Books Published by Sophia Institute Press

Here's an unabashedly Catholic history that documents scores of sustained and unprecedented assaults on our Catholic Faith these past five centuries and delineates our Church's brave response to each one. For five hundred years, from Luther to Marx, through Darwin, Hitler, and Rousseau, wave after wave of cynical anti-Catholic men and movements have wrought havoc even worse than that of Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan, leaving our once noble Christendom a ruined city, devastated politically a...

A Bedside Book of Saints by Fr. Aloysius Roche brings the cherished and beloved stories of the saints to your bedside each night. This book is specifically designed to be enjoyed before you drift off to sleep, so that you may rise in the morning with the hope and confidence that comes with faith in God's presence. With delightful stories on each page, this book gives you a powerful window into the intensity and holiness of these great individuals. Discover their unique personalities, history,...

If you're finding it difficult to make sense of your life, or you feel stuck in a rut and are uncertain of the next steps on your path, then look no further than this insightful little book. St. Francis de Sales offers readers solace and guidance when they don't know which direction to take. Finding God's Will for You provides encouraging words and explanations that we are not alone and that our lives are mapped out by a Higher Power – even if we can't always see it right away.This beautifull...

My Path to Heaven is an old-fashioned "retreat-in-a-book" that helps Catholic children, ages 9-12, ponder the truths of the Faith and calls them to live lives of holiness in accordance with those truths. Based on the traditional St. Ignatius retreat (trusted by Catholics for centuries) and adapted for children, this clear, simple, thoughtful presentation of the Faith is invaluable for parents seeking to form their children in holiness. My Path to Heaven covers such essentials of the Faith as ...

If heaven is a banquet, will I have to do dishes? That s all Catholic mom Susie Lloyd wants to know. Marriage and motherhood have taught her the rest, including the things that are most important in life: Metaphysical realities like the existence of God can get along without my help.  Homeschooling her kids has left Susie wise beyond her years: she s learned why pi is square instead of round, and searched out the best places to buy a cow's eyeball for the science fair. In fact, she says, Socr...

Catholic Tales for Boys and Girls is the perfect book to introduce young ones to the immense love offered by Christ and His profound suffering. Through twelve of award-winning author Caryll Houselander's cherished stories, children can deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith while being thoroughly enchanted. Quirky illustrations from Renae George bring each story to life as young readers follow along on an exciting journey full of pirates and princesses, castles and kings. Instill in...

Avoiding Bitterness in Suffering offers precious insight into how Christians can persevere through pain and suffering with faith, hope, and assurance. Written by the esteemed Dr. Ronda Chervin, this thoughtful resource guides readers down a road of understanding. As she bravely reveals her own tale of heartache in the aftermath of her son’s suicide, readers can appreciate firsthand knowledge and empathetic advice while being comforted that they are not alone in their anguish. The book provide...

Living the Catholic Faith in a Post-Christian World A vivid critique of American life today and a guide to how Christians―and particularly Catholics--can live their faith vigorously, and even with hope, in a post-Christian public square. Charles J. Chaput’s Strangers in a Strange Land is a thought-provoking read which expands upon the turbulent landscape of Catholicism and Christianity in our modern America. In this timely treatise, readers will find an authoritative yet accessible exploratio...

Never has there been spiritual reading as powerful as What Jesus Saw from the Cross, the book that will intensify your love of Jesus by burning the events of His Passion into your memory and imagination. Written early in this century by Rev. A. G. Sertillanges, a priest who lived in Jerusalem, this acclaimed devotional classic gives you vivid and dramatic details not included in the Gospel: With Jesus, you'll be jostled by crowds as you enter Jerusalem, choke on the dust of the narrow streets...

Fulton Sheen claims that since all seven deadly sins led Christ's enemies to nail Him to the Cross, we can find in the example of His suffering and death sure means to overcome each of those sins, plus the key to understanding-and to nurturing in our own soul-each corresponding virtue. So, for example, in these pages filled with wisdom and hope, Bishop Sheen teaches us not only how to conquer our gluttony; he shows us how to satisfy our spiritual hunger. We learn not merely how to overcome pr...

Beginning with the Gospel parable of the talents which were buried in the ground by some, and multiplied by others Kevin Vost here unearths a treasure for those who are struggling to live a life of Christian virtue: the ten particular talents that God has given each of us as our own . . . to bury . . . or to multiply for our own good and the good of the Kingdom. Guided especially by St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the Church's greatest teachers, as well as by Fathers of the Church and the example ...

Saints have over the years inspired many tales that go beyond what we know about them. These pious fictions are delightful and can even be instructive. For the lovely legends of the saints that have come down to us reflect not only the holiness but also the gaiety of the saints. These Irish legends are in that tradition. Patrick, Brigid, Columcille the three brightest jewels in Ireland s crown are here, and Canice, Finbarr, Cormac, Finnian, Brendan, Gall, and others. Here s the moving story o...

As Stephen Long steps ashore in England one gray dawn in May 1581, he wonders how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure. Involuntarily, he trembles at the thought that soon he may be numbered among them. For in the days ahead, each time Stephen hears confession or celebrates Mass, he commits yet another act of high treason against the British Crown, for which Queen Elizabeth's swift penalty is gruesome torture and painful death. As Stephen hastens to find sh...

The Holy Eucharist has nourished the Faith of Catholics for centuries -- but it's all too easy to let routine dull your sense of the transforming power of this sacrament. This book will stir the embers of your love for the Eucharist into a bright glowing flame. In it, Fr. John A. Kane explores the selfless humility shown by Christ in His presence in the Eucharist, opening the way for you to receive greater spiritual fruit from worthier receptions of Communion and from adoration of Christ in t...

Love, honor, cherish ... and understand In their bestselling book, The Temperament God Gave You, authors Art and Laraine Bennett re-introduced the age-old concept of the four classic temperaments, and showed how to use them to understand yourself, get along with others, and grow closer to God. Now they're back with more temperament wisdom, designed specially for couples and guaranteed to improve your marital communication, intimacy, and happiness: The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse. In no o...

Unlock the secret of your personality and learn how to be a better spouse, parent, friend, & Christian! All of us are born with distinct personality traits. Some of us live for crowds and parties; others seek solitude and time for quiet reflection. Some of us are naturally pushy, while others are content just to get along. We don't pick and choose these traits; they're just part of the way we're made. For in the womb God doesn't merely mold our body; He also gives us the temperament that,...

From the young St. Francis de Sales's heroic efforts to bring Calvinists back to the Faith comes this succinct, eloquent defense of the age-old Catholic practice of making the Sign of the Cross, which sixteenth-century Calvinists denounced as a Popish invention and many Protestants scorn even today. Embodying the zeal of youth and the wisdom of age, this gentle jewel of Catholic apologetics traces the origins of the Sign of the Cross back to the Fathers of the Church, to the Apostles before t...

This inspiring book gives you a splendid example of how to live as a Christian in a secular environment that can be indifferent or hostile to your Faith. For Elisabeth Leseur had two great loves: God and her husband Felix, who was an atheist. Felix loved Elisabeth as well; yet to their mutual sorrow, he couldn't share the life of the Spirit that Elisabeth cherished. Occasionally the happiness of their life together in upper-class Parisian society was shattered by Felix's frustration and impat...

Kindness counts. If you have trouble acting with the consistent kindness our Lord expects, your relationships with God and those you love may be suffering. Probably you just can't find the time and can't ever seem to develop the patience that you need in order to be consistently kind amid the irritations that afflict you daily. That's why this book is such a godsend. There's nothing complicated or magical about learning to be kinder; it just takes greater attention to the things that you do a...

In these remarkable pages, Marigold Hunt retells for children the events reported in The Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke's account of the dangerous early days of the Church. Focusing on the deeds and experiences of Sts. Peter, Paul, Luke, and Barnabas, author Hunt shows children that the Catholic Church, which today seems so ancient and established, was born in turbulent times, when merely professing belief in Christ could get you killed -- and not by rowdies and brigands, but by public offici...

The spiritual journey of many is often marred by prayers that lack the substance and power our souls crave. But don’t despair — The Art of Praying brings light to this age-old problem, offering readers practical strategies for improving their experience with prayer today. Written from the perspective of an experienced teacher, these pages provide an opportunity to learn more about praying with a mature soul. As readers work through the comprehensive guide in The Art of Praying, they'll gain g...

Here are the saints and sinners, popes and kings that God used to shape his Church and change the world. You ll meet Clovis and Charlemagne, Luther and Pope Leo, Suleiman and St. Francis, the Arians, the Franks, the Huguenots, and others whose sins or sacrifices altered the course of history. Here, too, are the wars and plagues, the ideas and institutions -- and, yes, the miracles that gave birth to our Christian civilization and often threatened to doom it. Experience the battles of Tours an...

This collection of testimonies by people who’ve found new life in the Catholic Church is one of the most potent weapons for the Faith ever crafted! These authors don’t just tell their stories — they also give you an insider’s view of the fatal weaknesses in the creeds and belief systems that beckon unwary Catholics every day: Fundamentalism, New Age paganism, Mormonism, materialistic hedonism, and many others. You’ll discover why these converts forsook beliefs cherished by their families and ...

Nearly a century ago, the Trappist monk Jean-Baptiste Chautard sat in the silence of his cell and wrote this classic book, showing us how to live in the noise and bustle of the world and to win more souls for Christ. Praised by Pope St. Pius X, Pope Benedict XV, and by many cardinals and bishops, Spiritual Handbook for Catholic Evangelists was an instant hit when it was first published in 1912, and has since been read with gratitude by hundreds of thousands of busy parents, teachers, preacher...

No matter how dedicated to Christ you are, familiarity can blunt your fervor and even make you less vigilant against sin. That's why you need this warm guide! It reveals what you must do in order to begin living your life with God truly at the center of everything you do. With these seventeen steps, you'll be able to prevent your love for God from being diminished by day-to-day pressures. The author, Fr. Leo J. Trese, helps you to integrate into your actions the truths you profess. He gives y...

The seven deadly sins are generals leading a vast and deadly army. The soldiers are a variety of sins and misdeeds, and the capital sins are the officers who sent them on their nefarious tasks. With the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas as his guide, best-selling author Kevin Vost tackles the deadly sins one-by-one, showing how they take root in our soul and give birth to offspring other sinful thoughts and deeds that help it reach its sinful goals. You'll learn how they attacks us, and how they...

You don't have to become a biblical scholar or a theologian to be an effective spokesman for the Catholic Faith. In fact, even though you don't know all the answers and can't explain every aspect of the Faith, you can begin winning souls to the Church right now . . . using prayer, friendship, and common sense. It sounds almost too good to be true, but in Search and Rescue Patrick Madrid explains why these are among the most effective, time-tested methods for bringing family and friends into o...

Whatever you're struggling with, you're not alone: there's a saint who is not only praying for you before the throne of God, but who went through the same thing you're going through. In Saintly Solutions, Fr. Joseph Esper introduces you to over 350 saints who suffered in ways that you and I suffer every day, and who will bring you, too, to peace! Fr. Esper considers over forty of life's common problems, showing how saints overcame these challenges and difficulties, and even grew holier as the...

From the thousands of personal letters by St. Francis de Sales comes this short, practical guide that will develop in you the soul-nourishing habits that lead to sanctity. St. Francis de Sales is widely regarded as one of the greatest spiritual advisers in the history of the Church, and we have drawn from his letters the wisest advice for those prepared to take the next step on their spiritual journey. As he did for saints and sinners in his own time, St. Francis de Sales will stiffen your re...

Many claim that Catholic Social Teaching implies the existence of a vast welfare state. In these pages, Anthony Esolen pulls back the curtain on these false philosophers, showing how they've undermined the authentic social teachings of the Church in order to neutralize the biggest threat to their plans for secularization the Catholic Church. With the voluminous writings of Pope Leo XIII as his guide, Esolen explains that Catholic Social Teaching isn't focused exclusively on serving the poor. ...

From the scores of beautiful and thrilling tales in the Bible, celebrated British author Amy Steedman has collected three dozen that are sure to delight young children. With the confidence of a master storyteller practiced in holding the attention of even the most restless child, she weaves tales of Noah and Moses, Solomon and David, and Daniel in the lion's den. She leads young listeners to marvel at prophesies of the coming Savior, to be charmed by the gentle goodness of His boyhood, and be...

If you're looking for solid Catholic answers to common Protestant challenges, but don't have lots of time, then reach for The One-Minute Apologist. Here renowned Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong (author of A Biblical Defense of Catholicism and The Catholic Verses) has assembled over sixty of the claims and arguments that Protestants (of all stripes) most frequently level against the Church. Drawing on a lifetime of study in Scripture, history, and the works of Catholic and Protestant theolog...

Gain insight into the life and theology of St. Therese of Liseuix with 'Mornings With Saint Therese'. This book of 120 readings from her works allows readers a unique glimpse into the private thoughts and reflections of one of the greatest saints of modern times. Pope Pius X famously called her the “greatest saint” of modern times, and indeed her work continues to resonate with readers today. Her wisdom will be drawn out through carefully curated snippets that offer profound interpretation, s...

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES'S APPROACH TO HOLINESS Live Today Well is an essential guide for Christians looking for spiritual guidance to apply the teachings of St. Francis de Sales in their everyday lives. The book offers insights and practical advice on living a life of sanctity and holiness, even while managing commitments and tasks. Through this book, readers will be able to find balance between prayer and action with respect to their daily tasks.In Live Today Well, Fr. Thomas Dailey (an Oblate ...

Knowing how to make a good Confession can be intimidating, but with Fr. John Kane’s book How to Make a Good Confession, you can learn to make the most effective possible use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and carry its grace into your daily life.This down-to-earth, practical guide shows you how to transform a difficult situation into an opportunity for mercy and love. Fr. Kane helps you learn how to recognize and name yours sins, walk through an examination of conscience, articulate your ...

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved religious figures in history, celebrated for his connection to nature and inspiring devotion to Christian service. Get an exclusive view into the life of this 13th century saint with Michael de la Bedoyere's book 'Francis of Assisi'. Uncovering mystical events such as his legendary Sermon to the Birds and meeting with a leper, you will be taken on a life-changing journey through St. Francis' unparalleled spiritual journey for sainthood, as back...

The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of Future Life is a timeless book written by 19th century French priest Father Charles Arminjon. Father Arminjon worked valiantly to turn his congregation’s thoughts away from worldly affairs and toward the spiritual world with a compassionate yet uncompromising perspective.In these conferences, Father Arminjon underscored the belief that heavenly goals should govern all aspects of life: what you say, what you do, and how you think. His profound ...

A Book of Angels invites readers to discover a hidden world that is more real than they have ever imagined. This book provides detailed insight into the nature of angels and their interacting within the biblical context, while entertaining children with stories that are engaging and exciting. With this book, modern believers can access wisdom often left unseen and unheard. Marigold Hunt explains what angels are (and, for clarification, what they are not!), all the while gathering in one volum...