Books Published by Sophia Institute Press

This new children's Christmas book by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano tells the story of a mean-spirited, prideful old ox who has lost his sight "both physically and spiritually" but who nevertheless experiences the transformative power of God's grace after he witnesses the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, this new holiday book teaches children the true meaning of Christmas while also explaining the c...

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...

Many are well aware of St. Thomas Aquinas's intellectual prowess -- his genius in metaphysics and supernatural theology that pierced the depths of truth. However, few know about the private spiritual life of this illustrious Doctor of the Church. This work, written by Msgr. Martin Grabmann, a foremost authority on Aquinas, is unique in its telling of the holiness of St. Thomas's priestly soul. Neither a purely devotional nor a strictly scientific treatment of the interior life of St. Thomas, ...

The most up-to-date "catechism" in print! For the first time in over fifty years, a Catholic bishop has published his own comprehensive presentation of the Faith--what to believe, how to live, and how to pray as Christ taught. Sure to be a classic for generations to come, Credo: Compendium of the Catholic Faith offers a clear and readable summary of Catholicism as a whole, given in the pastoral style of the apostles. Using the simple and direct "Question-Answer" format so popular among instru...

Discover the world of Francesca Cabrini in this moving book that not only educates children about a remarkable person in American history, but inspires them with stories of her compassion, courage, vision, and miracles. The first American citizen to be canonized, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini rescued forgotten children, even from the dark, damp sewers of New York City, and provided them with safe havens, loving comfort, and a quality education. Within these endearing pages, children will encount...

"Convert us, O God; and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved" (Psalm 80:3). Although many are familiar with the Holy Face Devotion, key fruits and wonders remain untold, and various of its most important spiritual treasures have yet to be discovered -- until now. In these extraordinary pages, Mary Jane Zuzolo unveils for you how this devotion is prefigured in the book of Job, complements Fátima and other Marian apparitions, encompasses the spirituality of St. Thérèse, crowns the insights o...

In concise, straightforward prose, author Dan Burke here provides an invaluable road map for spiritual growth, complete with signposts to help ensure that you remain on the right path. He guides you through the hazardous terrain that can threaten your spiritual health and shows you how to discern God's will daily and follow it in a meaningful way. Through intensive study of the major Catholic mystics, Dan has acquired the keys to developing a more meaningful relationship with Christ, which he...

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...

Few families in history are as renowned as the Habsburgs, one of the principal sovereign dynasties of Europe from the thirteenth to the twentieth century. These enthralling pages provide glimpses into the lives of their esteemed members. The lessons that their lives teach will help guide your family in faith and will help you live in peaceful prosperity and grow in holiness. Their maxims could also provide a roadmap for healing the world we live in. You will read about the Imperial House of ...

After the "mountaintop experiences" of the spiritual life, we all need a way to make daily progress in our lives, while holding onto the thread of faith. Combining the sciences of positive psychology with timeless Christian traditions, The Saintmaker is a one-of-a-kind guided spiritual journal and life planning system to help you create the life you dream of, become a more fulfilled person, and deepen your faith.

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...

How to Master Your Emotions and Bring Peace to Your Life When St. Jane Francis de Chantal encouraged St. Francis de Sales to be a bit angrier over the opposition they were facing in starting their religious order, he replied, "Would you have me lose in a quarter hour what has taken me twenty years' hard work to acquire? St. Francis de Sales had quite a temper when he was young. But over time he learned to convert his angry feelings into virtuous action. He knew that anger never leads to happi...

Imagine the best conversation you've ever had -- one that set your heart on fire, challenged your thinking, brought you closer to God, and inspired you to act. Recall how that conversation made you feel and how it changed your heart and your life. Such interactions rise to the level of the sacred -- sacred conversations -- dialogues that transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and make the world a better place by converting compassionate love into action. Conversations like this are rare ...

Many of us fail to recognize that obtaining the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to getting to heaven. We often block their reception through our own faults. We fail to see how they are passed on or strengthened in the sacraments. And, sadly, we forget to petition God in prayer to bestow these gifts upon us.In these pages, Dr. Kevin Vost best-selling author of The One-Minute Aquinas provides us with a substantive yet readable introduction to the seven gifts and how we ca...

When Servant of God Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres received her famous apparitions -- the Quito apparitions -- from Our Lady, she was so appalled that she died. A doctor confirmed her shocking death. But thankfully, when her sisters prayed, she was raised to life again. Here James Valois masterfully recounts the stunning prophecies of Our Lady of Good Success of the Purification, which, though they occurred four hundred years ago in the capital city of Ecuador, concern the current crisis in t...

In this game-changing book, Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., reveals how you can actively listen and open yourself to receive God's personal love for you in the Mass, where our Lord waits to quench your deepest longing and heal your wounds. Drawing from the wisdom of the saints, modern-day spiritual giants, and his own penetrating reflections, you will learn how to quiet your mind, stretch your heart, and become childlike in the sense of experiencing the sacred mysteries with wonder and awe. The M...

Its Place in the Spiritual Life This is the book you need to discover the significant advantages of frequent Confession and the keys to making each Confession more fruitful. Spiritual master Fr. Benedict Baur quells criticisms of frequent Confession and shares why it is more efficacious for vanquishing sin and repairing the damage due to sin. In this exceptional book, Fr. Baur shows you how to develop a well-formed conscience, properly confess your sins, and develop a firm, practical purpose ...

Former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Cardinal Gerhard Müller guides you on a powerful personal retreat based on one that he has given to hundreds of priests and consecrated religious across the globe. In these life-changing pages, His Eminence will help you grow in union with God personally and find comfort in His love as you learn to discern and place your hope in the Holy Trinity. Cardinal Müller deftly breaks open Sacred Scripture and the writings of theologians...

Saint Joseph stands close to Jesus and Mary at the heart of the gospel story. Yet he remains largely in the background, silent and steady. Not surprisingly, Christians throughout the ages have pondered deeply this mystery that is Joseph.Many have speculated about the unknown details of his life, and several mystics were granted visions that portrayed the hidden days--both the ordinary and the extraordinary--of Our Lord's appointed guardian vividly and profoundly. The Life of Saint Joseph as S...

Explore the life and spirituality of Blessed Conchita, a mystic, saintly wife, and mother of nine, through "Beautiful Holiness: A Spiritual Journey with Blessed Conchita to the Heart of Jesus" by Kathleen Beckman. Discover how Blessed Conchita's experiences and writings offer profound insights for priests, religious, and married people alike. Learn about her vision of the Cross, her spiritual marriage with Christ, and her numerous mystical encounters, all while living a domestic life. This bo...

Are you ready to embark on a hero's adventure in pursuit of God? This novelized account of the spiritual life tells the story of Austin, a young man guided on his spiritual quest by Father Lawrence, a tough inner-city priest, and Fr. Aelred, a Benedictine hermit. Through a fictional dialogue, Fr. Dwight Longenecker unveils a twelve-part plan for union with God, paralleling the classic purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages of the spiritual life. Discover how our wounds and weaknesses can...

Here’s the motivational book that provides a comprehensive approach to true healing—not cheap gimmicks masquerading as inner peace. Ian Murphy shares the story of his healing from obesity, a journey not about weight loss but about transformation, showcasing the life-changing truths of the Christian faith in action. Unsatisfied with typical “self-help” books, Murphy demonstrates through his own quest for well-being that there is a path to true betterment—one that recognizes and celebrates a pe...

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 ...

The Stunning Science Behind Eucharistic Miracles The Gospels might not be "good enough" for modernity, and science is certainly its god. But neither is an impediment to the one, true God. Indeed, He is using methods of the twenty-first century -- His twenty-first century -- to show how our Faith can be proven through Eucharistic miracles with clinical scientific precision. In this astounding book, prominent cardiologist and author Dr. Franco Serafini walks us through the extensive medical and...

Spiritual direction is a vital aspect of the priestly ministry. It launches souls on the road to Heaven and keeps them oriented as the pathway becomes narrow and steep. Everyone -- from the pope to the most innocent of children -- needs spiritual direction. In these rich pages, Msgr. Charles Hugo Doyle shares wisdom and practical advice on the process that holds rewards not only for priests but for lay faithful as well. As Fr. Edward J. Hogan of St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore observed when ...

"How They Love Mary: 28 Life-Changing Stories of Devotion to Our Lady" by Edward Looney is a powerful 30-day devotional designed to invigorate your love and reverence for the Mother of God by exploring how holy men and women throughout history have venerated Mary. From St. Damian of Molokai to Padre Pio and from St. Francis of Assisi to St. Thomas Aquinas, this book reveals new ways of honoring Mary that may have never crossed your mind, aiming to inspire you towards holiness and a deeper lov...

It is no secret that many factions exist in the Church. The challenge, however -- and increasingly so -- is in determining which are propagating error and which are shedding light. Through historical vignettes and penetrating writings from a range of sources, Aurelio Porfiri, musician and essayist, examines the emergence of traditionalism in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, the debates concerning liturgy that it has engendered, and the Church's current relationship with the world. Thro...

In this beautiful thirteen-page booklet, you will learn what the Sacred Scriptures and Church Fathers said about wearing a veil, as well as the rich theological and symbolic meanings behind the tradition. Discover how wearing a veil reveals woman's esteemed vocation in God's creation, intimate spousal relationship to Christ, sacredness as a tabernacle of life, mystery as a "garden enclosed", adoration for God and praise of His glory, humility and receptivity to God's love. Most significantly,...

In 1910, when the industrialists and intelligentsia both promised only “progress,” G. K. Chesterton was among the few in the West who could see the brewing ideological storms that would soon make landfall, not just in the form of world wars and totalitarianism but in the pervasive modern dehumanization that consumes us to this day. More than a century ago, Chesterton perceived the beginnings of “woke capital” and how it aligns with and promotes social progressivism. There is an unspoken allia...

"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...

Gilbert R. Lavoie, M.D., invites you on a fascinating adventure to examine the Shroud of Turin, juxtaposing his scientific findings with John's Gospel account of the death and resurrection of Jesus. This story of the life of Jesus comes alive through relatable, real-world scientific witnesses who explore whether the image on the shroud is the work of human hands, a natural phenomenon, or a supernatural event.There are abundant photos that allow you to decide for yourself what the image and bl...

"Catechism of the Seven Sacraments" by Kevin and Mary O'Neill is an innovative and engaging book designed to teach children about the importance of God's sanctifying grace through the journey from creation to salvation. This book is set in a comic-book format with vivid photographs that make theological concepts accessible to readers of all ages. It follows Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's teachings on Covenant Theology, highlighting the parallels between the Old and New Testaments and the sacram...

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 ...

Ivf Is Not the Way: The False Promises of Artificial Procreation In a May 2024 Pew poll, more than two-thirds of Americans indicated they thought that IVF (in vitro fertilization) is good and should be accessible to anyone who wants it. Even among social conservatives -- including the current U.S. administration -- there is a push for wider accessibility for artificial procreation options. But is IVF truly the gift for infertile couples that it's perceived to be? In this thoughtful, eminent...

The Final Campaign Against the Savior As G.K. Chesterton once remarked, the cleverest thing the devil ever did was to induce people to believe that he did not exist. It was truly a masterstroke, enabling him to carry on his nefarious operations, not just with the tolerance of so-called enlightened opinion; but with the active cooperation of well-meaning, charitable people like Eleanor Roosevelt, not to mention a large body of clergy of all denominations. Thus, for instance, the devil has been...

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...

"A Pocket Guide to the Holy Rosary" by Kevin and Mary O'Neill is an engaging and colorful booklet designed to teach children the power and practice of praying the Rosary. Through charming illustrations and straightforward guidance, it introduces young readers to the twenty mysteries of the Holy Rosary, blending fun with faith in a way that captures the imagination. The booklet offers a solid explanation of why the Rosary is prayed, diagrams and instructions on how to pray it, the basic prayer...

Not long ago, veteran Youth Minister Everett Fritz counted the number of his former Youth Group members who were still practicing the Faith. The result? Almost all of them had left the Faith! Fritz learned that other parishes reported similar staggering losses, pointing to a grim truth: today's Youth Ministries simply do not form young people into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Not satisfied with these dismal results, Fritz devised a different way of forming young people in the Faith. It...

For years, there have been no books of St. Augustine's prayers available. Finally, in this treasure trove, you will find select prayers from his works -- some of the most potent prayers ever composed. As you read the innermost thoughts of the greatest Church Father, you will be transported in time and learn how to pray with the heart of a saint. St. Augustine's timeless words will help you encounter the "Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new" face-to-face and experience the relationship betwee...

The Beggar and the Bluebird is a modern-day fairytale in the tradition of Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers. It tells the moving story of a little bird whose flight southward for the winter keeps getting delayed because of the strange requests of a local street beggar. The beggar asks the bird to deliver bread to a homeless man, money to a widow with children, and a gold cross to a sick boy in the hospital. As a result of performing these acts of mercy, the kind bird gets caught ...

Sexual abuse is not the only mistreatment that can happen in the Church. There is also spiritual abuse. Fr. Dysmas de Lassus, superior general of the Carthusian Order, comes out of his silence to denounce the unacceptable behavior of some religious superiors and founders of communities. Rooted in the monastic tradition and the robust theology of religious life, Fr. Dysmas presents elements that will assist everyone in evaluating the dangers of certain spiritual practices and methods of govern...

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...

Finally, the True, Untold Story of the Wise Men... They were not three kings. Nor were they from the Far East, or even Persia... In this thrilling, visual adventure capturing the wonder of the Christmas season, New York Times bestselling author Raymond Arroyo shares the true, hidden story of the mysterious Magi, who risked everything to discover the truth. Based on new historical evidence, The Wise Men Who Found Christmas is the miraculous, untold tale of three seekers who followed a star and...

From Fr. Gabriel Amorth, the renowned exorcist in Rome, comes this powerful, eye-opening book on the deadly antics of Satan and his fallen angels, as well as spiritual remedies for each. These pages provide a basic orientation in the dark phenomenology, succinctly explaining Catholic doctrine on the fallen angels and the innumerable manifestations. Among the many questions Fr. Amorth answers in this book are: Where does the Evil One dwell in the human body? How does the Devil appear and what ...