From the Inbox: A Round-up

I get many requests to review, feature, or otherwise help share and promote music, books, movies, and other great products. I have to confess that it all sometimes paralyzes me. My heart wants to wait until I have time to fully dive in to everything that is sent my way, to do every bit of it justice, but the desired time doesn't always materialize.

I used to do some "From the Inbox" round-up posts, and I want to get back to those. So, without further ado ....

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Angels and Saints at Ephesus is a beautiful album from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles. I had the privilege of a sneak peek at the entire album, but I won't stop at the free download. This album is worth the price (and then some), so we'll be ordering a copy. Here's a video about the making of Angels and Saints.

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Shalom Media is a Catholic, charismatic media ministry offering a new magazine, Shalom Tidings. In recent months, they have run a couple of my articles, and I feel privileged to be in the company of some terrific Catholic writers. You can find out more about Shalom Media here, and see pastoral affirmations of the new magazine (including one from my own archbishop!) here.

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We haven't watched this family film yet, but it looks lovely. Here's a synopsis of El Milagro de Marcelio: Pan y Vino:

El Milagro de Marcelino is a classic remake of a popular Latino film from the 50s, and is a staple in Hispanic pop culture. In addition, the film has won a variety of cinematography and director awards from various Catholic film festivals. It’s in Spanish with English subtitles.

Marcelino is a heartwarming tale of an orphan boy caught in the midst Mexico’s revolution. The story begins as the monks of a poor war ravaged monastery find an infant abandoned on their doorstep. Having nowhere to turn in the wake of the war, they decide to raise him in the monastery. The child grows into a rambunctious boy fond of playing jokes on the friars with his best friend Enrique. Marcelino finds himself yearning for a mother as he observes the deep bond Enrique shares with his mother. An attack by revolutionaries leaves the tiny village in chaos and Enrique dying in the arms of his grieving mother, as Marcelino looks on. Overcome with fear he hides in the one place he was warned to never go — the attic of the monastery .... 

For more information, visit the film's website.

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Patti Armstrong, amazing homeschooling mother of ten, has two new books out. Patti's work is all about encouraging faith and family -- find out more about Big Hearted: Inspiring Stories from Everyday Families and Dear God, I Don't Get It by visiting the links or Patti's website.

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The Martyrs Project has released a new album, The Martyrs' Prayers. They also have a new music video about Archbishop Oscar Romero, and here's a past video about St. Thomas Becket.

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That does it for today. I'll meet you here the next time my Inbox is frighteningly full.