Synopses & Reviews
Two thousand years ago, Jesus said, "Follow me." What if the 21st-century Church actually heeded that call? What would the world look like if the Church were truly on the move? Simply put, very different. But these ponderings beg one more critical question: What exactly should the Church be moving toward? In Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church, Pope Francis's own words lead us to the answer. Francis urges us to make Jesus central in our individual lives and in the collective life of the Church—to walk toward him, and ultimately to walk with him at all times and in all places. Each chapter of this Vatican-authorized book helps us put one foot in front of the other as we move ever closer to God and to our neighbors through the sacraments, prayer, evangelization, the gifts of the Spirit, and service to others. Francis reminds us that while the Church is indeed made up of individual people, we must walk together as a community of believers in a transformative relationship with Jesus if the Church is to be an effective, faithful witness to the Gospel. With a foreword by Archbishop of Chicago Blase J. Cupich, Pope Francis's first major appointment in the United States,Walking with Jesus offers the Church a much-needed way forward, past its inner and outer walls, as it fearlessly follows Christ toward the future.
Review
"What did we do to deserve such a man as Pope Francis? Every day the world drops its jaw in wonder at the work of art that is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Read this book, and see how he is doing it."--Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., author of Falling Upwards and On the Threshold of Transformation
Review
"A magnificent book, bursting with profound spiritual insights, from a man who has quickly become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time."
- James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
Review
“I can't even tell you the sense of wonder and gratitude I am feeling reading
The Church of Mercy. Every Christian in at least the western world should read this man...at least read enough to know what Christianity has come upon or been given or will be watching develop over the next few years. This man sees, and is of, the Kingdom of God.”
–Phyllis Tickle, The Great Emergence
Review
“Church of Mercy is a book for our time: the memorable message of love, mercy, and compassion in the words of the man whose deeds incarnate these values in our time. Not only Catholics but every human being who values what is best in us will cherish this book.”
– Michael Leach, author of Why Stay Catholic?
Review
“Catechists are used to making things simple so that those they teach, especially children, can understand God’s Word. This is what makes Pope Francis such a natural catechist: he makes things simple.
The Church of Mercy is a Godsend for catechists who will treasure the Holy Father’s simple yet powerful and inspiring words which make faith in Jesus Christ accessible to everyday people in their everyday lives.”
- Joe Paprocki, DMin | National Consultant for Faith Formation
Review
This collection offers fascinating insight into the mind and heart of someone who has rapidly become one of the world’s most beloved public figures.
– Publishers Weekly
Review
“In this major new work from Loyola Press, Pope Francis reminds us that the goal of Christian faith is not to be right, but to be holy, and that the way to holiness is through a merciful heart, open to God and the world. The pope’s message is a daring invitation to reimagine the Church's whole approach to pastoral ministry and the new evangelization.”
- Fr. Matt Malone, S.J.
President & Editor in Chief, America Magazine
"Pope Francis understands the world he is in, and does not separate himself from it. He does not want a closed Church, but an open one, and knows that ‘a bruised Church is better than an ill Church’. This is a book for everyone."Joanna Thyer, 12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom (Loyola Press)
Review
"Refreshingly humane, focusing on people rather than institutions. Admirers of Francis and students of church history alike will find this a useful introduction to the pontiff’s thought."
- Kirkus
Review
"A wonderfully inspiring and stirring resource capturing the depth of Pope Francis's magnificent vision and mission. His powerful message speaks of the richness of Catholic story and tradition.
Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church is an exceptional source of wisdom and guidance for all involved in the ministry of religious education."
- Edith Prendergast, RSC
Director Religious Education, Archdiocese Los Angeles
Review
Walking with Jesus offers a carefully selected collection of recent homilies, discourses and messages of our astonishing Pope Francis. The excellent translation captures the remarkable humanity, turns of phrase, metaphors and imagery of a pope who is second to none as communicator. Expert editing makes each selection a real treat, accessible and easy to read, while inviting you to reflection and prayer. What a wonderful addition to our knowledge of the fresh and inspiring message of a revolutionary pope from 'the ends of the earth!'"
- Allan Figueroa Deck, SJCasassa Chair and Professor of TheologyLoyola Marymount University
Review
"Growing up on the gritty streets of Chicago’s West Side, I was taught to never walk alone. The same advice holds true for the spiritual journey and Pope Francis shows us how to walk with Jesus every step of the way. Thank you, Holy Father, for reminding us that, with Jesus at our side, we have nothing to fear!"
–Joe Paprocki, DMin
Review
"Making an important contribution to the new evangelization,
Walking with Jesus weaves together the major themes of Pope Francis’s pontificate centered around the encounter with Christ. The perfect companion for those seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ, the Sacraments and the Holy Spirit,
Walking with Jesus is sure to inspire you to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis to grow in your faith."
- Julianne Stanz
Director of Evangelization
Diocese of Green Bay
Review
“Magnificent. A beautiful invitation by a truly holy man to meet the one at the center of his life: Jesus Christ.”
- James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage.
Review
“Pope Francis knows that the encounter with Jesus Christ puts our lives on a new path. Our life of faith is a journey that we are making with Jesus—walking with him, sharing his life, traveling in the company of brothers and sisters who have accepted his invitation: ‘Follow me.’ In this inspiring book, our Holy Father offers us bread for the journey—to deepen our friendship with Jesus and our fellowship in continuing his mission of mercy in our world.”—Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles
Review
“The words of Pope Francis paint a vision of a Church constantly on the move as a dynamic missionary community of disciples. He calls bishops, priests, catechists, and parents to become new evangelizers, giving living witness to the person of Jesus Christ while building up the Church. Taking this seriously could change the very nature of catechesis and clergy formation.”—Joyce S. Donahue, Catechetical Associate, Diocese of Joliet
Review
“What a wonderful addition to our knowledge of the fresh and inspiring message of a revolutionary pope from ‘the ends of the earth!’”—Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Casassa Chair and Professor of Theology, Loyola Marymount University
Synopsis
Pope Francis has captured the world’s attention with his seemingly counterintuitive approach to leadership. In
The Church of Mercy, readers get a first-hand look at Pope Francis’s vision of the good news of Christian hope and mercy.
Designed for a broad readership, The Church of Mercy is a compilation of essays, speeches, and homilies by Pope Francis since his election on being a church that exists among and for the people, solidarity with the poor, and the need to demolish the idols of power and money.
Synopsis
"A magnificent book, bursting with profound spiritual insights, from a man who has quickly become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time." --James Martin, SJ, author of
Jesus: A PilgrimageIn the year since he was elected, Pope Francis’s simple message of mercy, service, and renewal has spread to every corner of the world. Through his gentle demeanor, selfless actions, and welcoming call for service to others, Pope Francis has captured the attention of a world longing for an authentic message of hope—we want to hear what he has to say.
Collected from Pope Francis’s speeches, homilies, and papers presented during the first year of his papacy, The Church of Mercy is the first Vatican-authorized book detailing his vision for the Catholic Church. From how to be citizens of the world to answering God’s call for evangelization, Pope Francis's deep wisdom reminds us that the Church must move beyond its own walls and joyfully bring God's mercy wherever suffering, division, or injustice exists.
Named TIME Magazine’s 2013 “Person of the Year,” Pope Francis is helping the Church continue toward an authentic Christianity that is faithful to the Gospel and resonant with the world’s greatest needs. The Church of Mercy encourages each of us to ignite the flame within to help share the light of Christ and revitalize the Church.
Synopsis
"This joy is born from knowing that with Him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life's journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable--and there are so many of them!"
--Pope Francis, Homily on Palm Sunday, 24 March 2013
"The Church does not rest solely beneath the shadow of our steeple; rather, she embraces a vast number of peoples and nations who profess the same faith, are nourished by the same Eucharist, and are served by the same pastors."
--Pope Francis, General Audience, 9 October 2013
Synopsis
From the beginning of his pontificate,
to walk is the most used verb by Pope Francis. “Walking” sums up the image of a Church that gets out from itself, from its inner and external walls, to meet the people of God and the world. Pope Francis is acclaimed for the humble and simple faith that he has demonstrated in public and private. In this major new book, he presents the heart of his approach to living as a Christian: following in the steps of Jesus.
Synopsis
In
Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church, Pope Francis urges us to make Jesus central in our individual lives and in the collective life of the Church—to walk toward him, and ultimately to walk with him at all times and in all places.
With a foreword by Archbishop of Chicago Blase J. Cupich, Pope Francis’s first major appointment in the United States, Vatican-authorized Walking with Jesus offers the Church a much-needed way forward, past its inner and outer walls, as it fearlessly follows Christ toward the future.
About the Author
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a young man, he worked briefly as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer before entering the Jesuits. He was ordained a priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979, was Argentina’s Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and was appointed a Cardinal in 2001.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, Bergoglio was named his successor on 13 March. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. He is the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas, the first Pope from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European Pope in over 1200 years.
Pope Francis has been noted for his humility, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to dialogue as a way to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface.....xi
PART ONE | THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST
1. The Embrace of God's Mercy.....3
2. The Light of Faith.....7
3. The Christian Message.....9
4. The Revolution of Freedom.....12
5. Being with Christ.....15
PART TWO | A POOR CHURCH FOR THE POOR
6. Listen the Cry of the Poor.....23
7. A House of Communion.....26
8. A House That Welcomes All.....30
9. A House of Harmony.....33
10. Sent to Bring the Gospel to All the World.....36
PART THREE | LISTENING TO THE SPIRIT
11. Be Guided by the Holy Spirit.....43
12. Good News, Harmony, Mission.....46
PART FOUR | PROCLAMATION AND TESTIMONY
13. Do Not Be Afraid.....53
14. Bringing the Word of God.....55
15. Called to Proclaim the Gospel.....58
16. Conveying Hope and Joy.....62
17. Giving All.....65
PART FIVE | Full-Time Christians
18. Coming Out of Ourselves.....71
19. Walking ... 75
20. Taking the Cross ... 77
21. Evangelizing ... 80
PART SIX | SHEPHERDS WITH THE "ODOR OF THE SHEEP"
22. To Be a Pastor ... 85
23. Priests Who Come to Serve ... 89
24. The Anointing of the People ... 92
PART SEVEN | THE CHOICE OF THE LAST
25. To the Outskirts of Existence ... 99
26. Hospitality and Service . 102
27. Refugees and Those Uprooted from Life . 104
28. A Culture of Solidarity . 106
PART EIGHT | DEMOLISHING THE IDOLS
29. The Logic of Power and Violence . 111
30. The Cult of the God of Money . 113
31. The Leprosy of Careerism . 115
32. Undressing the Spirit of the World . 117
PART NINE | THE CULTURE OF GOOD
33. Free to Choose Good . 121
34. The Hunger for Dignity . 124
35. The Commitment to Peace . 127
36. For a New Solidarity . 129
PART TEN | MARY, MOTHER OF EVANGELIZATION
37. Her Example . 133
38. Her Faith . 136
39. Her Intercession . 140
List of Sources . 145