Catholic Books

To the medieval thinker, man was the center of creation, and all of nature existed purely for his benefit. The shift from the philosophy of the Middle Ages to the modern view of humanity's less central place in the universe ranks as the greatest revolution in the history of Western thought, and this classic in the philosophy of science describes and analyzes how that profound change occurred. A fascinating analysis of the works of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Descartes, Hobbes, Gilbert, Boyle...

J. R. R. Tolkien was a profoundly metaphysical thinker, and one of the most formative influences on his imagination, according to this new study of his works, was the great thirteenth-century theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. Structured around Tolkien’s Middle-earth creation myth, the Ainulindale, The Flame Imperishable follows the thought of Aquinas as a guide in laying bare the deeper foundations of many of the more familiar themes from Tolkien’s legendarium, including such notions as sub-cre...

St. Maximus the Confessor (c. 580–662), saint and martyr, might well be called the Saint of Synthesis. His thought, no less than his geographical wanderings, place him between Rome and Byzantium, between the theologies of East and West, and between the early Middle Ages and the ancient Church, whose representatives and traditions (which during his day had suffered much at the hands of imperial and ecclesial censure) he salvaged and brought back to the attention of his contemporaries. In this,...

“I have come to bring fire to the earth,” said Jesus Christ, and his words have come true in the lives of Catholic saints through the ages—men, women, and children on fire with love of Jesus, and with the desire to spread his word. The intention of this book of inspirational stories from the lives of saints is to fill the reader with this same fire. Whereas saints were once the popular heroes of our culture, populating our art and folklore, lending their names to our towns and streets and ins...

In No Strange Land illuminates the richness of mysticism--in the life of Philip Neri--as an "experience of the activity of God." The life of the Apostle of Rome demonstrates that it is primarily people, not arguments, that reveal the mysteries of God. Philip's experience of God, his mysticism, was given him for the sake of others. Furthermore, that experience itself was embodied; that is to say awakened, nourished, and brought to fruition within the religious tradition into which he was born,...

In a world that is ever-changing and increasingly full of challenges, it is more important than ever to have a strong foundation on which to build our lives. For centuries, the Rule of Saint Benedict has been a source of wisdom and guidance for those seeking to live a joy-filled and meaningful life.André Gushurst-Moore's book, Glory in All Things: St Benedict & Catholic Education Today, shows us how even in the 21st century, the ancient wisdom of Saint Benedict can be applied to our lives...

Preliminaries to a Spirituality of Work In what way can human beings attain that Harmony whereby they become mediators between Heaven and Earth? In the mysterious language of symbols we can rediscover the sense of vocation that reflects Divine Activity. For God is, in reality, the sole Artisan. All the traditional crafts strive to imitate within their limitations the work of God, Who unceasingly creates and maintains the world. And in the end it is this that constitutes the sole foundation of...

Aquinas and Modern Science: A New Synthesis of Faith and Reason is a revolutionary guide that bridges the gap between faith and reason, thoughtful speculation and rigorous scientific inquiry. It invites readers to discover the richness of Thomas's philosophy as it confronts questions about our rapidly changing world.Aquinas and Modern Science outlines a path inspiring readers to seek answers both from within our own tradition as well as from modern science in effort to construct a faithful re...

These meditations and devotions by St. John Henry Newman, spanning poetry from his Anglican period (including his most famous and well-beloved poem, "Pillar of Cloud"/"Lead, Kindly Light"), to reflections on God’s Divine Providence from his later period as a Catholic and founder of the Oratory in England, expresses a profoundly confident but deeply human faith that resonates with the very real experiences of modern Christians from all walks of life. These poems intimately show a personal side...

Introducing The Enchanted Sonata, a delightful and captivating retelling of the classic ballet story with a magical twist. Written for the enjoyment of readers of all ages, this charming novel takes you on a journey to an enchanted empire where handsome princes and beautiful palaces await. Our protagonist is Clara Stahlbaum, whose life is an intricately planned path towards her dream of marrying the talented pianist, Johann Kahler. That all changes when she receives an unexpected gift – an en...

G. K. Chesterton’s patriotism and growing sympathy for the poor had always vied with his appreciation of Jewish family values and his gratitude to the Jewish people for bringing God to the world. Then, with the rise of Nazism, Chesterton once again became their champion. Chesterton and the Jews peels away post-Holocaust assumptions to reveal his complex feelings for “the Jews” — admiration, fascination, and fear — uncovering neglected layers of meaning in stories hitherto seen as anti-Semitic...

A modern-day Confessions of Saint Augustine, The Seven Storey Mountain is one of the most influential religious works of the twentieth century. This edition contains an introduction by Merton's editor, Robert Giroux, and a note to the reader by biographer William H. Shannon. It tells of the growing restlessness of a brilliant and passionate young man whose search for peace and faith leads him, at the age of twenty-six, to take vows in one of the most demanding Catholic orders--the Trappist mo...

Christians are the world’s most widely persecuted religious group, according to studies by the Pew Research Center, Newsweek, and the Economist, among others. A woman is caught with a Bible and publicly shot to death. An elderly priest is abducted and never seen again. Three buses full of students and teachers are struck by roadside bombs. These are not casualties of a war. These are Christian believers being persecuted for their faith in the twenty-first century. Many Americans do not unders...

Book 4 in the West Brothers contemporary Christian young adult fiction series. When the path is not clear... When temptation is near... When God speaks in a whisper you can barely hear... Ever since that life-changing night in the canyon, Jarret has felt the presence of the Lord in his soul. Now that presence is fading. Is it his fault? How will he remain faithful without it when he still struggles against the same temptations? Questioning whether he has a true calling, Keefe reads everything...

After three heartbreaking miscarriages, Tom and Jenny Callahan are happily anticipating the birth of their sixth child. Their neighbor, however, is secretly hatching a sinister plot which will find Jenny and her unborn baby fighting for their lives.

A probing meditation on the nature, value, and beauty of purity, In Defense of Purity is not a book of sexual ethics, nor a "how-to" guide to purity--but for readers with open minds and hearts, the book promises to be transformative. When Dietrich von Hildebrand converted to Catholicism in 1914, he was surprised to find that, despite an abundance of books on the dangers of impurity, there were practically none on the positive values of purity. "So," writes Alice von Hildebrand, widow of Dietr...

Many of us are intimidated or overwhelmed by the complexity of the Bible. But with You Can Understand the Bible, you'll be well equiped to explore God's Word with greater clarity and appreciation. Written by popular author and Boston University professor Peter Kreeft, this best-selling guide is designed to provide readers with a clear roadmap of the Bible. A must-have for any spiritual journeyman, this book takes an intelligent, yet lighthearted approach to understanding scripture. Filled wit...

Love is worth fighting for in this captivating retold fairy tale from Regina Doman. Waking Rose: A Fairy Tale Retold is the third book in the Snow White and Rose Red Trilogy and it finally tells the story of Rose's long-lasting love for Fish. Rose has been madly in love with Fish for years, but he always seems to keep his distance. Unbeknownst to her, Fish has been struggling with problems that make him want to stay away from her. But when they are thrown together by circumstance, Fish starts...

The Song of Bernadette is a remarkable literary masterpiece by Austrian-Jewish author Franz Werfel, offering a powerful testament to the transcending power of faith. It follows the true story of Bernadette Soubirous and her miraculous visions at Lourdes in 1858, depicting how the simple peasant girl’s faith changed a town - and indeed history - forever. Inspired by his experience hiding from the Nazis in Lourdes much later, Werfel crafted this passionate masterwork to show the deep spiritual ...

"Please Don't Remove MarGreat's Glasses!" is an inspirational tale of redemption for young adults which demonstrates the healing power of God's immeasurable grace. Timothy Clement was like every other high-privileged teenager.  The only thing that mattered to him was parties, girls, money and his ride into Harvard Law School.  Life was good.  After a night of drinking and gambling, Timothy found himself on the wrong side of an illegal gambling scheme which would change his life forever. Losin...

Past Suspicion is a gripping story of dangerous secrets and hidden lives. When Robin Finley is uprooted from everything she’s ever known, she’s forced to her mother’s old town to live with an uncle she’s never met. This small town is anything but quiet, as burgeoning questions about her mother’s past surround her. As she ventures closer towards the truth, deep-rooted lies and dark doubts come into play that threaten to destroy her future. This unique novel will take readers on an emotional jo...

Federal Agent Roger Quarston returns in the sequel to The Search for Melchizedek. As an ancient god rises from the sands of Egypt, Quarston and his compatriots stand horrified as modern military technology fails to stop him. Forced to again seek out Melchizedek, Quarston enlists the now-chastened Michelle Andover in a redemptive bid to stop Osiris. But none of them are prepared for the revelation that awaits them as they learn just who Melchizedek truly is.

Since the early twentieth century, scientific materialism has so undermined our belief in the human capacity for transcendence that many people find it difficult to believe in God and the human soul. The materialist perspective has not only cast its spell on the natural sciences, psychology, philosophy, and literature, it has also enthralled popular culture, which offers very little to encourage the "soul's upward yearning". There are many signs of the widespread loss of confidence in our abi...

A Catholic Defense of Capital Punishment  The Catholic Church has in recent decades been associated with political efforts to eliminate the death penalty. It was not always so. This timely work reviews and explains the Catholic Tradition regarding the death penalty, demonstrating that it is not inherently evil and that it can be reserved as a just form of punishment in certain cases.  Drawing upon a wealth of philosophical, scriptural, theological, and social scientific arguments, the authors...

Make Better Decisions with the Desert Fathers Father Augustine Wetta reaches back into monastic history to answer one of the most critical questions facing young people today: "How do I make up my mind?" With his characteristic wit and novel approach to classical art, Father Augustine looks to the wisdom of the Desert Fathers to unearth an ancient and highly efficient method for resolving life's most pressing dilemmas--even in the midst of distractions, temptations, and disruptions. Profoundl...

Augustine's Confessions Unpacked Popular author and philosopher Peter Kreeft delves into one of the most beloved Christian classics of all time--Augustine's Confessions. He collects key passages and offers incisive commentary, making Confessions accessible to any reader who is both intellectually curious and spiritually hungry. The Confessions is a dramatic personal narrative of a soul choosing between eternal life and death, an exploration of the timeless questions great minds have been aski...

Mary Fabyan Windeatt presents the powerful story of the famous life and miracles of St. Benedict for the Vision Book series of saints for youth. Known as the Father of Western Monasticism, St. Benedict played a major role in the Christinization and civilization of post-Roman Europe in the sixth century.Having lived in an era of great immorality and vice, Benedict founded an order for monks whose strong life of prayer and work helped convert the godless society around them. It tells how his Be...

Preparing your child for First Reconciliation can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the sacrament or haven’t been to confession in years. First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family’s Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness offers parents the guidance, confidence, and encouragement they need to make this moment a joyful encounter with God’s mercy—for both children and adults alike. Written by Tommy and Katie McGrady, hosts of Family Mass Prep on the Hallow app, this warm...

"Sister Marie describes in detail the life of a Carmelite Nun and shows us by what means and in what manner rich spiritual treasure is being gathered for the benefit of all of us."-- Thomas L. Noa, Bishop of Marquette, in the original foreword This gem of a book is essential reading for anyone interested in knowing the hidden details of life in Carmel -- "the powerhouse of prayer." Sr. Marie, a young novice, addressed this revealing series of letters to her parents and family about her life i...

This Vision book for youth 9 - 15 years old tells the exciting, dramatic story of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the order he founded, the Society of Jesus. As a young man, Ignatius had dreams of an adventurous life as a soldier. His dreams, however, did not come true the way he had hoped. Seriously wounded in battle, the soldier Ignatius had a profound conversion to Christ during his period of healing and recovery. He abandoned a promising career in the military and dedicated the rest of his lif...

The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life Discover a unique and important charism of the consecrated life in Father Thomas Dubay's powerful and insightful book, And You Are Christ's. An expert on the spiritual life, Dubay dives deep into how evangelical virginity fits into the call to holiness. He not only emphasizes its importance across both the Old Testament and New Testament, but also explores its relevance for both men and women.This inspirational work invites readers to reflect upo...

Although many Catholics are familiar with the four Gospels and other writings of the New Testament, for most, reading the Old Testament is like walking into a foreign land. Who wrote these forty-six books? When were they written? Why were they written? What are we to make of their laws, stories, histories, and prophecies? Should the Old Testament be read by itself or in light of the New Testament? John Bergsma and Brant Pitre offer readable in-depth answers to these questions as they introduc...

A newly designed and typeset edition of the popular Ignatius Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition Bible. This contemporary English translation revises archaic language of the first edition, but avoids dumbing-down the text. It retains the beauty of the RSV language that makes the Ignatius Bible such a joy to read. Now the only contemporary Catholic Bible translation in standard English is even more beautiful in word and design!

"Be converted and do penance for all your iniquities, and iniquity shall not be your ruin," wrote the Holy Spirit by the mouth of the prophet Ezekiel. The Magdalena Prayer Book provides you with ways to practice conversion through perfect contrition -- in the footsteps of St. Mary Magdalene, "Queen of Penitents" -- and to unite yourself spiritually to our Lord in the Holy Eucharist as often as possible throughout the day to help you in your struggle against sin. In this powerful devotional, y...

The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva In this spiritual powerhouse of a book, Eric Sammons organizes the wisdom of St. Josemaría Escrivá into an action plan for living out holiness in your everyday life. The goal: to foster God's grace within you so that you can be transformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Declared "the saint of ordinary life" by Pope John Paul II, St. Josemaría Escrivá -- a twentieth-century Spanish saint and founder of Opus Dei -- did more than a...

The definitive paperback editions of L.M. Montgomery's beloved novels get a brand-new look for the next hundred years! Sara Stanley is only fourteen, but she can weave tales that are impossible to resist. In the charming town of Carlisle, children and grown-ups alike flock from miles around to hear her spellbinding tales. And when Bev King and his younger brother Felix arrive for the summer, they, too, are captivated by the Story Girl. Whether she's leading them on exciting misadventures or ...

An Exploration of Holy Matrimony from Genesis to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb This life is preparation for eternity, and from the beginning, God created marriage to help married couples become saints. Indeed, God has given to married couples the profound gift of being able to fulfill the purpose of their creation through, with, and in each other. Marriage is a foreshadowing of Heaven, and each married couple must work with God if their marriage is to be a foretaste of eternity. In this thoug...

Because of human imperfections, difficulties crop up in marriage, even between people who love each other deeply. You'll soon find that for this reason, although love is a gift, it must also be learned." So begins this remarkable book of letters to Julie, a young bride letters that reveal the beauty and importance of high ideals in marriage while teaching you practical tips to help you live up to those ideals daily. You'll learn how to grow in wisdom and in love as you encounter the unglamoro...

Charles Carroll's life began nearly four decades before the War of Independence and ended while Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, was in office. As Fr. Charles Connor explains, Carroll was "the last of the signers to die, the wealthiest man in the colonies and the new republic, and clung tenaciously to the faith of his forebearers his entire life." In this masterfully written biography, which reads like a riveting novel, Fr. Connor brilliantly sets the stage for Carr...

For better or worse, Wagner is the most widely influential figure in the history of music. Around 1900, the phenomenon known as Wagnerism saturated European and American culture. Such colossal creations as The Ring of the Nibelung, Tristan und Isolde, and Parsifal were models of formal daring, mythmaking, erotic freedom, and mystical speculation. A mighty procession of artists, including Virginia Woolf, Thomas Mann, Paul Cézanne, Isadora Duncan, and Luis Buñuel, felt his impact. Anarchists, o...

The war is on. The Devil plots to defeat you. Meet some battle-tested warriors who fight at your side. Satan is real. He's a formidable foe who wants to snatch us away from God, and the thought of doing battle with him can seem daunting. Even so, the saints who have gone before us have engaged the Devil, armed with the power of Christ ... and emerged victorious! These fellow warriors in heaven now fight on our behalf. In Saints Who Battled Satan, Paul Thigpen, author of Manual for Spiritual W...

Fundamentals of the Faith by Peter Kreeft offers a unique and comprehensive approach to Christianity and Catholicism, building an understanding of both its beliefs and practices. This invaluable book provides insight into the essence of the faith, from its fundamental elements to its contribution to our life and the world's yearnings. The book is structured using the three divisions which correspond with the internal drives of all humans; something for our intellect, something for our will to...

"A Pocket Guide to Sacramental Reconciliation" by Kevin and Mary O'Neill is a vibrant and informative guide designed to help young Catholics understand and appreciate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through engaging illustrations and dialogue, it introduces the concepts of mortal and venial sins, preparation for a good confession, and the significance of receiving God's healing love, grace, and mercy. This book includes practical elements like a prayer before confession, steps for making a s...

Learning to Let Go with the Little Flower Do your possessions “spark joy”? In our materialistic society, we are often plagued with the slow torture of accumulated stuff, which creates disharmony, prevents us from living in the present moment, and keeps us from setting our eyes upon Heaven. The Little Way of Living with Less is a spiritual journey guided by St. Thérèse of Lisieux toward a “less is more” manner of living. It shares one couple’s effort to downsize, declutter, and detach― and the...

"The ultimate of human happiness is to be found in contemplation".In offering this proposition of Thomas Aquinas to our thought, Josef Pieper uses traditional wisdom in order to throw light on present-day reality and present-day psychological problems. What, in fact, does one pursue in pursuing happiness? What, in the consensus of the wisdom of the early Greeks, of Plato and Aristotle, of the New Testament, of Augustine and Aquinas, is that condition of perfect bliss toward which all life and...

Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894. As a boy, he prayed the rosary every day and loved Mary, the Mother of God, with all his heart. One day, Mary appeared to him with a choice to serve God or to become a martyr. He chose both.He chose to enter the seminary and was soon ordained a Franciscan priest. Throughout his life, God worked through Father Maximilian to serve God by giving comfort to those who were suffering as priests do when they perform the sacrament of anointing. Maximilian ...

John Vianney was born in France during the French Revolution when religion was forbidden. He desperately wanted to become a priest so that he could help people love God. Finally, he was ordained a priest, receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders.He was sent to the village of Ars, where a lot of people lost their faith. Father Vianney helped them find it, teaching them how to live and love like Jesus. "Come to mass, and come meet Jesus," he urged. He is the patron saint of parish priests. His fe...