Models of Heaven

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“Monsignor Francis Mannion is a serious scholar, but he has shown in his writings an admirable ability to make his insights accessible to the ordinary reader. As we enter into the great Eucharistic Prayer, the priest exhorts God’s people: ‘Lift up your hearts!’ In this profoundly moving set of meditations, Mannion invites us to savor the great joys awaiting us and to live and worship in a way worthy of them.”


—John C. Wester, archbishop of Sante Fe





“This book serves up an appreciation of the doctrine of heaven that is engaging to read, theologically rich, and imaginatively traditional. Mannion proves that doctrines are not only to be believed and obeyed; doctrines are also to be enjoyed. We have lost our joy in heaven! This illuminating study refreshes it by moving through eight models, each steeped in Scripture, tradition, art, and prophecy. Most pictures of heaven do not move us; these will.”


—David W. Fagerberg, University of Notre Dame, emeritus





“Drawing from the treasury of his knowledge of church history and theology, Msgr. Mannion provides a guide to heaven which is as moving as it is instructive: heaven as activity and rest, as the beauty our souls crave, as personal life fulfilled in communion with the blessed Trinity, social life fulfilled in the communion of saints, liturgical life fulfilled in the company of the angels, and earthly life fulfilled in the new creation. A lucid and inspiring portrayal of the contours of Christian hope.”


—Carol Zaleski, Smith College





“Monsignor Mannion has been a clear and systematic teacher through his many years as a Catholic priest and scholar, and he continues to be so in Models of Heaven. Here he opens up heaven’s mystery in a vivid and compelling way to those of us below and makes it an eternal reward worth working toward.”


—Christopher Carstens, director, Office for Sacred Worship, Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin





“This book assembles and organizes an impressive treasure trove of wisdom both old and new. It is admirably clear, coherent, and comprehensive. I hope this book will help to spark a renewed interest in a topic whose neglect has been indefensible.”


—Peter Kreeft, Boston College