The Little Black Book for Lent 2019: Six-minute meditations on the Sunday Gospels of Lent

by Ken Untener, Catherine Haven (Editor)

This Little Black Book is your companion for Lent. It’s an old-fashioned “vade mecum” (pronounced vahday maykum). That’s Latin for “travel with me” and was used to describe a book that was a constant companion – perhaps a condensed book of prayers for traveling priests, or a handbook for quick reference – something you could take with you anywhere.

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2019

About the author

Kenneth Edward Untener (August 3, 1937 – March 27, 2004) was a Roman Catholic bishop, serving the Diocese of Saginaw from 1980 until his death.

In 1999, Bishop Ken Untener of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw decided to create a Little Black Book, which would use the prayer tradition of Lectio Divina to help people pray the Passion of Our Lord. Besides an English version of the book, there was also a Spanish edition, and a children’s book (Little Purple Book).

Although Bishop Untener died in 2004, he remains the inspiration for the Little Books. His Little Books staff continue to produce Little Books each year for the Advent/Christmas, Lent and Easter seasons, based on Bishop Untener’s writings. They are also producing four Stewardship books in light of the four Gospels.

Reviews

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ken Untener was the bishop of Saginaw Michigan until his death in 2004. He instituted the idea of the Litle Black Book for Lent in 2000. His intent:

"... would be simple: To encourage people to pray . . . even if only for six minutes a day. To accomplish that, the Little Black Book would use the prayer tradition of lectio divina to help people pray the passion of the Lord."

Bishop Untener has died but his book lives on. Each year, a new one is published based on his writings.

This year, I felt the theme was forgiveness. I totally appreciate this theme and the opportunity to pray to the Lord each day. There were some new facts (to me) in the book as well.

5 stars

[Kathy Nealen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The yearly little black book is always a good resource for Lent. My church provides free copies so I always make sure that I get one. I have noticed that they are available at other Catholic Churches I have attended during Lent. I purchase the little white book for myself for the Easter Season almost every year too ( including this year).

[Dinah Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my 6 minute meditations everyday, it clears my mind.

Reading a little prayer everyday makes me feel like I am closer to God. It gives me clarity. I order these books every Christian holiday.

[Sandra C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Each day this little book really makes you think and reflect on your own relationship with God. Although it only takes about six minutes each day I found myself thinking about what I read throughout the day.

[Diana Valdivia-Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little black book for lent 2019 is a great way to read during lent all the way to Easter Sunday. It is a a great way to reflect during the lenten season.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great meditation book for Lent.

[Sharon Morris-addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

The devotions are always refreshing, uplifting, and historical. It encourages me to reflect on why we have come to celebrate this season.