Our Sunday Visitor's Pope Benedict XVI

"God is Love": Pope Benedict's first encyclical

Catholic Almanac

Pope Benedict's First Encyclical: Deus Caritas Est ("God Is Love")

Pamphlet written by Amy Welborn

In this encyclical, Pope Benedict XVI takes on the question of "what is love?", which is so basic to understanding who we are as disciples of Jesus, and what that means for us in the world. What is love? What kind of life does God's love call us to?

Read the encyclical, then use this pamphlet to help understand beautiful meaning behind our pope's words.

Available in packages of 50 for $14.95 plus S&H. Click here to order. Individuals can request a free, single copy by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: First Encyclical Pamphlet, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., Huntington, IN 46750.

For more reading from OSV newspaper:

"In pope's tour-de-force, love motivates charity: The true meaning of eros and agape is illustrated" by Russell Shaw (from the 2/12/06 issue of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper)

Eros and agape: We may not be called to crucifixion or even martyrdom, but we are called to give of ourselves in love to God and neighbor (Editorial from the 2/12/06 issue)

Saints mentioned in the encyclical (from Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Almanac:

  • Martin of Tours: (316-397): Bishop of Tours; opposed Arianism and Priscillianism; pioneer of Western monasticism, before St. Benedict; Nov. 11.*
  • Anthony the Abbot: (c. 251-c. 354): Abbot; Egyptian hermit; patriarch of all monks; established communities for hermits which became models for monastic life, especially in the East; friend and supporter of St. Athanasius in the latter’s struggle with the Arias; Jan. 17.*
  • Francis of Assisi: (Giovanni di Bernardone) (1181/82-1226): Founder of the Franciscans, 1209; received stigmata 1224; canonized 1228; one of best known and best loved saints; patron of Italy, Catholic Action and ecologists; Oct. 4.*
  • Vincent de Paul: (1581?-1660): French priest; founder of Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians, Lazarists) and co-founder of Sisters of Charity; declared patron of all charitable organizations and works by Leo XIII; canonized 1737; Sept. 27.*
  • Louise de Marillac: 1591-1660): French foundress, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Sisters of Charity; canonized 1934; Mar. 15.
  • John Bosco: (1815-1888): Italian priest; founded Salesians, 1859, for education of boys; cofounder of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for education of girls; canonized 1934; Jan. 31.*
  • Mother Teresa.