A New Idea
Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions with the new blog. We are still working through a few items, and your ideas are very helpful. Keep them coming!
Today I want to announce the inauguration of one of the blog’s new regular features: An online book/reading club. The idea is fairly simple: Each month we’ll choose a new book–for now we’ll start with Angelus Press titles, but we will probably move out from there afterwards–and if it’s a title Angelus Press offers, you will be able to purchase it at a discount (just during the month of that book.)
I’ll break the book into different sections and for each week, on Friday, we will have a post about that section, some interesting background information, etc. The main goal is that we want your participation. We want your insights into points you thought were interesting, thoughts or ideas you disagreed with, and so on. The goal should be for all of us to really chew on a work and its ideas to come to a better understanding of a given subject. So, without further ado, here is our first title:
Pope Pius IX by Yves Chiron
The first title I chose is Pope Pius IX: The Man and The Myth by Yves Chiron. Chiron is a traditional Catholic historian and author in France whose numerous works include biographies on both Pope Pius IX and St. Pius X, as well as books concerning Padre Pio, Charles Maurras, Edmund Burke, and more.
The title is interesting because, though we admire him for his beautifully Catholic works as a pope, specifically in dealing with the assault of Modernism and Liberalism, most of us don’t know the real story of who he really was as a man dedicated to Christ and His Church
Housekeeping Details
So, let’s jump in. Starting today, you can save 15% on the book at Angelus Press (and anytime during the month of March). The price is now changed on our site. Our first “book club” post will be on Friday of next week, and I’ll try to stay up on comment moderation through the day.
Since there are five Fridays in March, we will study three chapters per week. So, your homework assignment is the Introduction, and Chapters 1 -3. See you next week!
Oh, and one final word. This will be more fun with more participants, so don’t forget to invite your family and friends to join as well!
I can’t wait to learn more about this blessed (I think that’s the right term). I’ll try to get the book at some point. God bless you.
This sounds interesting. I’ve just ordered my book, and look forward to the discussion.
Suggest you announce the book title at least a week in advance to allow the audience to obtain a copy prior to beginning the discussion.
I agree. I can’t wait to participate next month!
It is wonderful to start with this book. I have read it 3 times now and it is, to me, a desert island book (one to take with me). Blessed Pius IX is a hero. God bless.
Michael,
I completely agree. Chiron does such an excellent job writing this serious biography, and the life of Pius IX truly offers some food for thought.
Ordered the book the other day and waiting for its arrival. Can’t wait to read it.
Another suggestion – I think it would help a lot of people, if in the future, books were announced a month in advance. It would give individuals a chance to order it and a little more time to read it before the discussions began.
At least a week in advance, preferably more. It can take awhile to get a book ordered and delivered, or through your library.
This is a great idea. I will try to get this book in the coming week so I can join in the discussion. I have read an older book Called Pio No No about this Pope and it was real good.
ditto.
It might even be a good idea to have an automatic mailing list for those who know they will read the book every time. And send it out automatically to these people ahead of time. The billing could function like a direct deposit every month… It’s definitely something I would do.
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With great sadness, the U.S. District of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) announces the passing of Fr. Dominique Bourmaud. He went to his eternal reward in the early hours of Saturday, September 4, 2021.
Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Dominique Bourmaud, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Brent Klaske
Author
Director of Operations at Angelus Press. I have worked in Catholic publishing for more than 20 years. I currently live near St. Marys, KS with my wife and 10 children.