Advent and Christmas are quickly approaching, and families will soon begin their favorite traditions. In this special edition of the Ignatius Press Podcast, join Rose Trabbic, Ignatius Press Publicist, and Amy Welborn, author of “Bambinelli Sunday” who discuss several new Ignatius Press children’s book releases that would make great Christmas presents.

Rose and Amy also discuss the importance of establishing Catholic family Christmas traditions and suggest several engaging customs that you can start with your family this year! Finally, they deliberate about whether or not you should tell your children about Santa. Kickstart this Advent and Christmas right by considering how to make this season memorable and integrally Catholic.

List of Books Mention in This Podcast:

• Bambinelli Sunday: The Most Wonderful Surprise of All
• Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI Talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion
• Swiss Guard: Protectors of the Pope
• Seek and Find:
  • The Life of Jesus
  • The Lives of Saints
  • On the Way to Santiago de Compostela
  • The Twelve Apostles
• Our Lady of Guadalupe

We live in an age where treasures are frequently rediscovered and brought back into the light for further examination and appreciation. Such is the work of Ida Friederike Görres’s John Henry Newman: A Life Sacrificed which gives us a compelling and detailed introduction to the life and personage of Saint John Henry Newman. This work is perfect for those who are unfamiliar with John Henry Newman and for those who are avid Newman devotees and wish to gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of this modern-day saint.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin talks with Jennifer Bryson about her translation of Ida Friederike Görres’s John Henry Newman. This wide-ranging and engaging conversation touches not only on Jennifer’s own conversion from Marxism to Christianity but also on the importance of rediscovering Ida Görres and what insights this work can offer into the life of John Henry Newman.

Find John Henry Newman: A Life Sacrificed at Ignatius.com.

Today, many Catholics feel a sense of urgency or even dread as they look upon the dark forces and ideologies that besiege the world, the Church, and the truth. Some people may even ask, “What can I do in the face of these forces and against so many injustices?” In their recent work, Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights, Matthew Daniels and Roxanne King provide many heroic examples of everyday Catholics who stood as lights for the rights and dignity of others. This book provides sixteen short but thorough biographies of Catholics whose faith inspired and motivated others to work for social justice and the salvation of all people.

In this episode, Matthew Daniels and Andrew Petiprin discuss how Catholics like Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, Venerable Father Agustus Tolton, Sr. Thea Bowman, and Diane Nash can serve as role models for Catholics today. While many of these Catholic heroes may be unfamiliar to many, their work is nonetheless crucial and the impact of their work and faith is beyond measure.

Find Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights at Ignatius.com.