Endorsed by EWTN hosts Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, and Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, this do-it-yourself retreat combines the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius with the teachings of Saints Therese of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, and Louis de Montfort. The author, Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, has a remarkable gift for inspiring little souls to trust in Jesus, The Divine Mercy. As Danielle Bean, editorial director of Faith & Family magazine and editor of Catholic Digest, puts it, The voice of Christ in these pages is one that even this hopelessly distracted wife and mother of eight could hear and respond to. 428 pages. Includes practical helps in appendices. Prayer Companion also available separately.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Michael Gaitley, MIC, has given us a very special gift in his thoughtful and prayerful Do-It-Yourself Retreat. He brings together several spiritual traditions and blends them in the pattern of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. We will find inspiration in the quotations from the saints which he gathers carefully and in his deep, but humble, understanding of the principles of holiness that they proclaim. This is a good way for a soul to begin the journey in responding to the call to embrace the Divine Mercy of the Lord. --Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick
Michael Gaitley, MIC's book is a form of a weekend retreat accessible to those at the beginning stages of a simple way to holiness. While reading this book, I wished I could have had it in conversing with people of little or practically no faith who yet had a longing for the faith that lies at the core of human existence. These hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, Lord and this book guides them on a journey to resting in God. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa
This retreat, which is so well fitted into the busy life of the layperson, nonetheless includes all the essential parts of a genuine retreat of the Spiritual Exercises. Although focused on the Divine Mercy, it also includes the insights of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Louis de Montfort. It is also influenced by the Venerable Father Lanteri, who brings his own intensity and devotion into the retreat. All of this should make a devout person at home and yet push the person on to higher levels of devotion and spirituality. --Fr. Benedict Groeschel
Michael Gaitley, MIC's book is a form of a weekend retreat accessible to those at the beginning stages of a simple way to holiness. While reading this book, I wished I could have had it in conversing with people of little or practically no faith who yet had a longing for the faith that lies at the core of human existence. These hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, Lord and this book guides them on a journey to resting in God. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa
This retreat, which is so well fitted into the busy life of the layperson, nonetheless includes all the essential parts of a genuine retreat of the Spiritual Exercises. Although focused on the Divine Mercy, it also includes the insights of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Louis de Montfort. It is also influenced by the Venerable Father Lanteri, who brings his own intensity and devotion into the retreat. All of this should make a devout person at home and yet push the person on to higher levels of devotion and spirituality. --Fr. Benedict Groeschel
Michael Gaitley, MIC's book is a form of a weekend retreat accessible to those at the beginning stages of a simple way to holiness. While reading this book, I wished I could have had it in conversing with people of little or practically no faith who yet had a longing for the faith that lies at the core of human existence. These hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, Lord and this book guides them on a journey to resting in God. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa
This retreat, which is so well fitted into the busy life of the layperson, nonetheless includes all the essential parts of a genuine retreat of the Spiritual Exercises. Although focused on the Divine Mercy, it also includes the insights of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Louis de Montfort. It is also influenced by the Venerable Father Lanteri, who brings his own intensity and devotion into the retreat. All of this should make a devout person at home and yet push the person on to higher levels of devotion and spirituality. --Fr. Benedict Groeschel
Michael Gaitley, MIC's book is a form of a weekend retreat accessible to those at the beginning stages of a simple way to holiness. While reading this book, I wished I could have had it in conversing with people of little or practically no faith who yet had a longing for the faith that lies at the core of human existence. These hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, Lord and this book guides them on a journey to resting in God. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa
This retreat, which is so well fitted into the busy life of the layperson, nonetheless includes all the essential parts of a genuine retreat of the Spiritual Exercises. Although focused on the Divine Mercy, it also includes the insights of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Louis de Montfort. It is also influenced by the Venerable Father Lanteri, who brings his own intensity and devotion into the retreat. All of this should make a devout person at home and yet push the person on to higher levels of devotion and spirituality. --Fr. Benedict Groeschel
About the Author
Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC was ordained to priesthood Saturday, October 16, 2010. Father Michael holds a Masters Degree in Theology from St. John Seminary in Massachusetts, and a Licentiate Degree in Spiritual Theology from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. After 8 years of working on his book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus it was released in February 2010 with the creative campaign, Don t Give up Chocolate for Lent, Do this retreat instead. With some incredible endorsements from Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Danielle Bean of Faith and Family magazine, and many more, the book is now in its 3rd printing. The uniqueness of this do-it-yourself retreat is that it combines the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius with the teachings of Saints Therese of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska and Louis de Montfort. Fr. Michael is the director of the Association of Marian Helpers in Stockbridge, Mass holding the honorary title of Fr. Joseph.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
125 of 126 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I always felt that to just give up something during Lent was just that...giving up something for Christ! Yet deep down inside I felt that Lent was much more than denying oneself from candies, food or whatever else...it had to include some kind of conversion, but how? My answer was miraculously answered through this blessed book "Consoling the Heart of Jesus". Little by little, day by day I feel something transforming within my soul. I try to do this novena everyday and each time I read it, each time I am filled with hope.
I happen to be a simple minded person and things have to be explained to me as if I were a 5 year old...and Brother Michael wrote this retreat for all to be able to understand and I mean all!!! The examples he uses are to make sure that we understand each lesson given and without a doubt one will understand it fully. It is amazing how Brother Michael was able to capture all my thoughts, heart felt feelings and insecurities and give me hope despite my weaknesses.
I am confident that you will not regret purchasing this timeless book...you may regret not purchasing it sooner!!!
I happen to be a simple minded person and things have to be explained to me as if I were a 5 year old...and Brother Michael wrote this retreat for all to be able to understand and I mean all!!! The examples he uses are to make sure that we understand each lesson given and without a doubt one will understand it fully. It is amazing how Brother Michael was able to capture all my thoughts, heart felt feelings and insecurities and give me hope despite my weaknesses.
I am confident that you will not regret purchasing this timeless book...you may regret not purchasing it sooner!!!
111 of 113 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Retreat for Little Souls - Destined to Become a Spiritual Classic
February 23, 2010
By Br. Angelo
Format:Paperback
During my novitiate year with the Marians of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, Br. Michael Gaitley made available for all the members of the Marian House copies of his retreat "Consoling the Heart of Jesus." As I read Br. Mike's manuscript, the consoling spirituality really resounded with me in a profound way. I found so much in common with the spiritual masters of the retreat as I had been especially formed over the years by Jesus - the Divine Mercy, Mary Immaculate, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Faustina, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Louis de Montfort, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I found what my purpose was in life and that was to console the Heart of Jesus through the Little Way of Divine Mercy. Br. Mike has been very helpful in having me continue along this spiritual path. Last year, he invited several of us who had made the retreat before to review his revised manuscript of "Consoling the Heart of Jesus" and take the retreat again during Lent. I made a weekend retreat (actually more like in the middle of the week during my spring break) and it bore so much fruit. It allowed me to just be quiet and spend time with Jesus. I just spoke to His heart and He spoke to mine. It was beautiful. I pray that "Consoling the Heart of Jesus" will touch other people's hearts as much as mine and that more little souls will be drawn to console Jesus' heart. God bless you.
78 of 79 people found the following review helpful
By Mrs. Clark
Format:Paperback
This is a "keeper book". Most books I read and pass on, but this one will go alongside of De Monfort's Total Consecration and St. Peter Julian Eymard's The Month of St. Joseph which are "renewed" annually. If you have a devotion to St. Therese, St. Faustina, St. Ignatius of Loyola or De Monfort, this book is for you.
59 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was not really attracted to the title of this book or the theology mentioned in the publisher blurb but I bought it because I trust the Marion Fathers & Brothers to have top quality books available. I was NOT disappointed. This has to be one of the best books for spiritual growth I have ever read. One of the endorsements says it is for the beginning stages of the spiritual life but I disagree. I think Brother Gaitley has touched on something that is applicable to all stages of the spiritual path. It gives a "digest" of the 2 important points in the SPiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and makes them 'do-able' (no small task) and brings along the insights of St. Faustina and Therese of Liesieux. This book surely was written with the help of the HOly Spirit. It is one of the few books that will always remain in my library. As a professed Lay Carmelite I have to say that Consoling the Heart of Jesus has made me see depths to my own vocation and, even better, how to love Jesus in a more personal way and how to grow in that love. You will not be disappointed if your purchase this book. It is written to be read over a weekend which I think you can do. But I have read and re-read it over the course of weeks. It is that good and that helpful. If you have the slightest desire to grow in your love for Jesus and are attracted to St. Faustina and the Mercy revelations and the insights of St. Therese of Liesieux then this book is an absolute MUST. 5 Stars is not enought praise!!!
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Kitty Cat
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is my amazing experience with this book.
For a while I had had the yearning to do a spiritual retreat but for several reasons I wasn't able to go to a retreat house so when I came across this book I bought it with the hope of doing a retreat at home on my own time. However life being as it is, I never got around to reading the book so it just sat on my shelf for a while. Luckily, Divine Providence stepped in and I came down with a serious illness that left me bedridden with nothing to do but read for a few weeks. Consequently, I was finally able to do the retreat without any of the feelings of guilt I usually experience when I don't dedicate most of my time to my family or work. I was at peace to enjoy the book.
Thank God for my illness because I spent 4 amazing and cathartic days doing the retreat. I didn't want it to end. When I finally did finish, I literally uttered the word "wow" and hugged the book. I also remember thanking God repeatedly for blessing me with the chance to complete the retreat. The book combines the spirituality of St. Ignatius, St. Faustina, St. Theresa of the Little Flower and St Louis de Montfort. Also included in the book is a follow up to the retreat to be done a week after the initial reading, additional spiritual readings from the Diary of St. Faustina and an appendix with great footnotes. This retreat helped me develop a deeper relationship with Jesus because it allowed me to let go of many of the reservations I had about getting closer to God. My fear of suffering and my awareness of my own personal weaknesses and flaws have prevented me form growing spiritually. This retreat allowed me to go beyond my superficial understanding what it means to trust in the Lord.... Read more ›
For a while I had had the yearning to do a spiritual retreat but for several reasons I wasn't able to go to a retreat house so when I came across this book I bought it with the hope of doing a retreat at home on my own time. However life being as it is, I never got around to reading the book so it just sat on my shelf for a while. Luckily, Divine Providence stepped in and I came down with a serious illness that left me bedridden with nothing to do but read for a few weeks. Consequently, I was finally able to do the retreat without any of the feelings of guilt I usually experience when I don't dedicate most of my time to my family or work. I was at peace to enjoy the book.
Thank God for my illness because I spent 4 amazing and cathartic days doing the retreat. I didn't want it to end. When I finally did finish, I literally uttered the word "wow" and hugged the book. I also remember thanking God repeatedly for blessing me with the chance to complete the retreat. The book combines the spirituality of St. Ignatius, St. Faustina, St. Theresa of the Little Flower and St Louis de Montfort. Also included in the book is a follow up to the retreat to be done a week after the initial reading, additional spiritual readings from the Diary of St. Faustina and an appendix with great footnotes. This retreat helped me develop a deeper relationship with Jesus because it allowed me to let go of many of the reservations I had about getting closer to God. My fear of suffering and my awareness of my own personal weaknesses and flaws have prevented me form growing spiritually. This retreat allowed me to go beyond my superficial understanding what it means to trust in the Lord.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better Than Excellent
This is the most inspiring book I've ever read. I purchased one for my son's family and recommended that all of my friends purchase it. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Scruffy's Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars
A life changing book
A life changing book. Loved it. The title alone blew me away. Every Catholic should read it. All of Fr Gaitely's books are great.
Published 4 days ago by Claire D. Dion
5.0 out of 5 stars
great catholic book
i have been a devoted catholic for years . this book is well written with spiritual concepts i was not familiar with
Published 6 days ago by Kim A. Hardey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cried while reading this!
While reading this, I kept asking Jesus and Mary to bless the priest who took the time to write this! What a great gift of spiritual guidance and love!! Read more
Published 20 days ago by Cindy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorbing and inspiring.
This is the "meat" of the spiritual life. I cannot emphasize enough the impact it has had on my life.
Published 21 days ago by Chan Casey
5.0 out of 5 stars
CONSOLING THE HEART OF JESUS
I HAVE BOUGHT ABOUT 100 OF THESE AND GIVEN THEM OUT TO HELP MY FELLOW CHRISTIANS. IT IS REALLY GREAT, SHORT AND HIGHLY SPIRITUAL.
Published 1 month ago by JAMI
5.0 out of 5 stars
TO Console-instrument of Peace
Very appreciative to receive guidance in consoling Jesus' Sacred Heart, during many initial morning hours prayers rise like incense with this well written guide, I had never seen... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lourdes Silva
5.0 out of 5 stars
not over your head...a perfectly wonderful journey
if your trying to live the good life....this is a must read...it makes living a holy life quite attainable..easy to read and packed full of obtainable graces... Read more
Published 1 month ago by suzanne stevens
5.0 out of 5 stars
Closer to Jesus than ever
Michael Gaitley has brought together the teachings of many saints and theologians, Nothing he says is "new". Read more
Published 1 month ago by Roberta Salamone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I really loved this book. It strengthened my relationship with Jesus, and I have been trying to implement the principles in the book. Read more
Published 2 months ago by J. Warner
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