Dear Friends,
I mentioned in a homily a few Sundays ago that we need to acquire a taste, a desire for holiness, and we can begin to acquire that taste for holiness by acquainting ourselves to holiness through what media we read, listen to, and watch. I thought it would be good to propose a list of books and podcasts for reading and listening; figuring out what to watch is a tougher task and one that requires more research from me. This list is, by no means, exhaustive.
Spiritual & Theological Reading:
The Bible (make sure it is a Catholic Bible, recommended translations: NAB, RSV, Navarre, Ignatius, Jerusalem Bible)
He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J.
The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan
Five Loaves & Two Fish by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan
Life of Christ by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Jesus of Nazareth by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) (There are 3 volumes)
The Spiritual Direction of St. Claude de la Colombiere translated & arranged by Mother M. Philip, I.B.V.M.
I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux by Fr. Jean d’Elbée
Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History by John Bergsma
New Testament Basics for Catholics by John Bergsma
Psalm Basics for Catholics: Seeing Salvation History in a New Way by John Bergsma
The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin
Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and the Gospel on Prayer by Thomas Dubay, S.M.
The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our Lives Today by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (Mark Musa’s translation most makes this readable)
Podcasts:
Fr. Simon Says – Fr. Rich Simon (my Latin professor from 2005-2006)
The Bible in a Year – Fr. Mike Schmitz
American Catholic History
Bishop Barron’s Sermons – Word on Fire
You Were Born for This – Fr. John Riccardo
Foundations in Faith – Msgr. Frank Lane
We are saints under construction, learning to despise sin and learning to acquire a desire for holiness! Have a great week!
In Christ,
Fr. Matt