Join celebrated Church historian John O'Malley in exploring the biggest meeting in the history of the world. The Second Vatican Council concluded 50 years ago, but it is a livelier topic today than it has been for decades. Basic questions are being asked. What did the Council do? Was it properly implemented? Are its decisions being systematically "rolled back"?

This course explores the spiritual and theological underpinnings that are foundational for enhancing and developing the art and spirituality of gratitude. Under the guidance of renowned Christian spirituality expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra, you will discover gratitude at the heart of all Christian spirituality. Gratitude offers a path that leads to deeper love and awareness of God, self, and the world.

The course will begin by focusing on the reasons which gave rise to Vatican II, it will continue by examining the common misconceptions regarding the council, move on to general principles and themes, and lastly consider the key documents which emerged from the council. Some questions that will be considered: Why study Vatican II? What is the relationship between the Church and the Modern world? How can the Church defend the deposit of faith given the rise of science and the loss of religiosity? What is the essence of the Sacred Liturgy and how can it be most faithfully preserved?

As Fr. Ciorra demonstrates, we are called not to be extraordinary mystics but extraordinary human beings who experience God in ordinary ways. We often think of mystics as superhuman persons who have paranormal experiences such as visions, ecstasy, and stigmata. When you look closely at such saints as Thérèse of Lisieux, however, you will see that to be a mystic is to occupy the core of human experience. As you explore the mystical writings of such inspiring figures, you will discover that there are both common threads and clear differences.

You will love this fascinating and exceptionally well-taught course. What really happened at the Council of Trent? After Luther, Calvin, and Henry VIII, the Council of Trent is one of the most frequently invoked names regarding the Reformation. Even so, few know much about it. As renowned historian Fr. John O'Malley demonstrates, the reality of Trent differs radically from how you probably conceive of it.

One of Cardinal Ratzinger's most important and widely read books, this volume is a revised second edition with an improved translation and an in-depth preface by the Cardinal. As he states in the preface, since this book was first published over 30 years ago, many changes and significant events have occurred in the world, and in the Church. But even so, he says he is firmly convinced that his fundamental approach in this book is still very timely and crucial for the spiritual needs of modern man.

The path of following Jesus is an ancient and storied spiritual tradition. Yet many believers are not familiar with the three major forms of prayer and the three stages of spiritual growth that exist to bring them closer to God. In his most personal book yet, Brant Pitre, PhD, draws on the riches of the Bible, the words of Jesus, and the writings of mystics across the centuries to shed light on the mystery - and wonder - of the spiritual life.

Internationally best-selling author, renowned professor, and the dean of American Catholic Historians, Fr. John O’Malley presents his monumental course on the papacy. This masterpiece series covers the most fascinating history in the Western world. Now, you can trace the amazing history of the papacy, the oldest still-functioning institution of any kind in the Western world in 36 erudite lectures.

As the Society of Jesus approaches its 500th anniversary, the Jesuits make up the largest unified religious order of men in the Catholic Church. How did these "Soldiers of Christ" grow from their humble beginnings to become an order deeply engaged in ministries, learning, and society in 112 nations on all six inhabited continents? Whether you are a Jesuit yourself or a person touched by Jesuit education, ministries, and writings, you will love this course.

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was the most important Catholic event in the past five hundred years. Yet sixty years after its opening on October 11, 1962, its meaning remains sharply contested and its promise unfulfilled. In To Sanctify the World, George Weigel explains the necessity of Vatican II and explores the continuing relevance of its teaching in a world seeking a deeper experience of freedom than personal willfulness.