Weird Catholic Handbook

Biographical Note:
From his home in the Rockies, Michael Lichens is an author, editor, and researcher with a passion for the overlooked aspects of Christian history. He is the former editor of Catholic Exchange and St. Austin Review and he has appeared in numerous Catholic and mainstream publications. He is also a frequent guest on radio and television shows where he shares strange and delightful things about faith and history.With an MA from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a BA in Philosophy, Michael especially loves reading anything about St. Augustine or G.K. Chesterton. When he's not busy writing about bone churches and local history, he can be found editing books for authors or leading tours of old buildings in the American West or Rome. Follow his writing and other adventures at mlichens.com.

Publisher Marketing:

Dive into the fascinating and overlooked aspects of the Catholic faith with Weird Catholic Handbook by Michael Lichens. This book takes you on a Chestertonian romp through the peculiar and intriguing elements of Catholic history, offering a refreshing perspective on the faith that combines humor, curiosity, and profound insights.

Lichens invites you to discover the bizarre and extraordinary stories that have shaped Catholicism. From saints who faced mythical monsters to the eerie beauty of bone chapels, this book uncovers the spiritual and historical significance behind these oddities. With a blend of scholarly research and engaging storytelling, Lichens brings to life the unique relics, ghostly encounters, and unusual miracles that have been part of the Church's rich tapestry.

In this book, you will discover:

• Saints and Monsters: Learn how saints like St. Michael and St. Columba battled dragons and sea monsters, challenging our modern perceptions of sanctity and heroism.
• Memento Mori: Explore the spiritual insights behind ossuaries and bone churches, and understand the history and purpose of unique relics such as the Incorruptibles and bejeweled skeletons.
• Spiritual Warfare: Delve into the ghost stories and exorcisms that have marked Catholic history, and discover how saints like St. Gregory and St. Thomas Aquinas dealt with purgatorial souls.
• Unusual Miracles: Uncover the strange and miraculous events that have occurred throughout Church history, from stigmata and levitation to bilocation and prophetic visions.

Weird Catholic Handbook is not just a collection of odd stories; it is an invitation to see the profound truths and spiritual lessons embedded in the peculiar. Each chapter sheds light on how these unusual elements of faith have inspired devotion, art, and a deeper understanding of the divine.

Whether you're a devout Catholic, a curious skeptic, or someone who loves a good story, this book offers something for everyone. Discover how the oddities of the past can inspire and enrich your faith today.

Contributor Bio:Lichens, Michael J

From his home in the Rockies, Michael Lichens is an author, editor, and researcher with a passion for the overlooked aspects of Christian history. He is the former editor of Catholic Exchange and St. Austin Review and he has appeared in numerous Catholic and mainstream publications. He is also a frequent guest on radio and television shows where he shares strange and delightful things about faith and history.

With an MA from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a BA in Philosophy, Michael especially loves reading anything about St. Augustine or G.K. Chesterton. When he's not busy writing about bone churches and local history, he can be found editing books for authors or leading tours of old buildings in the American West or Rome. Follow his writing and other adventures at mlichens.com.