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20% off best-selling saint titles from Ignatius Press!
Top Ten Best-Selling Saint Books
 Bakhita: From Slave to Saint
Roberto Italo Zanini
When she was about nine years old, Josephine Bakhita was kidnapped
near Darfur, Sudan, by Arab slave traders. For several years she was
subjected to brutal and humiliating treatment until she was ransomed and
taken to Venice, Italy, where she became a Catholic and a nun.
Joyfully
and serenely Bakhita served in a convent, school and infirmary run by
Canossian sisters in a small, obscure town in northern Italy until her
death in 1947. Then something even more remarkable than her redemption
happened.
Hundreds
of ordinary people came to see Bakhita lying in state, and along with
these visits came stories about how the simple nun had given comfort,
advice and encouragement as she went about her tasks as cook,
doorkeeper, nurse, etc. Almost immediately graces and miracles
attributed to Bakhita's intercession began to be reported.
Ever
since, the place where Bakhita died and the wonders began has been a
shrine visited by people from all over the world. They come to seek the
intercession of one who was no stranger to loss and suffering and yet
had given herself with complete confidence to the Lord. It is here, in
this sparsely furnished room, where Italian journalist Roberto Italo
Zanini begins his story of Bakhita and her journey from slavery to
sainthood.
Regular price: $16.95, sale price: $13.56
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 Joan of Arc
Mark Twain
Very few people know that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) wrote a major
work on Joan of Arc. Still fewer know that he considered it not only his
most important but also his best work. He spent twelve years in
research and many months in France doing archival work and then made
several attempts until he felt he finally had the story he wanted to
tell. He reached his conclusion about Joan's unique place in history
only after studying in detail accounts written by both sides, the French
and the English.
Because
of Mark Twain's antipathy to institutional religion, one might expect
an anti-Catholic bias toward Joan or at least toward the bishops and
theologians who condemned her. Instead one finds a remarkably accurate
biography of the life and mission of Joan of Arc told by one of this
country's greatest storytellers. The very fact that Mark Twain wrote
this book and wrote it the way he did is a powerful testimony to the
attractive power of the Catholic Church's saints. This is a book that
really will inform and inspire. Also available as an e-book.
Regular price: $17.95, sale price: $14.36
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 Dear and Glorious Physician: A Novel about Saint Luke
Taylor Caldwell
Today St. Luke is known as the author of the third Gospel of the
New Testament, but two thousand years ago he was Lucanus, a Greek, a man
who loved, knew the emptiness of bereavement, and later traveled
through the hills and wastes of Judea asking, "What manner of man was my
Lord?" And it is of this Lucanus that Taylor Caldwell tells here in one
of the most stirring stories ever lived or written.
Taylor
Caldwell has chosen the grand, the splendid means to tell of St. Luke.
Her own travels through the Holy Land and years of meticulous research
made Dear and Glorious Physician a fully developed portrait of a complex
and brilliant man and a colorful re-creation of ancient Roman life as
it contrasted in its decadence with the new world Christianity was
bringing into being. Here is a story to warm, to inspire, to call forth
renewal of faith and love lying deep in each reader's heart.
Regular price: $21.95, sale price: $17.56
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 Holy Men and Women Of the Middle Ages and Beyond
Pope Benedict XVI
From
the start of his pontificate, the Pope has used his Wednesday audiences
to present the timeless wisdom that has been expressed in the writings
and lives of holy men and women down through the ages. He began with the
Apostles and then moved to the Fathers of the Church. Next he presented
the great Christian teachers of the late Roman Empire and the early
Middle Ages. In this volume, he picks up the thread in the high Middle
Ages with the inspirational St. Francis and St. Dominic, followed by
some of the men and women they profoundly influenced, such as Clare,
Bonaventure, and Thomas Aquinas.
The
collection goes beyond the Middle Ages and includes some
Counter-Reformation saints, for example, Teresa of Avila, John of the
Cross, and Robert Bellarmine. It concludes with a very popular saint
closer to our own times who was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope John
Paul II: Thérèse of Lisieux.
The
theme that unites these men and women across time is the constant need
of the Church for renewal. In every generation, God raises up holy ones
who challenge Christians to live as they ought-as true disciples of
Christ. Also available as an e-book.
Regular price: $16.95, sale price: $13.56
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 Saint Paul
Pope Benedict XVI
In this book, Pope Benedict XVI, a profound spiritual leader in his
own right and a first-rate theologian and Bible commentator, explores
the legacy of Paul. Pope Benedict follows the course of the Apostle’s
life, including his missionary journeys and his relationship with the
other apostles of Jesus such as St. Peter and St. James, and Paul’s
martyrdom in Rome. Benedict also examines such questions as: Did Paul
know Jesus during his earthly life and how much of Jesus’ teaching and
ministry did he know of? Did Paul distort the teachings of Jesus? What
role did Jesus’ death and resurrection play in Paul’s teaching? What are
we to make of Paul’s teaching about the end of the world? What does
Paul’s teaching say about the differences between Catholic and
Protestant Christians over salvation and the roles of faith and works in
the Christian life? How have modern Catholic and Protestant scholars
come together in their understanding of Paul? What does Paul have to
teach us today about living a spiritual life?
These
and other important issues are addressed in this masterful,
inspirational, and highly-readable presentation of St. Paul and his
writings by one of today’s great spiritual teachers, Pope Benedict XVI.
Also available as an audio download and e-book.
Regular price: $14.95, sale price: $11.96
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Catherine of Siena
Sigrid Undset
Sigrid Undset’s Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one
of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing
fourteenth-century saint. Known for her historical fiction, which won
her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual
work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her
profound understanding of the human heart.
Catherine
of Siena was a particular favorite of Undset, who also was a Third
Order Dominican. An extraordinarily active, intelligent, and courageous
woman, Catherine at an early age devoted herself to the love of God. The
intensity of her prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor won her a
reputation for holiness and wisdom, and she was called upon to make
peace between warring nobles. Believing that peace in Italy could be
achieved only if the Pope, then living in France, returned to Rome,
Catherine boldly traveled to Avignon to meet with Pope Gregory XI.
With
sensitivity to the zealous love of God and man that permeated the life
of Saint Catherine, Undset presents a most moving and memorable portrait
of one of the greatest women of all time. Also available as an audio book on CD, an audio download and an e-book.
Regular price: $17.95, sale price: $14.36
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Padre Pio Under Investigation: The Secret Vatican Files
Francesco Castelli
On June 14, 1921, a priest knocks at the convent in San Giovanni
Rotondo. He is in his early forties and wears a simple cassock, but he
is no ordinary priest. He is Bishop Raffaello Carlo Rossi, future
cardinal and the Apostolic Visitor sent by the Holy Office to
investigate secretly Padre Pio.
After
gathering all the evidence, the Inquisitor sketches his own evaluation
of Padre Pio, which includes his reasons for believing that the stigmata
are of divine origin. He sends his report and the depositions to Rome,
where they stay buried for nearly a century. Now, forty years after the
saint's death, these exceptional documents are published in their
entirety, thanks to the skillful research of Father Francesco Castelli.
The
documents in this book reveal every aspect of Padre Pio's life from his
amazing supernatural gifts to his health. In his depositions, he
admits, under oath, to the phenomenon of bi-location and to other
supernatural charisms, and for the first time tells the detailed story
of his stigmatization. Also included are letters from his spiritual
father and a chronology of his life. Also available as an e-book.
Regular price: $17.95, sale price: $14.36
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Saint Gianna Molla: Wife, Mother, Doctor
Pietro Molla
This is the inspiring story of a canonized contemporary woman.
Gianna Molla (1923-1962) risked her life in order to save her unborn
child. Diagnosed with uterine tumors during her fourth pregnancy, she
refused a hysterectomy that would have aborted the child, and opted for a
riskier surgery in an attempt to save the baby. Herself a medical
doctor, Molla did give birth to the child, but succumbed to an
infection.
An Italian woman who loved skiing, playing piano, attending
concerts at the Milan Conservatory, Molla was a dedicated physician and
devoted wife and mother who lived life to the fullest, yet generously
risked death by cancer for the sake of her child.
A unique story, co-authored by her own husband, with his deeply
moving personal insights of the heroic witness, love, sacrifice and joy
of his saintly wife. A woman for all times and walks of life, this
moving account of the multi-faceted, selfless St. Gianna Molla, who made
the ultimate sacrifice to save her unborn child, will be an inspiration
to all readers. Also available as an e-book.
Regular price: $11.95, sale price: $9.56
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A Man of the Beatitudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati
Lucianna Frassati
A beguiling and moving biography of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a
handsome, athletic and fun-loving young man from a rich, aristocratic
Italian family in the 1920's who was recently beatified by Pope John
Paul II. Pier Giorgio turned from a life of privilege to one devoted to
working with the poor, and was a courageous witness of Christian faith
and charity to many others.
Discouraged
by his affluent parents from his religious involvement and deep
spiritual life, Pier Giorgio secretly ministered to the poor and
marginalized, and was a leader of youth whose love of God transformed
the lives of all those around him. He died of the polio virus at the age
of 24, and the story of his life and death spread throughout Europe,
influencing the young Karol Wojtyla, who as Pope John Paul II described
Frassati as "a man of the eight beatitudes, a modern youth and great
mountaineer who was keenly interested in the problems of culture, sports
and social questions, as well as the true values of life." Pier Giorgio
is a patron saint of World Youth Days.
Regular price: $12.95, sale price: $10.36
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Set All Afire: A Novel of St. Francis Xavier
Louis de Wohl
Saint Francis Xavier's life is, in itself, a dramatic story. With
humility and deep religious conviction, the famous Catholic novelist
Louis de Wohl takes us into the mind and heart of this great missionary
and saint who went by order of St. Ignatius of Loyola to "set all afire"
in the Orient. Louis de Wohl captivates the reader as he follows
Xavier's life from student days in Paris, through his meeting with
Ignatius, his rather reluctant conversion, and his travels as one of the
first Jesuits. The story takes the reader from Europe to Goa, India,
Malaysia, Japan, and finally, to an island off the coast of China, where
the exiled Xavier dies virtually alone. The book captures the dramatic
struggles and inspiring zeal of this remarkable saint, giving at the
same time an enthralling picture of the age in which he lived. Also
available as an e-book.
Regular price: $17.95, sale price: $14.36
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Top Ten Best-Selling Saint Films
 In Her Footsteps: The Story of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
For 350 years, a young Christian Mohawk woman has been interceding
for and inspiring natives and non-natives around the world. On October
21, 2012, Kateri Tekakwitha became the first Native North American woman
to be recognized as a Saint.
This
moving documentary takes us on a journey from northern New York State
to Montrèal and Kahnawake; from Washington State to New Mexico, as we
follow St. Kateri's incredible journey of deep faith, heroic sacrifice
and love of Christ.
Featuring
many people who have been touched by her -including Philadelphia's
Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM, of the Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe,
the only Native American archbishop; Bishop James Wall of Gallup, NM,
the diocese with the largest number of Native American Catholics; Sr.
Kateri Mitchell, SSA, the Executive Director of the Tekakwitha
Conference, and Jake Finkbonner, the little boy who received the
miraculous healing that led to her canonization - the film shows that no
one is too simple or too young to follow Christ, and that this woman,
whose face was scarred and vision was weak, is still a source of Grace
and healing for all.
Regular price: $19.95, sale price: $15.96
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 Saint Barbara: Convert and Martyr of the Early Church
In 303 A.D., Barbara is the beautiful, twenty-yearold daughter of
Dioscoro, the Roman governor during a time of fierce Christian
persecution. Barbara is a pagan, but when Giuliana, a slave raised
alongside her almost like a sister, is condemned to death for her
Christian faith, Barbara rebels.
She
valiantly attempts to save Giuliana, as well as other Christians being
persecuted, boldly protesting to her father and other government
leaders. When that fails, Barbara makes a daring plan for the successful
escape from prison of her Christian friends.
Saint
Barbara is also the story of her profound love for Claudio, the noble
Roman soldier whose life she saves, as well as her deep compassion for
all afflicted humanity. The courageous and holy witness of her Christian
friends inspires her to convert to their religion, a decision which
will eventually cost Barbara her life.
Regular price: $19.95, sale price: $15.96
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 Padre Pio: Miracle Man
This movie captures the Capuchin friar's intense faith and
devotion, and deep spiritual concern for others, as well as his great
compassion for the sick and suffering. It reveals the amazing details
and events in Padre Pio's life as a boy and throughout his 50 years as a
friar, dramatizing the frequent attacks of the Devil on him, as well as
the persecution he suffered at the hands of people, including those in
the church.
Starring
Italian actor Sergio Castellitto, and directed by Carlo Carlei, this is
an outstanding feature film on the amazing life of this great saint.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96
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 Bakhita: From Slave to Saint
In 1948 Aurora Marin arrives with her family at the convent of the
Canossian Sisters of Schio, Italy, where Sister Bakhita has just died.
Aurora was hoping to see her before she died. She gathers her children
around the picture of Bakhita and tells them of the incredible life of
the woman that had raised her as her nanny.
Born
in a village in Sudan, kidnapped by slavers, often beaten and abused,
and later sold to Federico Marin, a Venetian merchant, Bakhita then came
to Italy and became the nanny servant of Federico's daughter, Aurora,
who had lost her mother at birth. She is treated as an outcast by the
peasants and the other servants due to her black skin and African
background, but Bakhita is kind and generous to others. Bakhita
gradually comes closer to God with the help of the kind village priest,
and embraces the Catholic faith.
She
requests to join the order of Canossian sisters, but Marin doesn't want
to give her up as his servant, treating her almost as his property.
This leads to a moving court case that raised an uproar which impacts
Bakhita's freedom and ultimate decision to become a nun. Pope John Paul
II declared her a saint in the year 2000.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96
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 Clare and Francis
A major epic feature film on the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis
of Assisi shot on location in Italy by the Italian film company Lux
Vide, the producers of Saint Rita, Pope John Paul II and St. John Bosco.
This outstanding movie is unique among films on St. Francis because of
the historical accuracy of the story and its authentic spirit of joy and
piety Francis was known for, as well as the major role played by Clare
who is given equal stature with Francis. The two leads are played by
very appealing performers, Mary Petruolo and Ettore Bassi, who give
genuinely inspiring and beautifully moving performances of the daughter
of a patrician family and the son of a rich merchant who leave all to
follow Christ. Francis renounces his inheritance of wealth to live the
Gospel and serve the poor and outcasts. Clare reads deep into his heart
and decides to follow him, leaving her home and family to give herself
as the bride of Christ. Both found major religious orders and together
they inspire many to follow their radical call to live the Gospel, and
their impact has even reached across the centuries to change the world.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96
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The Reluctant Saint: The Story of St. Joseph of Cupertino
Maximilian Schell stars as "the flying friar", St. Joseph of
Cupertino, in this heartwarming and amazing true story of the humble
Franciscan friar who literally rose to sainthood. In the impoverished
village of 17th century Cupertino, Italy, Joseph’s peasant mother
convinces the reluctant Abbott (Ricardo Montalban) to accept her son
into the monastery. With the support of the kindly local Bishop who sees
in him a great deal more than others, and by a series of miraculous
incidents, the simple but pious Joseph is ordained a priest. Yet some
are convinced that it is the devil, not God, who is responsible for
Joseph's miraculous powers – until a final miracle reveals to all his
true sanctity.
A profound and humorous film for all ages. Also starring Lea Padovani and Akim Tamiroff. Directed by Edward Dymtryk.
Regular price: $19.95, sale price: $15.96
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Saint Philip Neri: I Prefer Heaven
An epic feature film on the famous "Apostle of Rome" and great
friend of youth in the 16th century. One of the most popular saints of
all time, St. Philip Neri was widely known for his great charity, deep
prayer life, and tremendous humor. Hoping to join St. Ignatius of
Loyola's new order of Jesuits and be a missionary to India, Philip was
instead guided by Providence to seek out the poor and abandoned youth of
Rome to catechize them in the faith and help them find a better life.
He became the founder of the religious congregation, the Oratory, that
worked with the youth and also labored to re-evangelize a decadent Rome.
This
captivating film highlights Neri's great love for youth, his warm sense
of humor, contagious joy, deep mystical spirituality, and his amazing
gift for miracles. Actor Gigi Proietti gives a moving performance as St.
Philip in this beautifully produced film that is directed by Giacomo
Campiotti, director of the acclaimed films Bakhita: From Slave to Saint
and St. Giuseppe Moscatti.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96
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St. Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor to the Poor
Giuseppe Moscati, “the holy physician of Naples,” was a medical
doctor and layman in the early 20th century who came from an
aristocratic family and devoted his medical career to serving the poor.
He was also a medical school professor and a pioneer in the field of
biochemistry whose research led to the discovery of insulin as a cure
for diabetes.
Moscati
regarded his medical practice as a lay apostolate, a ministry to his
suffering fellowmen. Before examining a patient or engaging in research
he would place himself in the presence of God. He encouraged his
patients to receive the sacraments. Dr. Moscati treated poor patients
free of charge, and would often send someone home with an envelope
containing a prescription and a 50-lire note.
Moscati
was outspoken in his opposition to the unfair practices of nepotism and
bribery that often influenced appointments at that time. He could have
pursued a brilliant academic career, taken a professorial chair and
devoted more time to research, but he preferred to continue working with
patients and to train interns.
Giuseppe
Moscati died in 1927 at 46 yrs old, was beatified in 1975 and declared a
saint by Pope John Paul II in 1987. His feast day is November 16.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96
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Saint Rita
Famous as the patron of hopeless situations, St. Rita of Cascia is
immortalized in this wonderful, deeply moving film about this beautiful
woman who lived in Italy in the 14th century. Starring Vittoria
Belvedere and Martin Crewes, this powerful story combines high drama,
great love, deep betrayal, senseless tragedy, profound forgiveness and
strong faith as it tells the story of this brave and loyal woman who
married her knight, helped him overcome his dark past and convert to
faith, happily bore him two children, and later endures immense pain as
she loses everything in her life. She finds peace and new hope through
generosity of a nearby convent of sisters, and with their help she
develops a deep union with Christ that greatly inspires all who near
her.
Regular price: $24.95, sale price: $19.96
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Saint Anthony: The Miracle Worker of Padua
This is the first major feature length drama on the life of St.
Anthony of Padua, the beloved miracle worker and one of the most popular
saints in Christian history. Made in Italy with top-notch acting
talent, and superb cinematography, this is an outstanding film on the
amazing life of St. Anthony. It presents Anthony as a dynamic and
appealing person who sacrificed wealth, popularity and family for the
Kingdom of God.
Born
into a Portugese noble family in 1195, Anthony defied his father's
wishes to become a knight and, instead, followed the call of God to
become a monk, eventually joining the Franciscans as a follower of St.
Francis of Assisi. Anthony became renowned for his powerful preaching
and his miracles that won countless souls to Christ. The film follows
his travels through Italy, his mission to Morocco and his meeting with
St. Francis. It beautifully portrays the power of his preaching, the
holiness of his life, his love for the poor and oppressed, and the
wonders of his miracles. Actor Daniele Liotti gives a truly memorable
inspiring and performance as St. Anthony.
Regular price: $19.95, sale price: $15.96
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