Kirjahaku

From its probable beginnings as an interrogatory creed for catechumens to its current place in the Sunday liturgy, the Apostoles' Creed has played an integral role in the sacraments of the church. The symbol of faith, as it was called by generations of Christians, was not only a vehicle of orthodox instruction but a profession of faith of profound beauty and meaning to be memorized and pondered for a lifetime. It is this Creed, a lasting achievement of the Christian tradition that Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., presents to the general reader in The Creed as Symbol. A meditative yet thought-provoking study, this volume presents the Apostles' Creed as more than a basic confession of faith but as a symbol/metaphor of the mystery of God. Ayo holds that the Apostles' Creed is a sacred poem, an ancient psalm, holy and beautiful in its form as well as in its content. Basic literary criticism and linguistics are used to explicate the figurative body of the Creed—its words—as well as the theological meditation of its soul—the mysteries it seeks to teach. And as Ayo balances the study of the medium with the message, he does so with the conviction that the two are inextricably linked together and can never be separated. Ayo divides the Apostoles' Creed into its 12 historically recognized articles, each with its own chapter. In addition to his introduction, Ayo has included a brief history of the Creed's formation, a full summary of the ideas covered, an appendix containing differing versions of the Creed, a bibliography, and complete notes. This work is an ideal companion piece to any student religious text or standing alone, as a parish renewal source book or primary text for catechumens. The Creed as Symbol will enrich anyone's understanding of the Creed, the perennial and core doctrine of Christianity.

From its probable beginnings as an interrogatory creed for catechumens to its current place in the Sunday liturgy, the Apostoles' Creed has played an integral role in the sacraments of the church. The symbol of faith, as it was called by generations of Christians, was not only a vehicle of orthodox instruction but a profession of faith of profound beauty and meaning to be memorized and pondered for a lifetime. It is this Creed, a lasting achievement of the Christian tradition that Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., presents to the general reader in The Creed as Symbol. A meditative yet thought-provoking study, this volume presents the Apostles' Creed as more than a basic confession of faith but as a symbol/metaphor of the mystery of God. Ayo holds that the Apostles' Creed is a sacred poem, an ancient psalm, holy and beautiful in its form as well as in its content. Basic literary criticism and linguistics are used to explicate the figurative body of the Creed—its words—as well as the theological meditation of its soul—the mysteries it seeks to teach. And as Ayo balances the study of the medium with the message, he does so with the conviction that the two are inextricably linked together and can never be separated. Ayo divides the Apostoles' Creed into its 12 historically recognized articles, each with its own chapter. In addition to his introduction, Ayo has included a brief history of the Creed's formation, a full summary of the ideas covered, an appendix containing differing versions of the Creed, a bibliography, and complete notes. This work is an ideal companion piece to any student religious text or standing alone, as a parish renewal source book or primary text for catechumens. The Creed as Symbol will enrich anyone's understanding of the Creed, the perennial and core doctrine of Christianity.

Next to the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary may well be the most recited prayer in Catholic Christendom. In this volume, which comprises the most thorough and comprehensive book-length study of the Hail Mary available, Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., presents a compendium study of this ancient prayer, one that is at once historical and exegetical as well as critical and meditative. Here he thoughtfully examines the quintessential Marian prayer word by word and line by line, analyzing each phrase in itself and in relation to the other phrases, a method that will enable readers to study the prayer for maximum understanding, appreciation, and spiritual gain. With a balance of clarity and insight, Ayo considers the Hail Mary from every angle, taking into consideration its history, language, literary quality, theology, and spirituality. His reflections reveal a deeper spiritual appreciation for the particular genius of the Ave Maria, which, when combined with an enhanced knowledge of it, will help readers gain a more meaningful understanding of this treasured prayer.In addition to an in-depth study of the pray itself, The Hail Mary includes an overview of the larger issues of Marian theology and devotion, a review of Mary in the biblical scriptures and in the apocrypha, and a summary review of the place of the Virgin Mary in the hearts and prayers of Christian men and women. Although Ayo treats the Hail Mary as it is known today, he also provides an anthology of commentary on the prayer from over the centuries, including the reflections of such writers as Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Helfta, and Caryll Houselander, and others. This insightful study will be useful for clergy, religious, and all Christians who seek a greater understanding of the fundamentals of their faith and devotion.

Next to the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary may well be the most recited prayer in Catholic Christendom. In this volume, which comprises the most thorough and comprehensive book-length study of the Hail Mary available, Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., presents a compendium study of this ancient prayer, one that is at once historical and exegetical as well as critical and meditative. Here he thoughtfully examines the quintessential Marian prayer word by word and line by line, analyzing each phrase in itself and in relation to the other phrases, a method that will enable readers to study the prayer for maximum understanding, appreciation, and spiritual gain. With a balance of clarity and insight, Ayo considers the Hail Mary from every angle, taking into consideration its history, language, literary quality, theology, and spirituality. His reflections reveal a deeper spiritual appreciation for the particular genius of the Ave Maria, which, when combined with an enhanced knowledge of it, will help readers gain a more meaningful understanding of this treasured prayer. In addition to an in-depth study of the pray itself, The Hail Mary includes an overview of the larger issues of Marian theology and devotion, a review of Mary in the biblical scriptures and in the apocrypha, and a summary review of the place of the Virgin Mary in the hearts and prayers of Christian men and women. Although Ayo treats the Hail Mary as it is known today, he also provides an anthology of commentary on the prayer from over the centuries, including the reflections of such writers as Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Helfta, and Caryll Houselander, and others. This insightful study will be useful for clergy, religious, and all Christians who seek a greater understanding of the fundamentals of their faith and devotion.

The Gloria Patri has been prayed from the beginnings of Christianity. In this one-sentence prayer, time and eternity are combined in a compressed expression of doxology, praise of God. In this brief but comprehensive book, Father Ayo examines the riches in this prayer: the philological, historical, and theological origins of Christian prayer itself, and the profound spiritual implications of the Gloria Patri. At the heart of Christian prayer and at the heart of Christian liturgy we always find worship, honor, and praise of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. In Gloria Patri, Father Ayo examines the lesser doxology word by word, in both its various translations and the history of their combination and controversies. He adds to that an exploration of the boundless meanings of praise of the Triune God it encompasses. After reading Gloria Patri, no one can again take for granted this humble sentence.

Every year, thousands of people pilgrimmage to South Bend, Indiana to visit the campus of the University of Notre Dame for sporting events, academic conferences, or just for a tour. From the Golden Dome on top of the main building, to the grotto hidden behind the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, to the mural of 'Touchdown Jesus' that covers the wall of the Hesburgh Library, the structures and architecture of the campus hold special meaning for these visitors. In Signs of Grace Father Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., a Holy Cross priest and a professor in the Program of Liberal Studies at Notre Dame explores some of the places on the cmapus made famous by television and movies, such as 1993's 'Rudy.' But he also delves deep into the hidden or unknown areas of campus that even some students may never have seen. His thoughtful and spiritual musings are the perfect guide to a campus tour or just as a vivid picture of the spiritual place that is Notre Dame.

Spiritual concerns are part of the substance of the University of Notre Dame. The campus remains a place of pilgrimage, a nostalgic memory of years past, a vibrant university for tomorrow's leaders, and a unique residential community. Central to its spiritual character is the constant awareness that the presence of God's truth, goodness, and beauty can be found in daily life, if we develop the eyes to see these times of grace. In Signs of Grace(R & L 2001), Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C. described the spaces and places of the Notre Dame campus. Times of Grace considers the times and events of the school year in South Bend. In four parts divided by season, Times of Grace explores ordinary moments of study and play, quiet times set aside for personal and academic reflection, and official university and Catholic holidays. Ayo touches on the spiritual effects of our first days of class, All Saints Day, Christmas on campus, Junior Parent Weekend, Holy Week, final exams, Graduation Day, and alumni gatherings. He traces through these shared experiences a common thread of community spirit and individual reflection. We come to know God through the recurring events of our lives. Days at Notre Dame are filled with unnoticed glory in the punctuating events of each year. Wherever we might live, this book sharpens our ability to view the annual events that surround our lives and illuminate their hidden implications for daily grace.