“Important new book.”

“Replete with the wisdom of the saints and Christian writers through the centuries, together with his own experience of discipleship, Michael J. Ortiz, in this important new book, takes the reader through every aspect of the Morning Offering. Once you’ve read it, you’ll never want to begin another day without pausing for a moment to offer your day, through this beautiful and powerful prayer, to God.”

From the foreword by Most Rev. William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore

“Freshness and depth.”

“Like the First Morning shows why and how the Mass continues in our daily lives. Using literary, philosophical, and theological references, Michael Ortiz reflects on the Morning Offering prayer, giving it freshness and depth. Thus, he helps us not only to say the words of this traditional prayer, but to pray them as well.”

James Kubicki, S.J.
Former National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer

“A welcome guide and model reflection.”

“Michael Ortiz's short book is a welcome guide and model reflection on the various ways we can approach God. Like the First Morning provides a refreshing approach for seeing the world ‘as in the first morning,’ to recall the account of Creation in Genesis. Each day becomes a renewal of all we know and are given, of what we can hope for.”

James V. Schall, S.J.
Professor Emeritus
Georgetown University

“This book is a must-have.”

“With wisdom from saints and other notable Catholic authors, Michael Ortiz has devised a remarkable handbook for starting every morning out right—in the heart of our Lord and his Blessed Mother. This book is a must-have.”

Marge Fenelon
Author of Imitating Mary