A collection of essays by some of the best contemporary Catholic writers--including James Martin, Alice McDermott, and Ann Patchett--on the church figures who have influenced the way they view the intersection of faith and culture.

While the term acedia may be unfamiliar, the vice, usually translated as sloth, is all too common. Sloth is not mere laziness, however, but a disgust with reality, a loathing of our call to be friends with God, and a spiteful hatred of place and life itself. As described by Josef Pieper, the slothful person does not "want to be as God wants him to be, and that ultimately means he does not wish to be what he really, fundamentally is." Sloth is a hellish...

Beloved nun and social activist Joan Chittister, who appeared on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, offers a soul-stirring and inspiring guide that speaks to all who feel disillusioned and dissatisfied with the power-hungry institutions and systems of this world. Joan Chittister has been a passionate voice for women's rights for over 50 years. Called "one of the most well-known and trusted contemporary spiritual authors" by Publishers Weekly, this rabble-rousing...

"In Human(Kind), Ashlee Eiland shares her compelling story of being a black woman living on two sides of the fence: as the token black girl in majority-white spaces, and as the "whitewashed" black girl in majority black spaces. As she discovers her own unique worth through these recollections, Ashlee learns that extending radical kindness toward every person--regardless of their social status, political views, or religious beliefs--gives us hope and...

"A collection of homilies, speeches, and 'messages of the day' that brings together Pope Francis's wisdom on finding happiness in the here and now. For Pope Francis, the appreciation of our everyday lives is a spiritual undertaking. Joy is a divine attribute, and creating joy around us an essential part of faith. Every homily and speech in this book delivers, in warm, engaging language accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike, a key lesson,...

During her lifelong service to the poor, Mother Teresa became an icon of compassion to people of all religions; her extraordinary contributions to the care of thousands whom nobody else was prepared to look after have been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world. Little was known, however, about her own spiritual heights, or her struggles. This collection of her writing and reflections, almost all of which have never been made public before,...

"With a balance of wisdom, candor, and scholarly rigor the beloved Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia takes on life's central questions: why are we here, and how can we live and die meaningfully?"--

"Let 'the greatest saint of modern times' guide you to: Detach from the world, cultivate poverty of spirit, and focus your sights on Heaven-- Let go of clutter, unhealthy habits, vices, and sin-- Simplify your life and manage fear and anxiety-- Find the happiness and gratitude that come from within-- Create order, beauty, and vibrancy in your home-- Become humble and small as you trust in the mercy of god" [taken from back cover].