Sacred Passages: Bringing the Sacraments to Life [Hardcover]

Bert Ghezzi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2003

Sacred Passages takes an entirely new approach to the way we understand and experience the sacraments. Foregoing dry, technical explanations, Bert Ghezzi explores the meaning and benefits of the sacraments in a practical and highly personal manner.

Interweaving scripture, the writings of the saints, and personal stories, Ghezzi reveals the dynamic realities that the sacraments provide believers. In chapters devoted to each of the seven sacraments—Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick—Ghezzi restores a sense of wonder and excitement in the sacraments and instills an understanding of what is really happening. For example, in the section devoted to Communion, the effectiveness of the sacrament is explained: The eating of the bread and wine cleanse, strengthen, and nourish the spirit. Reconciliation is seen as an opportunity for direct access to God through prayer and the continued participation in Christ’s ministry. Each chapter includes practical teachings on applying the grace of the sacraments in daily life, inspiring believers to participate fully in all the stages and important moments of the Christian life, from birth, growth, and coming-of-age, through vocation and service, and finally to death.

One of America’s most popular writers on topics of interest to Catholics, Ghezzi’s engaging prose, easy-to-understand explanations, and thoughtful insights offer readers a life-changing vision of the role of the sacraments, and helps them experience the practical and spiritual rewards of each sacred passage.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although scholars have produced countless learned tomes on sacramental theology for Catholics over the centuries, most faithful readers would probably gladly trade them all for a lucid discussion of the meaning of the rites of baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, marriage and holy orders. In this slim volume of reflections on these rituals, prolific and popular author Ghezzi succeeds in combining an accessible style with a solid, if unadventurous, understanding of the biblical roots, historic tradition and contemporary meaning of the sacraments. Signs and symbols of God's powerful presence in Christian lives, each sacrament is a "sacred passage," argues Ghezzi, a milestone God uses to welcomes believers into deeper communion with Him. As the faithful participate in the sacraments, they become more and more capable of subduing their self-indulgent natures and conquering temptation. At the book's core is the writer's encouragement to believers to access the powerful help he contends these rites offer: "Through the sacraments Jesus supernaturalizes us and enables us to do some things that only God can do." Touched by the Catholic renewal movement, Ghezzi also emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. Though clearly written for faithful Catholics craving a refresher course in the basics, this engaging and commonsensical little volume can be a helpful introduction to anyone seeking a deeper knowledge of sacramental thought in the Catholic tradition.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“It takes a gifted writer to explore the sacraments in a way that does justice to their depth, but also makes their meaning come alive for the average believer. Sacred Passages is an excellent reflection on the heart of Catholic life by an author at the top of his form.” —Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Denver

“Sacred Passages is a wise, passionate, doctrinally sound appraisal of our seven holy encounters with the mystery of God. In a highly personal and accessible way, Bert Ghezzi illuminates not just the history and liturgical meaning of the sacraments, but also their revolutionary power in our lives.” —Ron Hansen, author of Mariette in Ecstasy and A Stay Against Confusion: Essays on Fath and Fiction

“Bert has done it again with Sacred Passages. What a help for Catholics in connecting personally and practically with the deep sacramental tradition of the Church! When read with attention and put into practice, this book could change your life.” —Ralph Martin, author of Call to Holiness and host of EWTN’s The Choices We Face

“Bert Ghezzi lights up the passageways to deepest intimacy with God. The sacraments are the normal way that Christians come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the way Jesus meant it to be. That’s the way this book tells it so well.” —Scott Hahn, author of The Lamb’s Supper and Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Religion; 1 edition (September 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385503407
• ISBN-13: 978-0385503402
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,157,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bert Ghezzi, who holds a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame, is a popular columnist, speaker, and author who has written 18 books, including Voices of the Saints, Mystics & Miracles, The Sign of the Cross, Keeping Your Kids Catholic, and Sacred Passages. He is currently an acquisitions editor for Our Sunday Visitor. He and his wife reside in Winter Park, Florida.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sacraments DO come alive and are vital for the spiritual, November 6, 2003

By 

Jordan Ivanko (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Passages: Bringing the Sacraments to Life (Hardcover)

Bert Ghezzi does a wonderful job(again) with his book Sacred Passages Bringing the Sacraments to Life. The stories within caused me to reflect on my own journey of faith and how God does come to us during the pivitol moments of our life. The encouters we have with Christ in the Sacraments draw us close to the source of all goodness and life. I would also recommend Silent Witnesses in the Gosples by Allan Wright for anyone seeking to encounter Christ in a 'fresh' way. In the same way I enjoyed Wright's insights in the silent men and women in the Gospels who make a difference without saying a word you will also enjoy Ghezzi's words and stories on the Sacraments.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe Mom will like it, November 21, 2003

By 

Roger Graham Gold (Golden, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Passages: Bringing the Sacraments to Life (Hardcover)

I am not going to give the author less stars than someone else has given him because others seem to like his work. I guess it must be me. Ghezzi is condescending. Has all the answers and knows he has the answers and his readers DON'T. He manages to discuss sacraments minus what I understand to be a sacramental mind. This book is too simplistic on a topic that is complicated and in the realm of mystery. I'm giving it to my mother to read.