Book Marks: New releases on African theology, popes, and living like a Benedictine

New year, new set of books coming your way! Don't forget to check these out:

January 2015

A Daily Catholic Moment: 10 Minutes A Day Alone With God

Compiled by Peter Celano

Want to start your new year off right? Pick up a copy of A Daily Catholic Moment (Paraclete Press, 2014) and resolve to follow it all year long. Celano has compiled 365 minute-long reflections, each with a scripture passage followed by a quote from Catholics through the ages. This book guides Catholics in getting closer to God day by day.
 

Plague and Pleasure: The Renaissance World of Pius II

By Arthur White

Renaissance Italy was a time of plague, war, and insecurity. To escape from the hardships of daily life, the Italians indulged in literature and the arts. White uses the life and times of Pope Pius II to frame Plague and Pleasure (The Catholic University of America Press, 2014). The pontiff’s appreciation for spectacles makes for an interesting catalyst for discussion of this period in history.
 

Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes (Fourth Edition)

By Eamon Duffy

This abundant book includes the history of the papacy, from the beginnings to present day. Saints and Sinners (Yale University Press, 2015) has recently been updated to include the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis. This book is a great guide for all who wish to better understand the papacy.
 

Benedictine Living: Reflections for Prayer and Meditation

By Kate Ritger

The Benedictine rules are known for their rigorousness. Ritger brings them to an everyday audience in her book Benedictine Living (Liturgical Press, 2014). This collection of reflections and questions follows the timeless themes of the Rule of Saint Benedict which include awareness of God, listening, hospitality, humility, and others. It will boost your daily contemplation.
 

Morality Truly Christian, Truly African: Foundational, Methodological, and Theological Considerations

By Paulinus Ikechukwu Odozor. C.S.Sp.

Odozor attempts to branch away from the Eurocentric nature of the Catholic Church’s history of moral theology in his book Morality Truly Christian, Truly African (University of Notre Dame Press, 2014). Focusing on ethical foundations, he discusses the relationship between Christianity and the traditions of Africa. The continent’s rich traditions are powerful sources of meaning and identity in Christian evangelization.

Illustration by Angela Cox