Masters of Preaching

More Poignant and Powerful Homilists in Church History

By (author) Ray E. Atwood

Hardback - £97.00

Publication date:

19 December 2013

Length of book:

484 pages

Publisher

Hamilton Books

ISBN-13: 9780761862062

Who were Catholicism’s greatest orators? What was the key to their effectiveness? Was it mere scholastic ability or spiritual inspiration? The answer is “both.” In this follow-up work, Father Ray E. Atwood examines the lives, theologies, and preaching examples of the Church’s greatest preachers. This book tells the story, in biographical form, of Catholic preaching from the Old Testament through today, concluding with the homilies of Benedict XVI. Masters of Preaching takes the reader around the world in search of homiletic gems. Readers will learn about the stories of familiar figures, such as Saint Gregory the Great, and less familiar figures, such as Monsignor Francis Friedl. Readers will also discover how these men moved their congregations to deeper faith and greater understanding of the mysteries of salvation. Two appendices at the end of the book serve as a terrific resource for those looking for practical illustrations of lectionary themes. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the subjects of public speaking and Church history.
Father Atwood’s book, Masters of Preaching: More Poignant and Powerful Homilists in Church History, Volume Two, is in harmony with the Pope Benedict’s call for a renewal of preaching and the new evangelization. The attention to detail and creative writing are evident in developing the story of Catholicism’s pulpit masters. Both clergy and laity will be able to drink more deeply of the wellspring of truth in Scripture through this book. His hope is that through the study of this book, ‘God may be glorified in all things.’