Saint Peter urged Christians to: “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15-16) Yet, some Christians mistakenly assume that the gospel message — Catholic doctrine — is mysterious, difficult to understand, and impossible to explain. They do not realize that the “good news” of Jesus Christ is easy to understand, reasonable, and winsome. Pope Pius IV wrote, and Richard Challoner (1691-1781) translated, The Grounds of Catholic Doctrine in an easy-to-read, ...

The Petrine verses (or Biblical passages referring to St. Peter, his role, and the office of the papacy) are perhaps the most controverted passages in the history of Christianity in the last 1, 000 years. This study of St. Peter’s role in the Bible puts to rest any doubts about the true sources for and meaning behind Jesus’s commission to St. Peter (Matthew 16:18), not to mention numerous other passages out of both the Old and New Testaments. Employing language accessible to an average reader, all historically debated passages about St. Peter and the papacy are unpacked so that their ...

Fr. Gabriele Amorth is known for his courageous, decades-long work in the field of exorcism. But before being named the official exorcist of Rome, he was a Mariologist—a scholar specialized in the study of Mary. He spent years delving into biblical texts, Church traditions, and theological writings related to the Mother of God. The result is a deep understanding of Mary’s vital role not just in the early Christian Church but throughout the history of Christianity including in our own era. This concise book is designed to be used as a month-long spiritual exercise devoted to Mary. ...

Discover St. Zélie and the important lessons she can teach us! Although she lived a hundred and fifty years ago, St. Zélie Martin (1831-1877) was a modern woman. She was a working mother who cared deeply about both her family and her career. She struggled to balance all her responsibilities. She often worried. But she always put God first and strove for holiness in everything she did. She and her husband, Louis, were canonized together on October 18, 2015. They are best known as the parents of five daughters who entered religious life. Their most famous child is St. Thérèse of the Child...

A seminal work of Spanish mysticism, Teresa of Avila's The Way of Perfection describes the practices and qualities of a prayerful life devoted to Christ. Although it was written over 500 years ago solely for the nuns of her convent, her devotion continues to instruct and inspire believers today.