The Birth of Christ & The Word of Promise Release

So glad you stopped by...
I can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here.
It has certainly been a crazy Fall. Several projects that I have been working on for years, suddenly are being unveiled at nearly the same time. Firstly, I am thrilled by the reaction you all have had to the book I edited for Mother Angelica and her sisters: "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality." It is a wonderful collection of her wit and profound wisdom. It is the perfect inspirational stocking stuffer this Christmas. I hope Mother lands under your tree this year... or at least her book does.

Another project that I am really excited about is:
"The Birth of Christ." This musical gem by Andrew T. Miller explores the Christmas story as never before and has already shown its power to create peace and brotherhood in Dublin, where it was recorded. Each year I hear complaints that there is nothing on television at Christmas that reflects the true nature of the season. Well, I don't want to hear that this year. Along with the composer, Andy Miller, I have produced a piece that will musically enchant your family, and truly lift your spirits this season. "The Birth of Christ" premieres on PBS this Christmas and is available, unabridged, from Sony Classics. Make sure to call your local public television programmer and remind them that the program is available to them from WLIW in New York--and tell them you want to see it! We hope you will support this important work.

Finally there is "The Word Of Promise," a dramatic audio Bible that I produced for Thomas Nelson which features the most wonderful cast. The eternal Word has never sounded so good. The original score, incredible sound effects and moving performances makes this Bible irresistible. Visit the official site (the link is on my homepage) and listen to the Scriptures come alive.

Thank you for visiting, and check in regularly.
Yours,
Raymond

Mother Angelica's Take On The Traditional Latin Mass

Thanks for visiting the site. I know many of you have dropped by in recent days to read my piece on the Pope's decree concerning the Latin Mass. Several of you have asked what Mother Angelica thinks of the Old Rite of the Mass. Well wonder no more. As it turns out I had included a quote from Mother commenting on the traditional Roman Rite of the Mass in "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality." Here is the quote. And there is much more where that came from. Hope you are having a great summer. Yours, Raymond"


THE TRADITIONAL ROMAN MASS
Latin was the perfect language for the Mass.
It’s the language of the Church, which allows us to pray a verbal prayer without distraction.

See, the purpose of the Mass is to pray and to be associated with the crucifixion and with that glorious banquet that we partake of in Holy Communion. He is there. But so much is spoiled in the vernacular.

During the Latin Mass you had the missal if you wanted to follow it in English. It was almost mystical. It gave you an awareness of heaven, of the awesome humility of God who manifests Himself in the guise of bread and wine. The love that He had for us, His desire to remain with us is simply awesome. You could concentrate on that love, because you weren’t distracted by your own language. You could go anywhere in the world and you always knew what was going on. It was contemplative because as the Mass was going on you could close your eyes and visualize what really happened. You could feel it. You could look to the east and realize that God had come and was really present. The way it is today with the priest facing the people, its something between the people and the priest. Too often it’s just some kind of get-together and Jesus is all but forgotten.

THE EUCHARIST
Every time I receive the Eucharist it is more God in me. The Lord Himself said, “If you do not eat the flesh of the son of Man you will not have life in you.” Your capacity to receive grace grows each time you accept His Body and Blood. If you give God a pint jar, you can’t expect him to put the ocean in it. The Eucharist broadens your ability to receive grace.
- From "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" (Doubleday)

Decree on Latin Mass WSJ Article

Thanks for stopping by. There has been so much confusion about what Pope Benedict's intention was in issuing his recent Decree on the Latin Mass. Here's what I think is happening, from the Wall Street Journal. For the unedited version (which makes a few critical points), click here. Thanks for dropping in and see you soon. Raymond

China and the Latin Mass

Hope everyone is having a grand summer. So many of you are reading the paperback of my biography of Mother Angelica... in fact just the other day someone wrote to me complaining that I had caused her to be sunburned. Apparently she started reading the book at the beach and didn't want to put it down. Advice: read the book indoors or under shelter please!

Wanted to give you a heads up of what we'll be discussing on the World Over this week. Father Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute is joining me to talk about entrepreneurship, but we'll also be discussing the Pope's recent letter to China, the democracy march that took place this week in Hong Kong, and the forthcoming Papal document on the Latin Mass. Hope you can join us. The show premieres at 8PM Eastern Time on EWTN this Friday night. More later.... Raymond

A Chinese Cardinal Meets the Real Bush

Raymond's exclusive report on private White House meeting mentioned in Bob Novak's Column. Read it HERE!

Mother Angelica's Little Book Bestseller

Hey Gang,
I have some great news. Months after "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" was released, the book is still holding firm on bestseller lists. This week Publisher's Weekly has Mother's book as number 9 on the Religious Bestseller List. It is simply amazing, and all due to your devotion to the book. Thank you and may you find great inspiration on those pages.

And just in time for Summer: Mother's biography is now available in softback at your local bookstore. Go pick up a copy and take Mother along on vacation. The audio versions of both books are also available for those long drives. Have a great summer.
Raymond

May, 2007

While traveling out west a few weeks ago a lady approached me at an event. She told me that there was one line she heard Mother Angelica say that left a deep impression upon her. It was: "Don't let anyone take away your peace. God gives you many beautiful gifts, but perhaps none is as precious, or as beautiful as your peace."

As we approach Mother's day, I am thinking of the amazing way that Mother Angelica has mothered millions around the globe with her wit and compassionate practicality. She teaches us the importance of keeping things in perspective and the value of faithfulness. So this Mother's day I hope you'll give your mother my mother--or at least her "Little Book of Life Lessons."

And some news: "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons" is now available as an audio book from St. Anthony Messenger and the softback edition of "Mother Angelica," the biography hits bookstores on May 15th from Doubleday. More later. Looking forward to seeing you on the road (check out the events lineup for my latest schedule).
Yours,
Raymond

Thanks & Happy Easter

Holy Week, 2007
As Easter nears I wanted to first thank all of you for the outpouring of affection and support you have shown me during the last few months. It has been such a joy to meet some of you in person during the book tour.
And I am particularly touched by the way people have been sharing "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" with others. The other day I was dashing through an airport and there was a lady reading the book, weeping. At this sacred time of year, it seems appropriate to give Mother's words of hope and humor to those who need them most.
Thank you all. May you and yours have a peaceful and blessed Easter. Talk to you soon...
Yours,
Raymond

MOTHER ANGELICA'S SPIRITUAL TREASURE TROVE LANDS ON NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER LIST!

New York Times Best Seller List: Download file

Well, we've nearly done it. This week "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons.. " premieres at number 8 on the New York Times Best Seller List.
First of all, thank you for making the book the raging success that is has become. Every day I receive wonderful letters from readers touched by Mother's wisdom and moved by her instruction. The book has been classified as an "Advice Hardcover", which is one of the most competitive lists of all. So even though we are in the top ten, the book has to be in the top 5 to count as a formal bestseller! (Don't ask me why--only the NYT knows). I hope you'll help us push the book up the list and over the top this week.
The presence on the list will make the little book more visible and attract a whole new readership. With Easter coming and Mother's Day in the wings, Mother's Little Book is a gift that I know will bring joy and hope to whomever reads it. Thanks again for all your support.
Yours,
Raymond

Great News

Thanks to everybody for making "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons..." such a success. It is among the top 10 bestsellers at some of the major book outlets and well on its way to breaking the New York Times list. To that end, if you haven't yet gotten the new book, go out and do so. It makes a fantastic Easter gift. You can order it by clicking on the links above or by visiting your local bookstore. In the meantime I look forward to meeting you personally while on tour. My visits to Detroit, Buffalo and Rochester were amazing--as was the incredible book launch party in DC. So many wonderful people came out to say hi. Be sure to drop in to our "Photo Gallery" for some personal pictures of those events. Hope to see you soon (particularly you folks near Cleveland) and happy reading... Yours, Raymond

Book Release and Special Gift

Dear Friend,

I just wanted to remind you that MOTHER ANGELICA'S LITTLE BOOK OF LIFE LESSONS AND EVERYDAY SPIRITUALITY will be hitting bookstores on Tuesday, March 6th. Most of the material in this book comes from private instruction given to Mother's nuns and to the laity over a thirty-year period. So you've never seen this advice before. Though I wrote a few introductions throughout, what you will find within is pure, unvarnished Mother Angelica.

As a SPECIAL GIFT to you, if you buy the book in the next two weeks I will send you an autographed bookplate, which you can easily paste into your copy.

Here's all you have to do. Go out and buy a book at any bookseller, then send me an e-mail at arroyo@randomhouse.com with the following
information:

1) Where you purchased the book(s)
2) How many copies you bought
3) When you purchased the book(s)
and
4) Your mailing address

I hope that you can be transformed this Easter, and that this little book assists you, now and always.

Thanks for supporting the book, and for looking in on the program.
Hope to see you on the book tour (check my website www.raymondarroyo.com for my complete schedule).

Yours,
Raymond

New Website and Book Release

I am thrilled to welcome you to our new and improved website. I am so looking forward to the release of a book I edited for Mother Angelica and her Monastery entitled: Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons And Everyday Spirituality. It would make a wonderful Easter gift for that special person in your life, and could be a fantastic pick me up for someone who might be in despair or suffering. Mother's teaching is an amazing curative, as most of you know. I encourge you to go out and get one of these magnificent little books for yourself and a friend or loved one. You should be able to find it wherever books are sold, and especially at national chains, such as Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc. Or you can buy them online now at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Prepare to be transformed. I'll be checking in here, regularly. And thanks for stopping by. Yours, Raymond.