This book is first and foremost a book of prayer and reflection, and an excellent one at that. But it also presents an intriguing glimpse into the historic development of spirituality among the Celtic peoples. Most of the saints depicted in the book were from Ireland or Wales, places whose history is famous not for conqueror generals or warrior kings, but for scholars and poets and saints. Here they are, with their spirituality rooted in time and place. Such context I think is important, for the essence of spirituality is a relationship between the mortal and the Divine. While offering a superb compilation of prayer and meditation, the authors also do a grand job of portraying that relationship within the Celtic culture.

Praying with the Celtic Saints is a wonderful introduction to Celtic Spirituality. It is an outstanding book for both those who desire to learn about Celtic Spirituality and for seekers who wish to have some lively companions on the journey. The Celtic Christian heritage is so rich and vibrant and has much to offer modern day travelers on the Journey.

We all need guides in the faith, those who have gone before us and can help us learn how to live with authenticity and true devotion. The Celtic saints come to life in this book and teach us what it means to be a Christian. This translates into witnessing a lived faith from not only the past, but one that can provide hope, joy, and inpiration for us today. These saints become dear friends and teachers in the pages of this book.

I am grateful for having come to know these men and women through this book - they make a difference in my life as a fellow pilgrim!

This book is a remarkable history of the fabrics used & the styles chosen together with where the women were born, when they stitched the presented treasure, when & where they joined the Latter-Day Saints & when they made the migration westward.

Each quilt, no matter its condition, its purpose or the technical skill, leads to a compelling discovery of previously unknown women's lives. Witness the three lions in a circlet on which has been embroidered the British monarch's motto or the "Star Quilt" of Sage Richards Treharne Jones from Wales who came on her parents' mission, both of whom succumbed along the trail. Or Mary Mortensen Bjork's migration from Denmark & her lively "Crazy Patch Quilt"; or Christina Erika Forsgren Davis from Sweden & her plain & simple "Strip Quilt". Or Betsy Prudence Howard Bullock's "Peter and Paul Quilt" all the way from Bedfordshire, England. Or Matilda Robison King's "Washington Plume" applique on her way from Montgomery County, New York. Many women were members of the same Relief Society & so made several quilts with similar designs.

Mary Bywater Cross has done quilters, pioneers & women in general a profound service by her research, writing about & cataloging these fragile & beautiful works of art & comfort. There is something deeply connective about the fabrics & designs created by these intrepid & enduring women.

A must for anyone who loves quilting & history - do visit my site for my full review & eInterview with this quilt historian as well as other books on quilting.

I was looking for a book to pass the time. I got lost for hours in this book and wished it was hundreds of pages more. The photos of the quiltmakers and the quilts are priceless. There is so much historical knowledge in this book, that I feel Mary Bywater Cross should be awarded an honorary doctorate degree in the history of quiltmaking and of the Morman Migration.

I havn't read every book about Mary, but I know a classic when I read it, and this book falls in that category. The sub-title "The Virgin Mary in History, Art, & Apparition" aptly summarizes the main themes. Mr. Martin traces the historical flowering of Mary's influence in Christendom. This is seen from the very beginning of the church and proves to be a guiding factor in keeping the Church from being ship-wrecked on the rocks of error and enemies. In addition to history and theology, the artistry of Marian paintings, cathedrals (such as Chartres), and music are also appraised and found to be valuble anchors to keep to us grounded in the truth. Finally, the apparitions reinforce the theme that Mary's work did not end when she gave birth to our Lord. She continues to draw people to Christ through miracles and messages which are difficult to ignore. The Remnant newspaper's book reviewer says, "I can think of no better book on the subject written in the last fifteen years." The National Catholic Register calls it "A Marian Tour De Force. . . the book stimulates the mind and enflames the spirit in equal measure." In addition to a beautifully written book, there are some beautiful art reproductions. Order one today and chances are you will order more later for gifts.

Whether you are part of the Judeo/Christian tradition or not, it would be impossible to name a woman who has more influence in the history of the world than the Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus Christ. More paintings, sculptures, music, and architecture has been dedicated to and inspired by this remarkable, singular woman who lived nearly two thousand years ago in Asia Minor. Believers and non-believers alike can learn an immense amount from this truly well written book. I highly recommend it!

Saint Margaret Mary... an apostle for Christ, a loving and obedient nun, one who would do anything for Christ and Our Blessed Mother, one who recognized the power of love and suffering for Christ... yes, this is who St. Margaret Mary is.

And Mary Fabyan Windeatt wrote the book, Saint Margaret Mary and the Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in such a way that it is very hard to describe. The story started out with Margaret, ill in bed, at the age of 13. Mary Wineatt tells how Margaret and her mother promised to Mary, Our Blessed Mother, that if Margaret is cured of her illness she will become a religious. Their prayers were answerd... the Blessed Mother cured Margaret!

It took a long time until finally Margaret could visit the Visitation nuns to become a religious. When she becomes a Visitation nun at the convent she begins to have visions of Christ's suffering. Most of the nuns don't believe her at first. Our Lord revealed twelve promises to Margaret and she saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus two times.

Our Lord tells Margaret of a person who is going to come and help her spread the word. This person was Father de la Colombiere. He was a very well known and educated priest. He helps Margaret in a lot of ways until he dies at the age of 41.

Before Margaret dies she was perfectly healthy but in a few hours she dies at the age of 43.

I like this book so much because the way the author writes it. It sounds like a story instead of facts just put together. This book is beautifully written. And I especially liked how Margaret seems so loving and kind to everyone.

The story for children 10 and up of the revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to a holy French nun, including the Great First Friday Promise, her painful childhood, troubles in the convent, St. Claude, the Apparitions and her many penances.

I have read the book and think it is excellent. Iam a 25 year old male and I have visited the House of Prayer in Achill Co.Mayo,the ''HOUSE OF TRUTH" set up by Christina. A year ago I wouldn't have taken any heed of Our Lady's messages but having been to the "HOUSE OF PRAYER" my whole life has changed! Christina is a sincere,genuine,loving,warm and saintly woman who has only been trying to do what Our Lady has asked her to do. I think it is terrible that this wonderful person has received so much rejection from the Irish people. I have met with Christina on a number of occasions. She speaks the TRUTH and people have just got to listen to her messages from heaven before it is too late! Iwas down in the House of Prayer last weekend (12th of November) and Christina's message was very strong! Her most recent message from Our Lady tells us that this millenium or year of the millenium will see the world and Ireland brought to it's knees! Christina warns us of two countries in the world joining forces and spreading their errors throughout the entire world. When this happens so much suffering will come about. Christina pleaded with us last Saturday not to wait for the millenium to change our lives. She strongly says CHANGE YOUR LIVES NOW! ,while there is still time. We were asked to spread this very important message. So, whoever reads my review please take heed of this very serious message and tell as many people as you possibly can. If people are able to get to the "House of Prayer" in Achill Sound Co. Mayo please go as if you are in a state of grace you will receive the seal of the BLOOD OF JESUS,a very special seal for the times we are living in,which is of course the apocalypse. Please spread the message and God bless you!

tom petrisko has a unique way of telling what he has heard, the stories of the visionaries,the apparitions of the people, he captures the heart of what is going on in these messages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thomas was slow to speak, a quiet and solemn youth. Yet he went on to become the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools and the greatest teacher ever in the history of the Catholic Church. For children ages 10 and up. 8 illustrations.

Saint thomas Aquinas was not really dumb he was smart! But was following the virtue of humility.

A straightforward and informative booklet, written by a conservative Roman Catholic scholar in good standing who has elsewhere written extensively to encourage the study of mystic phenomena.

The subtitle is "What Rome Really Said." To the extent that Rome (in the sense of its entire hierarchy) has said anything at all this booklet is accurately titled. After reading the presentation, however, one might also note that equally important is what Rome has apparently not said. Of course, a variety of conclusion(s) can certainly be based on this curious state of affairs. The same is also true of search results in the vast official Vatican.va site, where an inquiry for "Medjugorje" will surprisingly yield absolutely nothing. Those who considers this situation worthy of study may find "Twenty Questions" of interest.

Although this book's listing frequently states that the title is currently unavailable, such is not the case. The booklet is evidently in print, as can be verified simply by contacting its publisher.

The Questions:

(01) What is your interest in Medjugorje ?
(02) What kind of clarification is in order ?
(03) What has been said about Medjugorje, officially ?
(04) Why do so few people seem to understand that ?
(05) What do you mean by "culpable negligence" in these cases ?
(06) What do Church laws have to say about Medjugorje ?
(07) What do you mean by "not even Fatima or Lourdes is officially taught by the Church as a fact" ?

(08) Since priests and even bishops organize pilgrimages to Medjugorje, doesn't that mean that the Church has approved it?
(09) Hasn't the Pope himself said that he believes in Medjugorje, many times?
(10) Hasn't the Church given positive approval of Medjugorje in a letter from the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on May 26, 1998?
(11) Can we look at the letter in detail?
(12) Since no previous reports, not even Fatima or Lourdes, attracted so many pilgrims as Medjugorje, doesn't that change things?
(13) Do you deny the tremendous numbers of conversions that have taken place because of Medjugorje?
(14) Haven't lots of pilgrims returned with a newfound fervor for active participation in their parishes, so that "By their fruits" we know them?
(15) What is so curious about Medjugorje enthusiasts' assertions?
(16) Is there any chance that the official statements will be reversed, that Medjugorje will take its place alongside Fatima and Lourdes?
(17) Why do so many people continue to go to Medjugorje?
(18) What should people do to guard against being misled?
(19) What about your own book, "Apparitions: Mystic Phenomena and What They Mean"?
(20) So, in the end, what is a reasonable, responsible reaction to reports of mystic phenomena?

If you're attracted to the mystic elements of the Church, you need to read this book (but first read KOJ's big book on Apparitions). I knew there was something uncomfortable about the so-called Marian appariations at Medjugorje. Here's the real story...how Rome feels as well as a brief overview of what constitues an apparition that is "worthy of belief" (there's very few of them). Great book, easy to read, informative.

I thought this book was very interesting, and not at all something that would appeal only to Minnesotans. It's sometimes hard to remember just how rapidly the neighborhoods and infrastructure of American cities have changed in the last hundred years, and seeing the movement documented is really fascinating. As the authors point out in an early chapter, nothing in a city is permanent, sometimes not even the streets themselves. The book does have some unhappy overtones. Like other cities, Minneapolis-St. Paul have chosen at times to simply bulldoze seedy areas of town and fill them with bland new buildings rather than try to redevelop them. New is not always better, for the city or its inhabitants. It's sad to see a block of aging but still beautiful turn-of-the century commerical buildings give way to cold-looking open spaces, or a stately mansion lawn turn into a weed-choked hillside behind a college. But this book is excellent whether you are interested in social commentary or just amazed at how quickly cities change to meet our changing needs.

I'm reading this book for Augsburg College's history of the Twin Cities. I think the photography is first class and I love reading this book. It is one of few class reading I enjoy (as well as Larry Millett's Lost Twin Cities). Lewis Nelson

As a mother of three young girls, I try to make Mary my inspiration in my daily life. This book makes her come alive - she is a real woman, and by the last page she is a best friend.

The author has enabled me to set higher goals for myself as a Christian and mother. This book has given me a perspective of the life of our blessed mother I took for granted. Obedience, love, pure faith, super goals to attain. Thank you!

This little volume has aged well. It is a gift for those who are invited to reacquaint themselves with Mary, the real woman who was chosen to give birth to Jesus. Long ago and far away might just as well be here and now. We still struggle to accept that God chooses to become human. This book offers a loving portrait of the woman who accepted mystery and became its bearer. Don't just read it. Allow it to speak to your heart and empower your dreams.

This book/poem beautifully illustrates the heart of Mary, Our Blessed Mother. The reader comes to understand her thoughts, emotions, and, especially, her silence as she watches Jesus grow, enter public life, be crucified and resurrected.

The book may be a little difficult to get into, but by the time Jesus is lost in the temple, you can't put the book down. Truly a wonderful insight into Mary as she "pondered these things in her heart."