YOUCAT The No. 1 Catholic book in the world! YOUCAT the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church now ranks as the best-selling Catholic book in the world! In its first year, readers have snapped up more than 1.7 million around the globe. Not surprisingly, the Youth Catechism is at the top of Catholic-book sales rankings in America, Germany and Spain. Ignatius Press published the English-language edition of YOUCAT for the U.S. 1.7 million copies sold worldwide but that s just the beginning, said Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., founder and editor of Ignatius Press. Young people are evangelizing their peers as well as deepening their own faith. A special institute in Germany, staffed by young Catholics, is organizing international study groups and preparing new YOUCAT-centered activities and publications, Fr. Fessio said. Like its big brother, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, YOUCAT isn t a one-time publication. It s a point of reference for young people around the world and a cornerstone of the New Evangelization. YOUCAT adapts the content of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to a format intended to engage young people and young adults. It is an accessible and contemporary expression of the Catholic Faith, and served as the official Youth Catechism of 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid. It explains: Doctrine What Catholics believe; The Sacraments How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith; Moral Life How Catholics are to live; Prayer and Spirituality How Catholics should pray YOUCAT s attractive format includes questions and answers, highlyreadable commentary, margin photos and illustrations, summary definitions of key terms, Bible citations and quotes from the Saints and other great teachers. The questions are direct and honest, even at times tough; the answers straightforward, relevant and compelling. Click here to visit the YOUCAT website, where you can watch the trailer and order your copy. Like YOUCAT on Facebook, and share it with all your friends!
U.S. Bishops call for a 'Fortnight for Freedom' in response to attacks on religious liberty In a 12-page statement released last Friday, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for a Fortnight for Freedom in response to the HHS mandate and a host of other governmental attacks on religious liberty. In Our First, Most Cherished Liberty, the bishops note that, while the HHS mandate has been in the headlines for the past several weeks, it does not represent the only assault on religious liberty Americans have faced recently. Is our most cherished freedom truly under threat? Sadly, it is, the statement notes. This is not a theological or legal dispute without real world consequences. The bishops also noted that attacks on religious freedom continue around the globe. The age of martyrdom has not passed, the report said. The USCCB has designated June 21-July 4 this year as a Fortnight for Freedom. Culminating on Independence Day, the bishops said in the report, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Dioceses and parishes around the country could choose a date in that period for special events that would constitute a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty. In addition, the bishops urged that Nov. 25 the Solemnity of Christ the King be a day specifically employed by bishops and priests to preach about religious liberty, both here and abroad. They noted that this Feast Day was born out of resistance to totalitarian incursions against religious liberty. Religious liberty is not only about our ability to go to Mass on Sunday or pray the Rosary at home, the bishops said. It is about whether we can make our contributions to the common good of all Americans. Can we do the good works our faith calls us to do, without having to compromise that very same faith? Click here to read Our First, Most Cherished Liberty in its entirety and to download it as a PDF.
For Greater Glory getting rave endorsements as support grows For Greater Glory, the action epic movie about the true story of the 1920s Cristero War the daring people s revolt that rocked 20th century Mexico that will open in theaters nationwide June 1, already is garnering endorsements from key Catholic leaders and the media. For Greater Glory vividly depicts the difficult circumstances in which Catholics of that time lived and died for their faith. It is a top-flight production whose message of the importance of religious freedom has particular resonance for us today. It is my earnest hope that people of faith throughout our country will rally behind For Greater Glory, and in doing so, will highlight the importance of religious freedom in our society. Most Rev. Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, CA This deeply moving account of the Cristeros fight for the freedom of religion in Mexico is very much a story for our own times. The faith and courage of the Mexican martyrs clergy and laity makes us proud to be Catholics. Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan, Bishop of Colorado Springs, CO Every person of faith should draw courage from the tragically heroic witness of the Cristeros. Their sacrifice reminds us that unless we learn from history, we risk repeating it. Besides being an important movie, it is extremely well done. Fr. Andrew Small, National Director, Pontifical Mission Societies Moving, powerful and inspiring! For Greater Glory includes stunning cinematography, an all-star cast, and tells a historically accurate story that most audiences will be unfamiliar with but need to know. The film s high production values and respect for the source material are exemplary. The movie grabs the viewer and doesn t let go. The stirring story of freedom and heroism is one that audiences will reflect upon long after the screen goes dark. Tim Drake, Senior Writer, National Catholic Register and Register Radio Produced by Pablo Jose Barroso, Academy Award -nominee Andy Garcia and Golden Globe winner Eva Longoria lead a stellar multinational cast that includes the legendary Oscar winner Peter O Toole; rapidly rising star Oscar Isaac (Drive); recording star and actor Ruben Blades (Safe House); Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, Super 8); Nestor Carbonell (The Dark Knight Rises, Lost ); Bruce McGill (Lincoln); Santiago Cabrera ( Heroes, Che); Oscar nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace); and Eduardo Verástegui (Bella). Click here for more information on For Greater Glory.
Long Live the Pope! Pope Benedict XVI turned 85 yesterday (April 16), and Thursday (April 19) is the seventh anniversary of his election to the Papacy. Media around the world have noted those occasions with essays on the Holy Father and his ongoing legacy. Some transition, wrote Canada s Catholic Register in an April 10 piece, Happy 85th to Pope Benedict XVI. The Register noted that some described then-cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as a transitional Pope when he succeeded Blessed John Paul II in the Chair of St. Peter. The Register went on to point out that over the past seven years, Benedict XVI has authored acclaimed encyclicals and made dramatic, historic visits to Auschwitz; Istanbul; the Holy Land; and, most recently, Mexico and Cuba. Only weeks after his elevation to the Papacy, the Holy Father visited the chapel in the Abruzzi region of eastern Italy and the Holy Veil of Manoppello in his first official trip. He eventually elevated the chapel that houses this little-known relic to the status of minor basilica. In My Brother the Pope, the memoir Msgr. Georg Ratzinger shared with German author Michael Hesemann, we find the following passage from the Holy Father: The ways of the Lord are not easy, but we were not created for an easy life, but for great things, for goodness. In this brief comment we find a strong answer to recent speculation, mostly from the media, that Benedict XVI will choose to retire soon because of his age and failing health. In a report for Catholic News Service on the occasions of Benedict XVI s birthday and anniversary, CNS Rome Bureau Chief Francis X. Rocca included something the Holy Father said to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro when he visited that country last month: Yes, I m old, Benedict XVI told Castro, also 85, but I can still carry out my duties. In As a man grows older: Papal milestone prompt celebration, speculation, Rocca went on to compare Benedict XVI with his predecessor, Blessed Pope John Paul II noting that Blessed John Paul II had twice pondered resignation but ultimately decided that it was, in his own words, his duty to continue to carry out the job for which Christ the Lord has called me. If a leader as traditional as Pope Benedict does not consider Blessed John Paul's example a binding precedent, Rocca writes, he clearly sees it as an inspiring standard for his own conduct. The Register also considers the possibility that the Holy Father could retire. Not likely, it reports. Pope Benedict continues to prove he is more than up for the job. Join us in wishing Pope Benedict XVI a Blessed and joyous 85th birthday, and a happy and wonderful seventh anniversary! Click here to watch a feature on My Brother the Pope from Rome Reports. Click here to visit the website for My Brother the Pope.
Thanks for helping October Baby succeed in expansion! Your support led the powerful pro-life film October Baby into successful territory last weekend as it expanded to almost 200 new theaters around the country. As always, it s imperative that you see the film now if you haven t already done so. The movie industry is among the most dynamic entertainment areas of all. Many new films open weekly and that makes holding theaters a challenge for every film not just small independent productions like October Baby. For films like it, however, voting with your ticket purchases is the most important thing you can do! Click here for the current list of theaters. Share it with your friends, and encourage them to see the movie Catholic Pro-Life Committee Executive Director Karen Garnett calls a must-see, masterpiece film for life, so critically needed at this time in history. These resources have been provided by The Maximus Group, Catholic Exchange, FaithMarket Distribution, and The MaxForce.