Ignatius Press

This show features the marketing director for Ignatius Press, Anthony Ryan. Ignatius Press is a Catholic publishing house based in San Francisco. Anthony discusses two recent publications from Ignatius: the first book is an in-depth biography of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati called A Hero for our Times, and the second book, Guadalupe Mysteries: Deciphering the Code, is an almost encyclopedic investigation of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on St. Juan Diego's tilma, with stunning photographic, scientific, mathematical, and medical research that will astound its readers! Both books are perfect for Christmas gifts.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: A Hero for Our Times, author Cristina Siccardi

In this definitive biography, Cristina Siccardi situates the appealing figure of young Pier Giorgio Frassati in early 20th century Turin, Italy. In the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Italy where the memory of Savoy is still alive there are two contrasting forms of enterprise: one of older stamp, attentive to the values of patriotism and integrity; the other tending toward ever more acquisitive forms of capitalism.

In this environment Pier Giorgio, the young heir of Senator Alfredo Frassati, founder of the newspaper La Stampa, makes his own choice for the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, seeking not so much to solve general problems but to make Christ and the Church more present to those in need. That was the motivation for his assisting in many charitable works of the St. Vincent Society, his support for the Popular Party, and his development of a spirituality of engaged and diligent action. His devotion to friendship and to sports was extraordinary, with a special love for mountain hiking, which was for him both enjoyable exercise and the contemplation of creation, as well as a symbol of his striving for perfection in virtue.

Other important aspects that will passionately engage readers of this book include the story of the famous Frassati family, and the marked contrasts among its members--especially the bond of division/union between father and son. Alfredo Frassati, a man of notable accomplishments, will discover, when his widely beloved son dies, a completely new dimension of the world. There follows a spiritual deepening, year after year, which leaves its traces in several letters to Giovanni Battista Montini, the future Pope Paul VI. This book describes an extraordinary itinerary of holiness, but also a key to understanding the history of Italy in the 20th century.

Guadalupe Mysteries: Deciphering the Code

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the most beloved symbol of Mexican Catholicism, and devotion to her is widespread in the USA. While she has entranced and encouraged Mexican Catholics for several centuries, believers and even nonbelievers the world over are inspired and intrigued by her. Millions of pilgrims visit her shrine in Mexico City every year. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have traveled there to pray for her motherly intercession. And scientists from many disciplines have studied the amazing attributes of her mysterious image.

In this glorious, lavishly illustrated book, the renowned author-photographer team Grzegorz Gorny and Janusz Rosikon take the reader on an illustrated pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. They tell the amazing story of her apparition to Juan Diego in 1531 and its dramatic impact upon the destiny of an entire people.

Listen to the Show

Show Notes

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: A Hero for Our Times
Guadalupe Mysteries: Deciphering the Code


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