offers readers guidance on many difficult and painful questions.

Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach Us Today

Laura Swan

Be enriched by the understanding of Mary as a Jewish woman and nourished by the Magnificat in a new edition of this classic of woman's spirituality.

Miryam of Nazareth: Woman of Strength & Wisdom (Revised)

Johnson, Ann

Originally published in 1941, this book by the renowned British mystic and spiritual writer Caryll Houselander is once again new as modern readers learn from Houselander's encouragement of her compatriots to view their experience of World War II through the lens of Christ's passion. Writing with the intensity and immediacy of life in London during the blitz, Houselander's thought-provoking reflections continue to speak to believers today about the complex challenge they face to find Christ in the midst of the War on Terror. Writing in the tradition of Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, and Teresa of Avila, Houselander's words resonate with Christians today regardless of their perspective on theology and the Church.

This War Is the Passion

History

Houselander, Caryll

World

Drawn from the heart of Teresa of Avila's timeless classic The Way of Perfection, her most personal and accessible book, this masterful primer on prayer provides contemporary Christians with a simple guide on how to pray. Teresa of Avila's down-to-earth suggestions offer today's Christians--whether novices or veterans--sensible insight on the practice of prayer and meditation. An introductory section contains Teresa's teaching on the practice of vocal and mental prayer, followed by sixteen succinct chapters imparting Teresa's instructions on how to pray. Readable, personal, and practical, Teresa's commentary on the Lord's Prayer is a wonderful way to discover the passion and the wisdom of this beloved woman mystic.

Way of Prayer: Learning to Pray With Our Father (Christian Classics)

Teresa, Of Avila

In this classic text in the field of Marian scholarship, Hilda Graef provides a look at the place of Mary in the Church, and a chronological overview of the history of Marian studies. This revised and updated edition of Mary: A History of Doctrine and Devotion now features an extended final chapter and new introduction by Thomas A. Thompson, S.M., director of the Marian Library at the University of Dayton. This book is a must-have reference resource for Marian scholars and for lay readers curious about Mary’s place in scripture and Church history.

Mary: A History of Doctrine and Devotion

Hilda Graef

A fascinating collection of saints' lives, a prophetic critique of modernity, and a surprisingly contemporary take on being Catholic--in particular a Catholic woman--in a sometimes-hostile secular world, from the Nobel Prize-winning author of Kristin Lavransdatter. Stages on the Road is a series of essays about the relationship between the Church and the modern world. In the spirit of G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis, Undset points to inconsistencies, hypocrisies, and blind spots of the modern secular mindset by introducing readers to the stories of somewhat-forgotten Catholic figures like St. Angela Merici and the English martyrs Margaret Clitherow and Robert Southwell--people who stood fast to their faith in the face of both intellectual and political hostility. Undset tackles such topics as religious freedom, Christian/Muslim relations, and the vocation of women.

Stages on the Road

Sigrid Undset

Don't You Really Love Me?

Joseph M. Champlin

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Ave Maria Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ave Maria Press