CTS Publisher’s Desk

The Stabat Mater is a beautiful 13th-century hymn and popular Lenten devotion, which focuses on the suffering of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross. In this episode, Fr Armand de Malleray talks about the origins of the Stabat Mater and how it became associated with praying the Stations of the Cross, the structure of the hymn and how it gently introduces us to Jesus' suffering through His Mother. Fr de Malleray also talks about what inspired his new book for CTS, Meditations on the Stabat Mater.

Unpack the popular Catholic devotion of praying the Stations of the Cross with Fr Marcus Holden, as he explains the history of this devotion and the connection with St Francis of Assisi, and how the devotion grew and flourished over the centuries. He also explores different versions of the Stations of the Cross, such as those written by St Alphonsus Liguori and St John Henry Newman, and shares the inspiration behind his own edition of the Stations of the Cross, written at the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem and intended to be used easily in a parish setting.  

We talk to Katy Carl, editor in chief of Dappled Things magazine, about the O Antiphons, which are recited by the Catholic Church at Vespers in the last days of Advent. We discuss the recent popularity of the O Antiphons, the depth of meaning and symbology in the O Antiphons, the importance of beauty in worship, and the centrol role of the Magnificat as the prayer of a woman.

Fr Lawrence Lew OP discusses his new book Mysteries Made Visible: Praying the Rosary With Sacred Art, and his love for photography. He shares his favourite images to photograph, why images are so important in prayer, his role as Promoter General for the Holy Rosary for the Order of Preachers, and about what makes his new rosary book so special.

In this video, Fr Stephen Wang discusses his new book SYCAMORE: The Catholic Faith Explained, and the origins of the SYCAMORE course. Discover the inspiration behind SYCAMORE, the challenges of communicating the faith in our times, and how the SYCAMORE book responds to those challenges.

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In this first episode of the new season, we discover the significance of praying the Our Father during Lent, as we talk to CTS author and editor of Ignatius Insight, Carl E. Olson. Learn how praying the Our Father can deepen your appreciation of the Eucharist, and how it reminds Christians that we are not made for this world.

The current pandemic has brought the issue of mental health to the realm of public conversation, but what role can faith play in struggles with mental health? Fr Billy Swan, a regular contributor to Word on Fire and a parish priest in Ireland, explores this issue in today's podcast, examining saints who suffered from mental health problems, the impact of Christian faith on mental health, and the hope that faith has to offer.

What does catechesis look like in our ever-changing world? We chat to Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, CTS author of "A Handbook for Catechists", about the new Directory for Catechesis and the importance of the changes made since the last edition. What does catechesis look like in a digital culture? How can catechists facilitate an encounter with God? Why is it important to have catechists who have experienced the love of God in their lives? What is the role of parents, grandparents, and godparents in catechesis? We explore these questions and more!

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As well as being the author of A Handbook for Catechists, today's guest Hannah Vaughan-Spruce is the Executive Director of Divine Renovation UK, the author of the Confirmation course Transformed in Christ, and a study on why Catholics leave the Church. 

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