RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITIUAL
THE STORY OF A SOUL
St Thérèse of Lisieux
Translation by Robert J. Edmonson
Experience The Story of a Soul like never before with this complete and unabridged translation of St. Thérèse of Lisieux's timeless autobiography. The original text is preserved, capturing the vibrant spirit of the young woman whose "Little Way" continues to inspire millions.
St. Thérèse, affectionately known as "The Little Flower," shares her extraordinary journey of faith, humility, and love in a simple yet profoundly moving narrative. First published shortly after her death in 1897 at just 24 years old, her story became an instant bestseller, captivating readers with its delightful blend of humour, honesty, and heartfelt devotion to God.
Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997, St. Thérèse remains one of the most beloved saints in history. Her "Little Way" - finding holiness in small, everyday acts of love - has transformed countless lives. Whether you are encountering her story for the first time or revisiting it, this edition of The Story of a Soul invites you to draw closer to her simple yet profound spirituality.
Topics of the book: The Little Way. Love as the centre of Christian life. Vocation and Mission. Sacrifice. Abandonment. Importance of the parents.
FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH
Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan
Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan spent thirteen years in communist prisons in his home country of Vietnam. A priest of extraordinary faith and courage, he still remained in contact with the faithful under his care by sending out secret messages of encouragement and advice on scraps of paper from his prison cell. In this book, drawn from his remarks to young people at the 1997 World Youth Day in Paris, Cardinal Van Thuan reflects on his life and his relationship with God and his Church.
The cardinal's own account of suffering for God and his church is extraordinary. But it is the spiritual insights and reflections he shares in this book that make it an essential and moving read for any Catholic. Five Loaves and Two Fish is a joyful and encouraging account, offering a contemporary testimony of faith. Like Saint Paul, who was also imprisoned for his faith, Cardinal Van Thuan reminds us that a life devoted to God is the only life worth living, regardless of the circumstances.
Topics of the book: Living fully in the present moment. Choosing God over His works. Prayer as anchor. The Eucharist as spiritual strength. Love and Unity as witness. Devotion to Mary. Choosing Jesus consciously. Humility.
GOD WITH US
ENCOUNTERING JESUS
IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Edward Sri
Much has been said about why Jesus died. This book focuses on why Jesus lived. God with us - Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew shows that Jesus didn't just come to be our teacher, a miracle work or prophet, or even just Israel's Saviour and Redeemer. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.
Notable Scripture scholar Edward Sri leads readers on a faithful exploration of Jesus's kingdom-building mission and how it revealed God presence, which remains with us today. Helpful discussion questions are provided for personal and group study.
This newly expanded edition of the study originally titled The Mystery of the On the Gospel of Matthew is an outstanding introduction to the first gospel.
Topics of the book: Jesus as Emmanuel. The Kingdom of God. Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament Prophecies. Jesus as the New Moses and New David. The Structure and Meaning of the Sermon on the Mount. Parables and the Nature of the Kingdom. Discipleship and Following Jesus. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
CHIARA CORBELLA PETRILLO:
A WITNESS TO JOY
S. Troisi - C. Paccini
Chiara Petrillo was sitting in a wheelchair, looking lovingly towards Jesus in the tabernacle. Her husband, Enrico, found the courage to ask her a question he had been holding back. Thinking of Jesus's words, "My yoke is sweet and my burden is light", he asked: "Is this yoke, this cross, really sweet, as Jesus said?" A smile came across Chiara's face. She turned to her husband and replied: "Yes, Enrico, it is very sweet."
Chiara was just 28 years old when she passed away in 2012, her body ravaged by cancer. The emotional, physical and spiritual trials endured by this young Italian mother are not uncommon. However, it was her joyful and loving response to each trial that led one cardinal to call her 'a saint for our times'.
Every saint has a unique charisma, reflecting a particular facet of God. Chiara's was to bear witness to joy in the face of great adversity - the kind that makes love overflow despite sorrow from loss and death.
Topics of the book: Joy. Prayer. Suffering. Family life. Sacrifice. Ordinary holiness. Trust.
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A SONG FOR NAGASAKI
Paul Glynn
On August 9, 1945, an American B-29 dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing tens of thousands of people. Among the survivors was Takashi Nagai, a pioneer in radiology research and a convert to the Catholic Faith. Living in the rubble of the ruined city and suffering from leukemia caused by over-exposure to radiation, Nagai lived out the remainder of his remarkable life by bringing physical and spiritual healing to his war-weary people.
A Song for Nagasaki tells the moving story of this extraordinary man, beginning with his boyhood and the heroic tales and stoic virtues of his family's Shinto religion. It reveals the inspiring story of Nagai's remarkable spiritual journey from Shintoism to atheism to Catholicism. Mixed with interesting details about Japanese history and culture, the biography traces Nagai's spiritual quest as he studied medicine at Nagasaki University, served as a medic with the Japanese army during its occupation of Manchuria, and returned to Nagasaki to dedicate himself to the science of radiology. The historic Catholic district of the city, where Nagai became a Catholic and began a family, was ground zero for the atomic bomb.
After the bomb disaster that killed thousands, including Nagai's beloved wife, Nagai, then Dean of Radiology at Nagasaki University, threw himself into service to the countless victims of the bomb explosion, even though it meant deadly exposure to the radiation which eventually would cause his own death. While dying, he also wrote powerful books that became best-sellers in Japan. Nagai became a highly revered man and is considered a saint by many Japanese people.
Topics of the book: Conversion. Religious history of Japan. Sacrifice. Offering our life for the salvation of others. Marriage life. Forgiveness and reconciliation.
SIMON CALLED PETER: IN THE COMPANY OF A MAN IN SEARCH OF GOD
Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori
Simon Called Peter by Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori is a profound spiritual reflection on the life of Saint Peter, offering an intimate portrait of a man continually seeking God. Through Peter’s journey - marked by faith, failure, and redemption - the author invites readers to recognise their own struggles and hopes. Lepori, a Cistercian abbot, explores Peter not as a distant saint but as a relatable figure: impulsive, flawed, yet deeply loved by Christ. The book delves into key Gospel moments, illuminating Peter’s transformation through his encounters with Jesus. It reflects on the depth of God’s mercy and the call to follow Christ in humility. Each chapter serves as a meditation, ideal for personal reflection or communal reading.
Topics of the book: Humanity of Peter. Discipleship and Following Christ. Faith and Failure. Mercy and Forgiveness. The Church and Leadership.
CHRIST, GOD'S COMPANIONSHIP WITH MAN
Luigi Giussani
In Christ, God’s Companionship with Man, Luigi Giussani explores the heart of Christianity as the living presence of Christ among us. The book presents Christ not merely as a figure of the past, but as a constant companion who walks with us in every moment of life. Giussani emphasises that faith begins with an encounter - a personal relationship with Christ that transforms our way of seeing the world.
The text challenges readers to move beyond routine religiosity towards a vibrant, daily experience of God’s presence. It also addresses the modern search for meaning, hope, and truth, revealing how Christ answers the deepest needs of the human heart. Giussani speaks to believers and seekers alike, urging a renewed awareness of Christ as the source of joy, freedom, and fulfilment.
This book is a powerful invitation to rediscover faith as a real and personal journey. It is a rich resource for spiritual growth and reflection.
Topics of the book: The Presence of Christ in Daily Life. Faith as a Personal Encounter. God’s Love Made Visible. Human Desire and Fulfilment. The Role of the Church in Encountering Christ.
THE FRIENDSHIP OF CHRIST
Robert Hugh Benson
The Friendship of Christ by Robert Hugh Benson is a deeply moving reflection on the personal and intimate relationship Christ offers to each soul. Written with pastoral warmth and spiritual insight, the book explores how Jesus desires to be more than just our Saviour - He wishes to be our closest friend.
Benson examines Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in daily experience. The book also offers meditations on Christ in different aspects - as teacher, healer, companion, and king. With gentle yet profound language, Benson invites readers into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus.
This timeless classic remains a source of encouragement and inspiration for all seeking greater intimacy with Christ. It is especially suited for personal devotion and spiritual renewal.
Topics of the book: Christ as Personal Friend. Spiritual Intimacy with Jesus. The Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Living the Christian Life through Friendship with Christ.
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LIFE OF CHRIST
Fulton J. Sheen
Life of Christ by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is a powerful and eloquent account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sheen guides readers through the major events of the Gospels, bringing the person of Jesus vividly to life. The book explores Christ’s birth, teachings, miracles, passion, and triumph over death, revealing the divine purpose behind every moment. Sheen reflects on the mystery of the Incarnation and the profound love that led Christ to the Cross.
Written in beautiful, accessible language, the book is both intellectually rich and spiritually nourishing. It invites readers not just to learn about Christ, but to encounter Him personally.
Topics of the book: The Incarnation of Christ. The Teachings and Parables of Jesus. The Miracles of Christ. The Passion and Crucifixion. The Resurrection and Victory over Death.
HEROES OF GOD
Henri Daniel-Rops
Heroes of God by Henri Daniel-Rops is an inspiring collection of short biographies that brings to life the stories of saints and holy men and women throughout Christian history. With vivid storytelling and historical insight, Daniel-Rops presents these figures not as distant icons, but as real people who lived with courage, faith, and deep love for God. The book covers a wide range of individuals - from early martyrs to medieval mystics and modern-day witnesses - showing how each responded to God’s call in their own unique way. Their lives are presented as examples of holiness, perseverance, and divine grace at work in human hearts. Daniel-Rops writes with both reverence and clarity, making these spiritual heroes accessible and relatable.
Heroes of God is an invitation to discover the richness of the Church’s spiritual heritage and to be inspired to live one’s own faith more fully. Ideal for young readers, adults, and anyone seeking encouragement on the journey of faith.
Topics of the book: The Lives of saints like Saint Paul, Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Junípero Serra, Saint Charles de Foucauld, Saint Damien of Molokai and others.
THE SHATTERING OF LONELINESS: ON CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCE
Erik Varden
The Shattering of Loneliness: On Christian Remembrance by Erik Varden is a profound meditation on the Christian practice of remembrance and its power to heal solitude and isolation. Varden explores how remembering God’s faithfulness transforms our inner loneliness into a shared communion with Christ. The book reflects on how memory anchors us in God’s presence, helping us to overcome despair and find true belonging. Varden also delves into the role of the Eucharist and prayer in deepening this spiritual remembrance. Through poetic and reflective prose, he invites readers to rediscover the richness of Christian memory as a source of hope and consolation.
Topics of the book: Christian Remembrance. Loneliness. The Power of Memory in Faith. The Role of the Eucharist and Prayer. Healing through Divine Companionship.
ENTERING THE TWOFOLD MYSTERY: ON CHRISTIAN CONVERSION
Erik Varden
Entering the Twofold Mystery: On Christian Conversion by Erik Varden is a deeply reflective exploration of what it truly means to be converted to Christ. Rooted in Scripture, tradition, and personal insight, Varden presents conversion not as a one-time event, but as an ongoing journey into the mystery of God and the mystery of oneself. The “twofold mystery” refers to the transformative meeting between divine grace and human vulnerability. Varden reflects on the ways we resist change and how God patiently draws us into deeper communion.
Topics of the book: The Nature of Christian Conversion. The Twofold Mystery: God and the Self. Resistance and Surrender. The Role of Grace in Transformation.
YOUCAT: YOUTH CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
YOUCAT: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church is a clear, engaging, and accessible presentation of Catholic teaching, designed especially for young people. Commissioned by Pope Benedict XVI, it explains the faith of the Church in a language and style suited to today’s youth, while remaining faithful to the Catechism.
The book covers key topics such as what we believe, how we worship, how we live, and how we pray. It includes quotes from Scripture, saints, and Church documents, along with illustrations and personal reflections.
YOUCAT encourages readers to understand, embrace, and live out their faith with confidence and joy. A wonderful resource for deepening one’s relationship with Christ and the Church.
Topics of the book: What We Believe (The Creed). How We Celebrate (The Sacraments). How We Live (Moral Life). How We Pray (Prayer and Spiritual Life).
GOD IS LOVE: DEUS CARITAS EST
Pope Benedict XVI
God is Love: Deus Caritas Est is Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical, offering a profound reflection on the nature of Christian love. He explores the unity between eros (human love) and agape (divine love), showing how authentic love finds its fullness in God. The encyclical is divided into two parts: the first is theological, examining how God’s love is revealed through Christ; the second is pastoral, focusing on the Church’s mission to express that love through charity and service. Pope Benedict reminds us that “being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”
Written with clarity and depth, God is Love: Deus Caritas Est invites all Christians to live love as a response to God’s love for us.
Topics of the book: The Nature of Christian Love. God’s Love Revealed in Christ. Love as the Heart of the Christian Life.
SAINT PAUL
Pope Benedict XVI
Saint Paul by Pope Benedict XVI is a compelling introduction to the life, mission, and spiritual legacy of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Drawn from the Pope’s catechesis during the Year of Saint Paul, the book offers clear and thoughtful reflections on Paul’s conversion, his missionary journeys, and his profound theological insights. Pope Benedict presents Paul as a passionate witness to Christ, whose writings continue to shape the Church’s understanding of faith, grace, and salvation. The book explores key themes from Paul’s letters, such as justification by faith, the role of the Church, and the power of the Cross. It also highlights Paul’s deep personal relationship with Christ, rooted in love and total self-giving.
Topics of the book: The Conversion of Saint Paul. Paul’s Missionary Journeys. Key Themes in Paul’s Letters. Paul’s Personal Relationship with Christ. Paul as a Model of Discipleship.
JESUS, THE APOSTLES, AND THE EARLY CHURCH
Pope Benedict XVI
Jesus, the Apostles, and the Early Church by Pope Benedict XVI offers a rich and accessible overview of the foundations of Christian faith and community. Drawing from his public catechesis, the Pope presents the lives and missions of Jesus’ closest followers - the Apostles - and the birth of the early Church. Each chapter reflects on how these first witnesses responded to Christ’s call and helped to spread the Gospel across the ancient world. The book highlights the unity, struggles, and growth of the early Church as a model for Christian life today.
Topics of the book: The Life and Mission of Jesus. The Calling of the Apostles. The Birth of the Early Church. Apostolic Teaching and Tradition.
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CATHOLICISM: A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE FAITH
Robert Barron
Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith by Robert Barron is a compelling and richly illustrated exploration of the beauty, truth, and goodness of the Catholic faith. Drawing on Scripture, history, art, and theology, Barron invites readers to rediscover the core beliefs and practices that have shaped Catholicism over two millennia. The book covers key themes such as the mystery of God, the life of Jesus Christ, the Church’s sacraments, and the call to holiness. Barron brings alive the richness of Catholic tradition and its relevance for today.
Topics of the book: The Mystery of God. The Person and Mission of Jesus Christ. The Church and the Sacraments. The Communion of Saints and Mary. Living the Faith in the Modern World.
THIS IS MY BODY: A CALL TO EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
Robert Barron
This Is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival by Robert Barron is a passionate invitation to rediscover the central mystery of the Catholic faith - the Eucharist. Barron explores the profound meaning of the Mass and the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, calling all believers to a deeper reverence and devotion. The book reflects on the biblical foundations of the Eucharist, its historical development, and its transformative power in the life of the Church and the individual. Barron highlights how the Eucharist nourishes the spiritual life, strengthens community, and sends us forth to serve others.
Topics of the book: The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist. The Eucharist as Spiritual Nourishment. The Eucharist and Christian Community. Living a Eucharistic Life.
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HOPE: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Pope Francis
Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis offers a deeply personal and inspiring account of his life, faith, and vision for the Church. In this candid narrative, Pope Francis shares his journey from his early years in Argentina to his election as the Bishop of Rome. The book reveals his reflections on hope as a vital force that sustains faith amid challenges and uncertainty. He speaks openly about his spiritual struggles, his commitment to social justice, and the importance of mercy and compassion. Throughout, Pope Francis invites readers to embrace hope as a way to transform personal and global difficulties. His story is marked by humility, courage, and a profound trust in God’s providence.
Topics of the book: Pope Francis’s Early Life and Formation. Journey to the Papacy. The Role of Hope in Faith. Commitment to Mercy and Social Justice.