About the Author

Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, taught the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and served on the International Theological Commission. He devotes his ministry to preaching and writing, and from 1980-2024 served as the Preacher to the Papal Household. Cantalamessa is author of Shepherds and Fishermen; Jesus Began to Preach; The Mystery of God's Word; Come, Creator Spirit; Mary: Mirror of the Church; The Eucharist: Our Sanctification; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus; The Mystery of Easter; The Mystery of Pentecost; and Life in Christ; (all published by Liturgical Press).

Reviews

I am delighted to find available Fr. Cantalamessa’s retreat conferences and reflections. This was my very first retreat as the newest bishop of the United States at the time. This powerful encounter with the Word amid the community of my brother bishops has marked my ministry as shepherd and fisherman, a brother and a priest in Christ’s Church. I am sure I will be back to this book many times for review, encouragement, and renewal!
Most Reverend Juan Miguel Betancourt, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford

This book is based upon the conferences that Fr. Cantalamessa gave to the bishops of the United States in January of 2019. It was one of the signal spiritual privileges of my life to have participated in that retreat. Though these talks were directed originally to successors of the Apostles, I believe that any Christian will find them uplifting and illuminating. Relying on the Scriptures, the Church Fathers, the great medieval theologians, and the masters of the spiritual tradition, the preacher to the papal household draws his readers into the dynamics of the Christian life. I guarantee that a careful and prayerful engagement of this text will change your life.
Bishop Robert Barron, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household, takes us on a retreat to encounter the Risen Christ in the love, guidance, and power of the Holy Spirit. These conferences, originally given to the US Bishops, have been adapted so that their reflections can touch the life of all believers: priests, religious, lay men and women. The hope of Father Cantalamessa is that the voice of the Risen Lord rings clear for all who enter this retreat with an open heart. He offers us a message that is spiritually deep and at the same time, practical for living the Gospel message with fidelity, peace, and joy.
Abbot Gregory J. Polan, OSB, Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation, Sant’Anselmo, Rome

“The daily reflections are all manageable and insightful. This is a very good resource for every religious to have!”
Catholic Media Association