In this searching study, Fr. Murchadh Ó Madagáin describes the life and thoughts of Fr. Thomas Keating, the Trappist monk who was one of the founders of the Centering Prayer movement. Centering Prayer aims to reclaim the Christian contemplative and mystical traditions after centuries of neglect and to make it available for modern spiritual seekers. Fr. Murchadh Ó Madagáin traces its roots back to the fourth- and fifth-century Desert Fathers such as Evagrius and John Cassian. He shows how it was used in the medieval classic The Cloud of Unknowing and practiced by saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, then revived by Thomas Merton during the twentieth century. In addition to describing the background of this unique and effective practice, Fr. Murchadh Ó Madagáin offers unique insights into the ideas of one of its leading contemporary teachers and practitioners. Fr. Murchadh Ó Madagáin is a priest of the Diocese of Galway in the west of Ireland since 1998. He completed his doctorate in Spiritual Theology at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas (“The Angelicum”), Rome, in 2005. He now works in a parish in Galway and also lectures in Spiritual Theology.

Available in the Book Store online. Click Item Code B-55, cost is $18.00

The first guide to a contemplative prayer practice for children, Journey to the Heart both instructs and inspires. Many parents and teachers will learn from this colorful treasure of a book, as well! Until now, parents and teachers had no resource available to introduce children to the joys of communicating with God in this special, intimate way. This loving book makes it easy for children to share in the spiritual nourishment of Centering Prayer through age-appropriate illustrations and text that provides clear directions and encouragement in simple, fun language.

Available in the Book Store online. Click Item Code B-56, cost is $

Books  ~  DVD/CD's  ~  Book Review

New Resources - DVD/CD's

Transformative Listening: 
Whose Voice are We Listening To? 

Abbot Joseph Boyle, Abbot of St. Benedict’s Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado, explores the implications of contemplative listening and Fr. Thomas Keating discusses the consequences of listening. The two monks then enjoy a lively discussion on these topics. Recorded in 2006 at the Contemplative Outreach Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

Reviews of the Transformative Listening DVD:

“I enjoyed the superb content of the DVD,
 the stories, the humor, and the 
humility of the speakers.”

“...the DVD is a good experience, a powerful
message with helpful, inspired teaching.”

“I was touched by Abbot Boyle’s stories
—how wonderfully illustrative!”

From the 2007 Annual Conference in Houston, Texas

Contemplative Vision ~ Awakening to Beauty, Truth & Goodness

Presentations by Fr. Thomas Keating and Richard Rohr from the 2007 Contemplative Outreach Annual Conference, Houston, Texas.

Books  ~  DVD/CD's  ~  Book Review

Book Review

Humility Matters
for Practicing the Spiritual Life
by Mary Margaret Funk

Sister Margaret Funk has been a friend for many years, and I have a great admiration for the enthusiastic spirit she has brought to her work to demonstrate the relevance of the contemplative life in our contemporary world. 

In this third book in a series devoted to recovering ancient techniques for contemplatives today, she has focused on humility.

Humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of transformation although this may seem at odds with our need for confidence. But just as there is clearly a distinction between valid confidence, in the sense of self-esteem, and conceit, so it is important to distinguish between genuine humility, which is a kind of modesty, and a lack of confidence.

Sister Meg is quite correct in saying that humility matters. It is a reflection of our putting others first and placing less importance on ourselves. 

I trust that readers will find much inspiration in this book and pray that those who do will meet with success in putting that inspiration into effect.*

DVD Available in the Book Store online. Click Item Code B-54, cost is $

La Prière de Silence
Renouveler une forme traditionnelle de prière chrétienne

by Fr. Basil Pennington

Many French-speaking people in Canada and other countries around the world will be happy to learn that Fr. Basil Pennington’s, “Centering Prayer, Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form”, has been translated into French. The title of the translation is, “La prière de silence: Renouveler une forme traditionnelle de prière chrétienne, ” and is published by Novalis. In the 2nd edition, Fr. Pennington wrote in his forward, “One of the wonders of the written word is that it can travel far and wide and reach people in all walks of life.” Now, Father’s book will travel and reach new readers who will appreciate this always easy book and its educational look.      Fr Bernard Dionne

Please note that this book is NOT available through Contemplative Outreach, however, because of Fr. Basil Pennington's valuable contribution to the practice of Centering Prayer we thought it was important to share with our French speaking readers.