Love’s Guest

Reflections of Inspiration and Wonder: An Annotated Selection from The Spiritual Dialogues by Saint Catherine of Genoa

Edited by Marc Aronoff
Art by Jan Richardson

Paperback
978-1-960090-26-3
US $22.99 Amazon Barnes & Noble
eBook available
November 2023

Christian mystic Marc Aronoff invites us to consider Divine Love through the insightful writings of Saint Catherine of Genoa.

This beautifully illustrated Annotated Selection from Saint Catherine's Spiritual Dialogues, a classic of Christian literature describing the Italian mystic's spiritual transformation, includes a reflection workbook to encourage a deepening of love and understanding in our own lives. Freshly edited and revised for the modern reader, Saint Catherine speaks of Love as Spirit, God, and Human existence in a voice simultaneously profound and simple.

Updated with Modern English and a Reflection Workbook

With 10 Illustrations by Jan Richardson

Marc Aronoff, MA, LMHC (Author) is a Mystic, psychotherapist, and award-winning playwright. After completing his BA in The Interpretation of Literature at Northwestern University, Marc lived abroad where he wrote for film and theatre and worked as a professional actor, dancer, and choreographer. Marc's drama, The Lantern Bearers, has won several awards, attracting an international audience, and was translated into Italian in 2021. Marc has published feature articles with several national publications and has worked as a ghostwriter with authors from around the world. Marc holds a Master's in Counseling Psychology and currently offers wellness programs including meditation and contemplative retreats with individuals and organizations across the nation. lovesguest.com

Jan Richardson (Illustrator) is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, and has traveled widely as a retreat leader and conference speaker. With work described by the Chicago Tribune as "breathtaking," she has attracted an international audience drawn to the spaces of welcome, imagination, and solace that she creates in both word and image. Jan's books include The Cure for Sorrow, Night Visions, In the Sanctuary of Women, and the recently released Sparrow: A Book of Life and Death and Life.

“Profound and simple . . . In Love’s Guest, Reflections of Inspiration and Wonder, Marc Aronoff has uncovered a hidden spiritual gem, the meditations of St. Catherine of Genoa, a 15th Century lay Catholic mystic. Through his editorial art Marc has condensed St. Catherine’s ‘Spiritual Dialogues’ into a small mystical treasure accessible to all who wish to experience the soul piercing love of God.” —Deacon Jim McElroy, St. Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Lee, MA

“Love’s Guest provides small but powerful phrases from the mystic Saint Catherine of Genoa who knew what it was to be possessed by love.  Catherine’s poetic insights will cause the reader to ponder the deepest form of love which comes from the ultimate Source of our being. May these powerful words impact our world so in need of that love.” —Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop of Lexington

“I knew nothing of St. Catherine of Genoa until I read Marc Aronoff’s beautiful work Love’s Guest. This is not merely a hagiography or compilation of her inspired words, but also an insightful guide to prayer through and with this remarkable woman. Regardless of your spirituality, Marc offers us a precious gift of experiencing and deepening God’s love in our lives.” —Most Reverend Bishop William D. Byrne, Diocese of Springfield

“Marc Aronoff lifts up St. Catherine of Genoa’s Spiritual Dialogues in a modern English version. Enhanced by the artwork of Jan Richardson and his reflection guides, the book gracefully introduces the reader to this lesser known saint.” —Bonnie Thurston

“Love’s Guest: Reflections of Inspiration and Wonder offers insight into the awesome love that God has for each of us. Marc Aronoff introduces us to Saint Catherine of Genoa and her meditations. Our world is at a time of great unrest. This book is needed more now than ever as we read of God’s Divine Love.” —Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, Pastor, Saint Mary’s Church Longmeadow, MA.

“Down through the ages, human beings have waxed eloquently about the mystery we call ‘love.’ From St. Paul’s beautiful reflection on the virtue of love in 1 Corinthians 13 to T. S. Eliot’s ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,’ from St. John of the Cross’s magnificent ‘The Living Flame of Love,’ to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, there is no dearth of material on the ‘greatest of the gifts.’
     “With this in mind, we owe a debt of gratitude to Marc Aronoff, who has given us a remarkable glimpse into the writings of Saint Catherine of Genoa, a saint who rightfully takes her place in the pantheon of those who have deepened our understanding of love, with a focus on God’s unfathomable love for us, his children. The pages of Mr. Aronoff’s edited work come alive with St. Catherine’s reflections, who clearly had the insight of a theologian and the heart of one possessed by God’s love. Complemented by Jan Richardson’s compelling artwork, this gem of a book is bound to capture your heart and enliven your spirit.
     “St. John of the Cross famously said, ‘In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.’ No wonder Catherine of Genoa is a saint. And no wonder that Marc Aronoff has been inspired to make Catherine’s spiritual journey accessible to the modern reader. St. Catherine wrote that ‘A heart enamored of God … receives all that happens as from the hand of God, remaining in immovable peace.’ May the peace of God abide in all who read and reflect on Love’s Guest.” —Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Sante Fe, New Mexico

“Inspirational, enlightening, wonderful.” —Fr. Brian McGrath S.T.L., Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, Lee MA