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Saint Benedict, by Frances Alice Forbes, weaves skillfully the story of the life of this great saint. One of the most well-known and beloved male saints today, St. Benedict is widely studied, and rightfully revered for his austerity and holiness. This title begins with the state of the times into which St. Benedict was born, then leads through his early years, his leaving to go out into the world, life as a monk, leading as abbot, founding of monasteries, the Rule of St. Benedict, the saint’s visions and ability to read the hearts of men, his close relationship with his twin sister Scholastica, the death of the saint, and the spread of the Benedictine order throughout the world. A perfect read to learn more about the great “Founder of Western Monasticism”.
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Saint Athanasius – The Father of Orthodoxy Audio Book is an enjoyable and engaging short historical work on the life of the great Father of Orthodoxy, St. Athanatius of Alexandria. From the life of a young boy running the streets of Alexandria, pretending to be the bishop as he baptizes his friends playing the part of the catechumens, to the young man named bishop against his wishes at the Council of Nicea, then on to fighting the Arian Heresy and triumphing for Orthodoxy. Every turn weaves a great tale of this popular saint!
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The Relations of Saint Teresa of Avila is an extension of her autobiography. In The Relations the beloved Doctor of the Church tells of her many inner and outer experiences in the form of letters. A great read for those who love this saint and are looking for more of her superb writings!
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Prayer: Its Necessity, Its Power, Its Conditions Audio Book is an in-depth treatise on the great subject of prayer. Topics highlighted include the power and necessity of prayer, why some prayers do not seem to be answered, and how to make our prayers more acceptable to God. The author instructs the reader on what to pray for and for whom to pray, the conditions necessary for efficacious prayer and explains the times when it is most suitable to pray. Father Girardey includes numerous lessons from the gospel on prayer and offers selections from Meditations for Every Day of the Year by Redemptorist Father Louis Bronchain.
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A popular and exciting short biography of one of the most influential popes in modern times. Pope St. Pius X went from poor farm boy to pope. A good student, who had high morals and was loved by all who came into contact with him, he went on to great works and needed changes in the Church during his papacy, to help the faithful face the great changes of the modern era.
As pope he condemned Modernism, allowed younger First Communions (at 7 as opposed to the previous norm of 12-14 years old) and more frequent Communion to all the faithful, reformed Church music & the Breviary, initiated the first codifying of Canon Law, and in his own words set out “to restore all things in Christ”. Not only were his works as pope remarkable, but of course his character was what led him to declaration as a saint, his love for all was truly touching. He had a special place in his heart for the “least of these”, the poorest of the poor and little children. A truly inspirational book a must read!
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From the masterful story-teller Mark Twain comes his least known, but most well-written work, Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc. Twain spent twelve years researching the story and many months in France doing archival work, taking several attempts at writing the book before he felt he finally had the story he wanted to tell. In order to portray the history of the great Saint accurately, he studied in detail accounts written by both sides, the French and the English. In the words of the author himself: “I like Joan of Arc best of all my books; and it is the best; I know it perfectly well. And besides, it furnished me seven times the pleasure afforded me by any of the others; twelve years of preparation, and two years of writing. The others needed no preparation and got none.” The novel is presented as a translation (by “Jean Francois Alden”) of memoirs by Louis de Conte, a fictionalized version of Joan of Arc’s page, Louis de Contes, and divided into 3 sections according to Joan of Arc’s development: a youth in Domrémy, a commander of the army of Charles VII of France, and a defendant at trial in Rouen.
Not only is this work a story of St. Joan, but it is also a history of the politics and machinations of the English and the French, the plebeians and the Burgundians; it is a book about the controversy over religious beliefs. You will learn about the Hundred Years’ War, the political intrigues, and the religious and mystical beliefs prevalent of the times. Beyond the history, though, is the story of a girl, called by God to a mission to lead her country to victory. In spite of ridicule and extreme difficulties, she followed that call to the end. Twain’s Joan is kind, gentle, true, patriotic, devout, humble, compassionate, loyal, and courageous, a true heroine. One of the best portrayals of why she is named among the Saints.
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“Surely the most deeply-rooted need of the human soul, its purest aspiration, is for the closest possible union with God.” As one reads (or listens to!) the pages of this little work, written by Blessed Albert the Great towards the end of his life, when that great soul had ripened and matured, one feels that here indeed is the ideal of one’s hopes. Simply and clearly the great principles are laid down, the way is made plain which leads to the highest spiritual life.
This title helps one learn how to rid oneself of troubling thoughts and concerns, to clear away outside distractions, and learn to focus on acquiring a continual relationship with God inside one’s soul. In the words of the author: “When thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber i.e., into the inmost abode of thy heart-and, having shut the door of thy senses, with a pure heart, a free conscience and an unfeigned faith, pray to thy Father in spirit and in truth, in the secret of thy soul”. and “When trouble, discouragement, confusion of mind assail thee, do not lose patience or be cast down. Do not betake thee to vocal prayers or other consolations, but endeavour by an act of the will and reason to lift up thy soul and unite it to God, whether thy sensual nature will or no.”
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The sequel to the book On Piety, which describes piety and its benefits; this volume, On the Exercises of Piety, illustrates how piety is put into practice. Father Jean Guibert shows how piety permeates the spiritual life: in mental and vocal prayer, in the sacraments, in various devotions, in spiritual reading, in the examination of one’s conscience, and in spiritual retreats, and how we are to claim this virtue for our own. A wonderful read that encourages the growth in and practice of piety and devotion!
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The book, On Piety, is written for both those who practice piety and those who disdain it. As noted in the preface, the practice of piety has many advantages. The pious person is drawn into closer contact with God, his heart is purified and made glad, his mind is enlightened, his will is strengthened, and his zeal to love God and neighbor is enkindled. In Part I, Father Guibert discusses the nature of piety, and in Part II he enumerates its many fruits. The sequel to On Piety is Guibert’s On the Exercises of Piety, which illustrates how piety is practiced in various ways. Both books are an excellent read and perfect for anyone who want to understand further the depth and beauty of this noble virtue.
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In The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ you will come to see Christmas in a whole new light, appreciating with a deeper awareness and sense of awe the events leading up to and surrounding the Birth of Our Lord. The touching narratives taken from the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich include events such as: how Joseph was chosen for Mary’s husband, their wedding and wedding ring, the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary and the Incarnation, St. Anne’s preparation for the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, and, of course, the Nativity itself. This would make excellent Advent listening, or the perfect “down-time” listening enjoyment during the days surrounding Christmas, to focus on what Christmas is really about! An awesome book to listen to year after year, helping us keep the reverential awe of the true meaning of the season.
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The Marvels of Divine Grace, Alice Lady Lovat’s meditations on a treatise on Divine Grace written by the prolific Roman Catholic theologian and mystic Juan Eusebio Nieremberg, S.J. (1595-1658). The author gives compelling meditations on grace and what it means to us, highlighting for the reader thoughts on the nature of grace, its effects and fruits, and its necessity in bringing us into true unity with our Divine Creator. She reminds us that grace is bestowed by God alone, inasmuch as every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, and it is given to its through the merits of our Redeemer, because He is the One Mediator between God and man. What does grace do for us? It elevates us, from the moment of our baptism, above the natural order on to a plane immeasurably higher.
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In The Love of Jesus to Penitents, Cardinal Manning gives great detail to the numerous benefits that the Sacrament of Penance affords the penitent. Namely: it reveals to the prodigal the tender compassion of Our Lord Jesus; bestows the grace of spiritual regeneration upon the spiritually dead soul; is the means of gaining self-knowledge; inclines the penitent to have perfect contrition and making reparation to God and those neighbors whom he has offended by his sins; and bestows upon the spiritually reborn the gift of perseverance, enabling him to remain in a state of grace throughout his earthly life unto life everlasting.
The cardinal tells us that Catholics in his day loved the Sacrament of Penance but did not avail themselves to its graces and benefits as often as they ought; so very like our own times. Catholics, therefore, should find this short book quite relevant, and both Catholics and non-Catholics should find it interesting and informative, as it outlines the practical usefulness and efficacy of this ancient sacrament. An excellent read, deepening ones understanding of, and love for, Confession.
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A 1907 novel by prolific Catholic author Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson, Lord of the World, centers on: the reign of the Anti-Christ, who will tempt Christians to apostasy before Christ’s Second Coming; the final battle in the supernatural war for souls; and the End of the World. Deeply profound and seen by many a modern day theologian (including the last two popes) as prophetic for our times, the book is heralded as a must read. Before creating his fictional account, Msgr. Benson carefully explored the various passages on the end times included in Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers as background for this tale of the Antichrist, lending a level of authenticity to the story rarely seen in endtime fictional works. The storyline of the book is eerily familiar to our times today, giving one pause for thought. However, we must always remember that in the end the true Lord of the World will triumph!
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A compilation from the extensive 12 volume set, this condensed volume contains short biographies of the Saints for each day of the year, followed by a reflection for each entry. Father Butler’s famous Lives of the Saints ranks only after the Bible, the Missal, and The Imitation of Christ as the all-time most popular Catholic book. The author is rightly known as one of the most studied scholars on the lives of the saints, having devoted almost 30 years to the meticulous study of the saints, their lives, and traditions surrounding their history.
A highly recommended read for anyone, this book will enrich your knowledge of the Faith, encourage greater devotion to the Saints, and give examples that will help one to grow in virtue as you strive to imitate their sanctity!
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In Light and Peace: Instructions for Devout Souls to Dispel Their Doubts and Allay Their Fears Padre Quadrupani(1740 – 1807), Italian priest and member of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, reflects his deep spirituality based on that of the illustrious Doctor of the Church, St. Francis de Sales. Like St. Francis, the insightful Padre offers spiritual advice that is practical and balanced. A handbook for the devout soul to shed light on walking the path to heaven, Light and Peace covers the vital aspects of living out our religious duties, with practical ideas, immense common sense, and helpful advice. This enlightening read shows how, after gaining self-knowledge and learning steps to head down the right path spiritually, the result is Peace, that peace which Our Lord promised and which the world, as we know, cannot give.
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St. Vincent De Paul [c. 1581 – 1660] was a man renowned during his own lifetime for his great compassion, humility and generosity, with these traits and his wide-spread charitable works leading him to be known as “The Father of his Country”. As a young man he was captured by Turkish pirates, and sold into slavery . He escaped in 1607 and went on to become a priest with a ministry to the poor and neglected. His work included serving the poor souls of men condemned to work on the galley ships, orphans with no one to care for them, and missionary work to bring back to the fold those led astray by heresy.
In 1625 St. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission, a society of missionary priests commonly known as the Vincentians or Lazarists ,and with the assistance of St. Louise de Marillac he later founded the Daughters of Charity whose selfless nursing work in hospitals throughout the world and during many plagues is well known.
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The Life of St. Teresa is the story of the beloved Doctor of the Church as written by herself. Born in the Castilian town of Ávila in 1515, Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation when she was twenty-one. Suffering great illness, as wells as doubts and self-recrimination, she gradually came to a deeper understanding of the power of prayer and contemplation, and the road to spiritual perfection. Her spiritual enlightenment was intensified by many visions and mystical experiences, including the incredible piercing of her heart by a spear of divine love. Over the years she went on to found seventeen Carmelite monasteries throughout Spain, and was a much needed reformer of the Carmelite Order. Considered to be, along with John of the Cross, a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. Famous world-wide for her writings, her works are second in readership among Spanish classics only to the great Don Quixote!
Like many of her writings, her autobiography is enlightening, yet exhortative, seeking to instruct the reader on how to live a more devout Christian life in the manner put forth by the Catholic Church. The Saint’s spiritual struggles, vision of her potential place in Hell, and mystical graces highlighted in this work are deeply moving–yet ,in spite of her high degree of sanctity and closeness to spiritual perfection, she remained very down to earth, making her a favorite among the saints. The Life of Saint Teresa is a must read for anyone seeking a more contemplative life and a closer and more spiritual connection with God through prayer and religious devotion.
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With the amazing ability of any gifted story-teller, Mother Frances Alice Forbes lays before us the beautiful life story of St. Teresa of Avila. Witty, gifted with great wisdom, charming and courageous, St. Teresa was the great reformer of the Order of Mt. Carmel, founded numerous convents and monasteries, and is universally considered the greatest mystical writer of the Catholic Church, for which she was declared Doctor of the Church. Beginning with her girlhood, and following along through her joining Carmel, years as nun, mystical call to God’s Mission for her, and finally her sufferings and death. This story is one of the best written about this wonderful saint!
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A short and engaging biography of the ardent Spanish soldier who, while recuperating from a battle wound, was converted to the service of Christ by reading a Catholic book. The young Ignatius of Loyola was first a soldier from a noble family who fought in the service of the Duke of Navarre. As a young aristocrat Ignatius had a “love of martial exercises and a vainglorious desire for fame”. Joining the army at seventeen, he strutted about “with his cape slinging open to reveal his tight-fitting hose and boots; a sword and dagger at his waist”.
After an injury which forced him to be bedridden, during which time he read De Vita Christi, a book on the life of Christ, Ignatius experienced a dramatic conversion. He dedicated the rest of his life fully to being a “Soldier of Christ”, and went on to found the great Jesuit order. Formally known as the Society of Jesus, the order demanded an unprecedented degree of education, obedience, and sacrifice, and was immensely influential in turning the tide of the Reformation in Europe.
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This book is above all things the story of a mother. But, it is also the story of a noble woman—a woman who was truly great, by the very fact that she never sought to be so. She understood the sphere in which a woman’s work in the world must usually lie, and with unflinching devotion led her life along the lines that God had laid down for her. She suffered bravely, forgot herself for others, and remained faithful to her noble ideals, and thus, she ruled as a queen amongst those with whom her life was cast.
St. Monica’s influence was great and far-reaching, but she herself was the last to suspect it, the last to desire it, and that was perhaps the secret of its magnitude. This type of woman is rare in this present day, but, by the grace of God, there are still “other Monicas” living and serving those around them with devotion. If there were more, wouldn’t the world would be a better place!
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! Experience the true story of faith, sacrifice, and service in Yankee at Molokai, the unforgettable audiobook of Brother Joseph’s legacy. As a daring soldier in the Union Army, Ira […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! True Stories for First Communicants Audiobook – Beautiful Catholic stories that help children treasure their First Communion. A companion to the popular First Communion Days, by the […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! The companion volume to Just Stories, by the same author, Tell Us Another! Stories That Never Grow Old, is a collection of 65 little stories for the Catholic child (and adult), […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! Sunday Morning Storyland brings Gospel truths to life for children, just as Jesus welcomed and taught the little ones. A collection of sermons for each Sunday of the year, written […]
Share this page and help us reach more people—your support matters! This scene from Stories From God’s Holy Book reminds young readers to trust Christ even in life’s storms. Stories From God’s Holy Book is a charming collection of Bible history […]
