Ever since its composition in the ninth century, the use of the Veni Creator in the liturgy of Pentecost and in Christian assemblies has been constant, as one continuous, solemn invocation of the Paraclete. Its language, however, is far removed from theological discourse but inspired by symbol, image and song, by poetry and liturgy, by prophecy and living models of holiness. The author is one of the foremost specialists in the theology of the Spirit. He has the master’s art of drawing the reader by communicating his own enthusiasm for the Holy Spirit.

In this volume, a thoroughly revised and expanded version of "The Mystery of God's Word, " Father Raniero Cantalamessa engages the profound idea of the Eternal Word that becomes Life. The main and constant focus of the book is to show how the word of God illuminates and engages our existence. Cantalamessa uses the words of Scripture, particularly those of Jesus, to reflect on the meaning of a God who speaks, a God who is in relationship with humanity. By encountering these words in prayer and liturgy, we are invited to allow them into our minds and hearts so that we may be bearers of the word of God in the world.

"Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, taught the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and served on the International Theological Commission. He devotes his ministry to preaching and writing, and since 1980 he has been the Preacher to the Papal Household. Cantalamessa is author of "Come, Creator Spirit; Mary: Mirror of the Church; The Eucharist: Our Sanctification; Easter: Meditations on the Resurrection; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus; The Mystery of Easter; The Mystery of Pentecost; "and "Life in Christ" (al published by Liturgical Press)."

Mary is a great gift and example to all Christians because in her God's Word was written and by her it was accepted and its grace manifested. In this she is, as the title indicates, a mirror of the Church, the people of God. She reflects what we are called to be.

While this work cannot help but discuss aspects of Mariology, it is not so much a study as it is a pilgrimage. Reflecting on and following Mary's example, as Father Cantalamessa presents it here, we enter into a pilgrimage of listening and obedience to God's Word.

Deals with four different aspects of poverty in light of the Gospel message of Christ -- negative/positive material poverty, negative/positive spiritual poverty.

These meditations present the mystery of Pentecost, from Luke in Acts, John in his Gospel, and Paul in his Letters. By placing these diverse but complementary points of view together, Cantalamessa provides priests, students, and interested lay people with a three-dimensional image of the coming of the Spirit, particularly suited to promote catechesis and devotion. Fr. Cantalamessa originally presented these meditations in his capacity as preacher to the papal household.Chapters are And They Began to Speak in Different Tongues: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Unity, You Will Receive Power When the Holy Spirit Comes Upon You: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Prophecy, He Breathed on Them and Said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit': The Johannine Pentecost and the Spirit of Truth, But One and the Same Spirit Produces all of These: The Pauline Pentecost and the 'Person' of the Holy Spirit.Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., is a past professor of the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and a member of the International Theological Commission. He is currently preacher to the papal household. He is the author of Easter in the Early Church; The Eucharist: Our Sanctification; The Mystery of God's Word; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus; Jesus Christ, The Holy One of God; Mary, Mirror of the Church; The Mystery of Christmas; and The Mystery of Easter published by The Liturgical Press.

The charismatic renewal is a sign of the continuing relevance of the Holy Spirit for the baptized and gives life and direction to the Church in its mission in the world. Appearing soon after the close of Vatican II, the charismatic renewal has been one of a number of movements of the Spirit in the Church marked by a call to holiness and evangelization.

"Cal to Holiness" gathers the wisdom within the renewal, thirty years after its beginnings, to help guide its continued life. This document evolved out of several years of consultation with leaders, theologians, and bishops associated with the charismatic renewal from various national backgrounds. Theologians not associated with the charismatic renewal have also been consulted.

The document covers the vocation to holiness, the experience of the Spirit, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the charisms, forms of community life, and the call to evangelize. Chapters are The Spiritual Renewal Coming from the Council," "The Experience of the Holy Spirit and its Fruits," and "Gifted for Mission."

"Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes is President of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum." He was Vice-President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity from 1981-1996. For ten years he was, at the appointment of Pope John Paul II, the "Episcopal Advisor" to the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS) in Rome. In this capacity he followed His Eminence Cardinal Leon-Joseph Suenens, the late Archbishop of Malines, Belgium.""

Those who preach the Word, those who proclaim it from a lectern, and those who hear it will all find something to inspire them to greater appreciation of the mystery of God's Word in this collection of reflections. The reflections are developed around eight themes: Jesus Began to Preach" addresses the mystery of the Word in salvation history. "Go and Proclaim the Gospel" makes the connection between the Word and the Church. "When I Found Your Words . . ." speaks to those who proclaim the Word. "We Preach Christ Jesus as Lord" reflects on the content of Christian preaching. "For Every Careless Word . . ." warns against confusing human words with the divine Word. "You Will Receive Power from the Holy Spirit" affirms the role of the Holy Spirit in the proclamation of the Word. "Welcome the Word" affirms the place of God's Word in our everyday lives. "The Letter Brings Death But the Spirit Gives Life" attests to the role of the Spirit in the interpretation of the Bible and in the life of the Church.

What does the paschal mystery mean in the context of the rite - past and present - and in Christian life and death?

Students of the liturgy and preachers will find in these pages a thoughtful examination of the mystery of Easter. Father Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, is in full command of both the scholarly and the pastoral implications of the Easter rite. From his words you will gain the insight to articulate this mystery within the liturgy and within life so that it will imbue with hope and awe all those who come to celebrate it.

The world was startled in 2007 by revelations that Mother Teresa of Calcutta's spiritual life was full of serious doubts and personal suffering for nearly 50 years. The other great saint of the last half century - Padre Pio - offers similar revelations of his own in this enlightening collection of short excerpts from his letters.
Many books have been written on the life and works of Padre Pio, but "Words of Light "is not a book about what others think or say about him. Here, he speaks for himself. If you are interested in the complexities and challenges of contemporary faith, you will benefit from these short teachings, counsels, and recollections culled from some of Padre Pio's most personal writings.
"In these letters I quickly discovered the same states of soul that were described by the great mystics. Padre Pio's own 'dark night' was in no way inferior to that described by John of the Cross, and equally the 'living flame' of his love for God dazzles the reader and allows them to catch a glimpse of another world."
- Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, from the Introduction