Ask Fr. Barron: What spiritual classic books should every Catholic read?

[applehacker]

My man just dropped 2 years of homework in 3 minutes

[PInkW]

“Fairytales are true, not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be defeated.”
GK Chesterton

[Motherdiva]

I am an 84 year old widow and I certainly am going to read all these books. (Smile smile). before I am 150. Incidentally I am reading Fire Within by Thomas Dubay. Reading it with a daughter. Highly recomnend it Bishop and would like to hear your comments on that one. I love your mysteties of the rosary on youtube.

[bamboolaceway]

I would add "The Story of a Soul" by St Therese of Lisieux

[alfafusionPH]

St. Theresa of Avila's "Interior Castle", St. Francis de Sales "Introduction to the Devout Life" and please do not miss reading "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis.

[PilgrimSurgeon]

Patristic: Origen, St. Irenaeus, St. Augustine (City of God, Confessions, De Trinitate), St. Chrysostom, St. Jerome (Biblical commentary), St. Maximus the Confessor, St. Gregory of Nyssa (Life of Moses).
Medieval Ages: St. Anselm, St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa), St. Bonaventure, St. John Henry Newman (Apologia Pro Vita Sua), G.K Chesterton, St. Ignatius of Loyola (Spiritual Exercises), St. John of the Cross (Dark Night of the Soul, Ascent to Mt. Carmel).
Modern: Thomas Merton (Seven Story Mountain, New Seeds of Contemplation).

[WombatProphecy]

"Just rattle of four or five..." Or, of course, you can list everything in the classical theology section of the library, that's good too....

[AnthonyHutjes]

I would like to add "The Lord" of Romano Guardini. I read this book as a young University student and although I think that as a Catholic priest and as an old man of 85 years I have read many other beautiful catholic writings, there are still passages in Guardini's book which I consider to be the best and most lovely texts I have ever read.

[asgerdk]

Its amazing how many of these and others you can find for free PDF online

[jsnukem]

Read Thomas Kempis "Imitation of Christ" from the 1400s.

[NaYawkr]

"The Mystical City of God", author Venerable Mary of Agreda, not to be confused with St. Augustine's " City of God "

[dermotoneill]

All so modern, relevant and of huge interest to today's youth!

[SperoinDeo]

True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort and the Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis are, aside from the bible, the two most important books for average person. Theologians can go after that list Fr. Barron mentioned, only after they've read these two great works.

[clemenpogi]

Read any works of Fulton J. Sheen and you will have a glimpse of eternity!

[joannelarcher]

I strongly recommend these books as well: Matthew Kelly's Rediscovering Catholicism; Scott Hahn's 40 days of Life; Christopher West's (Blessed John Paul II) Introduction to Theology of The Body, anything by Ronald Rolheiser as well. I have read these books and they brought my faith deeper and more understanding too.

[GebreMenfesKidus]

 The indispensable work on the doctrine of Christ is "On the Incarnation" by St. Athanasius. And for spiritual warfare, I would also recommend St. Athanasius "Life of St. Anthony."

[alfafusionPH]

Hi there! I think reading the Bible is enhanced by reading the books by saints. It provides some guidance especially if you're going to read on your own without the guidance of a priest, Catholic professor or Catechist. Reading the books by saints is definitely enhanced by reading the Bible. I like reading the Bible in the Adoration Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. I just meditate on the readings for the day based on the Missal. :)

[PilgrimSurgeon]

St. John of the Cross: Collected Works, St. Teresa of Avila: Interior Castle, Thomas Merton: Seven Storey Mountain, Thomas a Kempis: Imitation of Christ, St. Ignatius Loyola: Spiritual Exercises, Gustavo Gutierrez: A Theology of Liberation, the Philokalia/Desert Fathers.

[victoriaanntirado]

1) Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre 2) These Beautiful Bones by Emily Stimpson 3) Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen ♡

[WPGS]

The Dialogue by Saint Catherine of Siena [25th March - 1347- 29th April 1380]