Behold My Heart Praying The Seven Last Words

This book is perfect reading for Lent. Through anecdotes, reflections, and questions, Monsignor Vlaun helps us to a deeper understanding of the Passion and Death of our Lord.

Behold My Heart: Praying the Seven Last Words is a concise, meditative Lenten book that turns Our Lord’s last words from the Cross into a guided prayer experience, especially suited for personal devotion or parish use during Holy Week.

This book presents reflections on the traditional Seven Last Words of Jesus, drawn from a Good Friday Tre Ore preaching series at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 2023, later developed into print for wider devotional use. It is an affordable paperback (around 100 pages and under ten dollars), making it accessible for parish bulk orders and individual Lenten reading.

The book is organized around each of the Seven Last Words, offering a Scripture text, a meditation, and helps for prayerful application to daily life. Because the material was first preached as Tre Ore talks, each chapter reads like a brief conference or homily, well suited for a Holy Hour, a weekly Lenten meeting, or a day of recollection.

A key strength is its focus on the heart of Christ, inviting the reader not only to consider the historical Passion but to encounter the personal love of Jesus expressed in each word from the Cross. The tone is consoling and encouraging, making themes like forgiveness, suffering, and abandonment approachable for those carrying their own crosses.

Overall, Behold My Heart: Praying the Seven Last Words offers a warm, accessible, and prayer-focused entry into the mystery of Christ crucified, rooted in lived parish preaching rather than abstract theory. For personal Lenten renewal, quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament, or use in a parish setting, it is a strong, user‑friendly choice that keeps the gaze fixed on the merciful Heart of Jesus.

I found the meaning very helpful and interesting

Monsignor Vlaun has been blessed with so many gifts that he shares with the world. As I watched him present this I said to myself that everyone should hear this. I'm delighted that this book is here, it will be with me wherever I go and I highly recommend it. I've purchased extras to send to friends and I have a feeling that you'll want to do the same.

I thought the book was wonderful!! Many great insights, stories and special prayers!! I felt as though Monsignor was speaking to me as though I was right there with him. A very fresh, honest and sincere approach. Thank you, Monsignor!!