Spiritual Reads & Devotionals
As we step into the sacred season of Lent, a time of purification, the call to tend to our spiritual lives with greater mindfulness becomes more pronounced. Lent invites us to shed attachments, overcome sin, and draw closer to Christ. Below are some recommendations of spiritual reads and devotionals that my family and I have been blessed by.
If you find these recommendations outside of Lent, don’t let that deter you—pursue them. One need not wait for a specific period to fulfill the duty of spiritual reading. Let the pursuit of wisdom be a constant, enriching every moment of your life.
Please note that this website and page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you. The small income generated helps support the maintenance of this site and the creation of valuable content. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe in.
If you find the information on this site helpful and choose to purchase products or services through the provided affiliate links, I genuinely appreciate your support. Your contributions assist in keeping this platform running and enable the continuous creation of quality content. Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting this endeavor.
The Sinner’s Guide
Venerable Louis of Granada
This Lent, we are continuing a cherished spiritual practice that we returned to during Advent—family spiritual reading (reading the same book with each member having their own copy) during our daily devotions.
For this season of penance and renewal, we have chosen The Sinner’s Guide by Venerable Louis of Granada, a work that we will read alongside deeper instruction from a traditional priest.
Venerable Louis, known as the Saint Maker, was one of the most exceptional spiritual teachers of the 16th century. His work, compared to The Imitation of Christ, is both profound and practical, offering guidance on virtue, the dangers of vice, and the path to true conversion. The wisdom within these pages has been treasured by saints such as St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Vincent de Paul.
As we enter into this penitential season, may this reading serve as a guide in our pursuit of holiness, helping us to grow in virtue and root out the vices that hinder our union with Christ.
The Road to Calvary: Daily Meditations for Lent and Easter, St. Alphonsus Liguori
My family has been profoundly moved by St. Alphonsus Liguori. For several years, we’ve journeyed alongside him during Advent, and now, we’re eager to continue this enriching experience through Lent with “The Road to Calvary.” This accessible and insightful Lenten devotional offers daily meditations that guide us deeper into the season. St. Alphonsus Liguori’s words resonate with profound truths, providing invaluable guidance as we navigate our Lenten journey. Whether you’re new to his writings or a longtime admirer, this devotional is sure to enrich your spiritual life during this sacred season.
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The Daily Saint
Did you know that many saints, including St. Ignatius, advocated for the powerful practice of offering daily gratitude? St. Ignatius instructed that expressing thanks daily helps us recognize God’s presence in our lives, fostering a deeper appreciation for His love.
This journal is an accessible treasure for all ages, making it a perfect companion for any season of life. It is an excellent tool to foster the simple yet profound practice that will nurture your spiritual life and help you tend to your Rule of Life.
Currently, my family and I are gearing up for Lent, and we’ve decided to make this journal our cherished companion, turning it into a family gratitude journal. We’ll add it to our nightly family devotions to reflect on our blessings and deepen our Love of God.
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-St. Therese of Lisieux
What most attracts God’s grace is gratitude, because if we thank him for a gift, he is touched and hastens to give us ten more, and if we thank him again with the same enthusiasm, what an incalculable multiplication of graces! I have experienced this; try it yourself and you will see! My gratitude for everything he gives me is limitless, and I prove it to him in a thousand ways.
The Liturgical Year
The Liturgical Year Set by Dom Prosper Guéranger is an invaluable resource that has profoundly impacted my family’s journey into the rich traditions of the Faith. This pivotal work propelled us into the practice of living liturgically within our home and daily lives. For years, we relied on the free online versions before adding a cherished hardbound set to our family library. As Lent approaches, delving into this wealth of wisdom promises not only to deepen one’s understanding of the liturgy but also to bring abundant spiritual merit. I highly recommend immersing yourself in the profound insights of Dom Prosper Guéranger’s “The Liturgical Year” for a transformative Lenten experience and to further study the Faith.
The Church’s Year
This traditional Catholic staple in our devotions, “The Church’s Year” by Fr. Leonard Goffine is an indispensable guide, especially in preparation for Holy Mass on Sundays. This traditional Catholic treasure provides profound explanations of the readings, insights into the liturgical year, and a comprehensive understanding of Catholic teaching. Its rich content enhances our spiritual journey, offering clarity and depth to our appreciation of the Mass and the traditions of our faith. If you seek a resource that bridges the gap between the liturgy and daily life, this work is a must-have for every Catholic family.
Toward Easter
My family has used and loved this Lenten devotional for years. It is concise but not watered down and can easily be adapted for younger children. The practical application provided gives sound direction for families to take throughout Lent.
My Catholic Faith
Catechism lessons should be part of the daily spiritual duties. What better time to recommit or begin this practice of offering your children catechism lessons than the Lenten Season? My Catholic Faith is a traditional treasure and very accessible.
Catechism of the Council of Trent
This one should be in all Catholic homes!
Children’s Hour
“Children’s Hour” has become one of my favorite companions during noonday reflections at the kitchen table while my boys enjoy their lunch in silence. This delightful resource beautifully intertwines with the liturgical calendar, offering sweet and meaningful lessons that resonate with both young and mature hearts alike. It’s a precious moment of shared reflection that brings a touch of grace to our daily routine. For those seeking a valuable addition to family devotions, “Children’s Hour” is a gem that sparks thoughtful contemplation and strengthens the bonds of faith.
Crib to Cross: Meditations on the Life of Christ, 1882
Meditating on the life of Christ is necessary for all Catholics and pertinent for the Lenten Season. This book was designed with the young person in mind but can be used by all ages — great for families! Its simplicity and depth resonate with readers, urging them to embrace prayer and sacrifice, fostering a deeper connection to our Faith and helping one grow in meditative prayer.
Practical Meditations for Every Day of the Year
Having used Divine Intimacy for several years, I was delighted to discover this recent print of an old treasure. Originating from 1868, this timeless gem, recommended by clergy and laity alike, offers daily meditations and spiritual reading for the liturgical year. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for transforming your spiritual life through consistent daily reflections.
Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness, St. Claude de la Colombière, Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure
There are so many timeless masterpieces that I could share. But some are overlooked or loose devotees as the years go on. I believe this is one of those gems. St. Claude de la Colombière unveils the profound wisdom of trustful surrender to Divine Providence. Offering insights into the secret of true peace and happiness, this spiritual gem navigates the complexities of life. It is a transformative guide –great for anyone desiring to more fully detach – even highschoolers.
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Thomas A. Kempis
I can’t recommend the works of Thomas A. Kempis highly enough! His small yet profound meditations offer timeless wisdom that can be savored for any length of time. Whether you have a few moments or an extended period for meditation, Kempis’s reflections provide invaluable insights to enrich your spiritual life and depend your faith.
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Uniformity with God’s Will, St. Alphonsus Liguori
The necessity of spiritual reading like “Uniformity with God’s Will” by St. Alphonsus Liguori cannot be overstated. In this timeless masterpiece, St. Alphonsus provides profound insights into aligning our will with God’s divine plan. As we navigate life’s challenges and joys, this spiritual gem offers clarity, guidance, and a deeper understanding of surrendering to God’s will. It’s a transformative read that resonates with relevance in every aspect of our lives, leading us to a place of peace and true fulfillment.
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The Golden Arrow: The Revelations of Sr. Mary of St. Peter, Sr. Mary of St. Peter, OCD
The devotion of the Holy Face of Jesus is an ancient and venerable Catholic practice rooted in the representation of the face of Christ said to have been left on the towel or veil used by a holy woman thought to be named, Veronica. An Archconfraternity of the Holy Face was established in Tours, France, 1884; its members make reparation for the blasphemies hurled at Christ. The Golden Arrow tells of both the life of Sister Mary of Saint Peter and her life’s work: the devotion, granted to her by Jesus Himself, to His Holy Face. Approved by Pope Leo XIII and promoted by St. Therese of Lisieux half a century later, the devotion to the Holy Face may be the single most important devotion of our time that still remains relatively unknown.
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An Introduction to the Devout Life
Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea (“lover of God”) this book covers all the parts of a devout life:
- Our desire to lead a devout life
- Our full resolution to do so
- How we should approach God in prayer and the Sacraments
- The practice of 16 important virtues
- Remedies against ordinary temptations
- And confirmation in our practice of devotion
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The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven, Fr. Martin Von Cochem, OSF 1889
The Four Last Things should be meditated on regularly, but even more so during Lent. This treatise provides many points of meditation. This profound work not only deepens our Lenten reflections but also becomes a steadfast companion for regular contemplation, guiding us toward a fuller understanding of our spiritual path.
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The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich
We must all meditate on the Life of Christ and most especially His Passion. Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was a visionary and mystic. Her works are profound and offer vivid look into the life of Christ. Inspired by the Gospel of John (21:25), this book, whose visions influenced “The Passion of the Christ” film, invites readers to meditate on the depths of Christ’s suffering, fostering increased love for God. Blessed Anne’s visions helps us to meditate profoundly on Christ’s suffering, fostering a deeper connection and love for Him.
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True Devotion to Mary with Preparation for Total Consecration, St. Louis de Montfort
The Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, as prescribed by St. Louis de Montfort, stands as one of the most efficacious devotions. It offers a profound way to deepen our relationship with Christ and surrender ourselves entirely to His will through the loving guidance of Our Blessed Mother Mary. This devotion is not to be delayed; it is a powerful spiritual practice that can transform lives and families.
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OTHER BOOKS:
- Traditional Catholic Spiritual Reading
- Traditional Catholic Books for Children
- Holy Mass Missals
- Marian Books
- Liturgical Living TLM
- More Book Recommendations — Shared in IG Stories
Lenten Calendar & Planner
This printable will help you keep track of your resolutions and plan throughout the Lenten season. Learn more at the link above.
This resource is a labor of love. But well worth it as it is something that we use in our home to help us live out the Faith and tend to our Rule of Life within the Advent season.
Please note that this website and page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you. The small income generated helps support the maintenance of this site and the creation of valuable content. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe in.
If you find the information on this site helpful and choose to purchase products or services through the provided affiliate links, I genuinely appreciate your support. Your contributions assist in keeping this platform running and enable the continuous creation of quality content. Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting this endeavor.
The Clock of the Passion
May we take the lead of St. Alphonsus Liguori and walk hour by hour with Our Lord using The Clock of the Passion—a holy meditation charting the final 24 hours of Jesus’ life on this earth.
As we enter into this sacred Triduum, let us not be mere spectators but true companions of Christ in His Passion. May we allow these sacred moments, laid out through Scripture and Tradition, to pierce our hearts and move us to a deeper, tender devotion toward our suffering Savior. 💔✝️
“The Church, in her liturgy, is not simply recalling a past event; she is living again the mysteries of our redemption. The Triduum is not a commemoration only, but a participation. She bids her children unite themselves with Jesus, who is still carrying His cross in His members and offering Himself as a victim in every Mass.” #DomGuéranger
Let us not rush through these days. Let us watch and pray. Let us love and console the Heart that has so loved us.
🕯️ Will you join us in keeping watch with Jesus this Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday? The hours are marked… He waits not for the multitude, but for you!
+Prayer by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
O my Jesus! I pray Thee make me always remember Thy Passion; and grant that I also, a miserable sinner, overcome at last by so many loving devices, may return to love Thee, and to show Thee, by my poor love some mark of gratitude for the excessive love which Thou, my God and my Saviour, hast borne to me. Amen.
🎶 “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” — sung by the @sistersofaquinas — hymn of our Good Friday. We’ve been blessed to sing it daily alongside the sisters during this holy season of Lent. May its sorrowful beauty draw our hearts ever nearer to His.
#ClockofthePassion #HolyTriduum #StAlphonsus #PassionofChrist #CatholicFamily #DomGueranger #domprosperguranger #HolyWeek #TradCatholic #catholic #traditionalcatholic #jffholyweek #jfflent #lent #goodfriday #catholicmom #liturgicallivingtlm #liturgicalliving
Protected: Lenten Calendar Printing Info
2025 Lenten Calendar & Planner
Septuagesima in 2025 starts on Sunday, February 16. Septuagesima is the season that preludes to the penitential mortifications of Lent and is a time to prepare. Ash Wednesday is March 5 this year.
The Church, therefore, has instituted a preparation for the holy time of Lent. She gives us the three weeks of Septuagesima, during which she withdraws us, as much as may be, from the noisy distractions of the world, in order that our hearts may be the more readily impressed by the solemn warning she is to give us, at the commencement of Lent, by marking our foreheads with ashes.The Liturgical Year by Dom Guéranger, Septuagesima
This Lenten Calendar was created several years ago and my children insist that we have it every Lent. It’s not grand by any means but it goes to show that a simple visual can have a great impact on all ages. I encourage you to find what your family can be fond of as you set to grow closer to Christ in Lent.
Please do not think that your Lenten plans must be extravagant or lengthy. There are many fruits to be found in a simple rhythm during all seasons, especially in the most penitential season of the year.
The institution of Lent is thus brought before us with everything that can impress the mind with its solemn character and with its power to appease God and purify our souls. Look beyond the little world that surrounds us and see how the entire Christian universe is, at this very time, offering forty days’ penance as a sacrifice of propitiation to the offended Majesty of God. – Abbot Gueranger, O.S.B.’s The Liturgical Year.
As always, you are invited to use this Lenten Calendar for your personal use.
This Lenten Calendar is set for a minimum offering. You may offer more if you wish but it is not required or expected. If you desire to print this calendar but are unable to pay, do not hesitate to reach out.
- You may download and print the calendar for your personal use.
- You may also link to this post but please do not link directly to the file download.
- Email me at JOYfilledfamily{at}gmail{dot}com if you need my assistance.
- This year’s calendar prints best as 11×17 or 24×36.
- Staples offers inexpensive printing options. The colored prints can be printed on 65-63 lb 11×17 for less than $2. The BW Calendar can be printed as a 24×36 “Blue Print” ($3.80) or colored for under $10– It’s thin paper but large and easy to read.
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Includes variations of the 2025 Calendar & several Lenten Planning Sheets!
O most benign Jesus! who didst so desire to suffer for us, grant, that we may willingly suffer for love of Thee; that we may hate and flee from the detestable pleasures of the world and the flesh, and practice penance and mortification, that by so doing we may merit to be released from our spiritual blindness to love Thee more and more ardently, and finally possess Thee forever.
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2025 Lenten Calendar Guide:
- This calendar follows the Liturgical Calendar of the Traditional Roman Rite (with rubrics from St. Pope Pius X)
- Saints are listed on Feria Days so we can invoke their intercession on their patronal feast day.
- Saints listed with “H” are from the Historical Calendar
- Each saint featured by a picture is identified by the name immediately above the image
- This calendar is the work of a lay Catholic for one’s personal observance of Lent and private devotions
2025 Planner:
- Liturgical Planner | Lent Feastday Planner – printed and used to help you plan for holy days & feastdays in the Lenten, Easter, Pentecost, and Time after Pentecost, season – 6 pgs
- Lent Examination – 1 pg
- Lent Plan to document your resolutions – 2 pgs
- Lent Calendar – one dated and one blank to use as needed – 2 pgs
- Lent Weekly Log to track resolutions – 8 pgs
- Lent Calendar 2025 – list form for easy reference. 3 pgs
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Below are FREE Lenten Resources
Lenten Resources for Children:
- Printable Alleluia to Bury
- Lent Questions & Answers
- Printable Lenten Plan – Blank for all ages
- My Lenten Rule – Children & Teens — ALL AGES
- Lent 2025 Traditional Catholic Calendar for Children – Quis Ut Deus Press
- Lent Planning Worksheet – Rorate Caeli
- Empty Tomb Garden
- Lenten Family Joy Journal
- Stations of the Cross Candles
- Resurrection Eggs
- Stations of the Cross for Children & Stations of the Cross Box – Family, Feast, and Feria
- Stations of the Cross Coloring Booklet – Catholic Playground
- Stations of the Cross Coloring Page – Catholic Playground
Lenten Spiritual Reading & Sermons:
- The Gospels for Lent and the Passion of Christ : readings at divine service during the forty days of Lent with short meditations for the faithful
- Lent and Holy Week : chapters on Catholic observance and ritual
- Meditations for Lent from St. Thomas Aquinas
- Homilies for Lent from the Church Fathers – audio: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5
- FREE Traditional Catholic Books
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My Valentine
Celebrating feast days with family & friends!
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Grant, we beseech you, O almighty God, that we who keep the festival of your holy martyr Valentine, may be delivered by his intercession from all dangers that threaten us. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ: Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Daily Rhythm
After a break filled with health scares, holy days, family outings, and cherished restful days with my beloved, we are easing back into our regular daily rhythm. It’s a gentle but necessary shift, one that mirrors the wisdom Holy Mother Church offers us in her liturgical timing.
How prudent it is, as Catholics, to align our lives with the liturgical calendar that the Church has established—times for feasting and fasting, rest and labor, prayer and work. It’s not about perfection but about deepening our love and obedience to our duties of state, trusting that each small act done with great love has eternal significance.
“A steadfast attention to the work at hand, with no hurry or agitation, is the surest way to accomplish it well.” #StFrancisdeSales
The rhythm of daily life, grounded in faith and simplicity, is an offering of love to God and those entrusted to us.
I give thanks for the moments of respite and for the beauty of God’s creation, which has nourished us in every way. Those sacred pauses, shared with family and embraced in His love, have renewed us for the tasks ahead.
Now we return, not with burdens, but with joy—grateful for the order that sustains us and ready to carry on, step by step, for His greater glory. 🙏🏼
Habit Tracker
As we work towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, tracking our daily habits can be a game-changer. I’ve created a simple habit tracker that I’m using to stay intentional and focused on the goals God has placed on my heart.
If you’d like to join me, here’s a blank habit tracker for you to fill in with your own priorities—whether they’re related to health, prayer, family, or self-care. It’s a tool to help us stay accountable and see the progress we’re making, one small step at a time.
This tracker isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Use it to reflect, adjust, and celebrate the victories God gives us each day.
Let me know if plan to use it! Let’s keep lifting each other up as we work on our habits with grace and perseverance.
In Christ,
Lena
Protected: RISE 2024-2025
More Than A Decoration
My sons and husband had the honor of putting up a Nativity scene at the CA State Capitol — a beautiful and powerful public witness to the Kingship of Christ.
As Traditional Catholics, we know that Christ is not only the King of our hearts and homes but also the rightful King of society. His reign extends over every government, every law, and every public square, even when the world tries to forget or reject Him.
In a society increasingly hostile to faith and truth, this simple yet profound gesture reminds us that Christ came to save ALL. By publicly proclaiming the mystery of His Incarnation—God made man—we testify that there is no division between faith and the world. Our King desires to reign, not only in churches but in the hearts of nations.
The Nativity isn’t just a decoration; it’s a declaration. It tells a weary world that hope has come, that true peace is found in Christ alone, and that governments and societies flourish when they acknowledge and submit to His rule.
I’m so proud of my boys for embracing this mission. In their hands, hammers and nails became tools to build not just a structure, but a statement of faith. In my husband’s leadership, I see the reflection of St. Joseph—a protector of Christ and His Church, working humbly for the glory of God.
May this Nativity stir hearts, call souls back to Him, and remind all who see it that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
May we never cease proclaiming that Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
The First Day of Advent
Happy New Year! May you have a holy and fruitful Advent, preparing your heart and home for the coming of the Christ Child.
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Our Lord, in the Gospel of this day, directs our attention to the end of the world and the Last Judgment. He speaks of the terrible signs which shall then appear in the heavens, when the light of the sun shall grow dim, the moon shall no longer give her light, the stars shall fall from the firmament, and the world shall be covered with more than Egyptian darkness; and of those other signs which shall then appear upon the earth—of the violent disturbance of the sea, of the distress of nations, and the withering away of men through fear.
All these things warn us to enter upon the new Ecclesiastical Year with serious thoughts, and to profit by this season of grace for the advancement of our eternal interests…
In the natural year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter follow each other in visible and endless succession; so, also, the ecclesiastical year revolves in a mysterious orbit, elevating and consecrating the various seasons by its graces and blessings.We are thus doubly warned and invited to sanctify ourselves and to travel onward to our heavenly goal. Yet, for vast numbers, these merciful dispensations of Providence are profitless. Time passes, the years, months, and days rush swiftly by, and there is no growth in virtue, no progress in holiness, to be discerned in their souls.
How many years have you, my brethren, already spent without gaining any thing for eternal life!
Far from increasing in merit, your sins and vices, perhaps, have rendered you utterly bankrupt in divine grace. Most justly, then, does the Apostle exhort us, today, “to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light;” and, to the end that you profit by his warnings, and those of the present Gospel, I will explain to you that the care for your salvation is:
I. The most necessary;
II. The most sublime; and
III. The sweetest duty of our life.
BishopEhrler 1891
📸 Out youngest placing an earned straw in the manger for baby Jesus
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