Books Translated by Bret Thoman, OFS
Saints in Mercy by Fr. Antonio Sicari
This book is one in a series of eight, promulgated by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, which are the official catechetical resources for the Jubilee Year of Mercy (December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016). Pope Francis will be speaking on these themes in his weekly catechesis throughout the year. "At time we are called to gaze even more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father's action in our lives." -- Pope Francis
Published in 2016 by Our Sunday Visitor
Published in 2016 by Our Sunday Visitor
Saint Maria Goretti - The Little Wildflower by Fr. Giovanni Alberti
In this book, Passionate priest, Fr. Giovanni Alberti, writes on the life, times, and culture of St. Maria Goretti. Trained as a journalist and a psychologist, Fr. Alberti thoroughly covers her life from spirituality and theology as well as from psychology.
A must-read for anyone who loves "The Little Wildflower."
Published in 2016 by Treasures of the Church Ministry
A must-read for anyone who loves "The Little Wildflower."
Published in 2016 by Treasures of the Church Ministry
Bergoglio's List by Nello Scavo
In 1976 when Fr. Jorge Bergoglio was just 39 years old and serving as provincial superior of the Jesuits of Argentina, the military overthrew the government in a coup. The dictatorship went to work against subversives and communist adversaries through abductions, tortures, and even murders, resulting in the disappearance of about 30,000 people.
Much has been made about the mysteries of Bergoglio’s actions during this time of upheaval. Did he fail to act against human rights violations out of fear or weakness? Was he guilty of delivering opponents into the hands of the regime? Or, did his courage and compassion prompt him to save lives?
These are the questions that Italian legal journalist, Nello Scavo, set out to Argentina to answer. He had no idea of the remarkable truth his investigation would reveal.
Scavo uncovers how Bergoglio built an elaborate network consisting of clandestine passageways, secret hideouts, and covert automobile rides, all in attempt to save what has been estimated at more than 100 people from torture, imprisonment, and even death.
Bergoglio’s List is a collection of personal stories from those who knew the now-Pope during the days of the dictatorship, including:
For the first time in English, experience not only the untold story of Bergoglio’s courage and heroism, but gain an insider’s view of the place where he was born and grew into a man -- the man we now know as Pope Francis.
Published in 2014 by St. Benedict's/TAN Press
Much has been made about the mysteries of Bergoglio’s actions during this time of upheaval. Did he fail to act against human rights violations out of fear or weakness? Was he guilty of delivering opponents into the hands of the regime? Or, did his courage and compassion prompt him to save lives?
These are the questions that Italian legal journalist, Nello Scavo, set out to Argentina to answer. He had no idea of the remarkable truth his investigation would reveal.
Scavo uncovers how Bergoglio built an elaborate network consisting of clandestine passageways, secret hideouts, and covert automobile rides, all in attempt to save what has been estimated at more than 100 people from torture, imprisonment, and even death.
Bergoglio’s List is a collection of personal stories from those who knew the now-Pope during the days of the dictatorship, including:
- three students hidden for weeks by Fr. Bergoglio
- how he saved a prominent, dissident politician under the cover of darkness
- his bold march into an Argentine prison
- and much more
For the first time in English, experience not only the untold story of Bergoglio’s courage and heroism, but gain an insider’s view of the place where he was born and grew into a man -- the man we now know as Pope Francis.
Published in 2014 by St. Benedict's/TAN Press
Navigating the New Evangelization by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap.
Set sail aboard a historical journey through evangelization with papal homilist Raniero Cantalamessa as your captain.
The New Evangelization calls each of us-whether we are clergy, religious, or laity-to deepen our faith, to fortify our relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church, and to proclaim the Gospel to those who are lost at sea. The first step in all of this is to understand what evangelization was, is now, and can be.
Diving into scientific atheism, rationalism, and secularism, Fr. Cantalamessa navigates through the major modern challenges that the announcement of the Gospel encounters. His writing is anchored in quotes from Scripture, the Church Fathers, Vatican Councils, papal documents, saints, doctors of the Church, theologians, philosophers, poets, authors, and scientists. By mapping out the route that evangelization has taken, Fr. Cantalamessa provides you with a compass steering you not only toward an understanding of the new evangelization, but also toward putting that understanding into practice.
Published by Daughters of St. Paul in 2014
The New Evangelization calls each of us-whether we are clergy, religious, or laity-to deepen our faith, to fortify our relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church, and to proclaim the Gospel to those who are lost at sea. The first step in all of this is to understand what evangelization was, is now, and can be.
Diving into scientific atheism, rationalism, and secularism, Fr. Cantalamessa navigates through the major modern challenges that the announcement of the Gospel encounters. His writing is anchored in quotes from Scripture, the Church Fathers, Vatican Councils, papal documents, saints, doctors of the Church, theologians, philosophers, poets, authors, and scientists. By mapping out the route that evangelization has taken, Fr. Cantalamessa provides you with a compass steering you not only toward an understanding of the new evangelization, but also toward putting that understanding into practice.
Published by Daughters of St. Paul in 2014
Face to Face with Jesus by Archbishop Bruno Forte
In this series of brief spiritual exercises, Archbishop Bruno Forte-an eminent churchman, a world-renowned scholar, and a passionate Christian-guides you in a prayerful encounter with Jesus. Blending lectio divina and Ignatian spirituality, this catechumenal journey invites all disciples into a deep contemplation of Scripture.Based on the Gospel of Mark, the shortest and oldest of the four gospels that succeeded in evangelizing the Church's first generation, these spiritual exercises walk you through the life of Jesus. Applying his scholarship and faith conviction, Archbishop Forte considers how Jesus lived, faced death, and confronted the future of his mission for humanity. A meditation on Jesus's obedience, self-denial, love, courage, and trust as portrayed in Mark's narrative illuminates the path to Christian discipleship, which you are invited to follow.
published by Daughters of St. Paul in 2014
published by Daughters of St. Paul in 2014
The Journey of Abraham by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi
Among the many stories that are told from the Bible, the story of Abraham is one of the most beautiful and dear to the Hebrew and Christian tradition. It is the story of God's promise in which Abraham places all of his faith: a promise that has to do with a place to live and a long awaited son. Abraham's story brings an understanding of biblical exegesis to a level that children can comprehend. Recounted are the major highlights of the story of Abraham: A long journey in history; "leave your land"; God promises a land to Abraham; God promises Abraham many descendants; a mysterious visit from three men; the birth of Isaac; God tests Abraham; Abraham's death. Finally, the author brings the story up to the present with these words: "Isaac began a long history marked by the blessing of God. That golden thread continues to travel the fabric of centuries and generations until you come to Jesus and, with him, to me, to you, to us." Modern and stylish full-color illustrations make the story even that much more inviting to children, who will find it appealing and want to know more. Ages 8-12.
published by Paulist Press in 2015
published by Paulist Press in 2015
The Prayer of St. Francis Illustrated by Giuliano Ferri
Although the prayer of St. Francis is widely known and loved by people of all ages, here is a new slant on it—a children’s book that brings the prayer to life with tenderness, wonder, and joy. Accompanying each line of the prayer are sweet little animals paired with a wolf that can only be described at gentle and loving.
Here is a wolf that is protector and helper to his little forest friends, bringing them light to banish the darkness, joy to counter their sadness, even contemplating the sunset with his arm around his friend the sheep. A short history of St. Francis and of the prayer is included to help readers put it in perspective.
published by Paulist Press in 2014
Here is a wolf that is protector and helper to his little forest friends, bringing them light to banish the darkness, joy to counter their sadness, even contemplating the sunset with his arm around his friend the sheep. A short history of St. Francis and of the prayer is included to help readers put it in perspective.
published by Paulist Press in 2014
Hail Mary by Fr. Ermes Ronchi
A beautiful appreciation of this beloved, well-known prayer, phrase by phrase, accompanied by prayerful commentary that adults as well as children will appreciate. Contains charming, full-color illustrations.
published by Paulist Press in 2014
Interpreting
Bret has done simultaneous interpreting work. In 2013, working for CNN, he interpreted the papal conclave live from Italian on Vatican TV as Pope Francis was announced as the new Pope. He also interpreted live Pope Francis's inaugural Mass. Click here to listen to Cooper Andersen's coverage - you can hear Bret's voice about halfway through when he says "I announce to you a great joy, we have a Pope."
Bret has done simultaneous interpreting work. In 2013, working for CNN, he interpreted the papal conclave live from Italian on Vatican TV as Pope Francis was announced as the new Pope. He also interpreted live Pope Francis's inaugural Mass. Click here to listen to Cooper Andersen's coverage - you can hear Bret's voice about halfway through when he says "I announce to you a great joy, we have a Pope."