One new book on papacy stands out

Each of these three new books on the papacy is informative and interesting. "The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World" is by the author of the screenplay for a dramatic film with the same title being produced by Netflix. The co-authors of "The Papacy: What the Pope Does and Why It Matters" are a former Baptist who became a Catholic and a literature professor and deacon who spent eight years in a Catholic seminary. Gerard O'Connell, author of "The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave that Changed History," is an associate editor and Vatican correspondent for the Jesuit weekly magazine, America, as well as a reporter on the Vatican for various other English-speaking Catholic news outlets.

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"The Papacy," by Ray and Walters, is a compact, accurate discussion of the papacy, its history and theology. It would make both a good college level textbook and ideal reading for any adult who wants to understand what the papacy is all about. 

Pope, youth minister offer ideas for bringing back young Catholics

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The statistics are staggering: Roughly one-third of young Catholics in the United States leave the church before their 18th birthday.

Understandably, those who work with them are very concerned by the numbers and are engaged in conversations about what can be done to stem the tide of those departing, and to bring back those who have left. These two books are a welcome contribution to that conversation.

Explore virtues through Great Books

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In our present political age when blaming and counter-blaming is all government seems able to do and public discussion is focused on finding fault, it is refreshing to have a new book that focuses on humanity's good behaviors.

In "On Reading Well," author Karen Swallow Prior uses pieces of fiction to show how a virtue is illuminated in a narrative. She uses "Persuasion" by Jane Austen to illustrate the virtue of patience, "Ethan Frome" for chastity and "A Tale of Two Cities" for justice. Sometimes a work of fiction such as "The Great Gatsby" illustrates a virtue by showing the moral opposite of a virtue; temperance is discussed by showing intemperance.

Author’s journey confronts privilege

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It can be a shock to realize the advantages a person enjoys simply because of the socioeconomic and racial background from which she comes. While some people in today's volatile political climate hesitate to discuss these issues even with friends and family, this book invites readers to dare to examine the privileges they enjoy and to talk about them.

America's first black priest has lessons to teach us today

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Although he died over 120 years ago, Father Augustus Tolton is a man for our times and his story deserves telling. It is the story of America's first recognizably black Catholic priest and his faith, perseverance and holiness.

Joyce Duriga's recent volume on his life for Liturgical Press' "People of God" series is the latest contribution to the telling of his story.

Father Tolton's story has spread in recent years, mostly due to the opening of the cause for his canonization in 2010. The late Cardinal Francis E. George stated in 2014 that introducing Father Tolton's cause was "one of the most important, if not the most important" ecclesiastical actions he had taken in his nearly 17 years as archbishop of Chicago. 

Stories inspire with moral leadership

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"Moral Leadership for a Divided Age" is an inspiring read and provides food for thought on 14 recognizable leaders who have made an impact on the world stage.

Authors David P. Gushee and Colin Holtz follow a pattern where each chapter gives an overview of the historical context in which this leader lived and the early life of the individual, then describes the moral decisions that secured their place in history as leaders worthy of admiration.

Book recounts Notre Dame's fight against Ku Klux Klan

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This excellent book will engage Catholic readers with the history not only of University of Notre Dame but also of the anti-Catholicism that prevailed in much of America up to and even after the Second World War.

It centers on a violent clash between the students of the university and a much larger group of members of the infamous Ku Klux Klan in South Bend, Indiana, in 1924.