Endorsements
"simple but profound"
"your book is OUTSTANDING!"
"your book is OUTSTANDING!"
"This book, in a simple but profound way, captures the benefits of humility in the lives of individuals as well as for society. A good read. A wonderful piece for spiritual growth."
- Fr. Maurice Emelu, a Catholic priest, inspirational speaker, author, journalist, known worldwide, host of several shows on EWTN television series, “Word For a Wounded World”, founder and chair of Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.
"your book is OUTSTANDING!"
"your book is OUTSTANDING!"
"your book is OUTSTANDING!"
"Mark your book is OUTSTANDING! Its a book that all Catholics need to have in their hands each day to read one section at a time. I can't say how happy I am that you published it because it daily helps me and its going to help thousands of Catholics in the future! "
- Terry Barber, founder of Saint Joseph Communications, Inc. the largest Catholic media in the world, founder of founder of The Catholic Resource Center, founder of Lighthouse Catholic Media, co-host for Reasons for Faith Live on Mother Angelica’s EWTN Radio Network, recorded numerous podcasts on Saint Joseph Podcasts called Culture Warriors for Christ, over 30 years experience in evangelization in the Catholic Church; his two most influential talks today are The Ten Commandments of Evangelization and The Five Reasons to be Catholic.
Endorsements
"highly inspirational"
"thoughtful and moving book"
"thoughtful and moving book"
"I heartily recommend the book "How to be Somebody" by Mark Mendes, as a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the all important virtue of humility, which is rightly called the foundation of all virtues. Mark Mendes combines sound spiritual theology, good moral exhortation, and the holy example of the saints with effective story telling to provide a most interesting and informative guide to the practice of this key virtue which is so essential to the attainment of the holiness of life to which we are all called, based upon self knowledge and radical dependence on God's loving mercy and providential care. Those who are seeking a handy and concise little guide to the practice of humility will find "How to be Somebody" a highly inspirational and practical source of wisdom for spiritual growth, daily spiritual reading and meditation."
- Rev. William P. Casey C.P.M., Superior General of the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy in Auburn KY, graduate of Temple University. served as an officer in the U.S. Army, studied Philosophy at Christendom College and Theology at Holy Apostles Seminary, ordained to the priesthood in 1991, one of the best known and sought after nationally renowned speakers, frequent guest on Eternal Word Television Network.
"thoughtful and moving book"
"thoughtful and moving book"
"thoughtful and moving book"
"Mark, thank you for writing such a thoughtful and moving book on the virtue of humility, How to be Somebody. I've underlined it and I re-read passages that particularly speak to me. I also pass out copies to others. It really helps me in so many ways. Of course, I still have a long, long way to go. Thank you for this wonderful resource for our earthly journey."
- Katherine Andes, Co-author Friendly Defenders, motion picture script developer, specializes in web content development and copywriting for SEO, award-winning writer, mother of two great kids.
Endorsements
"a weapon of mass instruction!"
"a weapon of mass instruction!"
"a weapon of mass instruction!"
"This little book is a weapon of mass instruction! Mark has provided a great service to Holy Mother Church. The content in this book is the key to holiness and happiness. I thought the author was some retired old cloistered monk - I was pleasantly surprised to see this come from a mind and pen of a young male laymen.
He is spot on...that book ROCKS!"
- Jesse Romero, full-time bilingual Catholic Lay Evangelist, nationally acclaimed for his dynamic, upbeat Christ centered preaching, his preaching apostolate is "On Fire Evangelization,' retired Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff, B.A. from Mount St Mary’s University in Los Angeles and an M.A. in Catholic Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, author of “Our Mouths Were Filled With Laughter,” “La Verdad Te Hara Libre” & “Catholics Wake Up,” been on EWTN radio for over 10 years hosting ‘Reasons for Faith,’ he is also on Guadalupe Radio in Los Angeles hosting ‘La Verdad te hara Libre.’ and on Immaculate Heart Radio hosting "The Jesse and Terry Show," preaching and defending the Church in many debates for over 15 years.
"a must read for EVERYONE!"
"a weapon of mass instruction!"
"a weapon of mass instruction!"
"Want to be happy and holy? Mark Mendes gives you the necessary steps in his powerful book, How To Be Somebody. The key to happiness and holiness is the development of the virtue of humility which gives us strength through virtue rather than power through pride. Mark reminds us that What you are, what you truly are, is what you are in the sight of Almighty God. Nothing more, nothing less. That is what you really are. He then concisely leads us step by step to develop the virtue using the examples of the saints as well as their advice. He also warns us about the horrific danger of pride. This valuable book is a must read for EVERYONE!"
-Mary Ann Budnik, author of ten books including You Can Become A Saint and the Raise Happy Children series, weekly columnist for Our Sunday Visitor, Free lance writer for over 50 publications in US and abroad, Free lance reporter to two UN conferences, International speaker, Founder of R.B. Media Inc, Appeared on EWTN many times, 12 TV shows on Familyland Network, guest on Catholic Answers, 1994 American Life League awarded Journalist of the Year.
Endorsements
"I am glad that Mark Mendes has put together such a wonderful and useful book"
"In these days when confusion and error reign, it is not surprising that many have wrongheaded notions of true supernatural humility. Certainly, most modern men are turned off by outright pride, self-centeredness, and narcissism, as their ugliness is so apparent. The narcissist in conversation with others, the story goes, stated that he was tired of talking about himself and asked if others wouldn’t mind talking about him for a while. But despite the aversion we might have to demonstrative pride, most of us hold onto a secret pride and inordinate self-love, which cripple our spiritual life and even our hope for salvation, for God will not exalt those who practice self-exaltation. And because of this hidden problem in many of us, I am glad that Mark Mendes has put together such a wonderful and useful book, namely, How to be Somebody.
Mark has collected numerous quotations from the saints, the great spiritual writers, and the Sacred Scriptures on the topic of humility. In short, Mark sees this essential and foundational virtue of humility as a remedy for healing in our modern age filled not only with technology and modern conveniences, but saturated with that deadly vice that caused that fallen angel, Lucifer, to fall like lightening from the sky. What Lucifer, and so many others have failed to understand, is that you must first descend before you can ascend. This book, How to be Somebody, will help the reader to avoid the fatal mistakes committed by the demons and the damned souls.
Using a traditional image, Mark presents the soul as a garden to be carefully tilled and vigilantly watched over. We are called to true greatness which, as the author states, is simply holiness of life. But in order to have a good garden, one needs humus or good soil, namely, the foundational virtue of humility. This book is very user-friendly, for not only is the text itself well arranged, but there are even sections on meditation and a wonderful listing of humility prayers that could very well make this book either a nightstand staple or the one that you take to the adoration chapel.
May those who read this work learn of their own nothingness, so that God will exalt and use them to renew the face of the earth.
- Fr. Shannon Collins C.P.M., joined the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy in August of 1994 re-evangelizing the American community and preaching of parish missions and retreats throughout the country, ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 2000, was the chaplain for the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery Hanceville Alabama, has done many television programs on Eternal Word Television Network like "Does the Church Still Teach That?", has been on Catholic radio numerous times. Father has been a very strong proponent of Catholic homeschooling and, over the years, a very popular speaker at numerous Catholic homeschooling conferences across the United States.
Endorsements
"presented here in a most balanced way"
"presented here in a most balanced way"
"presented here in a most balanced way"
"The title is an attention-grabber, reaching out to the very people who need to learn about the virtue promoted in this little work. The topic is humility, which is greatly misunderstood but which is presented here in a most balanced way. In fifteen short chapters, the author offers definitions and examples of both humility and pride from saints and other notables, as well as practical guidance on how to avoid pride and develop humility. Unlike many spiritual works on this virtue, this author does not equate humility with a self-effacement which denies one’s gifts and talents; indeed, such an approach could actually be pride in disguise. The reflections are rounded out with some beautiful litanies and prayers which beseech the Lord for true humility." (This review was featured in the magazine "The Catholic Response" which was founded by Fr. Peter)
- Rev. Peter M. J. Stravinskas Ph.D. S.T.D, ordained a priest on May 27, 1977, holds a bachelor of arts degree in Classical Languages and French from Seton Hall University, a master of arts in School Administration from Seton Hall University, a master of arts in Biblical Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary (Darlington), a doctor of philosophy in School Administration from Fordham University, and a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in Systematic Theology from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D. C, earned a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Marian Institute at the University of Dayton and the Marianum in Rome,
taught in and administered Catholic educational institutions at the elementary, secondary and university levels,
founded The Catholic Answer in 1987, editing that periodical for seventeen years, In 2004, founded The Catholic Response; author of thirty-four books including the Catholic Encyclopedia and more than 500 articles, served as adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey; adjunct professor of education and classics at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut; and adjunct professor of Roman Catholic Studies in the Casperson Graduate School of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, founder and superior of the Priestly Society of the Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman, executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.
"This is an awesome little book!"
"presented here in a most balanced way"
"presented here in a most balanced way"
"This is an awesome little book! Just having all of those quotes on humility from Scripture gathered in one place is worth the price of the book, but throw in the accumulated wisdom of the Saints, the prayers, the personal meditations, and the "Pride-ometer," and you've got a whole lot of value packed into these pages. If you truly make it a habit to read and ponder and pray about the contents of this book, a little bit each day, I guarantee that you will be a better person...a holier person. You won't be able to help it. This is the kind of book that every Catholic ought to have on their night stand so they can pick it up first thing in the morning and meditate for a few minutes on this incredible virtue of humility - the virtue that St. Augustine says is the foundation of all other virtues. What a great way to get your day going! I've got a copy and I'm ordering 5 more - one for my wife and one for each of my kids."
- John Martignoni, Catholic Apologist, founder and president of the Bible Christian Society an apostolate dedicated to explaining and defending the Scriptural foundations of the Catholic faith, presents talks around the country, hosts EWTN’s Open Line program every Monday on EWTN Global Catholic Radio, Director of Office of the New Evangelization, Diocese of Birmingham.
Are you tending to the garden of your soul?