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.
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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.
