Benedict J. GroeschelRessenyes

prayers & meditations

psychology of spiritual development

reflections on Apostles Creed

From renowned EWTN host and author Benedict Groeschel, this is a profound discussion of the stages of spiritual growth. Of special note is the way Groeschel identifies four distinct approaches to God (as Beauty, Truth, the Good, and the One) and shows how each leads to a different kind of spiritual path or pilgrimage.

A great book in which the author candidly discusses the major challenges to living the Christian life faithfully. This is made very difficult by our own weaknesses and sinfulness notwithstanding the similar societal conditions all around us. The author knows what he is talking about and even reveals his own struggles and that of others whom he has served as a priest and psychologist. He is (at the time of this writing) a Franciscan Friar of The Renewal and Director of Spiritual Development for the New York Archdiocese. He is the author of many books. This book urges us to think realistically and truthfully about our own unique weaknesses and sinful tendencies as well as about the storms of life that will inevitably come against us. The author encourages us to see our need for community (the Church) and not to try to make the journey alone. Groeschel assures that divine Providence will guide us and give us light though there will be periods of darkness along the way. He provides testimonies and examples of those who have overcome seeming impossible odds.

Fr. Benedict has made this anthology of profound prayers, drawn from all of Christian history, available to those who experience a hunger for devotion. Beautifully illustrated with classic art, this book will be a valuable companion for personal prayer, for times of recollection, and even for those times of critical spiritual need.

Fr. Benedict has written previously about faith and sorrow (Arise from Darkness) and seeks in this book to study catastrophes of all different kinds in relationship to our faith in divine providence, in God's goodness and mercy, and finally in the light of Christ's suffering and death.

Since when is being called "virtuous" an insult?
It's a word that has gotten a bad rap, misused and misunderstood even by great thinkers, philosophers, and theologians, and mocked in the cynical sound bites of the media.

Rediscover virtue as it should be understood in our lives. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Father Groeschel reintroduces the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. One by one he makes them meaningful for modern men and women, shaking off the dusty mantle of pretentiousness and demonstrating how each has a real role in a whole and holy life.

This book is fantastic. It provides a high level view of spiritual development. It also gives a lot of information on the factors that inhibit such development and the factors that enhance development. Paralleled with the spiritual dimension is the psychological dimension. Here again, the barriers and the enhancing aspects of the personality are presented. Groeschel is orthodox in his Christian views. Overall his message is that people can overcome the darkness that is a reality in the long journey of coming to know and trust God personally. At least some of the requisites include a desire to know oneself, a willingness to change and developing a more complete trust in God. This is comes about primarily through the theological virtue of faith, a grace given by God. Through faith, trust grows and we come to see God in greater reality.½

The author reassures us that the steel cross found in the ruins of the World Trade Center leads to the cross of Jesus, which stands at the center of all pain, all suffering, indeed all history.

In this writing, Groeschel draws on his wide experience as a psychologist and cure of souls and offers a practical guide to those Christians seeking to lead a chaste single life.

The story of a young man who was ordained just three hours before his death. We dare you to read this book and not be moved.

This is a small and at first glance and easy to read book. And yes this can easily be just read in an hour. But if you read this book like that you would mss the benefit that is to be found within these pages. The author helps the reader who is willing to digest its content come closer to understanding the mystical and practical meaning of various types and kinds of prayer. The importance of actively listening to God. An important endeavor in daily and contemplative life, This is a book that many will wish to read more than once.

An effort by a respected Roman Catholic priest and EWTN personality Father Benedict Groeschel (who is also a trained psychologist) to integrate the insights of developmental psychology with the Christian understanding of the Spiritual life. Well worth reading.

I ignored this book for the longest time, could not see how it could possibly be that interesting... but I found I was quite wrong when I finally read it. I read it twice, which I don't often do. I was stunned because I had always taken for granted that the Church just has always reverenced the Blessed Sacrament. It is awesome to see how the Holy Spirit has worked to draw souls to adore the Eucharist.

Arise From Darkness is Fr. Benedict Groeschel's most famous book, and rightly so. It is not just for people who are grieving. It's a course on how to maintain equilibrium no matter what life throws your way, through cultivating trust in God. Prayers and contemplations are provided, guidelines for responding to the difficulties of life are outlined.

Fr. Groeschel brings his wisdom to bear in an exposition of the seven main virtues of Christian life. Beginning with the four cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice), Groeschel explains their human characteristics, and how they can be elevated by grace to a supernatural level. For the three theological virtues (faith, hope and charity), he explains how they flow from God's grace. Examples from life pepper the text, making for clear examples and keeping the material interesting. A good introduction to the important virtues for anyone interested in the Catholic faith.½

Prayers for Eucharistic Adoration gleaned from the writings of the saints.

Prayers for Eucharistic Adoration from one of America's most beloved priests.

APPENDICES; INDEX

Eucharistic Devotion