The Little Black Book for Lent 2021: 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.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

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]

This is a beautiful book of reflections that I found very valuable during this Lenten season of quarantine and isolation.

I needed the thoughts this book provided. It is now the second Lent that I have spent at home due to Covid 19. There are benefits to that staying at home, so I still need to look forward to getting out, especially for religious rites and the sharing with community.

It wouldn't be Lent without Fr. Untener's thoughts. I feel blessed that somone is still putting together this yearly book in Father's memory.

5 stars

[Federico Derby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide to prepare you to celebrate Easter and the true meaning of our faith.

It is not easy to prepare oneself to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. The little Black book is the perfect companion to achieve this, short, simple and down to earth reading that allows us to prepare for this very special celebration, uniting us with Jesus in the joy of knowing that our Lord has risen and is alive, and so is our faith.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year our parish decided we would read and discuss this with our small faith groups on Zoom. I have to say I enjoyed each weekly discussion and gained to much more listening to others than I would just reading it each day on my own. Hearing other perspectives opened my mind and heart and made the readings so much richer and meaningful. I always enjoy these little books for advent and lent. The stories are always applicable to life.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quality guide for annual Lent journey (Kindle book)

[Kathy Nealen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good guide for Lent every year including 2021. First time I used the online app. It worked fine.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fine daily source of reflection during Lent.

[Mark S Lohman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to read and very prayerful

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[Evelyn]

I find these soothing, especially in pandemic lockdown.

[Nancy Fondriest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grateful for these collections of meditations to help set the tone for my day during these special seasons!

[Regena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually reading the one for 2022 but do not see it listed….