Sophia Institute Press Weird Catholic Handbook

Dive into the fascinating and overlooked aspects of the Catholic faith with Weird Catholic Handbook by Michael Lichens. This book takes you on a Chestertonian romp through the peculiar and intriguing elements of Catholic history, offering a refreshing perspective on the faith that combines humor, curiosity, and profound insights. Weird Catholic Handbook is not just a collection of odd stories; it is an invitation to see the profound truths and spiritual lessons embedded in the peculiar. Each chapter sheds light on how these unusual elements of faith have inspired devotion, art, and a deeper understanding of the divine. Whether you're a devout Catholic, a curious skeptic, or someone who loves a good story, this book offers something for everyone. Discover how the oddities of the past can inspire and enrich your faith today.

• Saints and Monsters: Learn how saints like St. Michael and St. Columba battled dragons and sea monsters, challenging our modern perceptions of sanctity and heroism.
• Memento Mori: Explore the spiritual insights behind ossuaries and bone churches, and understand the history and purpose of unique relics such as the Incorruptibles and bejeweled skeletons.
• Spiritual Warfare: Delve into the ghost stories and exorcisms that have marked Catholic history, and discover how saints like St. Gregory and St. Thomas Aquinas dealt with purgatorial souls.
• Unusual Miracles: Uncover the strange and miraculous events that have occurred throughout Church history, from stigmata and levitation to bilocation and prophetic visions.