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Liguori Publications is releasing two new works on Pope Leo XIV—a booklet, 10 Things Pope Leo XIV Wants You to Know, set to begin shipping on June 2, 2025, followed by a paperback, Pope Leo XIV: Restless Heart, Faithful Shepherd, set to begin shipping on July 1, 2025.

A new era for the Church begins with Pope Leo XIV—Augustinian friar, missionary for distant lands, bishop among the poor, prefect entrusted with appointing pastors throughout the world, and now successor to Peter. To meet the demand for information about the new pope, Liguori Publications presents 10 Things Pope Leo XIV Wants You to Know, written by Sr. Gemma Morató Sendra, Dominican Sister of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. The booklet is an abbreviated version of a forthcoming book, Pope Leo XIV: Restless Heart, Faithful Shepherd.

Sr. Morató Sendra states that Leo XIV has proven to be a tireless seeker of Truth. His vocation was born of that restlessness of heart to which Saint Augustine gave expression, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

In that Augustinian spirit, Leo XIV has trusted the power of the gospel to shape his own style: humble yet firm, quiet yet courageous. His path has been marked by service, listening, and quiet fidelity—a shepherd who walks with seekers, unafraid of their questions, patient in accompaniment.

As the author explains, Leo XIV wants us to live the gospel more faithfully as he invites us to live a faith that is alive and open to the world.

10 Things Pope Leo XIV Wants You to Know, booklet, 4.125 x 7 in., 48 pages, English 828980, Spanish 828997, $5.99

Pope Leo XIV: Restless Heart, Faithful Shepherd, paperback, 5 x 7 in., 128 pages, English 829000, Spanish 829017, $14.99

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, after having served as pontiff since March 13, 2013. He was 88. Recently, the pope had been hospitalized for several weeks as he suffered with pneumonia. After being released on March 23, the pope was continuing his recuperation at the Vatican.

With the news of the passing of Pope Francis, there has been much speculation in the secular and social media about “what happens next.” We are pleased to provide our subscribers and friends this special edition of Catholic Update: How A New Pope Is Chosen, in which the process for electing a new pope is clearly and accurately explained. You are welcome to distribute this complimentary issue, including printed copies, to your family, friends, and parishioners. 

LIGUORI PUBLICATIONS

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We’re very pleased to announce that Liguori Publications has moved to a new building, which is just down the street from its original location. The facility, a former Redemptoristine monastery, has been completely renovated to accommodate the o@ices, warehouse, and a new media studio for the longtime publisher of Liguorian magazine, Catholic Update newsletter, Journey of Faith/Jornada de fe OCIA/RICA program, Our Parish Community parish bulletins, books, pamphlets, and other Catholic resources for parishes and individuals.

Exhilarating! That’s the only way to describe the experience of arriving at LAREC on Youth Day, the opening day of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. Several thousand high-school age Catholics attended the event, and their enthusiasm was truly contagious! The joy of Catholic youth is wonderful to experience as it brings a flood of hope for the future.

This new book examines the essential connecting points that people typically encounter as they progress on their spiritual journey. For some, that may include regular participation in a practiced religious tradition. For others, their experience may not include a strong religious identity and they may think of themselves as spiritual but not religious.

Spiritual and Religious: Perspectives and Context considers the distinct and essential steps of the spiritual journey, which can be encountered in any order. Contemplating these steps can bring a new awareness of life, one that is fully awake and fully alive. This gift of grace can lead to growth in spiritual maturity and a new way of engaging in life. 

As a ministry of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Liguori Publications shares in the Redemptorist mission to preach the Word of God to the poor and most abandoned, particu­larly those who live on the margins of Church and society. We include in that group those who may feel marginalized because they suffer with some type of affliction. Because Saint Alphonsus Liguori suffered with the affliction of scrupulosity, it follows that the Redemptorists have a special call to help those who suffer as he did.

What is scrupulosity? It’s actually a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. Rev. Thomas Santa, CSsR, priest/editor of the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter, explains that scrupulosity is not so much a spiritual disorder but a mental disorder that uses the language of sin. For example, while many people occasionally struggle with some questions about sin, guilt, and punishment, those with scrupulosity can be so afraid of offending God that they’re unable to participate in daily life without experiencing severe doubt and anxiety as they continually question their own thoughts and actions. Instead of faith being a source of peace, their faith causes them to second guess every decision they make.

Hope and Treatment. There is hope for those who suffer with this affliction. Scrupulosity can be treated through professional counseling and many resources are available. The Redemptorists of Liguori maintain a website, ManagingScrupulosity.com, where those afflicted can view videos on aspects of the disorder. Spiritual directors are listed for those who may wish to book individual, group, or family sessions. (Note that there is a fee associated with sessions, which is required to support the ministry.) Videos, however, can be viewed at no charge.  

Additional Resources. Liguori also publishes a newsletter, Scrupulous Anonymous, which is available for free. Please visit ScrupulousAnonymous.org to download the latest newsletter, subscribe to the print edition (US and Canada only), or sign-up for the email version (pdf format). Liguori also publishes several books on scrupulosity to help those afflicted as well as those who work with them, such as spiritual directors and priest confessors, so they can better understand the condition.

Merry Christmas – Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!