The God Minute
Book of the Month
May Book Pick
Our May book suggestion is "The World's First Love, Mary Mother of God" by Fulton Sheen. Join us in a deep dive into the key elements in Mary's life and how they relate to our common experience as humans. Reflect upon Mary's love for mankind and renew your devotion to her with this incredible portrait of her life.
Our Book of the Month for May 2025 is The World's First Love, Mary Mother of God by Fulton Sheen.
About the Book
With his characteristic eloquence and brilliance, Fulton J. Sheen presents a moving portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary that combines deep spirituality with history, philosophy and theology. All the major aspects and events of Mary's life are lovingly portrayed in this word portrait that is a never failing source of information, consolation and inspiration. Sheen also gives profound insights into all the Marian beliefs ranging from the Immaculate Conception to the Assumption to the miracle of Our Lady of Fatima. While considering the different phases of Mary's life, Bishop Sheen discusses various problems common to mankind of every age and reveals clearly that every problem can be resolved. He emphasizes the unique dignity, strength and gifts of women and their ability to help heal the world's problems. Sheen stresses mankind's need of the Mother of God and her burning love for all her children. The great resurgence of devotion to Mary is God's way of emphasizing the worth and dignity of every person against the false doctrines that have so confused the modern world.
About the Author
Fulton John Sheen (born Peter John Sheen, May 8, 1895 – December 9, 1979) was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in 1919. Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America as well as acting as a parish priest before being appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made the Bishop of Rochester. He resigned in 1969[2] as his 75th birthday approached, and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales. For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before moving to television and presenting Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format very similar to that of the earlier Life is Worth Living show. For this work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. Due to his contribution to televised preaching, Sheen is often referred to as one of the first televangelists.
April Book Pick
In April, we invite you to journey deeper into prayer and discernment with The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Rooted in the wisdom of this great saint, these exercises are a powerful guide to growing in faith, recognizing God's voice, and aligning our hearts with His will.
Whether you are new to Ignatian spirituality or revisiting these profound meditations, we hope this book enriches your spiritual life and leads you closer to Christ. Let’s walk this path together as a prayer family!
Our Book of the Month for April 2025 is The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola by St. Ignatius.
About the Book
This TAN Books edition of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius or Manresa by St. Ignatius, features the complete text of the title, along with a supplemental reading section entitled “The Classics Made Simple: The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola.” We’ve also included unique hand-selected classic artwork for the reader’s enjoyment, exclusive to this eBook edition of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius or Manresa from TAN Books. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius or Manresa: Is it time to take your spiritual pulse, re-orient yourself to your Creator, and seek His guidance to live your faith more seriously? The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola outline the rigorous self-examination and spiritual meditations St. Ignatius set forth. Readers will learn how to make a new beginning on the path to holiness, repenting of their sins and attaining freedom from Satan's power. Though St. Ignatius wrote The Spiritual Exercises as a handbook for a four week guided retreat, this edition contains step by step explanations suitable for independent use over any time period.
About the Author
St. Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in Guipuzcoa. He was brought up in the household of Ferdinand and Isabella as head treasurer and joined the army in 1517. In 1521, while defending the citadel of Pamplona his leg was broken by a cannon ball and, having nothing to read but the Life of Christ, and the Lives of the Saints during his recuperation, he became inspired to direct his competitive spirit toward heavenly goals. In 1537 after many trials he was ordained a priest and in 1541 founded the Society of Jesus - the Jesuits. He died at Rome in 1556, and was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.
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St. Ignatius is the patron saint of soldiers and serves as both an intercessor for protection and safety in the face of danger and also as a reminder of every soldier that our true mission is to serve God.
March Book Pick
Our Book of the Month for March 2025 is The Incredible Catholic Mass by Father Martin von Cochem.
Our suggested reading for March is The Incredible Catholic Mass by Father Martin von Cochem! Fr. Martin was a German priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He was a professor of Theology and cared for plague victims in 1666.
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Many times we attend Mass out of routine, without fully grasping the immense blessings that unfold before us. This book opens our eyes to the supernatural reality of the Eucharist, revealing how each Mass unites heaven and earth, offers boundless graces, and brings us into deeper communion with God.
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Join us as we reflect on the treasures of the Mass, rediscover its transformative power, and grow in appreciation for this greatest of all prayers. Whether you’ve been attending Mass for years or are seeking to rekindle your devotion, this book will enrich your faith in ways you never imagined.
About the Author
The Rev. Father Martin of Cochem, O.S.F.C., was a German Capuchin born in 1630 at Mosel. He entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin as a novitiate while still young, subsequently received Holy Orders, and was ultimately assigned as a professor of theology. He also cared for the plague victims of 1666, and thereupon began composing popular religious writings and treatises. Father Cochem authored such works as The Last Four Things and The Incredible Catholic Mass, the former of which was printed by TAN in 1987. He died on the tenth of September, 1712, at Waghausel.