Spirituality

The Poetry of John Paul II
Roman Triptych: Meditations

Roman Triptych: Meditations contains three new poems by Pope John Paul II, the first ones written and published during his pontificate. The pope chooses three stunningly powerful images from nature, art, and Scripture as the framework for his “Roman Triptych,” a mountain stream, the Sistine chapel, and the story of Abraham and Isaac. Throughout the trio of poems, he reflects on God as the origin and end point of human life and all creation. He also ponders the beginning and end of his own reign as Pope.

  • “The Stream”: From the first word—“Ruah,” the breath of life, the primordial Word—you will be swept away by the pope’s sense of awe and grace. Take a journey of wonder to the source of all life in this the shortest, yet most spiritually uplifting of the three poems.

  • “Meditations on the Book of Genesis at the Threshold of the Sistine Chapel”: Stand at the doorway of the Sistine Chapel with Pope John Paul II as he reflects on the creation story of Genesis, Michelangelo’s interpretation of it in the Sistine Chapel, and the future conclave of cardinals that will elect his successor. Here you will read a hint of the pope’s hope for the future.

  • “A Hill in the Land of Moriah”: The Voice of God. That is the focus of the third poem. You will be drawn into Abraham’s experience as he recognizes God’s voice and responds willingly and faithfully. Pope John II retells the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac as a personal conversation between him and the Voice of God—or the lack of one. Yet Abraham’s faith does not falter. The pope draws the parallel between Abraham’s sacrifice and Jesus’ crucifixion.
This beautiful hardcover book includes gorgeous, color artwork from the Vatican Museums and several pages of the Pope's original handwritten text as well as an introduction and other special materials. Translated by Jerzy Peterkiewicz.
English: No. 5-556, 40 pp., $19.95
Spanish: No. 5-892, 40 pp., $19.95
Resource Member Price $11.97
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John Paul II: A Light for the World
Essays and Reflections on the Papacy of John Paul II
Publishing in commemoration of the Pope’s 25th anniversary as leader of the Catholic Church, this lavish 256-page volume is the first collection of photographs from the official collection of the Vatican. Featuring rich full color images from the very beginnings of John Paul II’s papacy to the present day, A Light for the World is the first collection of papal photographs to bear the imprimatur of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican itself. Also included in the volume are a blessing by Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State; a biographical sketch by John Thavis, Rome Bureau Chief of the Catholic News Service; an appendix featuring a timeline of John Paul II’s papacy and a list of his encyclicals and key writings; and a foreword by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Accompanying the amazing photographs of John Paul II: A Light for the World are essays and reflections on the major themes of Pope John Paul II’s papacy written by Archbishops and Cardinals from across the United States and the world. These essays are broken into three major sections: Pastor, Pilgrim, and Prophet. Issues covered include reflections on Church reform, sainthood, the Pope’s travels, his outreach to the poor, the role of the Pope in the decline of Communism, and his efforts to reach out to members of non-Catholic religious traditions.
No. 142-2, 256 pp., $35.00
Resource Member Price $28.00

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The Face: Jesus in Art (Videotape)
Originally shown on PBS in April 2001, this two-hour documentary traces the dramatically different ways in which Jesus has been represented in art by people throughout history and around the world. Narrated by Mel Gibson, Ricardo Montalban, Bill Moyers, Edward Herrmann, Patricia Neal and others, the program utilizes the latest digital technology and motion control photography to reconstruct and relocate works into their original locations. Amazing digital morphing sequences dramatically illustrate how the image of Jesus has changed over time while unique special effects virtually reconstruct art that has been destroyed or lost forever. A sweeping and visually riveting lesson in art history, The Face: Jesus in Art is a documentary of stunning beauty and unprecedented innovation.
No. 2180, 90 minutes, $29.95
Resource Member Price $17.97

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
This inspiring presentation focuses on the efforts of two men, during the last year of their lives, to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in liturgy and church life. Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, the late archbishop of Chicago, called for a conference on inclusion in which Fr. Henri Nouwen, the late Dutch theologian and author, served as the keynote speaker. Containing excerpts from that conference, the video was developed by Pathways Awareness Foundation in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago. With introduction by Msgr. Kenneth Vilo, president of the Catholic Church Extension Society. A 24-page Idea Guide is included.
No. 5-418, 21 minutes, $19.95
Resource Member Price $11.97

If customers want more information on Pathways Awareness Foundation:
Pathways Awareness Foundation, 123 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
(800) 955-2445 or (312) 701-3050 * (312) 701-3038 * TDD (312) 236-7411

Seeking Forgiveness, Rebuilding Community
A Time for Atoning and Healing
Reflection on its prayers, testimonies, and hymns provide an excellent opportunity for individuals and groups to begin to acknowledge past wrongs, seek forgiveness, and work toward reconciliation. While facing the past with honesty, it embraces the future with hope. The discussion guide will assist groups in taking initial steps on the path of atonement and unity.
No. 5-420, 81 minutes, $29.95
Resource Member Price $14.95

The Source (Videotape)
The story, sites and sounds of Lourdes, where Mary, the mother of Jesus appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, is the basis for exploring healing, faith, conversion and reconciliation to today's society. This inspiring video program provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the shrine, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in modern Christianity, and about St. Bernadette, who serves as an example to us today. This program, which previously aired on network television, was funded by the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign and was produced by the Catholic Radio and Television Network. A discussion guide is included.
No. 5-218, 30 minutes, $19.95
Resource Member Price $11.97

Michael the Visitor (Videotape)
Adapted from Leo Tolstoy's tale entitled Truths We Live By. The program was produced by Billy Budd Films, Inc., and funded by the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign
No. 1007, 27 minutes, $14.95
Resource Member Price $11.97

Creativity (Videotape)
Touching the Divine
This visually rich video presentation explores the universal human virtue of creativity ranging from the fine arts to daily living. Introduces a variety of artists and non-artists who share their works and understanding of the spirituality of creativity. Among those featured are Kent Amos, founder of the Urban Family Institute; Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time; Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul; and glass harpist Jamey Turner. This program aired nationwide on ABC-TV affiliates and was produced by the Catholic Communication Campaign. A discussion guide is included. The video may be used for retreats and workshops.
No. 035-4, 60 minutes, $19.95
Resource Member Price $11.97

Catholic Shrines and Places of Pilgrimage in the United States
This third edition identifies shrines and pilgrimage sites in the United States. A detailed description of each site includes history, schedule of Masses, devotions, and facilities/accommodations available and languages spoken in addition to English. Shrines are listed geographically to facilitate travel within state or region.
No. 5-158, 232 pp., $14.95
Resource Member Price $8.97

The Shrine and The Pilgrimage
To respond to an increase in visitors to holy places, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People published pastoral documents on The Shrine and The Pilgrimage. Includes two publications that reflect the pastoral reality of shrines and provide a valuable resource for the future development of the Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate.
No. 5-351, 64 pp., $6.95
Resource Member Price $4.17


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USCCB Publishing | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.