Mike Aquilina (1) (1963–)

“Angels are a large part of reality and, as with other large parts of reality—speeding Mack trucks, for example, or looming brick walls—we benefit greatly from their service, and we ignore them at our peril.”—From the Introduction

Angels are everywhere—as a matter of fact, right at your side. Forget the sweet-faced cherubs of popular culture, however, and brace yourself for a far more potent reality: powerful heavenly beings who play a significant role in the personal drama of show more daily life—your life. show less

This highly readable introduction to the roots of many Catholic beliefs and practices provides a sense of connection to our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and who helped shape the faith. Mike Aquilina makes it clear that as far as the essentials are concerned, a time-travel trip back to the beginning of the Church would reveal a Church familiar to Catholics today. Just as an acorn grows into a tree and yet remains the same plant, so the Catholic Church is a living organism that show more has grown from the faith of the earliest Christians into the Body of Christ we know today. show less

A very brief overview of the writings of many early Church fathers as they describe the mass (really, the Eucharist). It's arranged by person, rather than by element. Meant for reading rather than scholarship, it offers some interesting insights to the early meetings of Christians.

Science falters and poetry fails when we try to speak of the Eucharist, but across the centuries saints, theologians and ordinary Catholics have nevertheless found words to express the inexpressible: Jesus, fully present, body, blood, soul and divinity, offers himself to humanity in this sacrament. Mike Aquilina brings together 120 of those reflections to encourage and inspire you as you ponder the fire of God's love revealed in the mystery of the Eucharist.