The Face of Jesus, the Martyr and the Reciprocity of Abiding Love: Anthropological Considerations in Spiritual Theology Based Upon the Pontifical Writings of Pope Saint John Paul the Great

by J. Marianne Siegmund

This book explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of martyrdom, as interpreted through the writings of Pope Saint John Paul II. It aims to provide a spiritual anthropology, focusing on how martyrdom serves as a profound act of self-giving love, symbolizing the ultimate commitment to Christ. The author reflects on John Paul II’s emphasis on the “contemplation of the face of Christ” as essential for believers, which is a recurring theme in his pontifical writings and aligns with the concept of witnessing to truth and love through suffering.

Siegmund analyzes key documents and encyclicals, such as Veritatis Splendor, where John Paul II identifies martyrdom as the supreme testimony to human dignity and the moral law, affirming an objective moral order. She argues that the martyr’s act of sacrifice becomes a visible proclamation of faith and truth, demonstrating a life fully integrated with divine love. The document ultimately positions martyrdom not only as an act of fidelity to God’s law but as a contemplative act, revealing Christ’s face to the world and radiating divine love and truth through self-sacrifice.

 

Hardback: $39.95 | Paperback: $29.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“What a brilliant idea for a book — turning our attention precisely to what we need to be focusing on. Guided by St. John Paul II, Professor Siegmund shows that the insistence upon the inviolability of the moral order is not moralism or judgmentalism; rather, it is tightly linked with the martyrs’ contemplation of the face of Christ.  This book, with its focus on contemplation and martyrdom, should guide Catholics in the trials to come.” — Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. J. Marianne Siegmund, M.A., S.T.L., S.T.D. earned her B.A. in Philosophy at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia and her M.A. in Religious Studies at the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in Alexandria, Virginia. After several years of teaching, she returned to graduate school, earning her Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Marriage and Family) at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After graduate studies in philosophy at the University of Dallas and a summer immersed in further coursework at the Far Eastern National University in Vladivostok, Russia, she went to Italy for doctoral studies. Her Doctorate in Theology (Spirituality) is from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Urbe / Angelicum in Rome, Italy. Dr. Siegmund teaches and has taught at several colleges, seminaries and universities in the country. She has also lectured, delivered scholarly papers at conferences across the nation, and she has published articles in both philosophy and theology. Dr. Siegmund is a member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, and the American Catholic Philosophical Association.

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