Books Published by Sophia Institute Press

"I know I am not worthy of her help, yet she is to me in my darkness of sin what the bright and shining star is to the mariner, for her pardon gives me hope." -- Alessandro Serenelli Through vivid storytelling, this historical account reveals the disturbing influences and grim motives that possessed Alessandro Serenelli, St. Maria Goretti's murderer. Yet it is much more than a chilling tale; this true narrative is a testament of transformation and redemption -- God's mercy shining forth throu...

"[I]t could be well said that a country, preserved at the sacrifice of all the cardinal principles of liberty, is not worth the cost of preservation." -- The Supreme Court in Ex Parte Milligan, 1866 This firsthand account by Jeffrey M. Trissell, Esq., one of the attorneys who fought on "the front lines" in the heroic legal battles during the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic, unravels the controversies surrounding the unprecedented lockdown of churches. He served on a legal team that represented chur...

Leaving no stone unturned, this authoritative book offers fresh perspectives on the life, times, and zealous ministry of St. Paul. Historian and professor Rev. Waldemar Chrostowski provides the chronology of the luminary apostle's life in fascinating detail, from his transformation at Damascus to his numerous escapes from mortal danger that rivaled those of an action-film hero. But these stories of persecutions, trials, sentencings, tumultuous missionary journeys, and encounters with remarkab...

This book is the thundering voice of the martyrs of our time. Though mostly overlooked, the harrowing stories of hundreds of thousands of fellow Christians from around the world who gave their lives for the Faith in recent years -- including in full-scale genocides of Christians in several countries -- are a part of our history crying out to be told. Here is that history. Robert Royal chronicles the heartrending stories of heroic priests, religious, and laypeople who are being brutally persec...

Did you know that the latest research shows that one in three people will meet the criteria for anxiety disorder at some point in their lives?Even those of us who do not require professional help have certainly experienced the crippling effects of anxiety.World events, lockdowns, the destruction of traditional values, the rise of omnipresent screens and social media have all certainly contributed to the climbing levels of anxiety in today's world.Catholics are not immune and may be searching ...

He played video games, excelled athletically and academically, manifested contagious joy and wit -- even in suffering -- and befriended all those he met. St. Carlo Acutis (1991-2006), already hailed "the greatest saint of the century," was a Thomas Aquinas in blue jeans.It's almost unheard of that parents take part in the beatification of their own child. So, too, is it uncommon for parents to miraculously be brought back to the Faith and dedicated Christian living by their child. All this ha...

"There is no problem . . . no matter how difficult it may be, that we cannot resolve through the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -- Sister Lúcia of FátimaChampion of the Faith Bishop Athanasius Schneider sounds a rallying cry to all Catholics to take up the mightiest spiritual weapon in our arsenal: Our Lady wants you to embark on a Rosary Crusade, under her mantle, to repel the forces of evil and disentangle the vexing problems we face in these troubled times.Unite your prayers with those of the...

Embark on an enlightening journey through the wonders of transformation and renewal in this delightful children's book that unlocks the profound mysteries of the Eucharist in a way that is understandable, engaging, and deeply meaningful for young readers.Through charming rhymes and vivid illustrations, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano explores the many evolutions that take place in the world around us -- from the shifting seasons to the growth of plants to the metamorphosis of caterpillar...

In Visions of the Divine, Catholic evangelist, author, and businessman Steve Auth reunites the art of the Eucharist with the Eucharistic liturgy itself. Much of this art was separated from the context of the Mass for which it was created many centuries ago and is relegated now to museums sprinkled around the world. Along with his co-authors Evelyn Auth and Msgr. Roger Landry, Steve leads the reader on a worldwide pilgrimage to some of the most spectacular and moving artistic masterpieces crea...

St. Frances of Rome (1384-1440) displayed mystical gifts from childhood. Though she longed to remain a virgin, her parents arranged a marriage for her, and, as a wife and mother, she led a devout life that mirrored that of a consecrated religious, through fervent prayer and tireless works of charity. In fact, she founded a community of Benedictine oblates who live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, each according to her own state in life; the community now counts thousands of members worl...

With "game plans," life flows more smoothly and victories are more readily achieved. This is why we keep calendars, daily planners, and notes -- to remind us to prioritize our duties and schedules, increase our productivity, and avoid forgetting the people, appointments, and events that are important to us.What if we applied this same attentiveness to structuring our spiritual lives? Would it not help us to attain greater peace of heart on the road to eternity?This thirty-day journey will pro...

Communing with God by meditating on Scripture, writings of the saints, and other spiritual texts is a fruitful practice that mystics have enjoyed throughout the centuries and that spiritual masters continue to recommend today. This ninety-day journal includes a treasure trove of wisdom from the Doctors of the Church and contemporary examples of holiness to help you strengthen your prayer life and grow in union with God.By spending time each day with God's Word and sitting at the feet of the s...

Surveys show that the leading cause of Catholics leaving the Church is not receiving solid, timely answers to questions about their Faith. Heightening this problem is a hostile secular culture that perceives faith as being at odds with science and the modern world.In these incisive pages, David Bonagura directly answers one hundred hot-button questions about the supernatural life and Catholicism today. The questions, which were submitted anonymously by young adults in New York City, leave no ...

In the eternal battle for souls, prayer is our greatest weapon.In this book on spiritual warfare, acclaimed author and radio host Jesse Romero emphasizes the importance of prayer in facing our modern crises, especially for men who are the heads of their households.He reminds us that the faculty of prayer is both a gift and a protective weapon from God. Far from a passive routine, it is an intrepid action in which we directly encounter the divine and drive away the diabolic.Romero identifies t...

Society no longer encourages wonder or spending time pondering the big questions of life. Indeed, the childlike gifts of curiosity and gratitude have been trampled over by technology and benumbed by complacency.In these engaging pages, Bobby Angel reveals how and why your life has meaning. Drawing from major thinkers from ancient to modern times, personal stories, historical lessons, and popular movies, he assists the layperson in absorbing vital philosophical concepts in an easily digestible...

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are endlessly fascinating for those who long for Heaven or are just curious about the things we cannot see (yet). Lost in all the discussion of NDEs, however, is their long, rich history. Saints and mystics have been visiting Heaven for thousands of years, and here, for the first time, Scott L. Smith provides you with a glimpse of what they've been seeing these past two millennia.In these heart-pounding pages, you will first learn about the ancient origin of NDEs...

In our consumerist society, it is easy to fall into financial woes and become enslaved by monetary troubles. In these liberating pages, Chris McMahon provides a user-friendly guide to help you break free from financial worries and plan prudently for your family's future.This handy manual will guide you in developing a family mission statement, core values, short- and long-term goals, aspirations, and guiding principles, providing examples of each. McMahon underscores the importance of buildin...

In an age in which the occult is becoming increasingly normalized, Teresa Yanaros's Freedom from Darkness offers a crucial beacon of hope and a guide to freedom.Drawing from her profound personal journey out of the occult and into the light of Christ, Yanaros unveils with insight and precision the stark realities of spiritual warfare and the path to deliverance.Freedom from Darkness is not just a book; it is a survival manual for those ensnared by the occult--be it through tarot cards, New Ag...

Religious leaders do not teach about Hell to scare people to come to Church, though the fear of Hell often leads souls to turn back to God. Hell is the result of mankind's free will, not God's malice. French novelist Léon Bloy said: "The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint." Since only saints are in Heaven, the greatest tragedy, then, is to go to Hell.In these gripping pages, Dan Burke and Patrick O'Hearn present the most common r...

How recollected are you during the Collect, the Opening Prayer at Mass? To assist you in entering more deeply into the Mass and the mysteries of this sacred season, Fr. Edward Looney offers short daily meditations and reflection questions so that you may absorb all the richness of the prayers in the liturgy.Whether over a cup of coffee or while resting in the Lord's Presence before or after Mass, these meditations inspire both fruitful contemplation and vibrant group discussion. Fr. Looney re...

Although frequent Confession is meritorious, one can easily become complacent and fall into a routine that diminishes sorrow for sins. This classic compendium provides preparations and thanksgivings to guide you step-by-step through the Confession process to help you develop a firm resolution, make reparation for sins, and become more disposed to receive God's grace.Whether you are a recent convert or someone who confesses regularly, this book is for you. Fr. Hubert McEvoy, S.J., breaks open ...

For too many of us, life is harder than it needs to be. We have forgotten the ancient system of "super habits" -- a specific set of habits for making decisions, managing our emotions, and dealing with other people that fosters lives of greater ease, happiness, and power.Ancient civilizations relied on these habits to produce some of the greatest achievements in human history. Now, contemporary researchers in psychology, education, and management are rediscovering these habits and empirically ...

Our Lord entrusted a very special revelation to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: the Heart of Jesus longs for your heart.This divine revelation inspired numerous saints to know, receive, and adore Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and to quench His thirst for our love by cultivating friendships, performing spiritual and corporal works of mercy, undertaking missionary endeavors, and imitating His Sacred Heart in daily life.The current Jubilee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which commemorates the 350th ...

From the dawn of creation, the serpent's whispered lie--"ye shall be as gods"--has echoed through history, and today it manifests itself in the growing transhumanist movement.Our world stands at a crossroads with commercial surrogacy, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and "gender-affirming care" threatening to radically reshape human nature. Will we stand firm on ancient wisdom or risk losing our humanity altogether?Grayson Quay deftly overturns the lies of transhumanism and cauti...

Bestselling author, human rights activist, political scientist, and filmmaker Jason Jones draws from his heart-pounding, boots-on-the-ground stories in war-torn countries and leaves no stone unturned in exposing the real narrative of our time that the media often ignores.Revealing the raw, true story about what caused him to become pro-life and dedicate his life to the defense of human dignity globally by founding the Vulnerable People Project, Jones pulls no punches in challenging the status...

"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...

St. Manuel González García, renowned as the Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle and acclaimed the greatest Eucharistic priest since the Curé of Ars, reflected: "I intend to awaken the curiosity, which in this case can truly be called holy, to understand and uncover what the Heart of Jesus in the Tabernacle does, says, and feels. I promise delightful surprises, invaluable discoveries, unimagined horizons, to those who allow themselves to be piqued by this curiosity." Through these profound yet ...

If there is to be real renewal in Christian life, a culture steeped in the blood of the Lamb, saints must rise up to seed it. Only the witness of sanctity can save us now. More than ever, we need heroic men of God like St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr of the early Church, whose life and letters Dr. Regis Martin illuminates in these stirring pages. No other writer of the Apostolic Age has expressed with such passion, such blazing intensity, an ardent thirst for God as St. Ignatius, t...

A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine Heresies, schisms, culture of death, persecutions, excommunications ... While reflective of headlines from today, these difficulties roiled Christians of the early Church as well. In fact, the earliest Church manual, the Didache, brought clarity to a range of moral issues that our culture continues to grapple with to this day. Here is one of the most lucid and comprehensive overviews of the Patristic period ever written. With simp...

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,...

At a time in which stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide are all on the rise, Peace Be with You will guide you and your loved ones on how to overcome negative thoughts, be freed -- externally and internally -- from sinful habits, access supernatural grace, and grow in happiness and holiness. You will learn concrete strategies for coping with emotions such as anger, sadness, doubt, worry, inferiority, and fear. The renowned missionary and psychologist Fr. Narciso Irala explains the secret t...

Humility: Wellspring of Virtue provides readers with potent tools to bring humility into our lives and rid ourselves of the perils of pride. A powerful read, it examines not only the many forms of pride in which we can easily become ensnared, but also the only virtue that has the power to break them all—humility. Through carefully explained concepts, this book allows us to gain insight into the independence and strength that true humility can bring.Readers will learn how humility breaks the b...

If you're unhappy because the Mass has become for you routine or even boring and tedious these pages are for you. They teach you eight simple ways to make your every Mass a joyful time of piety and intense devotion. Explaining the spiritual meanings behind the signs and symbols, words and actions of the Mass, author Christopher Carstens teaches you spiritually-enriching ways to enter the church building, make the Sign of the Cross, pray the Opening Prayer, listen to the Readings, prepare your...

Here is the book you need to discover and develop the twelve virtues that St. John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1719) -- patron of teachers, education reformer, and founder of the congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools -- determined were most important for teachers. Br. Luke Grande, F.S.C., fleshes out the essence of each virtue as it relates to teaching and how educators can cooperate with God's grace to actualize the potentialities of students in their charge. In page after page...

How do the Habsburgs approach family life? In a world that has gone mad, building a wholesome family cradle is daunting and often seems impossible. At the same time, many dare to dream of happiness in family life even today. How can you find the right spouse -- and make a lifelong marriage work -- in a culture that values transaction over commitment? How do you decide on core values and pass them on to your children? What are some practical ways to raise a family in the Faith? Let Archduke Ed...

In charming rhyming verse, Christmas in Heaven tells the poignant story of a little boy who is sad because his grandmother has passed away. It is Christmastime, and the boy asks his grandfather where his grandmother might be. The grandfather responds by telling the boy his fondest hope--that his grandmother is in Heaven. The boy closes his eyes as his grandfather describes that Christmas is Jesus' birthday and that a great, festive party is taking place in Heaven. It's a scene filled with ang...

Does your mind often wander when you recite the Holy Rosary? Spiritual master Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo― called “a saint” by Padre Pio― will teach you to deepen your powers of recollection as you reflect upon the sacred mysteries. Here is the Rosary companion that will help you develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by entering into the events of His life through the prism of your own. These brief, compelling reflections― written as conversations between Jesus and the soul― will move you...

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 ...

"They should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ" (John 17:3).Sometimes we become so consumed with "activism" that God becomes a mere concept, an uplifting idea we try to wrap our minds around, and we forget that He is really present and in love with us. Far too many souls, even good religious souls, tend to forget that God is a Person -- a Trinity of Persons, in fact -- longing to enter into a relationship with us.Fr. Wayne Sattler awakens us and places us in...

All of us are wounded and in need of healing. In these pages, Dr. Gerry Crete accompanies you on your journey to overcome anxiety and traumas, big or small. You will benefit from his "parts work" therapeutic approach to find inner harmony, greater life fulfillment, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Through this specialized technique, you will experience growth, transformation, and ultimately, restoration. This book stands alone in its seamless integration of advanced trauma-b...

Restoring Eucharistic Reverence in an Age of Impiety Recent decades have been marred by pervasive Eucharistic abuse, from violations of liturgical norms and rubrics to practices that encourage irreverence and facilitate habitual sacrilege. The coronavirus crisis in 2020 has occasioned a further wave of sacramental manipulation, desacralization, and deprivation that has left almost no Catholic in the world unharmed. These disturbing signs of the times call for an unsparing reassessment of offi...

For six years, before becoming a well-regarded retreat master, Fr. Wayne Sattler lived as a diocesan hermit in a one-room cabin on an abandoned farmstead in rural North Dakota, striving to avail himself of the mystery of what God can do in prayer, clinging to the wisdom of the sixteenth-century Carmelite saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila as his trusted guides.Fr. Sattler was asked many times to write a book sharing the fruits of his time in solitude to help others progress in the s...

Imagine if you were privileged enough to sit beside Our Lady and hear from her very lips the story of Jesus' birth and suffering. In these short, moving reflections, told from the perspective of the Blessed Mother to a child, readers young and old will experience a depth of love for God and closeness to Mary's tender heart such as they have never felt before. Patrick O' Hearn masterfully guides you through Our Lady's Seven Sorrows with brief Scripture passages, meditations, and prayers for ea...

Nothing warms the heart like Christmastime. All of us have precious memories of yuletide cheer, from the excitement of anticipation to the frenzy of preparations to the heartfelt family moments. Buoyed by the "contagious joy" of Christmas among his congregations in Buffalo and Boston, Fr. Francis X. Weiser compiled a treasure trove of Christmas lore to enrich holiday celebrations for generations to come. Fr. Weiser, who was born in Austria and emigrated to the United States, had long been fas...

One can spend hours searching for answers about the Catholic Faith and how to share it with others. There are a multitude of books that explain the various areas of Church teaching, but never -- before now -- a definitive desktop volume on more than 260 Catholic topics, from A to Z, featuring key definitions, teachings, practices, people, and resources for further reading. This fascinating, one-stop guidebook delivers the intellectual tradition of the Church while providing practical Catholic...

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...

This Advent, lead your family closer to Christ as you prepare for the Lord's coming at Christmas. Engage with the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets who are the branches in Jesus' family tree and come to understand fully how, in Christ, this family history becomes the history of our salvation. As you explore Jesus' fascinating ancestry, you'll see how God's plan of salvation unfolds from Adam and Eve, through the Old Testament prophets, to the birth of Christ, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mas...