Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home was published in June 2015 to widespread praise from such people as the Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations and Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland. While previous popes have spoken about the environment, this is the first time that an entire encyclical has been devoted to the environment and human ecology. In Life’s Delicate Balance, Sr Nellie McLaughlin provides an impassioned companion piece to this landmark publication. Following sincere reflection upon the text of Laudato Si', Nellie exhorts people everywhere to pay heed to the pope's call to save our planet from destruction. With core questions included for reflection and action, this clear and concise book is an urgent and timely wake-up call in its own right.

A detailed study of a cycle of fourth-century liturgical poems, in Syriac, dedicated to a great pioneer of the Syriac ascetical tradition. Hayes analyzes its various portraits of the saint, shaded differently by Ephrem and his later imitators.

This book brings together a collection of scholarly and pastoral essays on liturgy from twenty leading scholars, both lay and clerical. The essays deal with contemporary issues, many of which are rooted in an Irish pastoral context. With a foreword from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, this volume includes contributions from such noted academics as Paul F. Bradshaw, Professor of Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame; Patrick Hannon, former Chairman of the Irish Commission for Justice and Peace; and Michael Mullins, former Director of Studies at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. Serving Liturgical Renewal is written in honour of Patrick Jones, who recently retired as Director of the National Centre for Liturgy and as Liturgy Secretary to the Irish Episcopal Conference. His contribution to liturgical renewal over the past fifty years has had a huge influence on many people at parish level, on clergy and bishops, as well as on his former students. This encouraging and thought-provoking book is ideal for students of liturgy, as well as academics, clergy and all those who have an interest in liturgical studies.

Despite the increased media attention given to mental health issues in recent years, there is still much confusion about how best to nourish and preserve our own emotional well-being. In Protecting Mental Health, clinical psychologist Dr Keith Gaynor shares his expertise - gleaned from more than ten years’ experience working at the front line of mental health services in Ireland and the UK - in a practical and encouraging fashion. Protecting Mental Health explores how, both as individuals and as a community, we can nurture positive mental health and reduce negative emotions like anxiety or depression. It also examines the relationship between better mental health and a ‘happier’ society. Anyone, irrespective of age, gender or personal circumstances, can experience mental health difficulties. However, as this book ably explains, by taking the time to nurture our psychological health - as we would our physical health - we will not only be better equipped to overcome problems in every facet of our lives, we can live each day with a sense of confidence and joy.

In Making Good Decisions, Brian Grogan SJ considers the ever-pertinent subject of decision-making in both our public and private lives. The book begins by highlighting the core elements at play when we are confronted with difficult choices, and ably explains how the decisionmaking process can be wholly transformed once we seek guidance in the divine. Discernment – the act of Christian decision-making – becomes no longer an occasional event but the radical stance as your heart opens to God. As well as exploring how major figures within the Catholic Church – from Ignatius of Loyola to Óscar Romero – have made prudent choices informed by their enduring faith in Christ, Making Good Decisions also includes illuminating and relatable case studies concerning the author’s own life experiences. Following an insightful and wide-ranging study of personal decision-making, the book concludes with an exploration of communal decision-making that will appeal to anyone seeking a greater understanding of group dynamics. Making Good Decisions is an essential guide for the general reader as they endeavour to make judicious decisions, be they large or small, in each and every facet of their lives.

The Ecclesiastical History of Bar Hebraeus is an important source for the history of the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Church of the East. It deserves to be widely read, but has never before been fully translated into English. David Wilmshurst, a noted historian of the Church of the East, has now provided a graceful and accurate English translation of the Ecclesiastical History, with the aim of winning this important text the readership it deserves. Wilmshurst's elegant translation is complemented by a well-informed and helpful introduction, several pages of maps and a comprehensive index of places and persons.

Fr John-Paul Sheridan presents Pope Francis with a box set of all three volumes of 'Treasures of Irish Christianity'. This follows mass in Casa Santa Marta with Fr Sheridan's ordination class to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of their ordination. The third volume of 'Treasures of Irish Christianity' will be published in the next few weeks, and we are also pleased to announce that we will have a limited number of box sets for sales, containing all three volumes. This third volume of Treasures of Irish Christianity looks at ‘the Irish abroad’ from the earliest centuries to the present day, with a special emphasis on the historical contribution of Irish missionaries. Topics include a seventeenthcentury Church of Ireland clergyman’s account of being captured by North African pirates; the Irish priest who debated with the American abolitionist John Brown before his execution in 1859; Irish military chaplains in the First World War; the Irish missionary who met Mao Tse-tung, and much more. Treasures of Irish Christianity Volume III follows in the wake of the highly successful Treasures of Irish Christianity Volumes I and II, which were published to great acclaim in 2012 and 2013 respectively. This third volume is also richly illustrated.

Raising Emotionally Healthy Children explores how parents can help their children reach their potential as emotionally healthy adults. Drawing on over twenty-five years’ experience of working with children and teenagers, Paul Gilligan provides practical information to parents on strategies to promote good emotional health, complemented by exercises that help parents explore their own approaches to parenting. He also reassures parents of their innate ability to love and do what’s right by their child. Suitable for parents of children aged thirteen and under, but useful for all parents, this book will also be of interest to teachers, child care workers and mental health workers. The author’s earnings from sales of this book will be given to the St Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation in support of the Walk in My Shoes campaign that raises funds for services to help people with mental health difficulties in Ireland.

In Out of Wonder, Nellie McLaughlin takes the reader on a journey through life in the universe, from its initial ‘flaring forth’ to the present day. In so doing, she presents a passionately argued case for the need to live in harmony with the earth, which has supported life for aeons. This updated edition includes a new foreword in which the author explores the context of her work in the light of the publication of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on the environment. ‘When the winter storms chill the inside of our windows as well as the outside, cloaking the world in mystery, I love to blow a tiny hole with my warm breath and peep – not knowing whether in or out – glimpsing the snowflakes feathering the trees. This book is a story, a peephole, as it were, into deep space and time. Where were you when the stars exploded in twinkling brilliance or when the first delicate stirrings of life moved in the waters? Out of Wonder holds out a message of hope. It invites the reader to be awestruck by the thirteen billion-year evolutionary story. We are all one within the community of creation, each being a unique revelation of the divine. The human is the being in whom the universe becomes self-consciously aware. This is both a privilege and a responsibility. May the wonder of this amazing story inspire us to acknowledge and celebrate our interconnectedness as the community of the universe.’

Though he died fourteen hundred years ago, the words of Columbanus are as relevant today as they were in the sixth century. A poet, scholar, abbot and founder of monasteries throughout Europe, his legacy has inspired countless missionaries to follow in his path. Compiled by Alexander O’Hara, with a foreword by Mary McAleese and introductory chapter by Fr Sean McDonagh, this beautiful selection of writings encapsulates the teachings of one of Ireland’s best-known saints, providing a fascinating insight into the mind of a provocative and groundbreaking missionary.

In Dialogue of the Heart, Fr Martin McGee presents a timely and heartfelt plea encouraging Christians everywhere to cultivate harmonious relationships with their Muslim neighbours. In penning a touching account of the story of the Trappist monks of Tibhirine, Fr Martin highlights the way in which this particular order has provided an inspiring example by reaching out to their Muslim fellow believers in modern-day North Africa. The monks’ story – familiar to many thanks to the award-winning 2010 film Of Gods and Men – forms the backbone of this deeply affecting and thoughtful celebration of interreligious friendship. By drawing on the inspiring witness of the Catholic Church in Algeria and Morocco, Fr Martin sensitively illuminates the way in which Christians can connect sincerely in everyday life with their Muslim neighbours. This book is an important and refreshing angle on getting to know and love our Muslim neighbours. – Shaun Lambert, The Baptist Times Few books could have a publication date that is more apt, for ours is a time when rational, open-minded effort is needed to confront mistrust. – Religious Life Review, September/October 2015 Believers of both religions are searching for God; and in sharing our spiritual experiences we can foster a sense of fellowship, and live in peace. Dialogue of the heart encounters with our new neighbours will help to dispel fear. Fr McGee's book Dialogue of the Heart comes as a timely reminder that we can collaborate simply as believers in one God. – Doctrine & Life, September 2015

Pilgrims and Prophets explores biblical and Celtic spirituality, with a particular focus on the continuity between the past and the present, and the lessons that can be carried through to the current day. Themes discussed include early Irish monasticism, pilgrimage and mission, the oral tradition of wisdom and the Hebrew prophets and St John’s Gospel.

All Catholics - laity, religious and clergy alike - are invited by Pope Francis to reach out to show others the beauty of the Christian life and the joy that flows from it. To evangelise others, though, we must first be evangelised ourselves. The narrative of Jesus as related in the four Gospels facilitates the process of Christian initiation and maturation. They introduce us successively to the Christological (Mark), ecclesial (Matthew), missionary (Luke-Acts) and contemplative (John) dimensions of Christian discipleship. Through a better understanding of the story of Jesus we are enabled to become ‘missionary disciples’ and ‘contemplatives in action’. The Four Gospels: Following in the Footsteps of Jesus provides an accessible and informed guide to the fruitful and prayerful reading of each of the four Gospels in turn. In this way, believers are equipped to consolidate their belief and are better placed to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction. I found this to be a really helpful book and will return to it often. Fr Maurice Hogan writes elegantly with clarity and an economy of words never losing his focus. There is a call on all of us to reach out and to share with others the beauty of the Christian life and the joy that flows from it. – Denis Murphy op, Spirituality Magazine

Finding the Words: Talking Children through the Tough Times is for parents or carers who who want to build confidence in talking with their children about difficult subjects. Creating good channels of communication with our children is an essential aspect of parenting, but can often be challenging. This book emphasises the importance of self-awareness: how we need to reflect on ourselves and the way we are with our children before we can begin to foster meaningful communication. It emphasises the importance of knowing our own child’s uniqueness – we, as parents and carers, need to tailor our conversations, taking account of their individuality. Drawing on the author’s extensive professional experience, this book also focuses on some key areas that may be difficult for children to talk about, such as parental separation, death, bullying and sexual abuse.

Saint Brigid is one of Ireland’s three patron saints, known throughout the world for her love of and service to the poor, the sick, the elderly, the environment and animals of all kinds. Read the fascinating story of her life and find out about the origins of the Brigid’s Cross and St Brigid’s Well in County Kildare, where she founded her most famous monastery. Suitable for children aged seven to ten.

The Syriac writers of Qatar have not received the scholarly attention that they deserve in the last half century. This anthology seeks to redress such an underdevelopment by providing new material in English translation with accompanying Syriac and Garshuni editions to encourage further research in the sub-field of Beth Qatraye studies. It includes the work of some of the most prominent scholars in this field.