Authentic Devotion

Centuries ago, Francis de Sales–bishop of Geneva during the lifetime of many first generation Protestant Calvinists–wrote about the importance of having a spiritual director. Yet he later told his biographer such a person “would be difficult to find,” suggesting that in these circumstances, “We can look for guidance among the books of authors who are no longer living. Devotional books are our best Directors.” Today, de Sales serves as such a spiritual director to countless modern day believers, and his Introduction to the Devout Life is recognized as one of the truly great works of devotional literature. Originally written as a series of letters of religious guidance, this enduring book is filled with thoughtful spiritual illustrations and radiates with a warm humanity that touches people of all religious backgrounds. A classic masterpiece of spiritual writing, de Sales’ book is acknowledged to be among the top handful of guides to Christian living. No matter where readers are in their spiritual development–whether they are beginners or skilled theologians–this modern interpretation, an “honest paraphrase” of de Sales’ work, will gently guide them down the clearest path imaginable into a deeper and more authentic religious life.

Kelly Jacobs has already paid the ultimate price of loving a warrior; she has the folded flag and the grateful thanks of a nation to prove it. Navy SEAL Joe “Bear” Baker can't ask her to accept that risk again—even though he loves her. But the man responsible for her husband's death is back; closer than either of them realize. Kelly is in danger, and Joe may not get there in time. Uncommon Heroes: Welcome to a world where friendships go deep, loyalties stand strong, and uncommon heroes perform the toughest jobs in the world. Dee Henderson's military romance series provides a detailed passage into the world of the military and homeland heroes, and those they love.

A Treatise on the True Devotion on the Blessed Virgin or True Devotion to Mary is considered the greatest book on the Blessed Virgin Mary ever written and has been recommended and practiced by eight Popes. This is the original "scrupulously faithful" translation by Father Frederick William Faber. The great Marian Pope, Blessed Pope John Paul II practiced this Devotion to Mary, in his Letter to the Monfort Fathers he says: "A work destined to become a classic of Marian spirituality was published 160 years ago. St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort wrote the Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin at the beginning of the 1700s, but the manuscript remained practically unknown for more than a century. When, almost by chance, it was at last discovered in 1842 and published in 1843, the work was an instant success, proving extraordinarily effective in spreading the "true devotion" to the Most Holy Virgin. "When we praise her, love her, honor her or give anything to her, it is God who is praised, God who is loved, God who is glorified, and it is to God that we give, through Mary and in Mary (Treatise on True Devotion, n. 225)." Included is a supplementary 33-Day Preparation for Total Consecration. Paintings are by Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

This book is about how God's Word shapes and rules our devotion to him. What is the best way of talking about this? 'Spirituality' is what many people call it, but this is not the ideal word. It can mean a great many things, some of them very far removed from anything the Bible teaches. 'Piety' is another possibility, but this is sometimes used in a rather negative way. Preferable is 'Devotion'. When we speak of a couple being 'devoted' to each other, we mean that their relationship is strong, loyal, and loving - which is how we should relate to God. All three words are used in this book. In each case it is talking about how we relate to God, that is, how we express and exercise personal relationship with him. The aim is to examine what the Bible teaches about knowing God and living with him. Why 'True Devotion'? For two reasons: we must be truly devoted to God - our relationship with him must be real and deep; and we must be devoted to him truly - our devotion must be grounded in and governed by the truth, by the teaching of the Bible. This book draws on both the Scriptures and the writings of Christians of the past. Part 1 unpacks 'Gospel Spirituality' as responsive, paradoxical and relational; Part 2 critiques 'The Mystical Way', discussing experience of God and his voice, prayer, the inward journey and the testimony of mystics and reformers. Part 3 looks for 'The Way Ahead', focussing on meditation and concluding with a call to a Christ-centred, responsive spirituality. ALLAN CHAPPLE is senior lecturer in New Testament at Trinity Theological College, Perth WA. He has pastored churches in Western Australia and England, and was founding Director of the Perth Centre for Applied Christian Studies, then founding Principal of Trinity Theological College.

Real Devotion is a brief introduction to a Christian's understanding of God. It is intended for anyone looking to be a disciple and anyone looking to make disciples for Christ. Author Alexander Rodriguez says, "Before we come and die for Jesus, we must come and see Him!This is where real devotion begins! We must see God clearly! We must understand Him rightly!" This powerful book will help readers rediscover what makes God worthy of their worship and service.

Luis M. Martinez, the former Archbishop of Mexico City, maintains that as the Spirit is God's supreme gift, so your devotion to Him should be profound and encompassing. In beautiful, practical terms, Martinez illuminates the difference the Spirit can make when He's given His proper place in your soul. This handbook explains how you should respond to the Spirit, how the Spirit helps you grow in virtue, and the characteristics of true love of the Spirit.

TRUE DEVOTION TO MARY: WITH PREPARATION FOR TOTAL CONSECRATION SAINT LOUIS DE MONTFORT — The Original and Best 1863 Translation from the French by Reverend Frederick William Faber, D.D. — Two Books in One, True Devotion to Mary and 33-Day Preparation for Total Consecration — Includes Prefaces, an Introduction, information on True Devotion and Saint Louis De Montfort — A Classic Masterpiece of Marian Theology — Prayers are included in each of the 33 Day Preparation Days — Over 68,000 words including illustrations by Bartolome Esteban Murillo — Includes an Active Index and Table of Contents — Includes Active Links to Prayers and Endnotes Publisher: Two Paperbacks and a Hardback Edition are available: 5"x8" Paperback Book: ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-000-5 6"x9" Paperback Book: ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-011-1 6"x9" Hardback Book: ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-004-3 A Treatise on the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin or True Devotion to Mary is considered the greatest book on the Blessed Virgin Mary ever written and has been recommended and practiced by eight Popes. This is the original ‘scrupulously faithful’ translation by Reverend Frederick William Faber, D.D.. The great Marian Pope, Blessed Pope John Paul II practiced this Devotion to Mary, in his Letter to the Montfort Fathers he says: “A work destined to become a classic of Marian spirituality was published 160 years ago. St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort wrote the Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin at the beginning of the 1700s, but the manuscript remained practically unknown for more than a century. When, almost by chance, it was at last discovered in 1842 and published in 1843, the work was an instant success, proving extraordinarily effective in spreading the “true devotion” to the Most Holy Virgin.” “My motto; ‘Totus Tuus’ is inspired by the teaching of St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort. These two words express total belonging to Jesus through Mary: ‘Tuus totus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt,’ St Louis Marie wrote, and he translates his words: ‘I am all yours, and all that I have is yours, O most loving Jesus, through Mary, your most holy Mother’ (Treatise on True Devotion, n. 233). This Saint’s teaching has had a profound influence on the Marian devotion of many of the faithful and on my own life. It is a lived teaching of outstanding ascetic and mystical depth, expressed in a lively and passionate style that makes frequent use of images and symbols.” “All our perfection,” St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort writes, “consists in being conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus Christ; and therefore, the most perfect of all devotions is, without any doubt, that which most perfectly conforms, unites and consecrates us to Jesus Christ. Now, Mary being the most conformed of all creatures to Jesus Christ, it follows that, of all devotions, that which most consecrates and conforms the soul to Our Lord is devotion to his holy Mother, and that the more a soul is consecrated to Mary, the more it is consecrated to Jesus.” (Treatise on True Devotion, n. 120) “When we praise her, love her, honour her or give anything to her, it is God who is praised, God who is loved, God who is glorified, and it is to God that we give, through Mary and in Mary.” (Treatise on True Devotion, n. 225) Saint Louis-Marie Grignon De Montfort was a Catholic Priest and Missionary in Brittany and Vendee, France. He was born in Montfort-sur-Meu in 1673 and died in 1716. He was canonized by Pius XII in 1947. His feast day is on April 28th. He is considered one of the early proponents of the field of Mariology as it is known today, and a candidate to become a Doctor of the Church. PUBLISHER: CATHOLIC WAY PUBLISHING