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Lenten Spiritual Reads & Devotionals

by Filed Under: Books, Lent, Spiritual Duties Leave a Comment

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 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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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.

-St. Therese of Lisieux

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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2024 Lenten Planner & Calendar

OTHER BOOKS:

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.

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Planners & Calendars
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.

 

 

2024 Lenten Planner & Calendar

by Filed Under: Lent, Lenten Calendar Leave a Comment

Ash Wednesday is February 14 this year. Septuagesima in 2024 starts on Sunday, January 28.  Septuagesima is the season that preludes to the penitential mortifications of Lent and is a time to prepare.

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.

Pictured: Lenten calendar from a previous year

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 2024 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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2024 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

2024 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 for the duration of Advent 2024 – 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 2024 – list form for easy reference. 2 pgs

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Below are FREE Lenten Resources

Lenten Resources for Children:

Lenten Spiritual Reading & Sermons:

St. Michael’s Lent

by Filed Under: 08 August, 08 August Saints, Assumption, Lent, St. Michael Leave a Comment

St. Michael’s Lent is upon us!



It is not a tradition of the Church, perse. But it was one of the many periods of fasting & prayer in which St. Francis observed throughout the year.

This second Lent of sorts starts on the Feast of the Assumption and ends on the Feast of St. Michael.

During this time, he would fast, abstain, and engage in penances and mortifications to discipline himself, acquire the virtues, and honor God. In fact, it was while he was engaged in this “St. Michael’s Lent” that he received the stigmata.

To emulate St. Francis and make the 40-day St. Michael’s Lent in his honor, in honor of Our Lady and St, Michael the Archangel, and for the purpose of consecrating yourself to St. Michael on his feast day, do the following:

• Obey the precepts of the Church, including attending Mass and going to Confession as needed.

• Fast and abstain, as you would during Lent, from the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 to Michaelmas (the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel) on September 29 or otherwise make some daily sacrifice to God on those days. 


• Pray the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, all of the supplications and accomanying prayers (the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be), and the Litany to St. Michael every day from the Assumption to Michaelmas. 


• On Michaelmas, make the Act of Consecration to St. Michael the Archangel.

Note that the period between the Assumption and Michaelmas consists of 46 calendar days, but, as in the pre-Easter Lent, Sundays and holy days don’t count and aren’t penitential, so this devotion consists of 40 days’ worth of partial abstinence and fasting. – Fish Eaters

🙏🏼
Did you know of the Lent of St. Michael?

Do you plan to observe this period of fasting & prayer (in any way)?

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel



St. Michael the archangel defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.




First Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Prince of the Angelical Armies, we implore you, come with all of the Celestial Court, help us to unmask all of the strategies that the enemy and his evil retinue of followers have plotted against the children of light.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Second Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Guardian of the Militant Church, we implore you, safely guard Holy Mother Church from the hands of all her persecutors, and fulfill the promise that came from the lips of her beloved spouse that the gates of hell will never prevail over her.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Third Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Rescuer of the Suffering Church, we implore you, introduce into the Celestial Mansion all of the souls who suffer in Purgatory, and come quickly to our aid when our hour is at hand.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Fourth Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Adorer of God, you who received the incumbency to preside over the adoration and worship that is given to Him in Heaven, we implore you, raise up an army of adoring souls on earth whose hearts burn with love for the Eucharistic Jesus.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Fifth Supplication:



Oh, Glorious General of the Celestial Army, we implore you, remove all pride from us so that we may not do the same as Lucifer who was expulsed from the presence of the Lord.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Sixth Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Warrior of the Most High, we implore you, do not permit us to become contaminated by a Spirit of rebellion against God and against the Holy Mother Church.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Seventh Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Victor of the infernal hosts, we implore you, as you defeated Satan and all of the Legion of the fallen Angels, come to our assistance so that we may also reach the crown of victory.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be




Eighth Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Defender of those who struggle, we implore you, defend us in the combat against the enemy, against the powers that in the world want to separate us from God and against our own worldly desires.

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be


Ninth Supplication:



Oh, Glorious Model of Obedience, we implore you, make us submissive to the Will of God, helping us to fulfill it even when our humanity is reluctant to accept it.

Who Is Like God? R. No One Is Like God!
Who Is Like God? R. No One Is Like God!
Who Is Like God? R. No One Is Like God!

Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be

Let us pray: Oh Glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Divine hosts, Holy Defender of the people of God; defeater of the dragon, and who now vigilantly defends the Church of God against the gates of hell, urgently we implore you: Help us in the painful and dangerous battle that we have to fight against the same enemy that you defeated. Stay with us, Oh Powerful Prince, so that we may fight courageously and defeat Satan, and with your help reach the prize of the Beatitudes. Amen.



Litany of St. Michael the Archangel



L: Lord, have mercy on us,

All: Lord have mercy on us.

L: Christ, have mercy on us.

All: Christ, have mercy on us.

L: Lord, have mercy on us,

All: Lord have mercy on us.

L: Christ, hear us.

All: Christ , hear us.

L: Christ, graciously hear us.

All: Christ, graciously hear us.

L: God the Father of heaven,

All: Have mercy on us.

L: God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

All: Have mercy on us.

L: God the Holy Spirit,

All: Have mercy on us.

L: Holy Trinity, one God

All: Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, pray for us.
St. Michael, pray for us.
St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God, pray for us.
St. Michael, perfect adorer of the Incarnate Word, pray for us.
St. Michael, crowned with honor and glory, pray for us.
St. Michael, most powerful Prince of the armies of the Lord, pray for us.
St. Michael, standard-bearer of the most Holy Trinity, pray for us.
St. Michael, guardian of Paradise, pray for us.
St. Michael, guide and comforter of the people of Israel, pray for us.
St. Michael, splendor and fortress of the Church Militant, pray for us.
St. Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant, pray for us.
St. Michael, light of Angels, pray for us.
St. Michael, bulwark of orthodox believers, pray for us.
St. Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross, pray for us.
St. Michael, light and confidence of souls at the hour of death, pray for us.
St. Michael, our most sure aid, pray for us.
St. Michael, our help in all adversities, pray for us.
St. Michael, herald of the everlasting sentence, pray for us.
St. Michael, consoler of souls detained in the flames of Purgatory, pray for us.
St. Michael, whom the Lord has charged to receive souls after death, pray for us.
St. Michael, our prince, pray for us.
St. Michael, our advocate, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us

Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.

All: That we may be made worthy of His promises.

L: Let us pray.

All: Sanctify us, we beseech You, O Lord Jesus, with Your holy blessing, and grant us, by the intercession of St. Michael, that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in Heaven by ex-changing the goods of this world for those of eternity, You who lives and reigns forever, world without end. Amen.


Act of Consecration to St. Michael
 To be made on Michaelmas (September 29)



Oh, most noble prince of the angelic hierarchies, valorous warrior of Almighty God, and zealous lover of His glory, terror of the rebellious angels, and love and delight of all the just ones, my beloved Archangel, Saint Michael, desiring to be numbered among your devoted servants, I, today, offer and consecrate myself to you, and place myself, my family, and all I possess under your most powerful protection.

I ask you not to look at how little, I, as your servant, have to offer, being weak and sinful, but to gaze, rather, with favorable eye at the heartfelt affection with which this offering is made, and remember that if from this day onward I am under your patronage, you must during all my life assist me, and procure for me the pardon of my offenses and sins, the grace to love with all my heart my god, my dear Savior Jesus, and my sweet Mother Mary, and obtain for me all the help necessary to arrive at my crown of glory.

Defend me always from my spiritual enemies, particularly in the last moments of my life. Come then, O glorious prince, and help me in my last struggle, and with your powerful weapon, cast far from me and into the abyss that proud angel that one day you defeated in the celestial battle. Saint Michael, defend us in our daily battle so that we may come to glory in the last judgment, Amen.


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