Publications

The Way of Mercy: Pilgrimage in Catholic Poland

Deep suffering, when united with the merciful Jesus, produces great sanctity. This is the story of Catholic Poland over the centuries and the reason for its legacy of saints and churches. This pilgrimage guide is meant for those who wish to travel to Poland, those who want to remember their experiences there, and especially for those who want to imagine the beautiful, tragic, spiritual, and inspiring places of this land. Paging through this colorful and well-written book, designed to spotlight the holy people and sacred sites of Poland over the centuries, provides a transformative journey in the best tradition of religious pilgrimage. Read, gaze, reflect, pray, and contemplate the richness of Catholic Poland.

The vibrancy of Polish Catholicism gave birth to great saints over the centuries, but never more so than in our turbulent times. A pilgrimage along that itinerary of sanctity – as Stephen Binz proposes – invites us to live the Great Commission to be missionary disciples that each of us received at our baptism – and to do so with complete confidence that Jesus Christ is the Lord of History. — George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies, Ethics and Public Policy Center

Stephen J. Binz’s inspiration to use the lens of mercy as the medium by which to see and learn about Poland’s Catholic heritage is a source of great joy to me. It is through this lens of mercy that we enter into a deep understanding of the lives of the great Polish saints, only to discover a deeper meaning in our own life stories also. This is the unique contribution of Stephen’s book: a combination of impressive historical knowledge with a deep spiritual approach and prayerful inspiration. Every pilgrim needs this in order to have a transformative experience when visiting a holy place. I pray for such experiences for the readers and congratulate Stephen on his beautiful work! — Sr. Gaudia Skass, OLM, Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy

As the son of Polish immigrants with deep Catholic roots, I have a great affection for Poland’s long and faithful religious tradition. Therefore, I encourage you to take a close look at Stephen Binz’s terrific new book that provides a beautiful tribute to the places, churches, and saints of Poland. The generous faith and values of my Polish ancestors helped shape me into the husband, father, grandfather, and leader that I am. They can teach us all about promoting a culture that values belief and principles. I invite you to enter this rich history through The Way of Mercy: Pilgrimage in Catholic Poland. — Mike Krzyzewski, Former Head Basketball Coach, Duke University and U.S. Senior National Team

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Biblical scholar and seasoned pilgrimage guide Stephen J. Binz offers an up-to-date handbook for experiencing the sites of the Holy Land as a disciple of Jesus. Whether contemplating future travel, on the road of pilgrimage, savoring memories of a past trip, or journeying in mind and heart from an armchair, readers will explore the nature of pilgrimage and encounter the places of the Holy Land from a biblical, historical, meditative, and prayerful perspective. This guide will enable Christians to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, confident that their pilgrimage will be both an educational journey and a transforming spiritual experience. Full-color illustrations throughout!

“This latest work of Stephen Binz is the fruit of thirty years of exploring the Holy Land as both a pilgrim and a biblical scholar. With its rich introduction to the notion of Christian pilgrimage, its numerous photos (expertly taken by the author himself), and, especially, its evocative and well-informed descriptions of key regions and places connected with the biblical story, this is wonderfully accessible resource. It can serve as an excellent orientation both for those getting ready to visit the Holy Land or those who can travel there only in their imaginations.” —Donald Senior, CP, President-Emeritus, Professor of New Testament, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois

“In Holy Land Pilgrimage, Stephen Binz takes us on a spiritual journey, with intimate reflections and his beautiful photography. Enter the Land of Emmanuel. You’ll never be the same!” —Gus Lloyd, author of A Minute in the Church, Host of Seize the Day radio program

““I have led pilgrimages to the Holy Land over sixty times over the past thirty years. I have found that preparing for the pilgrimage is key if one is to have a successful experience. Stephen Binz’s Holy Land Pilgrimage is a wonderful guide both in preparation for your pilgrimage and a sure help while traveling where Jesus and the apostles walked.” —Jeff Cavins, Creator of The Great Adventure

"A marvelous guide for pilgrims to the Holy Land that combines history, personal reflection, and prayers and meditations designed for the holy sites. Stephen Binz's inviting and accessible book will be a great asset to anyone wanting to explore the land often known as the Fifth Gospel." —James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

“As a biblical scholar and experienced group leader, Stephen Binz understands how important it is to prepare the pilgrims with knowledge of the biblical sites so they can fully enjoy the richness a Holy Land journey provides. Every pilgrim should read this book before traveling, use it as a reference during the trip, and as a reminder of all the places visited upon return.” —Edita Krunic, President of Select International Tours

“I greatly admire the dedication of Stephen Binz to the Christians of the Holy Land. The support he brings through his work assures us that we will not be forgotten and will be kept in the prayers of our brothers and sisters worldwide, whom we look forward to meeting when they visit the Holy Land.” —Shibly Kando, Holy Land coordinator of Select to Give Foundation, Bethlehem

“Stephen Binz’s book comes at a most opportune time. Few are better qualified than Stephen to lead us through the Holy Land in a way that brings out both history and spirituality that is applicable to our modern times today.”
John Michael Talbot, musician, author, and founder of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity, Little Portion Hermitage​

“In Stephen J. Binz’s latest book, Holy Land Pilgrimage, the veteran guide to the bible lands and consummate scripture scholar invites the reader to traverse the land made holy by God’s unique revelation here. It is no small task to distill two-thousand years of history on the holy sites into a readable and inspirational format, but Binz has successful done just that.”
Laurie Brink, OP, Professor of New Testament Studies, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois

Transformed by God's Word: Discovering the Power of Lectio and Visio Divina

Bestselling author and biblical scholar Stephen J. Binz offers the first book to combine the ancient Western practice of lectio divina (sacred reading) with the lesser-known Eastern Orthodox tradition of visio divina (sacred seeing). Binz suggests a life-changing way to pray through twenty gospel readings paired with beautiful, never-before-published contemporary icons.

St. Benedict urged his followers to listen to God's Word "with the ear of the heart." Eastern Orthodox spiritual writers focused on gazing at icons, as St. Paul said, with "the eyes of the heart." Binz draws on the richness of both traditions by combining lectio and visio divina.

Contemplation is more difficult than ever during this digital age and Binz offers a proven and profound way to cut through the noise and pray the gospels. He will walk you through six steps: reading, seeing, meditating, praying, contemplating, and acting. Binz also provides simple suggestions for self-reflection that can lead to practical changes in your everyday life.

The book's twenty Bible passages--starting with the Annunciation and ending with Pentecost--are paired with full-color icons of each story. The original, never-before-published icons, written by Ruta and Kaspars Poikans, are displayed in the Unity Chapel at the Mary of Nazareth International Center in Israel.

"As one who both practices and teaches visio divina, I highly recommend this book that beautifully links art, prayer, and the healing power of both." - Br. Mickey McGrath, O.S.F.S., BeeStill Studios

Saint Junipero Serra's Camino: A Pilgrimage Guide to the California Missions

Travel Saint Junipero Serra’s Camino to the twenty-one California missions, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma, north of San Francisco Bay. This work presents the life and work of Saint Junipero Serra, and it challenges pilgrims to continue, in their own way, the forward journey that he began in the 1700s. This carefully researched narrative explores both the historical roots and the spiritual heritage of the missions and their inhabitants, creating an unforgettable and indispensable pilgrimage guide for those who want to experience the missions in person--or in an armchair at home. Each of the missions is a unique jewel and a spiritual oasis. Some are found wedged into cities; others are surrounded by mountains and valleys. They range from simple to ornate. The grounds are filled with bells, statues, fountains, and gardens, all symbols of life and feasts of color. Old Spanish mission art can be found next to Indian wall paintings. Symbols of piety from two centuries form a wonderful holy mix. Enhances with the author's own photography, prayer experiences, and practical travel information for every missions station, this guidebook is a must-have for any pilgrim exploring America's own pilgrim way, the Camino of St. Junipero Serra.

Here is an article entitled "St. Junípero Serra’s Camino" in St. Anthony Messenger magazine, text and photography by Stephen J. Binz. Take a look at color photos of the missions and ideas for making a pilgrimage to the twenty-one missions of California. 

Read Article here...

Panorama of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament

While every character, story, and book of Scripture is significant in itself, stepping back for a broad, panoramic view of the entire Bible helps us to take in and understand God's single, unified plan for human history. In this two-part panorama of the Bible, noted Scripture scholar Stephen Binz shows us how all of the Bible's many parts fit together in a grand and awesome narrative. With a clear vision of this sweeping unity, we can then understand far better our own place within the storyline and our own personal role within the mission of God.

Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful (Walking with Peter from Galilee to Rome)

In Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful, biblical scholar Stephen Binz takes readers on a pilgrimage from Galilee to Rome—from the spot where Peter first dropped his nets to follow Jesus to the place where he gave his life out of love for his Lord. Through sound scholarship, first-hand experiences at places of pilgrimage, and spiritual reflection, Binz helps us embrace the reality that God works through broken human beings to accomplish truly beautiful things.

"A marvelous book, which seamlessly combines biblical scholarship, travel narrative, historical research and spiritual reflections, to help us more fully understand one of the most fascinating men ever to have lived, and surely one of the most human."
- James Martin, SJ, editor at large at America Media, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

"This isn’t just a good book. It’s a pilgrimage beside the great Apostle, the blustery friend of Jesus, the first pope. By the end of it, I felt he was my friend, too. We’d been together, after all, from Galilee to Rome, from sin to repentance, from the mountaintop to the cross. Peter is repeatedly confronted with his weakness and raised up through mercy. So are those of us who have the privilege of reading Stephen Binz’s book."
- Scott Hahn, president at St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, author

"I have been to Rome sixteen times and Jerusalem eleven, often traveling with highly qualified professional guides and respected theologians, yet reading Stephen Binz’s book Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven and Faithful brought to light an extraordinary amount of new information. I can completely understand why so many pilgrims love traveling with Stephen when he leads a pilgrimage to the Holy Land or Italy, as their understanding of the Scriptures and Catholic history is enriched by Stephen’s knowledge, his extreme attention to detail and exemplary concern for the truth”.
- Edita Krunic, President, Select International Tours and Cruises

Threshold to God's Word: A User-Friendly Guide to Scripture Study

Newcomers and scholars alike will appreciate Binz' accessible, insightful style as he shows that reading the Bible is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but a devoted and passionate search, an enthusiastic and joyful discovery. Taking us into the gospels and books such as Jonah and Exodus, Binz explores everything from contextual interpretation to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Written for individual or group study, and with reflection questions that help connect the transforming power of Scripture to our own spirituality, this captivating, informative and deeply prayerful guide is an invitation to unlock the doors to Scripture, to joyfully welcome Christ across the threshold, and receive the fullness of life he offers.

Scripture, God's Handbook for Evangelizing Catholics

In Scripture-God's Handbook for Evangelizing Catholics, Stephen Binz brings to light the power of scripture to not only renew our lives, but make us living witnesses of the Gospel. Inspired and influenced by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, Binz shows us the indissoluble connection between their call to New Evangelization and its necessary connection to the Word of God.

Every chapter brings you closer to Christ and closer to His Word as you:

• Grasp the importance of recovering the evangelical dimension of Catholicism

• Discover the "hero evangelizers" in Scripture and history

• Learn to read the Bible as an evangelizing Catholic

• Understand the key link between lectio divina and the New Evangelizatiion

• Identify the obstacles to hearing and witnessing to God's Word today

• Understand the role of Mary, the Star of the New Evangelization

Ancient-Future Bible Study: Experience Scripture through Lectio Divina

Ancient-Future Bible Study incorporates contemporary study of the Bible with an experience of the church's most ancient way of reading Scripture, lectio divina. This time-honored practice consists of five basic movements: biblical study (lectio), reflection (meditatio), prayer (oratio), discernment (contemplatio), and contemplative action (operatio). In six clearly written volumes, bestselling author Stephen Binz helps readers study the Bible in a way that leads to spiritual transformation and brings them closer to God. 

Stephen Binz leads readers in a vivid study of key biblical characters, including Abraham, Paul, Peter, David, the women of the Torah, and the women of the Gospels. He shows all Christians who desire to have a transforming experience with the inspired Word of God how studying Scripture through lectio divina can enrich their discipleship. This ecumenical Bible study, designed for use by individuals or groups, includes questions for personal reflection and suggested action. Each volume includes leader's notes for guiding a study over the course of six sessions.

Lectio Divina Bible Study

In an exceptional combination of one of the most ancient forms of Scripture study with historical, theological, and scriptural perspectives, Lectio Divina Bible Study leads us on an incredible journey of enlightenment and appreciation in the areas of the Creed, Prayer, Sacraments, and the Mass.

Lectio Divina, the ancient practice of Scripture immersion, is at the heart of this process. Each lesson leads you forward through a sequence of listening, understanding, reflecting, praying, and acting. This series is suitable for parish, small group, or individual use.

Conversing with God in Scripture: A Contemporary Approach to Lectio Divina

Lectio divina is the most ancient and fruitful way of studying Scripture. This revered practice is rooted in the Jewish tradition of Jesus, and it has been nourished through the desert spirituality of the early centuries, the patristic writers of the ancient church, and the monastic tradition through the ages. In our day, lectio divina is experiencing a world-wide revival as Christians are returning to age-old wisdom to experience the Scriptures in a deeper and more complete way. This book will explain this ancient practice and show readers how to experience the ongoing power of the Spirit within the inspired text. Participants will learn how to move from attentive listening, to reflective prayer, to contemplative action.  

Seasonal books include Conversing with God in Lent, Conversing with God in the Easter Season, and Conversing with God in Advent and Christmas. Each of these books leads readers through the movements of lectio divina for the Sunday lectionary readings from cycles A, B, and C. These are perfect seasonal resources for both individuals and parish groups.

Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture

This work provides an easy access to the Bible for the beginning student of the Bible. With sensible advice, it will allow readers to discover how the Bible came to be, how to choose a Bible translation, how to interpret the Bible within Catholic tradition, and how to benefit the most from Bible study. Readers will find practical explanations that will make the Bible less foreign and more familiar.

Introduccion a la Biblia: Una guia catolica para el estudio de las Sagradas Escrituras

Introducción a la Biblia permite que sus lectores descubran cómo se desarrolló la Biblia y cómo escoger una traducción de la Biblia, interpretarla dentro de la tradición católica y beneficiarse lo más posible del estudio de ella. De mayor importancia, sin embargo, es que los lectores llegarán a entender el poder transformativo de la palabra de Dios mientras conocen más íntimamente la Palabra Encarnada, Jesucristo.

Advent of the Savior: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus

The biblical accounts of Jesus' conception and birth are the formative stories of seasons of Advent and Christmas. They serve as overtures to the writings of the evangelists and as bridges connecting the Old and New Testaments, pointing back to the history of Israel and forward to the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The work will enrich the reader's understanding of these Advent texts and prepare the reader for the Savior's coming.

The God of Freedom and Life: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus

The experience of Exodus is ancient, yet always new. The journey from bondage and death to freedom and life is what God wants for all people. By entering into the liberating journey with Israel, we can more deeply encounter the God of freedom and life ourselves. The work helps the reader to understand the text and enter more personally the experience of Exodus.

The Passion and Resurrection Narratives of Jesus: A Commentary

The accounts of the passion and resurrection are the climax of each of the Gospels. The work will illumine the reader's understanding of the text in each gospel and the reasons for the differences in each of the four gospels. A study of these texts will enrich the reader's experience of Lent and Easter.

St. Joseph, My Real Estate Agent: Why the Patron Saint of Home Life is the Patron Saint of Home-Selling

The work is a light and humorous look at the wildly popular custom of burying a statue of St. Joseph in the yard in order to sell a home and a serious look at how Joseph of Nazareth can be a mentor and guide for home life today. Whether the practice is pious tradition, popular spirituality, or a powerful source of heavenly aid, people throughout the world are attributing a successful transition to a new home to the influence of Joseph of Nazareth. The work speculates about the origins and motives for this fashionable practice and discusses the value of popular spirituality in the 21st century. It presents details of real estate in Nazareth and the Jewish home life of Joseph as well as spiritual inspiration for home-building, home-making, and home life. The work concludes with model prayer services for selling a house and blessing a new home. 

Little Rock Scripture Study - New Editions

Written by Stephen J. Binz with Little Rock Scripture Study Staff

Robust Bible study that makes use of scholarly but readable commentary, study and reflection questions, and prayer, all in single books. Little Rock Scripture Study provides an effective method of Bible study that shapes God’s people into faithful and active disciples. Through prayer and study, adults learn more about the Bible and its message, learn to use the tools that help in understanding, grow in their appreciation for Christian community life, and encounter Christ in ways that are transforming. Little Rock Scripture Study is published by Liturgical Press.

Donald Wuerl, Cardinal-Archbishop of Washington

Timothy Dolan, Cardinal-Archbishop of New York

Blase Cupich, Cardinal-Archbishop of Chicago

Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans

Charles Chaput, OFM. Cap, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, Canada

José Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville

Terrence Prendergast, SJ, Archbishop of Ottawa, Canada

Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland

Richard J. Garcia, Bishop of Monterey

David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay

Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange

Donald W. Trautman, Former bishop of Erie

Gregory Polan, OSB, Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Order

Craig Bartholomew, Redeemer University College

Dianne Bergant, CSA, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago

Murray Bodo, OFM, author

John Cella, OFM, director, Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs

Sarah Christmyer, writer and speaker

Richard Clifford, SJ, Boston College School of Theology

Alexander Di Lella, OFM, Emeritus at Catholic University of America

John Donahue, SJ, Emeritus at St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore

John Endres SJ, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University

Scott Hahn, President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

Aidan Hart, The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London

Mary Healy, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Pontifical Biblical Commission

Lisa M. Hendey, author, founder of CatholicMom.com

Leslie Hoppe OFM, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago

Daniel P. Horan, OFM, author, Franciscan friar of Holy Name Province

Bill Huebsch, writer and consultant, Lifelong Faith Formation

Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ, Theologian and Author

Kevin Irwin, author and professor at Catholic University of America

Jan Michael Joncas, musician, University of St. Thomas

Edita Krunic, President, Select International Tours and Cruises

Judith Kubicki, CSSF, Fordham University

Francis Maloney, SDB, Catholic Theological College, Melbourne

George Martin, writer, founder of God’s Word Today

James Martin, SJ, author and editor at America magazine

Ralph Martin, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

Carl McColman, writer, speaker, and spiritual companion

Mickey McGrath, artist at beestillstudio.com

George Montague, SM, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio  

Jacques Nieuviarts, AA, Institut Catholique de Toulouse

Irene Nowell, OSB, Mount St. Scholastica

Kathleen O'Connor, Emerita at Columbia Theological Seminary

Peter Phan, Georgetown University

Msgr. Charles Pope, writer and pastor, Archdiocese of New York

Edith Prendergast, RSC, pastoral leader, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Mary DeTurris Poust, columnist, journalist, and author

Thomas Ranzino, Vicar General and pastor, Diocese of Baton Rouge

Patrick Henry Reardon, writer and pastor, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese

Elizabeth Scalia, author and editor-in-chief at Aleteia.org

Brian Schmisek, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago

Sandra Schneiders,IHM, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University

Robert Senkewicz, author, Santa Clara University

Mark P. Shea, writer, speaker, blogger

James K.A. Smith, writer and professor at Calvin College

John Michael Talbot, musician, founder of  the Brothers and Sisters of Charity

Paul Turner, writer, pastor, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Catherine Upchurch, Director of Little Rock Scripture Study

Catherine Vincie, RSHM, Aquinas Institute of Theology

Brandon Vogt, Content Director at Word on Fire

Nick Wagner, director and founder of TeamRCIA.com

Kerry Weber, author and managing editor of America magazine

Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, writer, St. Scholastica Monastery

Ronald D. Witherup, S.S., Superior General of the Sulpicians, Paris