Holy Companions

The Celtic tradition continues to captivate readers. Centuries old, it seems to speak to the modern world with a fresh voice. In Holy Companions, readers are invited to get to know and journey with eighteen Celtic saints. The authors have provided a theme inspired by each saint, along with a brief biography, a reflection on what the saint's life and words may mean to us today, and some spiritual exercises and practices that grow out of that life and work. Written accessibly, this is an excellent book for individual exploration or group study.

A smorgasbord of ideas, stories, and practical suggestions on how to be spiritual companions to young people, sharing the richness of our faith while riding along on the awesome—and often surprising—journeys of those in our spiritual care.

ECPA Gold Medallion Finalist We need companions on our spiritual journey. The modern world has taught us to value autonomy and individualism. Our churches often see spirituality as personal and private. But we cannot go long in our Christian pilgrimage before realizing that isolation leads to spiritual barrenness. We soon discover that our souls long for accompaniment, intimacy and spiritual friendship. As a result, many Christians today are rediscovering the ancient practice of spiritual direction. In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Spiritual direction moves beyond mere moral lifestyle accountability and goes deeper than popular notions of mentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul. If we are to experience significant spiritual formation and growth, our souls must be nurtured through spiritual companions. Benner, well-accustomed to God's work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.

Let the lives and the wisdom of the Celtic saints teach you to pray. An excellent resource for individuals or groups who want to learn from the masters.

Sacred Companions Sacred Community is a practical and sacred journey into holy companionship. It speaks to the longing inside each of us as we traverse this earth in search of love.

This beautiful book will bring the rich traditions of the Catholic Church’s liturgical year into your home and your heart. You’ll find each month and season of the liturgical year is brimming with possibilities—feasts to be celebrated, litanies to discover, and saints to befriend. Throughout the year, you will learn and be encouraged by the saints, follow feasts and fasts, tune into the Liturgy of the Hours, and offer up a penance on Fridays in commemoration of Jesus’ sacrifice for you. Most importantly, you’ll grow closer to the Lord. Practical and easy to use, you’ll find opportunities to connect to your faith in meaningful and extraordinary ways, including ideas for finding time to pray, making seasonal snacks for the whole family, observing a meaningful Lent, celebrating the full Octave of Christmas, and so much more! Discover how you can grow closer to the Lord as you connect with him through the Church, her rhythms, and the many celebrations and observances she offers us.

In September, 1219, Francis of Assisi went to Egpyt to preach to Sultan al-Malik al-Kâmil. John Tolan examines the varying depictions of this brief but highly significant meeting and how they reveal the changing fears and hopes that Muslim-Christian encounters have inspired in European artists and writers in the centuries since.