The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

by Romanus OP Cessario

There are seven sacraments administered in the Catholic Church. What are they, and what do they do? Why do human beings require sacramentalized, visible realities to seal their confession of faith in Jesus Christ? Why does the Catholic Church administer the sacraments in the way that it does?

Leading Catholic theologian Romanus Cessario, OP, offers an in-depth explanation of the seven sacraments celebrated in the Catholic Church. He addresses the rationale for the sacraments and provides detailed exposition of each one, highlighting the importance of the Catholic tradition--and of Thomas Aquinas, in particular--for contemporary reflection on the sacraments.

This book examines why participation in the sacramental life of the Church is required for the believing Christian and helps readers understand the role the sacraments play in the sanctification of the world.

Genres: Catholic

304 pages, Hardcover

Published June 20, 2023

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church by Romanus Cessario OP is an excellent book that highlights and takes a deeper look at the fundamental seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.

The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick, and Penance and Reconciliation.
This book delves into each of these Sacraments in detail giving the reader a historical context, how it has “evolved”, the reasonings, meanings, ceremonies, and the theological foundations of each. Each topic and discussion is heavily researched and supported.

This book is for those that have a baseline knowledge of the sacraments and also have a bit of understanding of Catholic doctrine and the concepts of theology in general. One could learn all of these things from scratch, but I think it would be easier to dive right in if the base knowledge was already there.

I learned quite a bit about the historical timelines of each Sacrament while reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Baker Academic for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/20/23.

[Dennis Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review from Eleutheria, Liberty Divinity Journal (vol. 7, no. 2)

Romanus Cessario received his S.T.D. from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and presently serves as Adam Cardinal Maida Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University. In this work, Cessario introduces the theology that undergirds the sacraments of the Catholic Church. The goal is not apologetic but rather descriptive, seeking to explicate the formation and present understanding of the sacraments according to the Catholic perspective. To that end, the book is divided into two sections, one that explains Catholic sacramental theology in general and one that unpacks each of the seven sacraments, their ecclesial history, and their contemporary practice. Notably, attention is devoted to fresh perspectives on sacramental theology as well as their role within liturgy and the economy of salvation. Ultimately, the book is written in hopes that those who study the sacraments may come to a deeper appreciation of Catholic faith and practice. It is recommended for academics or theologically minded laymen who are seeking to grow in their understanding of Catholic Christianity.

[Fr. Zachary Galante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work on the Sacraments. It follows the catechism closely, but it also brings in the Council of Trent and all other authoritative council texts on the sacraments. Good for seminarians, priests, and lay readers alike.

[Margaret Closs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was rather academic and difficult to read as a layperson. I think this would be a great book for academic-minded people but is rather hard to finish as a casual read.