When Mother Angelica started the EWTN Religious Catalogue Show in 1994, she did so to ensure viewers understood the importance of filling our homes and hearts with “holy reminders” of God’s love for us. 

While this list isn’t meant to be a typical “gift guide,” it offers a glimpse into the many ways Catholics can keep the focus on Christ’s passion and death during this holy Lenten season, namely, through praying the Stations of the Cross; contemplating our death; and meditating on Jesus and Mary’s sufferings.

1. Mother Angelica’s The Way of the Cross, Edited by Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

Each of the Stations of the Cross shown in this beautiful prayer booklet are pictures of the actual stations that Rita Rizzo used to pray in front of at St. Anthony Church in Ohio before she entered the monastery. Mother Angelica was an evangelist of the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that helped to guide her through the joys and struggles of her vocation. On one occasion Father Joseph Mary, as a young friar, stopped to talk to Mother about something that was troubling him. She gave him the advice that she gave to so many: “Make the Stations a daily devotion!”

2. Purple Bead Stations of the Cross Chaplet

Follow along with the Stations of the Cross with this chaplet, which features 14 medals for each of the stations, as well as three purple facet-cut beads per station to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. EWTNRC.com has Way of the Cross chaplets in several additional styles.

3. My Daily Way of the Cross

Be sure to pick up several of these pamphlets; they contain all the prayers to pray the Stations of the Cross and are priced to allow you to purchase multiples for your Sunday school program and Catholic school, or to donate to your church. Keep a couple in your car too so you’re always ready to pray the Way of the Cross.

4. “Ash Tag” (Examination of Conscience) 3-Day Devotional Candle and 100% Beeswax Candle

These devotional candles were designed exclusively for EWTN and feature the ash cross symbol on the front and an examination of conscience on the reverse. The three-day candle is made of odorless paraffin wax, and the 100% beeswax candle has a light, natural honey scent and burns approximately 100 hours. When blessed, these candles become sacramentals, and EWTNRC.com points out, “One of the most remarkable effects of sacramentals is the virtue to drive away evil spirits whose mysterious and baleful operations affect sometimes the physical activity of man.”

5. Remember Your Death (Memento Mori) Lenten Devotional

In remembering our death during Lent, we ought to be inspired to examine our lives and recognize if we’re on the path toward heaven or not. Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble’s Memento Mori Lenten devotional is a way to do just that. She has compiled meditations based on the daily readings for Lent and Holy Week and provides an opportunity to answer Jesus’ call to conversion in hope of his resurrection.

6. The Four Last Things

Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell: What happens to us when we die? Father of Mercy Wade Menezes lovingly and authoritatively explains these realities so we can prepare our souls accordingly. We need not be afraid if we love God and strive to follow his commands. Father Wade brings the truth to light in an easy-to-read format.

7. Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary With Prayer Card

A lesser-known devotion that is well-suited to Lent is the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary: The Prophecy of Simeon; The Flight Into Egypt; The Loss of the Lord for Three Days; The Carrying of the Cross; The Crucifixion of Jesus; Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross; and the Burial of Jesus. This particular chaplet includes an instructional prayer card so you can learn the devotion this season.

8. The Holy Face of Jesus: Shroud of Turin Wood Plaque 

Lent gives us the opportunity to pay closer attention to the great suffering Jesus endured for us, as showcased on the Shroud of Turin. This image is a photo negative of the shroud that is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus. It is printed on 5/8-inch wood with a glossy finish and can be hung on a wall or sit freestanding on a tabletop.

9. Crown of Thorns

Possibly the most unique holy reminder of this list, this crown of thorns is handcrafted in Jerusalem and made with real thorn branches. It can be hung on a wall or displayed on a prayer table. Our family is going to use it as part of our Lenten penance activity. It will go on our prayer table, and when our children make sacrifices or do acts of service, they will place a paper heart inside the crown to represent the consolation they are offering Jesus during his passion. 

10. Louie’s Lent

As a mom of four kids, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention at least one children’s item. Louie’s Lent helps children ages 4 to 8 learn about sacrifice, penance and the meaning of Lent. It’s filled with colorful illustrations, and parents will find it exceedingly helpful in preparing children for this important season. For more of my favorite children’s books for Lent, see also The Donkey That No One Could Ride, The Thief Who Stole Heaven, and A Pocket Guide to the Stations of the Cross.  

 

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