1. The Bible 2. The Catechism 3. Fire Within - Fr Thomas Dubay 4. Three Ages of the Interior Life - Garrigou-Lagrange 5. The Spiritual Life - Adolphe Tanquerey 6. Introduction to the Devout Life - St Francis de Sales 7. I Believe in Love : A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux - Fr. Jean C. J. d Elbée 8. The Navarre Bible - Revelation 9. Coming Soon, Unlocking the book of Revelations - Michael Barber 10. Fire of Mercy (Volume 1 of 5) - Erasmo Merikakis 11. Jesus and the Last Supper - Brant Pitre 12. The Return of the Prodigal Son - Henri Nouwen 13. New Seeds of Contemplation - Thomas Merton 14. Come Be My Light - Mother Teresa 15. The Life of St Teresa of Avila - by herself 16. Divine Mercy in my Soul, Diary of St Faustina 17. Signs of Life - Scott Hahn 18. Sober Intoxication of the Spirit - Raniero Cantalamessa 19. Orthodoxy, The Romance of Faith - G. K. Chesterton 20. Anything by C. S. Lewis
True story: watched this video again this morning and prayed I could have at least one of the books mentioned by Fr. Columba (except the Bible which I already have). This afternoon somebody gave me a copy of St. Faustina's diary. I couldn't believe it! Such a wonderful blessing!
One thing that we should all change (IMO) is only reading within our particular side of the church isle. Catholics only read Catholics and Protestants only read Protestants. Both miss out on some truly inspired writings. If you are confident in your faith, don’t be afraid to read widely. I don’t eat/like/buy everything in a grocery store, and I don’t believe everything in every book I read. And I have found the true men and women of God from years and centuries past have more in common than at odds, and all can add to our ideas, curiosity, and understanding about our Lord and our faith. I’ve been wrong millions of times, but this is what I believe to be true.
Thank you Fr. Columba, and God bless you. I truly enjoy listening to your videos. One book I also was waiting to hear “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas Kempis!
Thank you so much, and God bless you too! Glad you’re enjoying the videos. You’re not the first one to mention that book is missing from the list! I suppose it’s difficult to fit them all.
for my fellow listeners of this very helpful account: On my recent searches, starting with Mary Magdalene in France and ending with "the first 5 Saturdays for the Sacred Heart of the Virgin Mary, I found "CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH" at the Vatican website: it looks daunting, but divided into very readable sections. Currently I read on Faith and Understanding. I'm glad to hear it as second on the list...
my Personal Recommendations::. 1. Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Christ - Rev. Peter Arnoudt (not the little classic, the imitation of Christ, this is a big book! But if you loved that one you will certainly enjoy this one) 2. Humility of Heart - Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo 3. The Contemplative Hunger - Fr. Donald Haggerty...... and one extra, for the love of Saints,,,Padre Pio's Spiritual Direction - Gianluidi Pasquale ( its a collection of letters and advice he wrote to souls who wrote him for his advice )
I am also a huge lover of books! I hope you do more videos with book recommendations. I love Divine Intimacy by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene. Daily meditations that really get you pondering God, His attributes, holiness. Just an awesome book! So glad I found you! Thanks for a great video and for your passion for excellent spiritual books!
Brother Lawerence’s book ,The Practice of the presence of God ,is truly awesome. Anything by Fr Dubay also. I had the great blessing to receive spiritual direction from him . I believe he is a Saint.Thanks be to God.
That's a great title.the times when I have truly felt the presence of God gave me hope in my life as someone who lives with severe anxiety. I think I need to find a copy of that book
Thank you so much. I just found you here on YT. I am an XCatholic... but then we all know once a Catholic, Always a Catholic. I now have a new winter reading list! I just finished a book by, of all people, Emil Cioran, called Tears & Saints, and it inspired me to seek out more literature of the spirit. Cioran, an atheist, actually shed light for me and my own doubts, and one can sense his profound admiration of the Saints he discusses.
Hi Anthony, delighted to have you here. So glad to hear some of these books have made it to your list. Father puts out a new video every Thursday if you’re interested in hearing what he has to say? The topic changes each week and I hope you might find some more of what he has to say interesting. Again, welcome to the channel. Katie (co-founder of Called to More)
I love the list, and all the other recommendations in the comments. Just like everyone else, I will add a couple books the rocked my world. 1. The Complete Fenelon (translation by Edmonson, but is the writings of Francois Fenelon). Seriously. Read it. 2. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a’Kempis. (Edit - I see others said this one) 3. The Crucified Life by A.W. Tozer (not a Catholic, but don’t let that stop you). This book actually moved me toward Catholicism even though written by a Protestant pastor.
The Carmelite mystical masterpiece "Divine Intimacy" by Father Gabriel of St Mary Magdalene. Also his book, "Union with God (according to St. John of the Cross)." Mother Angelica read "Divine Intimacy" for 50 years.
Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed is another dense, deep reflection on the faith. A very good chapter on the Trinity with one of the best efforts to explain the unexplainable.
Awakening Love: an Ignatian Retreat on the Song of Songs by Fr. Gregory Cleveland is one of my favorites and really deepened my prayer life as well as inspired me to be more tenacious in my faith when I’m going through a dark night. I recommend that book to anyone and everyone!
It is not a spiritual book, but "Mirusia" by Monika Barbara Potocki is a great novel. Both protagonists are Catholic, there is no sex or innuendo, and a really great, realistic Confession is the climax of the book!
thank you - subscribed - and added a dozen or so books to my wish list - The maroon commentaries - you showed one - are fantastic, I only have about 4 or 5, need to complete that. I really enjoy Patrick Madrid - I'm currently reading his "Does the Bible Really Say That?", Jeff Cavins, and Edward Sri (A Biblical Walk Through the Mass). I continue to find the richness of the Greek text and would love a recommendation on a side by side Bible Greek / English if you have one.
Oh my goodness I needed this ! I have a stack of spiritual readings and feeling bad because some leave me dry. I won’t throw them away but definitely set them aside. I know it took me He to be ready for Story of a Soul which I originally found heavy and sad. But when the time was right, it was an uplifting experience.
I also love underlining and I can go a little crazy with it! I have read and absolutely love “I Believe in Love”!! That one definitely has a lot of underling!!! 🤣 Thank you for these recommendations!! God bless you!!
“This Tremendous Lover “ Eugene Boylan. “The Sacrifice of the Altar” Federico Suarez Both authors have multiple gems, hard to find physical copies, but available on the internet archive.
@@ctmcatholic i noticed some were adding their own favorites, so i will add three also: 1. Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Christ - Rev. Peter Arnoudt 2. Humility of Heart - Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo 3. The Contemplative Hunger - Fr. Donald Haggerty and one extra, for the love of Saints,,,Padre Pio's Spiritual Direction - Gianluidi Pasquale ( its a collection of letters and advice he wrote to souls who wrote to him for his advice )
Dear Fr, I have found that with my work with younger people, I deliberately encourage them to attend a Eucharistic Adoration and speak to Jesus "as you would to a friend", sharing in silence everything that is happening in their lives [what you describe as "things they could talk to other people about"] (from their young romances, to efforts at sports, to subjects they are struggling with at school) and then just to sit in silence and notice what impressions, feelings, thoughts arise within them. While I think spiritual reading is essential (the liturgy of the hours, writings of the saints etc.) for many of us, they are not essential and often discourage younger people from making a holy hour in the first place. Their imaginations are much more captivated by the "fuel for they fire" that they have a God/brother who is deeply interested in the going ons in their daily lives, wants to be a part of it and wants to help them make difficult decisions. AND I DONT INTEND TO STOP - Fr. Ashley, OP
Hi Fr. Ashley, thank you for this insight. Certainly the degree of spiritual reading will vary greatly between each person, some will find it incredibly helpful and others might not need or want it as much. I would still think everyone needs a certain amount of intellectual faith formation, and spiritual reading as fuel for prayer - but as Fr Columba would say, pray as you can, not as you can’t! God bless, Katie
I’m currently reading The Return of the Prodigal Son by Fr Henri Nouwen for this Lent. I’m at the part when it’s getting better and better each page. His life of the beloved is also beautifully written. Thanks for the recommendation Fr Columba! I have Sr. Faustina’s book and Intro of the devout life but I haven’t read them yet! The more reason to read them this year!
TRATADO DEL SANTO ABANDONO A LA PROVIDENCIA DIVINA. Padre Caussade. Este libro fue la inspiración para la espiritualidad de san Charles de Foucauld. Bendiciones
For my honors reading freshman year we read Coming soon, Unlocking the book of Revelations by Michael barber. He said it would take maybe 15 minutes... I didn't stop talking for like 30 minutes. One of the best books I've ever read. Same with the one by Brant Pitre. I have Introduction to the Devout life and I can't wait to start reading it. I have so many books (upwards of 50 and I haven't even begun to dig in. ) Anybody have advice for those who get overwhelmed too easily? It's all so daunting to me I can't seem to start 🤣
Take one at a time and enjoy it in the present moment, remembering the gift (and not source of stress) it is to be blessed with so many great books! Easier said than done I know :)
@@AgataL. There are so many good books out there. One thing that I have been thinking about recently is that it is better to read the books you have than to have all the books and never read them. That's just my two cents. Someone could disagree :) Whatever you do, I hope it serves you well. God bless!
Hi Elliott, thank you so much for your question and congratulations on your upcoming confirmation! Father is currently on retreat but I can ask him when he returns. God bless you
Thank you so much! I have also to recommend highly "THE THIRD SPIRITUAL ALPHABET" (Francisco de Osuna) - this book is almost complete underlined by me and I am going through it already the second time - SLOWLY LITTLE BY LITTLE ...... and it is the one book Theresa of Avila found in her uncle's library which catched her interest !!!! - as she told by herself somewhere - For me, to be with a spiritual book is more an eating than a reading .... it nourishes me and keeps me alive -
Thank you so much for your recommendation Margareta, and it’s so refreshing and encouraging to hear your enthusiasm for spiritual reading. God bless you
I know this is an older episode, but I would love to know if Fr Columba has read All Things Made New by Stratford Caldecott. It’s a devotional, theological, and spiritual look at the Book of Revelation, the Rosary, and the Stations of the Cross. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Might I suggest catechism wise the Baltimore catechism. Very good, especially for converts like me. I really enjoyed The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Yes, anything by him. Chesterton is amazing.
Dear Father, thank you, this again was really great and once again made me laugh and smile😃😄... praise be to God! With the words from Padre Augustino to Padre Pio (in letter #270) i pray: +May Jesus increase in your heart the ardour of His charity and may He smile on you as He smiles on all souls who are dear to Him.+ Warmest greetings and blessings from a little daughter of Papà Pio +in JMJ+ Angèle 😊oh and a nice little word from St.Maryam of Bethlehem: +“Reflect well on this: today on Earth, tomorrow under the earth”+
Love the video! I’ve been wondering, who made the intro for your RU-vid channel…I am an artist and own my own creative company…just curious. Always appreciate these videos. God Bless.
Do you have a recommendation for a complete work of St. Francis? I've seen a couple books published but am not sure which publication is the best to go for :)
Hello, do you also have a recommendation for an intensive bible study book, so we can learn/read the bible instead of randomly going through it after the gospels? The bible itself is a treasure with so many layers that I think with a guided structure and an 'advanced' perspective it can really help you grow in your relationship with God.
Fr Columba has a recommendation here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YFWBR6tq-e4.html Also, the Navarre Bible has great commentary, and anything by Dr. Scott Hahn is wonderful as well.
I genuinely love and appreciate everything I've heard you say on RU-vid and I plan to watch more. But I have to say: the constant video editing is really, really distracting.
Hi Brad, so glad you like the content of the videos and sorry the editing style is not your taste. However, if you prefer to just listen to the audio we are about to upload all the episodes on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. Hope it can be of help!
1. The Bible 2. The Catechism 3. Fire Within - Fr Thomas Dubay 4. Three Ages of the Interior Life - Garrigou-Lagrange 5. The Spiritual Life - Adolphe Tanquerey 6. Introduction to the Devout Life - St Francis de Sales 7. I Believe in Love : A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux - Fr. Jean C. J. d Elbée 8. The Navarre Bible - Revelation 9. Coming Soon, Unlocking the book of Revelations - Michael Barber 10. Fire of Mercy (Volume 1 of 5) - Erasmo Merikakis 11. Jesus and the Last Supper - Brant Pitre 12. The Return of the Prodigal Son - Henri Nouwen 13. New Seeds of Contemplation - Thomas Merton 14. Come Be My Light - Mother Teresa 15. The Life of St Teresa of Avila - by herself 16. Divine Mercy in my Soul, Diary of St Faustina 17. Signs of Life - Scott Hahn 18. Sober Intoxication of the Spirit - Raniero Cantalamessa 19. Orthodoxy, The Romance of Faith - G. K. Chesterton 20. Anything by C. S. Lewis
We considered providing links for sake of ease but decided against it as we don’t want to give the impression that we’re profiting from the suggestions in any way.
OK the first two are gimmies, so that leaves 18 books. Of those, probably 13-14 I have zero interest in reading. So at most, I'll open to reading 4 or 5 of your suggested (not including the first two.)
No Thomas A Kempis's ''Imitation of Christ''? Thomas More, the learned Catholic Martyr, said it is one of three books everyman should own. Baptised a Catholic,, I'm not a practicing Catholic, but still read Imitation of Christ for its spiritual sustenance, and the beauty of its language: ''Without the Way, there is no going, without the Truth, there is no knowing, without the Life, there is no Living.''
Love ya Father Columba. Always helpful and frequently entertaining (The Catechism and cheese cake cheesecake 🧀🥮😂) As a new catholic (Easter 2023) CFM is an important part of my growing plan.
†THE TRUE AND POWERFUL CONVERSION STORY: the 2nd part: March, 2022 Thank GOD for our LADY of GUADALUPE; when I visited her Shrine in Mexico in Dec. 2012, and I was suffering at the time of "Sleep Apenea" I was healed really while still there - FRARNKLY, my first intensions were to honor her. †Also, when I prayed few Rosaries to help me to quit smoking cigaretes on May 17, 1998, she answered my prayers immediately, though I was SUPER skeptical at that time. †Truly, when I was inspired to recite one single Rosary in December 12, 2000, I was healed from my unbelief (Jn. 14: 1) - and I tried at the time first to pray OUR FATHER, but I couldn't remember the prayer; and GOD still saved me! Also During my first Holy arosary procession outdoors on May 13, 2001, I saw Queen of the Holy Rosary walking with us for 4-5 seconds; And she had long, dark, blue dress & absolutely attractive one. †Also in 2003 I heard very sweet voices a few times singing above my bed as I awoke in the morning, and they continued for nearly 5 seconds. †Since my conversion, I try NOT to miss attending Masses weekly or daily etc. And I pray the Devine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00pm for years, and I NEVER miss it. †UNDOUBTLEY, Reading & meditating in "Gospel of life" according to the daily readings is like my "daily bread" And I read the Bible from cover to cover 3 times since my conversion (Jn 14: 23-24)! & I read CCC as well, (Is. 55: 10 -11). Also, I like to what some one says: every winter turns into spring. But "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God"(Ps.14:1) †Unfortunately, many "Catholics don't know what they have, and Evangelicals don't know what they are missing!" †And I used to attend few different Evangelical Churches for a few years searching for TRUTH while residing in Stockholm & they opened my eyes a little bid to the faith at the time. † God is still in the miracle buisness. And thank God for the most holy ROSARY prayer, etc. Psalm 107:13 - 14)" †"BROTHERS & SISTERS PRAY FOR ME THAT I MAY NOT FLEE FOR FEAR OF THE WOLVES [terrorstes]," (Psalm 107:13-14)" *"This is the day which GOD hath made a day for us to REJOICE & be GLAD"-Ps.118) *worthViewing:ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kHLnSZyeKeY.html †By Saba Korial, & I was born in Middle East in Palm Sun., now Christian CATHOLIC & Canadian. (2 Tm 2:4 & 4:7). Note that the Name of God is mentioned 3 times while praying the ROSARY as follow: first the LORD, then the name Jesus & GOD. * INDIAN FILM STAR : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_U4R-JcfZ58.html *"A BELIEVER IN HIS KNEES SEES MORE THAN THE PHILOSOPHER ON HIS TIPTOES" - D. L. MOODY) *ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bZXHXXtUysQ.html SHARE WITH FRIENDS 1. Google the following words: "99+ EFFECTIVE WAYS TO EVANGELIZE AS A CATHOLIC"
