Memento Mori: Prayers on the Last Things

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lovely cover, filled with great prayers. Remember guys, you’re gonna die. Be prepared. No time like the present.

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!

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.

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 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.

This is a beautiful collection of prayers to ponder one's life as we anticipate death.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lovely cover, filled with great prayers. Remember guys, you’re gonna die. Be prepared. No time like the present.

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!

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.

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 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.

This is a beautiful collection of prayers to ponder one's life as we anticipate death.

Great book!

Good daily prayer book.

Catholic

A reflective Lent companion.

Great for prayer and as a simple gift.

A great collection of prayers for a peaceful death.

Absolutely a must-read! Great addition to the author's wonderful Lenten devotional and accompanying Journal!

Very good book

Awesome prayer and meditation book.

Memento Mori. Remember your death. These may not be words we want to hear, but there are words we need to understand. They are also words we should live by daily. In a follow up to her popular lenten retreat book Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Lenten Devotional, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble has compiled an excellent prayer book to aid in our earthly journeys entitled Memento Mori: Prayers on the Last Things. The book provides prayers to incorporate into our daily spirit routines. These include the practices of daily prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, before and after Mass times, and even group prayer. As one thumbs through the book and reads the introductory, they will find a significant number of reasons why we should be adding these types of prayers to our daily prayer regimen. More importantly, the book is packed with plenty to use. The book is divided into four sections of focus as follows: Prayers to Live and to Die Well – This section of prayers helps readers to meditate on death and prepare for life’s inevitable and predictable end. This section includes: Prayers to Imitate Jesus, Prayers for a Good Death, Prayers for the Dying, Marian Prayers for Assistance Prayers to Prepare to Meet Jesus – This section of prayers helps you to ask God to prepare for your life’s end and when you will meet Jesus, the merciful and just judge. This section includes: Prayers of Repentance (with a fantastic Memento Mori Daily Examen), Prayers for the Dead Prayers to Combat the Powers of Darkness – This section helps you remain awake and wage battle against sin and Satan. This section includes: The Sacrament of Baptism, Prayer to Jesus, Our Eucharistic Lord, Spiritual Warfare Prayers, The Power of the Rosary (including the Memento Mori Rosary) Prayers for Union with God – The section of prayers will help you set your eyes on heaven and live for union with God both now and forever. This section includes: Prayers of Praise to God, Prayers to Live for Heaven, Marian Prayers of Hope There are two Appendixes that equally as valuable as the rest of the book. Appendix 1 consists of prayers in Latin and English. Appendix 2 is an explanation of indulgences. Focusing on our deaths can be a difficult and uncomfortable task. However, the practice is not new. It’s an ancient practice that many who are now saints have taken up. Its value lies in the spiritual jolt it gives those who practice it. By pulling back the curtains of time and facing the harsh reality that yes, we will die eventually, our relationship with our merciful judge, Jesus Christ, will grow stronger. Our goal is heaven. To get there, we must pass away from this earth; we must die. The practice of Memento Mori will help us on that journey and prepare us for the inevitable. Take, read, pray…the rewards are boundless.

It has been a long time since I have been this eager to get my hands on a new prayer book. But after how impactful Remember Your Death: Memento Mori A Lenten Devotional and Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal were I had high expectations for this prayer book. And it did snot disappoint. Not since discovering The Handbook of Prayers edited by Reverend James Socias have I found a prayer book so beneficial. At one point I had Copies of the handbook in my desk at work, my desk at home, my backpack, and my bed side table. I also always kept a spare so I could give it away. That is exactly how I feel about this Memento Mori Prayer Book. I wish I could buy it by the case to be able to give them away. And I cannot wait for the eBook edition to come out so I can always have it on me. This is the best new prayer book I have had in years. The prayers in this book were compiled or written by Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP. The physical book is a beautiful volume. And I am not normally a physical book guy. It is dark grey leather. It has just an embossed skull on the front cover and “Memento Mori” in Script on the back. It had a single black built in silk bookmark. And silver gilded edges to the pages. The end sheets match the cover of the Memento Mori Journal. The sections in the volume are: Memento Mori and the Last Things How to Live Memento Mori Death: Prayers to Live and to Die Well Prayers to Imitate Jesus Prayers for a Good Death Prayers for the Dying Marian prayers for Assistance in Life and Death Judgement: Prayers to Prepare to Meet Jesus Prayers of Repentance Prayers for the Dead Hell: Prayers to Combat the Powers of Darkness The Sacrament of Baptism Prayers to Jesus, Our Eucharistic Lord Spiritual Warfare Prayers The Power of the Holy Rosary Heaven: Prayers for Union with God Prayers of Praise to God Prayers to live in Heaven Marian prayers of Hope Appendix 1 Basic Prayers in Latin and English Appendix 2 An Explanation of Indulgences There are a few full-page illustrations in the book. Overall this is an incredible little volume of prayers. I am sure you will benefit from investing in this book, and spending time prayer the prayers within. Another excellent volume from Sister Theresa Aletheia. I great little volume and tool for your prayer and spiritual warfare toolbox. One of the best prayer books I have ever used, I highly recommend it.

This surprised me on my doorstep the day I found out my friend had died. It has consoled me greatly and I know it will help others too. It is wonderful to pick up and read short prayers or passages and put down to read again later. It can be easily chewed and digested and is rather beautiful. A lovely view on mortality and it really helps a grieving heart. I highly recommend. (This book was provided to review and all comments and thoughts are my own.)

Sr. Theresa is an important messenger and this book is must for anyone on their journey.

Such a gorgeous book! Perfectly complements the rest of the set, and I love the prayers and the quotes. It feels really nice to hold, too!