Books published by New City Press

The eight articles convey the principles at the root of the Economy of Communion and explain its unique characteristics. Pope Benedict XVIs new encyclical letter, Caritas in Veritate, in paragraph 46 speaks of an economy of communion. As John Allen remarked in a July 7, 2009 interview with Mundell & Associates, an Indiana-based Economy of Communion business, The Economy of communion was cited by Benedict XVI as a promising form of intermediate activity between for-profit business and classic non-profit institutions, rupturing what the pope called an exclusively binary model of market-plus-state which is corrosive of society. When I proposed the Economy of Communion, I certainly did not have a theory in mind. Nonetheless, I can see that it draws the attention of economists, sociologists, philosophers and scholars from other disciplines (Chiara Lubich). Over the years the Economy of Communion has come a long way. Within a year of its beginning in 1991 a dozen pioneering businesses already existed. Now the Economy of Communion involves over seven hundred businesses throughout the world. Using the language of economics, the articles in this volume convey the principles at the root of the Economy of Communion and explain its unique characteristics within the context of current and historical economic thought and practice at both the micro and macro levels.

Paradise: Chiara Lubich's Mystical Journey is the first book to be published with Chiara's only two talks about Paradise '49, along with essays about that mystical journey and it implications for today's world. This book presents both Chiara's mystic journey in Paradise and her mystical journey in creation seeing humanity, nature and the Church in the light of Paradise. The latter journey gave Chiara mystical insights about the Church, humanity, and nature as well as God's will for all three in the future. The mystical genius of Chiara created a lay spirituality that seeks to realize Jesus's prayers: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt. 6:10), and "May they all be one" (Jn. 17:21). Essays by: Chiara Lubich, Peter Casarella, Thomas Norris, David L. Schindler, Piero Coda, Brendan Leahy, Donald W. Mitchell, Hubertus Blaumeiser, Luigino Bruni, Antonio Baggio, Bernard Callebaut, Gérard Rossé, Callan Slipper, Hubertus Blaumeiser, Roberto Catalano, Cinto Busquet, Brian K. Reynolds, Jesús Morán, Maria Voce, Cherylanne Menezes, Judith Povilus, Anna Pelli. This fascinating book contains two major components: first, Chiara Lubich's "Paradise" reflections of 1949 manifesting the earlier years of her agapic, kenotic, mystical journey; second, several fine essays by thinkers from diverse disciplines on the implications of Lubich's mysticism, especially for a christology of Jesus as the abandoned one and for Trinitarian theology of mutual love. Particularly valuable are the essays on the possible contribution of Chiara Lubich's form of mysticism--indeed of all genuine mysticism in all religious traditions--as a great enrichment of all inter-religious dialogue. In sum: a complex, erudite, thoughtful collection. -- David Tracy University of Chicago This remarkable collection centered upon the memorial of Chiara Lubich's mystical experience, "Paradise '49," is like the setting of a gem: not only does it secure for this little text its rightful place in modern Catholic mystical theology, drawing our attention to its heavenly splendor; it also serves to refract from various angles its significance to such varied subjects as theology, biblical studies, ecclesiology, society and culture, and even interreligious dialogue. In his foreword Peter Casarella describes Lubich's paradisal experience of the Trinity in 1949 as "The Mount Tabor of the Dolomites." It may be hoped that this commemorative volume will further the reflection of its light. -- John Betz Department of Theology University of Notre Dame The appearance of Paradise: Chiara Lubich¿s Mystical Journey is a wonderful contribution to the actual state of the field of mystic studies. In our times, where consistent spiritual experiences with strong features seem to be lacking, Chiara Lubich¿s experience testifies to the presence of those experiences in a new configuration. She is not the only one. Others too have had deep experiences of God in secular circumstances in contemporary times. What is fantastic about Chiara is the fact that she combines the deepest mystical revelations with the most current and practical tasks and details of everyday life. And​ she does​ that with a great comunitarian sense and a deep fidelity to the Church where she belongs. This collection of essays about her mystical journey will give the reader a good sense of the depth of Chiara's loving union with God in Christ and also her openness to everything that is created with their​ similarities and differences. -- Maria Clara Bingemer Professor of Theology Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro These intelligent essays shed light on the profound contemplative experiences and subsequent writings about those experiences by Chiara Lubich. As such these reflections provide further evidence that she is one of the must luminous mystics of the modern Catholic era. -- Lawrence Cunningham The University of Notre Dame

Waldron offers us a Francis of Assisi who speaks to us of the twenty-first century, a Francis with whom modern people can identify. Robert Waldron's new book serves as an introduction to the life of the world's favorite saint. The author explores Francis from three perspectives: biographical, psychological and aesthetic. His book is innovative because he understands Francis through our new science of psychology and through the beauty of Bellini's masterpiece St. Francis in the Desert, the painting shown on the cover of the book. For a psychological understanding Waldron employes Carl Jung's theory of individuation: the steps taken by Francis to become his True Self. Waldron also employs Bellini's painting to shed light on St. Francis the mystic, he who was gifted by God with the Stigmata. Waldron also addresses Francis's poem The Canticle of the Creatures, offering an exegesis of the poem that also provides insights into the saint's life as Christian and as a mystic. Waldron's book provides a Study Guide that encourages the reader to go more deeply into understanding Francis's life; thus, it can be used in the classrooms of both high school and college. Robert Waldron's deeply contemplative book lets us meet a truly humble man who, as the light that suffuses Bellini's portrait awakens something in us too, seems to be asking, "What are you waiting for?" Alongside the Poverello, we experience the crucial brilliance of his Master emptying Himself for us, just as Francis, for whom Love enscaped itself on his mind and body, came to understand--as we too, thanks to Waldron's portrait, might come to understand. Paul Mariani, poet, biographer and critic, University Professor of English Emeritus at Boston College Like the play of light in the famous Bellini painting of the Stigmata of St. Francis, Robert Waldron's meditation on St. Francis helps us see how he became the luminous saint he is. Waldron explores the major decisions in the life of St. Francis and discovers there the source of the light Francis shines not only on his contemporaries but also on us today. Through commentaries and study guides Waldron involves the reader in a journey of close reading of events and written sources of the life of St. Francis, as well as the interpretation of artists, that becomes an adventure into how God illumines those who do God's will. Murray Bodo, OFM Author and scholar of the life of St. Francis of Assisi

The book is about the formation of disciples (laity, clergy, and religious) to fulfill the Church's call for evangelization in the Third Millennium. The questions facing believers and sincere seekers in the Church universal account for the publication of this most needed book: What does it mean to follow Jesus? What must I do to merit being called his disciple in this Third Millennium of Christianity? How can I live the Good News I have received and pass it on to future generations? Each chapter presents through the lens of discipleship the building blocks of how to become spiritually mature by having the courage to drop whatever obstacles stand in the way of following the Lord. It considers in an experiential way the conditions for discipleship he himself lived to the full, among them, obedience, hope, joy, and fidelity. The chapters open with a thematic poem and end with a closing prayer, followed by questions for reflection. Each chapter invites readers to enter into personal reflection as well as to engage in small group faith sharing. Dr. Susan Muto's latest book, Drop Your Nets and Follow Jesus, is indeed a "must-read" for all who truly want to respond to the invitation of Jesus to "Be perfect...as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt: 5:48). Msgr. Albert Kuuire Spiritual Director at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut Dr. Susan Muto's beautifully written and arranged book is a valuable resource for those engaged in spiritual self-direction as well as those looking for solid Spiritual resources for a spiritually-oriented book club. Dr. Muto combines the inspirational poetry of her mentor, Fr. Adrian van Kaam, and her own flowing spiritual reflections on Sacred Scripture toward the making of the Disciple in response to the New Evangelization call. Each of the brief twenty-one chapters concludes with a summary prayer-reflection and reflective questions for the spiritual seeker. The Author combines the deep wisdom and beauty of her own inspiring journey and shares her own poetry as well. A gem! Sr. Sharon Richardt, D.C., M.A., Ph.D. Spiritual Coach and Director Dr. Susan Muto has handed us the key to evangelization in our time -- and in any time, really. It's friendship. That is the way modeled by Jesus Christ. It is the way taken up by the Apostles and Fathers. Friendship converted the world once before and can do it again. We can do it again. Mike Aquilina EWTN host and author of How Christianity Saved Civilization This book should be in all parish libraries. Using non-theological language and with deep personal insights, Muto has provided us with wonderful reflections on what we must be to become disciples to others. Arnold Rzepecki Catholic Library Association

Environmentalist Lorna Gold issues a clarion call to take immediate action on climate change or risk bequeathing a stark legacy to future generations. Lorna shares her personal journey in coming to understand what 'climate change' means to her both as an activist and as a mother ...

ILLUMINATION BOOK AWARDS, 2018 Silver Medal Winner -- Christian Living John Armstrong knows from personal experience how easy it is to put too much emphasis on correct teaching in our experience of church--and how easily we lose sight of the love on which Christ built his church when we do so. In Costly Love, Armstrong acknowledges the importance of doctrine and theological discussion in the church, but he urges Christians to focus first on whether we are following Jesus' new commandment: to love as he loved. Our actions of love will begin to bring us closer to unity with one another and with God. Good books make you think, great books provoke you to change. John Armstrong has given us a great book that has the potential to transform churches and leaders. Costly Love presents a vision of life that is biblically faithful and consistently congruent with reality. This is as timely a work on this subject as any I have read. This is surely a book we all need for our divided times. Rev. Tyler Johnson, Lead Pastor, Redemption Church - Phoenix, Arizona John Armstrong has discovered the transforming power of love. His heart beats to its rhythms. In this new book, he invites us all to discover and practice "love without limits" toward both God and our neighbors, regardless of the personal price. Costly Love gives a thoroughly biblical examination of love and each page is chock-full of wisdom. This book can change your life! R. Alan Streett, PhD , Senior Research Professor of Biblical Theology - Criswell College, Callas, Texas Never has a book strummed so many resonant strings in my own heart than John Armstrong's Costly Love. It is as if he has walked through the chambers of my own habitation in Christ and captured, in enviably readable prose, my deepest convictions of the supreme need of the body of Christ in this hour. Costly Love is as timely a book as I have ever read. At the risk of premature hyperbole, Costly Love has the potential to become a timeless Christian classic. Saying "you must read this book" is to me inadequate understatement--but what else can I say? Stephen R. Crosby, D. Min., Stephanos Ministries In his latest book, John Armstrong challenges all Christians with a simple and demanding insight--unity has its origin in God's nature as love. The insight is also a prescription for what truly ails Christianity. For Christian churches to express faithfulness to Jesus' prayer in John 17, they must dwell with each other in the unity of God-Love. The Very Rev. Thomas A. Baima, Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs - Archdiocese of Chicago, IL

This book invites readers on a journey. Those interviewed for this book have already built bridges of understanding and have crossed them into a far better future, one superior to the vision of extremism or Western materialism. We call on people who love their faith to join us.

In 2008, Bishop Sam Jacobs, a long-time member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, invited national representatives of several movements to consider a possible collaboration on a national scale. Cursillo, Focolare, the Neocatechumenal Way, and Worldwide Marriage Encounter all immediately responded positively. Others joined them over the years, participating in conference calls and personal meetings. This group was ultimately called, 'Catholic Ecclesial Movements and New Communities in the U.S. in Conversation.' It has held receptions, a luncheon, and a workshop for U.S. bishops during their November meetings in Baltimore each year.

"Chiara Lue, a girl full of vitality, but, suddenly, she fell gravely ill. And, strangely, moment by moment, a new life full of light began to unfold for her. She was eighteen when she died, yet she had lived to the full."--Page 4 of cover.

Everyone knows about the 'mystery' of the Big Bang - what started it? This book is about the other 'creation mystery' - where did human beings, in particular, come from? It ...

"Hope for Judas" . . . Judas? The son of destruction? Judas, about whom the gospels tell us very little beyond the dramatic events during the Passion? Jesus's loving-saving action finds its culmination in him? Beginning from a sculpture carved at the capital of a column in the medieval Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in Vézelay, France, Fr. Christoph Wrembek will take you on a breathtaking, challenging, yet ultimately deeply touching journey through key stories of sacred scripture, stories about being lost but ultimately always about salvation. This journey leads into the soul of the gospel, which is Jesus himself.

Volume 3 of Adalbert de Vogue's "A Critical Study of The Rule of St. Benedict" interprets The Rule, especially facets of monastic life that secular readers might find unimportant such as prayer regime...

Blind Spot subtitled War and Christian Identity deals with the problem inherent in that phrase. Considering these two concepts as running in parallel and for that very reason incapable of converging, the author boldly asserts that Christians who are unaware of this incom...

Guía práctica para matrimonios, que integra de un modo eficaz lo mejor de la psicología familiar con la espiritualidad Cristiana de la unidad.

The history of spirituality has never seen a way to God like this one. Till now all forms of spiritual growth have focused on the individuals discovery of the God who fascinates the human heart. But the spirituality that Chiara Lubich and her companions have discovered is a new w...

Space ads in America, Commonweal, Living Church, Living City; Feature in ASpirit of Books@ catalog (120,000); Extensive review campaign; Direct mailings to house list (monthly); E-mail marketing to selected consumer lists

This practical guide helps teachers and students to foster a learning environment where even the most difficult and divisive issues can be discussed. Examples incorporate the voices and experiences of students.

Rooting their work in Ignatian Spirituality, Catholic Social Teaching, student affairs best practices, and a 21st century understanding of a spirituality of communion, these authors offer a proven resource for the formation of student leaders. Each section provides real-world exa...

The Church's Best-Kept Secret is a short primer which lays out the basics of Catholic social teaching in a way accessible to the ordinary Catholic as well as to any other person of good will attempting to grasp this often profoundly misunderstood area of Church doctrine and practice.

Saint Augustine's classic work has endured sixteen centuries of study and scrutiny--any intent to abridge such a text might seem the height of hubris. However, the hope is that a shorter, more manageable edition will invite the reader to later engagement with the full text. This edition draws entirely on William Babcock's 2012 superb translation.

Noted Franciscan scholars Regis J. Armstrong, J. A. Wayne Hellmann, and William Short spearheaded a collabrative effort of translators, scholars and technicians to publish this series. Many of these texts had been published in critical, scholarly European editions, but were not available in English. All three volumes contain helpful introductions to each section, colored maps, cross references, and extensive annotation.The Prophet contains: A Book of the Praises of Saint Francis by Bernard of Besse The Versified Life of Saint Francis by Henri d'Avranches A Collection of Sayings of the Companions of Blessed Francis The Tree of the Crucified Life of Jesus A Mirror of the Perfection The Book of Chronicles or of the Tribulations of the Order of Lesser Ones by Angelo Clareno The Deeds of Blessed Francis and His Companions by Ugolino Boniscambi The Little Flowers of Saint Francis Liturgical Texts for the Feast of the Stigmata of Saint Francis The Kinship of Saint Francis by Arnald of Sarrant Related Documents

Noted Franciscan scholars Regis J. Armstrong, J. A. Wayne Hellmann, and William Short spearheaded a collabrative effort of translators, scholars and technicians to publish this series. Many of these texts had been published in critical, scholarly European editions, but were not available in English. In some instances these texts are available in English for the first time; in all instances, they have been annotated in light of recent scholarship.This first volume, The Saint, contains the following works: The Writings of Francis of Assisi (1205/06-1226) The Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano (1228-1229) The Liturgical Texts (1230-1234) The Life of Saint Francis by Julian of Speyer The Versified Life of Saint Francis by Henri d'Avranches (1232-1235) The Sacred Exchange between Saint Francis and Lady Poverty (1237-1239) Related Documents (1215-1237

Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about growing old? This book deals directly with this timeless question that affects most human beings, especially in modern times.

Friendship with God is a gift of Holy Wisdom (Wis 7:27). God speaks to Moses face to face as one speaks to a friend (Exod 33:11). And most striking of all these biblical examples, Jesus calls his own disciples, "friends" (John 15:15). Tracing the theme of friendship in the Scriptures, we will explore our own relationships with our family and friends to see how they have helped to pave the way for our becoming friends of God.The series What Does the Bible Say About …? examines Biblical teaching in non-technical language in a style accessible to all, while taking into account current scholarship, and relating the biblical message to challenges of today's church and society. Rather than commenting on the content of any specific book, this new series examines topics of interest in a cross-reading of the Bible, both Old and New Testament, presenting a wide-angle view of what Sacred Scripture really says.

Simply Bonaventure provides an introduction to the life, thought and writings of the medieval Franciscan, Bonaventure of Bagnoregio.