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The How-to Book of Catholic Devotions: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You
De-vo-tion (di-voh-shun) n. 1. Great love or loyalty, enthusiasm, or zeal. 2. Religious worship. 3. Prayers. You know a lot about the Catholic Church, or maybe you are just learning, but there are things that confuse you—like what to do when you pray a novena, or how to "offer up" something, exactly what the Angelus is, or any of the dozens of other devotions that set Catholics apart from other Christians. But help is here! The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions is the only book that not only provides the who, what, where, when, and why of the most time-honored traditions of the Church but also the how. In this complete guide you • step-by-step guidelines to all the devotional rites and rituals of the Catholic Faith • a history of each devotion and a reflection on its importance in the prayer life of Catholics • succinct and salient quotes from saints and prominent members of the Church • cautions, drawn from Scripture and Tradition, for potential temptations and distractions • the blessings and graces associated with the devotions If you want to learn what devotions comprise a truly Catholic life—and share those practices with others—you can’t be without The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions. Now discover how • Pray the Sign of the Cross, Morning Offering, Grace Before Meals, Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love, and many more • Pray the Angelus • Make First Fridays and First Saturdays • Make a novena • "Offer up" something • Pray the Rosary • Read the Bible • Practice mental prayer • Examine your conscience • Fast and abstain • Pray with sacred images • Consecrate your life to the Sacred Heart of Jesus or the Immaculate Heart of Mary • Make a pilgrimage • Wear a scapular "This charming book shows you how to plunge in and do all the things devout Catholics do. Learning to pray in Catholic ways, learning to use Catholic things like scapulars and blessings and holy water, and learning to eat fish on Friday while knowing why -- all this amounts to more than one might think. Learning the practices of faith is learning faith again, and remembering why faith is so human and so sacred, and so dear to us."-- Fr. Ronald Lawler, O.F.M. Cap. Member, Pontifical Roman Theological Academy
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
70 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Mike Aquilina
126 books112 followersMike Aquilina is author or editor of more than thirty books, including The Fathers of the Church, The Mass of the Early Christians, and A Year with the Church Fathers. He has co-hosted eight series that air on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). He has co-authored books with Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., and theologian Scott Hahn. He is past editor of New Covenant magazine and The Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper. He appears weekly on Sirius Radio's "Sonrise Morning Show." Mike and his wife, Terri, have six children, who are the subject of his book Love in the Little Things.
In 2011 Mike was a featured presenter of the U.S. Bishops' Diocesan Educational/Catechetical Leadership Institute. He also wrote the USCCB's theological reflection for Catechetical Sunday in 2011.
His reviews, essays and journalism have appeared in many journals, including First Things, Touchstone, Crisis, Our Sunday Visitor, National Catholic Register, and Catholic Heritage. He contributed work on early Christianity to the Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought.
Mike is a also poet whose works have appeared in U.S. literary journals and have been translated into Polish and Spanish. He shared songwriting credits with Grammy Award-winner Dion DiMucci on the forthcoming album "Tank Full of Blues."
In 2011 Mike was a featured presenter of the U.S. Bishops' Diocesan Educational/Catechetical Leadership Institute. He also wrote the USCCB's theological reflection for Catechetical Sunday in 2011.
His reviews, essays and journalism have appeared in many journals, including First Things, Touchstone, Crisis, Our Sunday Visitor, National Catholic Register, and Catholic Heritage. He contributed work on early Christianity to the Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought.
Mike is a also poet whose works have appeared in U.S. literary journals and have been translated into Polish and Spanish. He shared songwriting credits with Grammy Award-winner Dion DiMucci on the forthcoming album "Tank Full of Blues."
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 16, 2021
3.5 stars.
This is a collection of Catholic devotions, basically good if you know pretty much nothing about them, or want to know more. The layout is a bit “made with a computer with certain possible images” sort of feeling, but otherwise the text is simple and clear, and worth reading.
Of the devotions, prayers get the most of attention, but then Christian life is a life of prayer. The authors say that one can choose what fits you and your life situation. Some extra information on the subject comes after main text, plus quotes and prayers (when connected to the devotion).
You learn things like how to pray, make Sign of the Cross, morning prayer, Jesus prayer, meditation (Christian style), prayer for the dead/angels/saints/Mary (incl. Rosary). How to do the Examination of conscience, a good confession, fasting, keeping Fridays, Lent, and Sundays, visit the Eucharist, do pilgrimage, pray novenas and Stations of the Cross (even at home), use holy water, and wear a scapular or medal. Plus finally how to keep the presence of God in mind, seek spiritual direction, and establish pious habits into your life.
At the end are some book recommendations. The rosary here doesn’t include Luminous mysteries, and the Internet seems to still be a somewhat new thing (this book is from 2000). Some of the quotes I copied up, and I also made notes of what prayers seemed interesting…. But really, although this has some typical Catholic opinions I don’t agree with, and clearly family is the center of life here, even for someone non-Catholic but curious, this presents the devotions well (no matter what the book’s looks are like).
This is a collection of Catholic devotions, basically good if you know pretty much nothing about them, or want to know more. The layout is a bit “made with a computer with certain possible images” sort of feeling, but otherwise the text is simple and clear, and worth reading.
Of the devotions, prayers get the most of attention, but then Christian life is a life of prayer. The authors say that one can choose what fits you and your life situation. Some extra information on the subject comes after main text, plus quotes and prayers (when connected to the devotion).
You learn things like how to pray, make Sign of the Cross, morning prayer, Jesus prayer, meditation (Christian style), prayer for the dead/angels/saints/Mary (incl. Rosary). How to do the Examination of conscience, a good confession, fasting, keeping Fridays, Lent, and Sundays, visit the Eucharist, do pilgrimage, pray novenas and Stations of the Cross (even at home), use holy water, and wear a scapular or medal. Plus finally how to keep the presence of God in mind, seek spiritual direction, and establish pious habits into your life.
At the end are some book recommendations. The rosary here doesn’t include Luminous mysteries, and the Internet seems to still be a somewhat new thing (this book is from 2000). Some of the quotes I copied up, and I also made notes of what prayers seemed interesting…. But really, although this has some typical Catholic opinions I don’t agree with, and clearly family is the center of life here, even for someone non-Catholic but curious, this presents the devotions well (no matter what the book’s looks are like).
December 14, 2019
It gives you the basics.
November 8, 2024
After a three year hiatus from teaching adult Catechism - the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), I started back as a catechist in September of this year. I thought that I could “retire” after 32 years, but I’ve missed it so.
I’ve reread this book. It’s one thing to know and practice a life-time of the rites and rituals, and the actual explaining of why, where, who, how and when of them to newcomers to the Catholic faith. This edition has “Updated prayers, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, and Marian consecration” - direct quote from the book’s synopsis.
The book explains the basic, but very informative introduction of Catholic devotionals.
I’ve reread this book. It’s one thing to know and practice a life-time of the rites and rituals, and the actual explaining of why, where, who, how and when of them to newcomers to the Catholic faith. This edition has “Updated prayers, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, and Marian consecration” - direct quote from the book’s synopsis.
The book explains the basic, but very informative introduction of Catholic devotionals.
November 25, 2022
Highly recommended for new beginners to advanced ones who don’t know this is the right way or the wrong way, proper understanding, or wrong—an excellent book to delve deeper into your devotional prayer life or don't know where to begin or how—a very easy to read. A good test for those who are advanced in divine prayer life is to see if we taught the right way, especially to a novice, which is crucial in guiding them in the proper prayer life. This book is a keeper on my bookshelf, and I share it with others. Most of all an excellent book to discuss in your book club.
September 21, 2024
A USEFUL BOOK EXPLAINING CATHOLIC PRAYER, AND OTHER DEVIOTIONAL PRACTICES
The co-authors wrote in the Introduction to this 2000 book, "it's normal for us to want to pray. God built us that way... But it is sad to say that ... it's normal for us to be clueless about how to go about this business of prayer... Whatever the reason, we find ourselves, today, longing for something that seems just beyond our reach, yet something that is essential for our lives...
"We need to pray. Yet how should we pray? The simple answer is: We should pray as Jesus taught us to pray... The first Christians followed their Lord in these practices, as have all the subsequent generations of believers... the forms of prayer have remained essentially the same and just as effective as ever ... Today we call these ways of prayer our 'devotions,' and this book is all about Catholic devotions as they've developed in the great Tradition. From a wide variety of sources... we have gathered practical advice on how to pray in the many ways that Catholics pray." (Pg. 9-11)
They point out, "The saints have made it. They've successfully faced the struggles and temptations of this life. By God's grace, they have triumphed and now worship before the throne of God. We see in the Bible's Book of Revelation that they also remain much aware of life here on earth, and that they offer powerful prayers for those of us who are still struggling." (Pg. 76)
Later, they add, "we can also perform acts of love for those who have died. Why do the faithful departed need prayer? Actually, not all of them do. The saints in heaven no longer need our prayers, because they fully enjoy the presence of God. Those who have died estranged from God in mortal sin are also beyond the help of our prayers, for they have sealed their fate by the free choices they made in life---they are condemned to hell." (Pg. 94)
They note, "We CAN say the prayers of the Rosary without using beads. But the action of moving one's fingers along the beads is beneficial because it takes yet another of our senses up into our prayer, and the beads do make it easier for us to count the prayers." (Pg. 108)
They observe, "Jesus remains really present in the tabernacle of every Catholic Church. The tabernacle is the place within the church where the Eucharist is reserved for adoration and for distribution to people who are homebound or hospitalized. Usually, a candle---called the sanctuary lamp---is kept near the tabernacle, to signify Jesus' abiding presence there." (Pg. 169)
They note, "After lighting a [Vigil] candle, you should offer a prayer. Your prayer may thank God for a favor or blessing. Or you may thank God for a favor or a blessing. Or you may thank a particular saint for intercession for your special need... It is customary to leave a small monetary offering at the chapel, at least enough to cover the cost of the candle; in some cases the donation is specified. The lit candle visualizes your prayer. The Candle then 'keeps vigil' in the church or shrine when you cannot physically be present. Meanwhile, though you travel far from the place of worship, your should continue your prayers. Your lighted candle joins with those left by others as a tangible sign of the combined prayers of the community." (Pg. 218-219)
This is a very informative book that will be of great help to Catholics, or anyone else seeking to understand Catholic devotional practices, and their background.
The co-authors wrote in the Introduction to this 2000 book, "it's normal for us to want to pray. God built us that way... But it is sad to say that ... it's normal for us to be clueless about how to go about this business of prayer... Whatever the reason, we find ourselves, today, longing for something that seems just beyond our reach, yet something that is essential for our lives...
"We need to pray. Yet how should we pray? The simple answer is: We should pray as Jesus taught us to pray... The first Christians followed their Lord in these practices, as have all the subsequent generations of believers... the forms of prayer have remained essentially the same and just as effective as ever ... Today we call these ways of prayer our 'devotions,' and this book is all about Catholic devotions as they've developed in the great Tradition. From a wide variety of sources... we have gathered practical advice on how to pray in the many ways that Catholics pray." (Pg. 9-11)
They point out, "The saints have made it. They've successfully faced the struggles and temptations of this life. By God's grace, they have triumphed and now worship before the throne of God. We see in the Bible's Book of Revelation that they also remain much aware of life here on earth, and that they offer powerful prayers for those of us who are still struggling." (Pg. 76)
Later, they add, "we can also perform acts of love for those who have died. Why do the faithful departed need prayer? Actually, not all of them do. The saints in heaven no longer need our prayers, because they fully enjoy the presence of God. Those who have died estranged from God in mortal sin are also beyond the help of our prayers, for they have sealed their fate by the free choices they made in life---they are condemned to hell." (Pg. 94)
They note, "We CAN say the prayers of the Rosary without using beads. But the action of moving one's fingers along the beads is beneficial because it takes yet another of our senses up into our prayer, and the beads do make it easier for us to count the prayers." (Pg. 108)
They observe, "Jesus remains really present in the tabernacle of every Catholic Church. The tabernacle is the place within the church where the Eucharist is reserved for adoration and for distribution to people who are homebound or hospitalized. Usually, a candle---called the sanctuary lamp---is kept near the tabernacle, to signify Jesus' abiding presence there." (Pg. 169)
They note, "After lighting a [Vigil] candle, you should offer a prayer. Your prayer may thank God for a favor or blessing. Or you may thank God for a favor or a blessing. Or you may thank a particular saint for intercession for your special need... It is customary to leave a small monetary offering at the chapel, at least enough to cover the cost of the candle; in some cases the donation is specified. The lit candle visualizes your prayer. The Candle then 'keeps vigil' in the church or shrine when you cannot physically be present. Meanwhile, though you travel far from the place of worship, your should continue your prayers. Your lighted candle joins with those left by others as a tangible sign of the combined prayers of the community." (Pg. 218-219)
This is a very informative book that will be of great help to Catholics, or anyone else seeking to understand Catholic devotional practices, and their background.
September 26, 2019
The authors seem to have aimed this book at Catholics who have never been at all active in the Church and have never been taught its ways but for the novice this book is a treasure. Many of the central beliefs of the Church are explained here and explained in a way that anyone can understand. For example, most Catholics wouldn't really consider Holy Water confusing. The new Catholic however only knows that Dracula doesn't like the stuff and has no idea of its real significance. This book explains just what it symbolizes and is used for.
Among the things explained in this book are the Sign of the Cross, the Angelus, pilgrimages, the Sacred Heart, and the significance of Fridays. All of it explained in an easy to grasp and fun to read manner. About mid-way through the book the reader will almost hear the sound as everything begins to click. Suddenly, many things that were kind of fuzzy become clear and understandable. Things learned in this book will bring the whole world of the Catholic Church into a much clearer focus.
Many people have great knowledge of the things they write about but only a few can communicate their knowledge as well as these two authors. For someone thinking of converting or just curious this book will be a great help and I highly recommend it to anyone going through the RCIA. Even if you are just studying the Catholic Church to better understand world history, this book is a must. An easy and quick read this book explains much of the knowledge of two thousand years. What more could one ask for?
Among the things explained in this book are the Sign of the Cross, the Angelus, pilgrimages, the Sacred Heart, and the significance of Fridays. All of it explained in an easy to grasp and fun to read manner. About mid-way through the book the reader will almost hear the sound as everything begins to click. Suddenly, many things that were kind of fuzzy become clear and understandable. Things learned in this book will bring the whole world of the Catholic Church into a much clearer focus.
Many people have great knowledge of the things they write about but only a few can communicate their knowledge as well as these two authors. For someone thinking of converting or just curious this book will be a great help and I highly recommend it to anyone going through the RCIA. Even if you are just studying the Catholic Church to better understand world history, this book is a must. An easy and quick read this book explains much of the knowledge of two thousand years. What more could one ask for?
November 5, 2019
How To Respond to God
Life is a response to God, who draws near to us. That is the underlying presupposition of Mike Aquilina and Regis Flaherty’s volume, The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions. And, as the title promises, this book helps us to know how to make the appropriate response. According to the authors, we need a life plan, one that is comprised of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly acts of devotion. The plan will involve a goal, namely, living intentionally before God, and it will include steps to fulfill that goal. Such steps involve prayer, penance and mortification, the Sacraments, spiritual reading, the study of the faith, spiritual direction, and the practice of the presence of God. Aquilina and Flaherty guide the reader in all of these areas with practical information, explanations, and even inspiration. If one were to put into practice the elements of devotion outlined in this book, she or he would grow in the love, peace, and joy that come with nearness to God.
Life is a response to God, who draws near to us. That is the underlying presupposition of Mike Aquilina and Regis Flaherty’s volume, The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions. And, as the title promises, this book helps us to know how to make the appropriate response. According to the authors, we need a life plan, one that is comprised of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly acts of devotion. The plan will involve a goal, namely, living intentionally before God, and it will include steps to fulfill that goal. Such steps involve prayer, penance and mortification, the Sacraments, spiritual reading, the study of the faith, spiritual direction, and the practice of the presence of God. Aquilina and Flaherty guide the reader in all of these areas with practical information, explanations, and even inspiration. If one were to put into practice the elements of devotion outlined in this book, she or he would grow in the love, peace, and joy that come with nearness to God.
August 27, 2022
Great for those going through RCIA, probably too basic if you’re experienced in the church. Very handy reference book with simple explanations, examples, quotes and recommendations for further reading.
February 5, 2021
This is an excellent book for both the newbie and the eldest of the church.
Easy to understand.
Easy to understand.
May 8, 2024
This is a wonderful book for Catholics and those curious about the Catholic faith. It is at once informative and comforting. This is a keeper!
October 12, 2011
Very good and detailed about the Catholic faith and why we do the things we do and why we enjoy doing them
December 30, 2011
As a convert I found this book very helpful. I use it more as a reference book and haven't read it cover to cover. It explains the different prayers and devotions of the Catholic Church.
January 21, 2011
not as good as i had hoped; not at detailed as i had ho[ped.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews