Memento Mori: Prayers on the Last Things
Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP is a religious sister at the forefront of the movement to revive this practice in the Church. She has written several resources to help people to incorporate memento mori into their daily lives. Her Memento Mori: A Lenten Devotional and the Memento Mori Journal have touched thousands of lives. Now she has compiled and written a beautiful prayer book to help people to meditate on death and the afterlife, traditionally called "the Last Things," in order to prepare for heaven.
Meditation on the Last Things --death, judgment, hell, and heaven --is not a dark and depressing practice. Rather, the practice is hopeful and lifechanging. It helps people to take stock of their lives, grow closer to God, and to live with renewed purpose and fervor. May this practice open your heart to the work God wants to do in you and through you before your last day on earth, whenever that day might be.
May God find us prepared!
Features and benefits:
* Prayer book written and compiled by a trusted religious sister
Reviews (34)
A book in the tradition of late 19th century Catholic miscellany
Over the years I've collected various old Catholic miscellanies from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. If you don't know what a miscellany is, as the tradition seems to have been lost, it's a collection of various material regarding the Catholic faith assembled under one book in similar ways to a farmer's almanac. Although most were the size of large volume Bible, sometimes you find one the size of a pocketbook like this book. The imitation leather bound book has a nice thick yet pliable feel and size to it. Reminds me very much of the turn of the century pocket Catholic miscellany from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Complete with ribbon bookmark and all edge gilt (in silver). Perhaps the only thing missing from that early period is the gold leafing stamped into the cover. Regardless the textured look and feel sets this book apart, almost journal-like. The contents is what I would expect in any miscellany. It contains set of various prayers organized in sections of intentions. Other Catholic information and instructions are also included to explore. Perhaps the only thing missing from this book, in comparison to the traditional Miscellany, is a set of important dates and feast days. I especially love the inclusion of some prayers from the ancient and Byzantine tradition as was common in the old miscellanies. Every author finds different prayers that they include and re-discovering new prayers from the ancient world is a big draw for me for these type of books. The inclusion of some common Latin prayers is also a must, which this book has. Although art was not a big factor within the pages of traditional miscellany there were some to be found within the borders or in-between chapters. And the same within these pages there is art to be found. These type of books are not meant to be read from page to page. It's more like a collection of recipes for different occasions. In the classic tradition of old pocket miscellanies you search inside for no shortage of short and long prayers, mysteries of the Rosary and all things memento mori to meditate upon. I find the book easy to keep at a short distance for constant reference. As my mood changes or the situations in my life changes opening up the book I find a different inflection, for perhaps even the same words I may have read a few days earlier, to ponder about. For all these reasons and more I find “Memento Mori: Prayers On The Last Things” is an easy new favorite of mine.
Buy the book. You won't be sorry.
Mostly just read nilgirian's review. He covers most everything I would say and more and he says it better. The cover really is exceptional and the fact that the title is actually on the back is an inspired choice that makes the whole package an excellent conversation starter. Sr Danielle (the designer, apparently) has some serious game. I have only one tiny little nitpick: The sans-serif font is in keeping with the overall spartan design but in this case I think I might've defaulted to a serif font that would've been a little easier to read. The brush script on the title and chapter headers is beautifully rendered (although I might've chosen a different font for this particular book (typography nerd, sorry)). This was an impulse buy that I'm very glad I made I made. Well done Sisters! Buy the book everyone and get cracking.
Life Changing
A prayer book? Yes, most definitely! But, it's also a thoughtful treatise on what it means to be a caring and loving individual with humility before God. I can't recommend it enough.
Great little book, but not as long as they claim.
I like the book, but knowing a little Latin, I as surprised that they didn't use accurate translations or the original Latin of some of the prayers. Also it is advertised as nearly 400 pages, a buying point, and is 100 pages shorter than listed, probably a typo, and needs to be corrected. Otherwise it is awesome, with sewn signatures, and a 'rounded' spine that makes for a comfortable book to hold as you read it. The faux leather cover is a little of a let-down at the price, but a lot better than some of the paper bound books that won't even stay open unless you nearly break their backs. If not for the shortage on the page count, it would get the full 5 stars, as what is there, it is a great book.
Beautiful little book
Lovely cover, filled with great prayers. Remember guys, you’re gonna die. Be prepared. No time like the present.
Challenging, moving, and beautiful!
I'm loving this prayerbook. Challenging, moving, and beautiful, I think it will become an 'old faithful'. I haven't read all the way through yet, but so far I can't recommend it enough!
Beautiful Book
This book is beautiful inside and out. The content is inspirational. The feel and look of the book is amazing! Soft leather like cover and silver edged pages is classic.
GREAT BOOK
I love this book. I liked it so much I got the lent one too. I also got her book The prodigal you love. It's just as amazing.
Great little prayer book to keep on hand!
Great adjunct to the momento mori daily reflection book for Lent. I really enjoyed this prayer book, especially when I’m looking for something new in my prayer life. I found it especially helpful at funerals when I felt at a loss for what to pray for.
Lovely
This is a beautiful collection of prayers to ponder one's life as we anticipate death.
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