MSI Press Blog

  As Easter draws near, many Christians around the world pause on the Thursday before to observe a holy and deeply moving day: Maundy Thursday. It’s a day rich in history, ritual, and spiritual reflection. But where does the name come from? And how do different Christian traditions mark this solemn occasion? Let’s explore the meaning of Maundy Thursday—and end with a reminder of the simple beauty at its heart. The Curious Name: What Does "Maundy" Mean? The term Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum” , meaning “commandment.” It refers to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, when He told his disciples: “A new commandment I give you: that you love one another, as I have loved you.” —John 13:34 This commandment to love is at the center of Maundy Thursday. It’s the night Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, shared his final meal with them, and prepared to face betrayal, suffering, and ultimately, the cross. Who Uses the Term? While Maundy Thursday is most commonly used in Catho...

  What is a book jewel? A sometimes-overlooked book with remarkable insight and potential significance. Each month, we share near-daily, or as often as possible, reviews of the monthly book jewel - short, succinct reviews that can be read in 1-2 minutes with links to the reviewer by reviewers whose words are worthy of being heard and whose opinions are worthy of being considered. Sometimes a couple of minutes contains more impressive thought than ten times that many. We will let you decide that. This month's book jewel is  Easter at the Mission  by Sula, parish cat at  Old Mission . Description Discover Easter Through the Eyes of a Church Cat! Join Sula, the now-famous church cat, on a fascinating journey through the meaning and traditions of Easter in her fifth book! With her signature mix of history, Catholic dogma, and humor, Sula explores questions like: 🐾 What is Easter, and why is it called the Paschal Mystery? 🐾 Why do Catholics observe Lent, Ash Wednesday, ...

   What is a book jewel? A sometimes-overlooked book with remarkable insight and potential significance. Each month, we share near-daily, or as often as possible, reviews of the monthly book jewel - short, succinct reviews that can be read in 1-2 minutes with links to the reviewer by reviewers whose words are worthy of being heard and whose opinions are worthy of being considered. Sometimes a couple of minutes contains more impressive thought than ten times that many. We will let you decide that. This month's book jewel is  Easter at the Mission  by Sula, parish cat at  Old Mission . Description Discover Easter Through the Eyes of a Church Cat! Join Sula, the now-famous church cat, on a fascinating journey through the meaning and traditions of Easter in her fifth book! With her signature mix of history, Catholic dogma, and humor, Sula explores questions like: 🐾 What is Easter, and why is it called the Paschal Mystery? 🐾 Why do Catholics observe Lent, Ash Wedne...