The Little Black Book: Lent 2025: Meditations on the Passion According to John

by Bishop Ken Untener, Erin Looby Carlson (editor), MaryBeth O'Connor (illustrator)

In this time of waiting and anticipation, prepare your heart by spending time with God each day of Lent. The Little Black Book guides you through this season with short devotionals that will inspire you. This year's Lent book focuses on the Passion according to John's Gospel and begins March 2, 2025Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging people to pray for 6 minutes a day during the liturgical seasons.

Conceived and developed by the late Bishop Ken Untener of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, the Little Black Book debuted in 1999 as a Lenten reflection and quickly became a staple for individuals and congregations throughout the midwest. As demand grew, so too did Little Books, which now includes the Little Blue Book for the Advent/Christmas season and the Little White Book for the Easter season, along with titles for Stewardship and children, and other writings.

Each Little Book is faithfully written to correspond with seasonal themes and features daily scriptural-based lessons along with interesting facts about Catholic traditions, saints, notable people and symbolism.

Today millions of people rely on Little Books to enhance their prayer practice and provide spiritual inspiration. All proceeds from Little Books go toward serving the needs of the people and communities of the 11-county Diocese of Saginaw.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2025

Reviews

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Black Book: Lent 2025, inspired and written by Bishop Untener and published by the Diocese of Saginaw is a holy supplement to our Lenten journey. The book this year followed the Passion of Christ according to John. it includes daily insights to Scripture text and Catholic doctrine with interesting stories includes pertaining to our Catholic faith.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a simple, easy-to-follow Lenten companion that I received from my parish. It included some interesting facts about saints and Catholic practice as well as some fresh insights into John’s gospel.

[Donna Schwartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book that asks the reader to view two pages a day over the entire religious season of Lent.
The page on the right gives information on different saints, some of which were unknown to me, and also talks about religious traditions that have been followed over the over 2 centuries since Jesus was on earth.
The page on the left, takes the Gospel according to John, in particular the Passion and Death of Jesus, in small segments, and talks about its meaning for the ordinary person.
Some sections are more interesting than others, but in general, it is a good read.

[Joycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical tidbits that accompanied each day’s Bible portions & reflection points.

I’m glad that I was only ever three or four days late with the entries and managed to finish on time (though this review is a day late itself).

One of my bigger takeaways from reading this is that I ought to take time to just contemplate, and sit quietly to allow the Lord to speak to me, instead of verbally praying to Him all the time.

[Kelly Veatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book was particularly good this year. I loved all the little side stories/information for each day of Lent. I learned so many new things. The scripture from the gospel of John was also wonderful as I went through Lent. Thank to my parish, St. Thomas More, for providing these books each year!

[Dennis Gatto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ lives for us through Ken’s witness!!

One of my great sadnesses is the I never personally met Bishop Ken! He inspires me to be another witness for Jesus. I look forward to meeting him I heaven!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Little Black Book: Lent 2025” has been an outstanding reference for my 2025 Lenten journey to Easter. Highly recommend the annual Little Black Book Lenten Companion each year in preparing for the Easter celebration. Experienced as a KINDLE book.

[Mommcgee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT BOOK TO READ DURING LENT!

[malcolm warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth reading,

Wonderful mediative readings I thoroughly enjoyed them and they helped me a great deal bringing calm to a busy world
Thank you

[Kathy]

Not rating because it's a devotional. :)

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned much about my faith during this Lenten season and helpful aid my understanding of the Passion during mass. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read the White book.

[Jill Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Lenten book with daily antidotes about different Catholic saints, issues etc. combined with a small reading and reflection. Great way to do Lent.

[Leo Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BEAUTIFUL COMPANION DURING THE LENTEN SEASON 🙏🙏🙏

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guided readings and meditations.

[Fadi Youkhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect companion to the Lenten journey.

[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to navigate the Easter season. I ordered The Little White Book for myself and siblings after reading this.