The Western Book of the Dead: Or the Record of the Books of God, Compiled and Edited By Marilynn Hughes – Containing from the 1908 Roman Breviary in English the Rite for Emergencies, Visits to the Sick, Anointing of the Sick Outside of Mass, Communion of the Sick in Ordinary Circumstances, Commendation of the Dying, Prayers after Death, Prayers for the Dead, Gathering in the Presence of the Body, Vigil for the Deceased, Readings for the Order of Christian Funerals, Rite of Committal with Final Commendation, The Office of the Dead.

A deeply spiritual and comprehensive guide to the Christian rituals and prayers surrounding death, the afterlife, and the care of the dying. This book offers a compilation of key rites and prayers from the 1908 Roman Breviary in English, providing a profound spiritual resource for those seeking comfort, guidance, and support in times of death and mourning.

Contained within the text are sacred prayers and rituals, including the Rite for Emergencies, Visits to the Sick, Anointing of the Sick Outside of Mass, Communion of the Sick in Ordinary Circumstances, and Commendation of the Dying. These rites offer spiritual solace and divine intercession for those facing illness, preparing for death, or walking alongside a loved one in their final moments.

Additionally, the book includes prayers after death, prayers for the dead, and sacred rituals such as the Gathering in the Presence of the Body, Vigil for the Deceased, and Readings for the Order of Christian Funerals. It also covers the Rite of Committal with Final Commendation, providing the comforting and sacred final rites for those passing from this world into the next. The book concludes with the Office of the Dead, a revered Christian liturgical office for the deceased.

The Western Book of the Dead serves as both a prayer book and a guide to the Christian rites associated with death, offering a spiritual pathway through the complexities of loss and the transition to the afterlife. Through the prayers, readings, and rituals included in this book, readers can find peace, strength, and a deeper understanding of Christian perspectives on death, the soul, and eternal life.

This book is a vital resource for those seeking comfort during times of mourning or for those interested in understanding the Christian rites and prayers that honor the sacred journey of life, death, and the afterlife.

Reviews

“What sparked my interest was the idea that I may be able to fill in a few gaps in my readings of the ancient knowledge of things esoteric. Thanks.” – George J. Thornbury, Academia.edu

“I am a deacon candidate for the Archdiocese of Chicago. I came across your submission while doing some research for a class on Liturgy and Ritual. Thank you for providing your work in this forum.” – Larry Sorce, Chicago, IL, Academia.edu

Bridal Mysticm: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Bridal Mysticism was first identified in the Old Testament and continued into the New Testament and found itself expressed very vividly in the lives of certain saints who came to be known as the Bridal Mystics. In the scriptures, God’s love for His people was often characterized as a similar relationship to that of the Bridegroom and the Bride. It was typified this way to show the ecstatic love and mystical union which can be achieved between a human person and the divine, wherein God becomes in a sense ‘the lover.’ This happens in mystical and out of body travel experiences.

‘Bridal Mysticism: An Overview’ takes you into this fascinating subject in the religions around the world and then more specifically in the lives of the Catholic Saints in whom this concept was perfected.

Bridal Mysticism was first identified in the Old Testament and continued into the New Testament and found itself expressed very vividly in the lives of certain saints who came to be known as the Bridal Mystics.
In the scriptures, God’s love for His people was often characterized as a similar relationship to that of the Bridegroom and the Bride. It was typified this way to show the ecstatic love and mystical union which can be achieved between a human person and the divine, wherein God becomes in a sense ‘the lover.’

‘Bridal Mysticism: An Overview’ takes you into this fascinating subject in the religions around the world and then more specifically in the lives of the Catholic Saints in whom this concept was perfected. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“I have devoted my entire life to study and practice the writings of Desert fathers which are much more precious to me then my own life. Your contributions to promote spiritual writings will be remembered by future generations and will be the beginning of new Era Of Spiritual growth on this earth…..Warmest wishes for you with praying heart.” – Elyas Patel, Old Testament Ethics Professor

“This is a beautiful book about love, ‘Bridal Mysticism: An Overview.’ It is not like many “love” books about love, but about the only TRUE LOVE. Some parts left me speechless with tears in my eyes. This could be perfect Valentine’s present for my wife (but I will wait for her birthday) with many lessons of True Love in Jesus for both of us. Although I read many authors summarized in this book, showing common theme from all of them magnifies tremendously the whole aspect of bridal theology. Thank you for your book, your work. Love Greg” – Greg, Reader, USA

“Hello Marilynn. Hope this finds you well. I just wanted to send you and yours peace profound this Holiday season and beyond. The work you are doing here is fantastic. I also wanted to let you know that I read your book ‘Bridal Mysticism: An Overview.’ I enjoyed it very much. I believe that it is an important work which will inspire the reader to embrace the divine feminine and usher in the shekinah. A profound need in our current age of spiritual expression. Happy holidays. Keep up the good works. Mark” – Mark Certo, The Monroe Institute and the Triad Mind, Atlanta, GA, USA

Demonology: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Demonology presents information from ancient sacred texts about the most significant demons and the manner in which to combat their various forms of attack. If you want to protect yourself from the infernal spirits, demonology will give you a framework from which to begin. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“I am hoping to include the unseen realm in my fiction writing.” – L Mihm, Psicologia Analitica

“Looking forward to learning more about this taboo subject. Thanks!” – Bruce Brandt, Harnell College, Salinas, CA, USA

“I’m starting a novel about Asmodeus and Lilith. Thanks for the help.” – Stephen Shields, Academia.edu

“Very interesting.” – Rusty Hill, Academia.edu

Angelology: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Angelology presents information from ancient sacred texts about the most significant angels and their function and nature in the cosmological spheres of God. If you want to better know the angelic hierarchies who protect you and your loved ones, angelology will give you a framework from which to begin. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Also Read ‘Spirit Guides and Guardian Angels: The Mystic Knowledge Series.’

And ‘Angelology: An Overview.’

Reviews

“I am into looking at the Gnostic version and the Christian one (of Angelology). Also looking at the diminutive opinion of the feminine view over time. To me it appears at first it was more equal but became more masculine.” – Mitch Wel, Grimoire Traditions, Academia.edu

“This is so amazing, it is a must read..” – Order of the Sun, Universal Life Minister, Academia.edu

“I am doing a research paper myself about Angelology and this is new to me; and seeing that you wrote a paper will give me great insight what Angelology is about.” – Jessica Brown, Public Opinion, Political Science, Academia.edu

Protestant Reforms: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Understanding the major Protestant Reforms can require a lot of study. And even so, it’s hard to really get to the heart of the matter in finding out what are the creeds and confessions, why was there schism, by whom, in what year, what sacraments do they perform and what practices differ from other denominations. ‘Protestant Reforms’ sets out to make this study simple and easy to understand. Each denomination is listed with basic facts about what they believe and how they came to be. In the back of the book are included all the differing creeds and confessions of the original Catholic Church and the Denominations which sprung from it making for easy comparison and study. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Writers of the Philokalia: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – The Early Church Fathers of the Western Christian Tradition are widely known, but the Early Desert Fathers of the Orthodox Church (The Writers of the Philokalia) are not as widely known or understood. What makes them unique is their unusual asceticism. Most of them became hermits and lived in the caves of Egypt to uncover the deepest secrets of the inner soul of man. Many of them were mystics or experienced out of body travel. It was in this profound aloneness and heightened dispassion, that these Early Desert Fathers found God. And it was in this utter silence, that they expounded the deep truths which they discovered and wrote down for generations to come. ‘Writers of the Philokalia’ seeks to simplify the four to six volume collection of the Philokalia by introducing the lives and teachings of these Desert Fathers in an Overview fashion. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“Hope you are well. I for one am very happy about the arrival of this book. I have studied ‘The Philokalia’ only after your recommendation and was I glad about that! One of several books by other writers which you have guided me towards, my other personal favorite being ‘A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands’ by A. Farnese. Books that have so much depth you gain more and more understanding on repeated readings (just like your own work of course). And great for reading before sleep. Fascinating to learn about these mysterious spiritual writers and the path they were called to follow. They must have been inspiring people to have encountered. It would be a blessing to have met them in pe

rson. Thanks, Marilynn, for this important and unique book.” – Neil Wodicka, Reader, London, UNITED KINGDOM

“Thanks Marilynn for the ‘Writers of the Philokalia: An Overview,’ I’ve just finished reading it. It is not only about writers, but so very nice a summary of the Philokalia and for me another reason to read ‘The Philokalia’ again. Love, Greg” – Jennifer, Reader, UNITED STATES “i was a student with a Staretz of the Philokalia in the 1970’s. (It’s a) long story. i just realized that Kenosis is Sunyata … emptiness. St. Paul says the incarnation, becoming a human in physical form is emptying – Jesus emptying himself just as it says in the Zen Sutra, the Heart Sutra, (in that) all form is emptiness.” – Isa Kocher, Academia.edu

“I have devoted my entire life to study and practice the Writings of Desert fathers which are much more precious to me then my own life. Your contributions to promote spiritual writings will be remembered by future generations and will be the beginning of new Era Of Spiritual growth on this earth….. Warmest wishes for you with praying heart.” – Elyas Patel, Academia.edu

“Thank you, Marilynn. I have an interest in the Early Church and I have heard about the Philokalia but have read no writings about this.” – Mark Burwell, Academia.edu

“I like the title as we apply anthropomorphisms to God (Philokalia – Love of the Beautiful, Love of the Good) – even saying he is omnipresent is just a ridicuous lable for the Imcomprehensible. Take care.” – Kevin Creasey, Independent Researcher, Academia.edu

“I really appreciate the deep dive into the influential writers of the Philokalia in your book. Understanding such a pivotal spiritual work in a comprehensive overview is invaluable for readers interested in this tradition.” – Ozair Yaqoob, Co Founder of Hawk Notch

Practices, Prayer, Ritual, Liturgy, Sacraments and Theology in the Catholic Church: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – The Catholic and Christian Faith is so deep and rich that it’s hard to wrap your mind around it. For those interested in getting an overview of the Catholic Faith, you’ll learn about the Early Church Fathers, Apostolic Canons, The Holy Mass, Liturgy, Sacraments, Prayers and Devotions, Cardinal and Theological Virtues, Mortal and Venial Sin, the Doctrine of Purgatory and the many Theologies of the Church (Moral, Mystical, Ascetical, Dogmatic). This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“What sparked my interest is how briefly you’ve explained the sacrament of baptismThank you for the beautiful contributions on baptism. I like your works, lets keep in touch.” – Tobias Chipeta, Academia.edu

“I’m from the Philippines, born and raised and of Chinese descent. I’ve been into the Fatima Message for many years already and reading about the minds of other people with regards to the rituals, practices. I’m most anxious to read your work and I’m sure the Holy Spirit will enlighten me.” – Reico Ricochet, Academia.edu

“I am a student of the Holy Spirit and Charismatic Renewal. I found your title interesting. Thanks. God bless you!” – Jolly J O H N Pulickal, La Nouvelle Theologie, Academia.edu

“Thank you so much for your document!” – Vi Du, Đại Học Bách Khoa Hồ Chí Minh, Academia.edu

“Such was the poverty of the liturgy in the local Catholic church that I started attending one of the many Orthodox parishes where I live, and remained. Things have picked up a bit in the local Catholic parish but it is exceptional and it is questionable whether it will survive a change of bishop and the next pope. Oddly, my reasons for remaining in the Orthodox church were nothing much to do with the liturgy. When you come into the church on a Sunday morning there is a little old man cleaning the toilets. The priest.” – Henry Law, Academia.edu

Fascinating Figures in World Religion: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Many of our most fascinating figures in World Religion are misunderstood and little known. Their true stories are more fascinating than all the legends that have erupted around them. Get to know the real St. Francis of Assisi, St. Margaret Mary, St. Padre Pio, Jacob Boehme, John Wesley, Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus, Milarepa, Earth Store Bodhisattva – Kstigarbha, St. Joseph Calasanz (Founder of the Piarist Order), Gideon Jasper Richard Ouseley (The Gospel of the Holy Twelve), Dr. John Ballou (Oaspe) and the fascinating true story of King Arthur. These people were real people, real historical characters and the truth is more fascinating than the legends. Some of them experienced mysticism or out of body travel. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“I have a copy (of ‘The Gospel of the Holy Twelve’ and I would like to compare this copy to mine. Also interested in the Essene Books of Peace.” – James Reinhart, Retired, Academia.edu

“I am reading up on mystics and their relevance and learning for today. Many thanks and thank you for letting me access your thoughts.” – Sean McCrumlish, History of Philosophy and Theology, Academia.edu

Miraculous Phenomena in the Catholic Church: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Many Miraculous Phenomena have been reported throughout the centuries in the Catholic Church. Mysticism and Out-of-Body Travel are only the tip of the iceburg. In order to understand some of the most common and important phenomena, I’ve outlined what some of these Miraculous Phenomena are and given a list of some of the saints and others who displayed them. This book includes Transverberation, The Gift of Prophecy, The Spiritual Gift of Invisibility, Multiplication of Food, Miraculous Transport, The Odor of Sanctity, Levitation, Bilocation, The Holy Stigmata, The Gift of Tongues, Mystical Knowledge and Out-of-Body Travel and the Incorruptibles. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“Great!” – Ike Dadzie, Academia.edu

Heresies in the Catholic Church: An Overview, By Marilynn Hughes – Heretical Sects have been around in the Catholic Church since the beginning. And this is to be expected especially as the Catholic Church was forming its formal dogmas to be in concise unity with the teachings of Christ. The study of Heresies in the Catholic Church can be a complicated and difficult task. I’ve tried to simplify that study in this book. This book gives you an overview and insight into a subject otherwise only understood through lengthy study.

Reviews

“I am looking for an unbiased Biblical perception to help Roman Catholics seek the truth and that doesn’t mean going from one . . . (religious system) to another. (I do not wish for them to) come out of the fire of RC (Rosicrucianism) into the next fire of being an evangelical, rather a lover of Jesus and His Word as God the Holy Spirit uses it.” – Nicholas Priest, Academia.edu

“Thank for helping me and im very happy and ready to learn the lesson that you are going to share with me.” – Bwanian Tekieru, Academia.edu, AFRICA

“Thank you so much for your paper. I am researching Collyridianism.” – Catherine Whittle, Benedictine Monasticism, Academia.edu