The Weird Catholic Handbook & 150 People, Places, and Things You Never Knew Were Catholic (2 Book Set)

• Fascinating & overlooked aspects of our Faith
• Peculiar & intriguing elements of our history
• Humor, curiosity, profound insights
• Collected stories, spiritual lessons, & inspiration
• Surprising look at 150 things you never knew were Catholic
• The wide-ranging and astounding impact of Catholicism

The Weird Catholic Handbook

Dive into the fascinating and overlooked aspects of the Catholic faith with Weird Catholic Handbook by Michael Lichens. This book takes you on a Chestertonian romp through the peculiar and intriguing elements of Catholic history, offering a refreshing perspective on the faith that combines humor, curiosity, and profound insights.

Lichens invites you to discover the bizarre and extraordinary stories that have shaped Catholicism. From saints who faced mythical monsters to the eerie beauty of bone chapels, this book uncovers the spiritual and historical significance behind these oddities. With a blend of scholarly research and engaging storytelling, Lichens brings to life the unique relics, ghostly encounters, and unusual miracles that have been part of the Church’s rich tapestry.

In this book, you will discover:

• Saints and Monsters: Learn how saints like St. Michael and St. Columba battled dragons and sea monsters, challenging our modern perceptions of sanctity and heroism.
• Memento Mori: Explore the spiritual insights behind ossuaries and bone churches, and understand the history and purpose of unique relics such as the Incorruptibles and bejeweled skeletons.
• Spiritual Warfare: Delve into the ghost stories and exorcisms that have marked Catholic history, and discover how saints like St. Gregory and St. Thomas Aquinas dealt with purgatorial souls.
• Unusual Miracles: Uncover the strange and miraculous events that have occurred throughout Church history, from stigmata and levitation to bilocation and prophetic visions.

Weird Catholic Handbook is not just a collection of odd stories; it is an invitation to see the profound truths and spiritual lessons embedded in the peculiar. Each chapter sheds light on how these unusual elements of faith have inspired devotion, art, and a deeper understanding of the divine.

Whether you’re a devout Catholic, a curious skeptic, or someone who loves a good story, this book offers something for everyone. Discover how the oddities of the past can inspire and enrich your faith today.


150 People, Places, and Things You Never Knew Were Catholic
Good luck getting through an entire day without experiencing the impact of Catholicism. Woken up by an alarm or checked the time? The mechanical clock was invented in the tenth century by a monk who became pope. A bowl of cereal for breakfast? Your milk is safe thanks to Louis Pasteur, a devout Catholic whose research was driven by a love of God and humanity. Knock on wood? It’s actually an ancient Catholic practice invoking the power of the Cross when facing trouble or danger.
Each entry in 150 People, Places, and Things You Never Knew Were Catholic is rich with detail and nuance. Here are Catholic stories full of drama, decisions, and inspiration.
The fruits of our Catholic Faith are all around us, and the ways in which the Church has shaped history and the secular world can be found in science, art, pop culture, sports, and more. Our most enduring (and endearing) customs, pastimes, practices, and institutions often can be traced back to an inventive, resourceful Catholic. You’ll discover things you never knew — and come away with inspiration for how you, too, can impact the world.

The Weird Catholic Handbook

• Author: Michael J. Lichens
• 256 Pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN: 9798889113508

150 People, Places, and Things You Never Knew Were Catholic

• Author: Jay Copp
• 256 pages
• Softcover