Second book of Pope's 'Spiritual Thoughts' series to honor St. Paul

WASHINGTON (USCCB) —Saint Paul, a new book featuring quotes and reflections of the Holy Father on the Apostle Paul will be published on August 29.

The publishing office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has reached an agreement with the Vatican’s publishing office to launch a series of books by Pope Benedict XVI called Spiritual Thoughts.

Paul Henderson, USCCB publishing director, views the release of the Pope’s book on St. Paul as "a timely opportunity for Catholics to join the Pope and return to the Bible as the source of parish and personal renewal." He added that the book series can also "help Catholics become better acquainted with their universal leader."

Benedict XVI opened the Jubilee Year of St. Paul on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The Year of St. Paul includes a church-wide campaign to promote biblical literacy among Catholics.

"Americans experienced the Holy Father’s warm and humble demeanor for the first time last April," said Father David Toups of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, recalling the Pope’s visit to the United States.

"The book series is an opportunity for U.S. Catholics to gain access to the Pope’s personal thoughts and deep spiritual insights," said Father Toups. The books contain excerpts from a variety of Benedict XVI’s speeches and homilies.

Msgr. David Malloy, USCCB General Secretary, said the series "exemplifies our excellent relationship with the Vatican publishing office," noting that Libreria Editrice Vaticana frequently grants to the USCCB the rights to publish and distribute in the United States new and well-known titles already available in Italian.

The first book of the series featured reflections from the Holy Father during his first year as pope. After the work on Paul, the Spiritual Thoughts series will continue with other books on Mary, the Saints, and excerpts from the Pope’s second year of pontificate.

The Spiritual Thoughts book on Saint Paul will be available on August 29, and can be ordered online at http://www.usccbpublishing.org/.