Spiritual

Read the same wisdom that has inspired many great saints.

Since the beginning of creation, men and women have been made to share in the very life of God. Yet the constant call to holiness is often met with the distractions and temptations of the world. 

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis, speaks directly to this struggle: How can we live in the world while pursuing Christ and a life of holiness?

Rooted in Scripture, The Imitation of Christ offers practical wisdom for daily Christian living, helping us loosen our grip on worldly concerns so that we may hold fast to Christ. 

This spiritual masterpiece has shaped the lives of countless saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas More, St. Ignatius of Loyola and continues to guide ordinary people in their every walk of life.

Written with an exclusive translation, Ascension’s edition of The Imitation of Christ presents all the teachings of this classic in a fresh, accessible way, making it the perfect companion for anyone seeking to grow in prayer, faith, and intimacy with Jesus.

This special edition includes:

• Expert commentary to illuminate and contextualize the text
• An exclusive English translation by Fr. Dylan Schrader which is faithful to the original translation, yet accessible for today’s reader
• Beautiful sacred art insert of Christ the King from Ascension’s Sacred Art Collection of Holy Men and Women by Tianna Williams
• A general introduction to set the stage for your reading
• Elegant design with a hard, leatherlike cover, foil stamping, and a ribbon bookmark—ideal for prayer, reflection, and daily use

While reading The Imitation of Christ, you will draw closer to God through wisdom that has inspired saints for centuries, and walking step by step toward a life more fully united with Christ.

Help get to the root of sin in your life with Fr. Josh Johnson’s simple method.

Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins is a beautiful, prayerful book by Fr. Josh Johnson that helps readers better understand the ways sin affects them in their daily lives, gives practical guidance and accompaniment, and reminds them of the power of surrendering to God in these areas and enlisting his help on the journey.

The small but powerful book by Fr. Josh Johnson helps Catholics learn how to overcome patterns of sin and strengthen their relationship with God as a result.

Fr. Josh  leads readers through a 7-day plan using his exclusive 3Rs system: Resolving to grow in the virtues that oppose the sin by using Scripture, renouncing the lie, and remembering God’s love. This 7-day plan for each vice helps Catholics conquer the battle against that particular sin and grow in virtue.

Begin the journey as Fr. Josh accompanies Catholics in a gentle way on: 

• What each of the seven deadly sins are
• How to identify if one struggles with a type of sin 
• How to strengthen the fight against sin through prayer
• Reflection questions to help readers understand the sin’s effects
• The practical 7-day challenge and tips for overcoming each individual sin
• A daily examination of conscience to help readers evaluate wins and growth areas.

Ultimately, Catholics will be inspired to seek God’s grace, forgiveness, and help as they battle against the effects of sin in their lives.

Not only does this resource help readers better understand the ways sin affects them in their daily lives, but it also reminds them of the power of surrendering to God in our struggles, and enlisting his help on the journey.

Develop a daily habit of prayerful conversation with the Lord with Pocket Guide to Prayer. 

Pocket Guide to Prayer is a beautiful, inspiring book written by Edward and Beth Sri, with contributor Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, that gives anyone confidence in knowing God and building a relationship with him. As an "on-ramp" into understanding the various tools for prayer that the Church offers us, this pocket guide will help Catholics build a fulfilled and deeply satisfying prayer life. 

This short but complete guide helps Catholics enter into prayer with more consistency and devotion. It empowers anyone on their faith journey to prioritize daily conversation with God.

Filled with insight on many facets of prayer, Edward and Beth with Fr. Mark-Mary show Catholics how to:

• Get started with prayer
• Understand vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation
• Learn how to respond to distractions, dryness, and other common struggles experienced in prayer without being discouraged
• Shape their lives around a habit of prayer
• Build a life of prayer in the family and the home
• Understand popular devotions
• And more!

Through practical tips and personal stories, Pocket Guide to Prayer empowers Catholics to approach the Lord in their daily life through prayer each and every day.

“Pocket Guide to Prayer is an easy to read introduction to the spiritual life. This informative and practical resource will both inspire and encourage the reader to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through daily prayer.”

–Fr. Josh Johnson

It's not always possible to control external events. There are so many things that are outside our control: the past, what others think of us, chronic health issues, other peoples' actions, the weather, unforeseen events. This list goes on and on.

It is possible, though, to gain more control over our interior life.

In his book Interior Freedom, Fr. Jacques Phillipe shows us that we possess, each of us, inside of us a space of freedom that no-one can take away. Despite the most unfavorable outward circumstances, we can claim our freedom because God is its source and its guarantee. Without this, we will always be in search for something else to fulfill us, and we will never understand true happiness.

Prepared by the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey in Missouri, this edition presents these moving passages of the Bible in an accurate and poetic translation, while keeping a smooth cadence especially suited to singing and recitation.

It establishes the definitive form of psalms and canticles that will gradually appear in official Catholic liturgical books such as future editions of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Lectionary for Mass.

Liturgy directors, composers, parish music directors, and the clergy, religious, and lay faithful will value this collection. Anyone who loves to study and pray with Sacred Scripture will find this work to be a timeless treasure.

This timely compilation of John Henry Cardinal Newman's own words on a wide variety of subjects will inspire readers to live an authentic Christian life. Brother Berry's careful selections convey the heart of Newman's teachings, story, and spirit, deepening your familiarity with this saintly and influential man of God.

As an Anglican priest, Newman led the Oxford Movement that sought to return the Church of England to its Catholic roots. His conversion to Catholicism in 1845 rocked Victorian England. After becoming an Oratorian priest, he was involved in the establishment of the Birmingham Oratory.

Published: September 1, 2010

Pages: 128

Size: 5 x 7

ISBN: 9780764819100

he Confessions of Saint Augustine is considered one of the greatest Christian classics of all time. It is an extended poetic, passionate, intimate prayer that Augustine wrote as an autobiography sometime after his conversion, to confess his sins and proclaim God's goodness. Just as his first hearers were captivated by his powerful conversion story, so also have many millions been over the following sixteen centuries. His experience of God speaks to us across time with little need of transpositions.

This acclaimed new translation by Sister Maria Boulding, O.S.B., masterfully captures his experience, and is written in an elegant and flowing style. Her beautiful contemporary translation of the ancient Confessions makes the classic work more accessible to modern readers. Her translation combines the linguistic accuracy demanded by 4th-century Latin with the poetic power aimed at by Augustine, not as discernible in previous translations.

• Format: Paperback
• ISBN/UPC: 9781586176839
• Publication date: July 16, 2012
• Height: 8
• Size: 5.2 x 1.4
• Pages: 522

Gay and Catholic: Accepting My Sexuality, Finding Community, Living My Faith

In this first book from an openly lesbian and celibate Catholic, widely published writer and blogger Eve Tushnet recounts her spiritual and intellectual journey from liberal atheism to faithful Catholicism and shows how gay Catholics can love and be loved while adhering to Church teaching.

Eve Tushnet was among the unlikeliest of converts. The only child of two atheist academics, Tushnet was a typical Yale undergraduate until the day she went out to poke fun at a gathering of philosophical debaters, who happened also to be Catholic. Instead of enjoying mocking what she termed the zoo animals, she found herself engaged in intellectual conversation with them and, in a move that surprised even her, she soon converted to Catholicism. Already self-identifying as a lesbian, Tushnet searched for a third way in the seeming two-option system available to gay Catholics: reject Church teaching on homosexuality or reject the truth of your sexuality. Gay and Catholic: Accepting My Sexuality, Finding Community, Living My Faith is the fruit of Tushnet"s searching: what she learned in studying Christian history and theology and her articulation of how gay Catholics can pour their love and need for connection into friendships, community, service, and artistic creation.

Author: Eve Tushnet

ISBN: 9781594715426

5.5" x 8.5" Paperback

224 Pages

On-sale date: October 20, 2014

A new era begins for the Church with Pope Leo XIV—Augustinian friar, missionary for distant lands, bishop among the poor, prefect entrusted with appointing pastors throughout the world, and now successor to Peter.

Above all, Leo XIV has proven to be a tireless seeker of Truth. His vocation was born of that restlessness of heart to which Saint Augustine gave expression: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” In the Augustinian spirit, Leo XIV has trusted the power of the gospel to shape his style: humble yet firm, quiet yet courageous. His path has been marked by service, listening, and quiet fidelity—a shepherd who walks with seekers, unafraid of their questions, patient in accompaniment.

So, what does Pope Leo XIV want us to know in order to live the gospel more faithfully? How can we ensure that Christ remains the center of our lives? Leo XIV invites us to live a faith that is alive and open to the world. The following pages explore ten themes inspired by his first Urbi et Orbi blessing as Peter’s successor, given on May 8, 2025. Here we’re invited to embrace a posture of listening from one who has made that his life’s work.

“These men teach us how to grow as Christians by walking the way of the Cross. The Cross is as close to us as the limitations of our own humanity. The Cross is woven into all our relationships. Drawing closer to God is infinitely rewarding but also terribly hard, and demands everything from us. Living in community fortifies our identity and sustains our purpose, but it also confronts us with the whole range of human weakness, starting with our own. St. Anthony was left to battle wild beasts, feeling that God had abandoned him. St. Benedict was nearly poisoned twice by men who should have been his closest friends and collaborators. The wisdom that is enshrined in these monastic rules was hard-won and continues to speak to all of us who are trying to be faithful followers of Christ!”

–Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB

The powerful witness of the Church’s early saints gives guidance on striving for heaven to all the faithful.

A beautiful compilation of influential and inspiring works by saints and doctors of the Church, these classic yet relevant texts were written by the early monastic fathers:

• St. Benedict of Nursia
• St. Gregory the Great
• St. Basil the Great
• St. Athanasius

Saints of the First Monasteries is a book about saints, written by saints who have had a great impact on the Church. It contains four unabridged, foundational texts:

• The Life of St. Anthony written by St. Athanasius
• The Greater Rule of Our Holy Father Basil, Archbishop of Caesarea by St. Basil the Great
• The Life and Miracles of St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great
• The Rule of St. Benedict by St. Benedict of Nursia

Through these writings, gain deeper insight on subjects like:

• embracing Christ and the Cross
• living a communal life
• revitalizing and renewing the Church and your own heart

This timeless Catholic Classics edition of Saints of the First Monasteries also includes:

• An introduction and commentary by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, Rev. Dr. Christiaan Kappes, and Jerome C. Foss, PhD
• A full-color image of St. Benedict from Ascension’s Sacred Art Collection of Holy Men and Women by Tianna Williams
• A leatherlike cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon

Classic and beautiful, this book draws all Catholics into a deeper relationship with God in their pursuit of holiness through the honest, authentic wisdom from some of the Church’s greatest saints.

The official Carmelite translation of Story of a Soul, now enhanced with expert commentary, new sacred art, and a companion podcast!

One of the most beloved spiritual classics of the Church, Story of a Soul reveals how St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way” leads us to holiness through humility, trust, and love, even in the face of great suffering.

This is the only edition that features:

• A foreword by Cardinal Anders Arborelius, O.C.D.
• Insightful commentary by Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., and Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
• The complete English translation from Thérèse’s original, unedited manuscripts—and the only translation authorized by the Carmelite Order
• 25 historical images from the life of St. Thérèse, provided by the Carmelite Order and thoughtfully woven throughout the text
• A comprehensive appendix including St. Thérèse's explanation of her coat of arms, a chronology, a biblical index, and more.
• The Catholic Classics podcast with Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, O.C.D., featuring a full audio reading, expert reflections, and a free reading plan

The timeless spiritual classic—now beautifully refreshed with a new translation, sacred art, and a companion podcast.

For over 1,500 years, The Confessions of St. Augustine has captivated readers as one of the most powerful and personal works of a Doctor of the Church. Written as a prayer to God, it reveals Augustine’s journey from sin to sanctity, bearing witness to God’s transformative grace and the soul’s longing for heaven.

Now, this enduring work is available in a stunning new edition—the only one to feature:

• A fresh, faithful translation, developed in consultation with the original Latin, by Dr. Matthew K. Minerd
• Insightful commentary from Dominican friars Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.
• Striking new sacred art of St. Augustine by Tianna Williams
• The Catholic Classics podcast with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., featuring a full audio reading, expert reflections, and a free reading plan

Rediscover a masterpiece of conversion, grace, and the restless heart—made beautifully accessible for today’s reader.

A message from the Catholic Classics podcast hosts:

“Some books simply need to be read. The book that you hold in your hands is one of them. The Confessions of St. Augustine is a classic of Christian spirituality. For centuries it has rewarded its readers with a wealth of insight into God, self, evil, and the whole range of human experience. With each generation, it continues to draw men and women into a profound encounter with the living God. By the intercession of St. Augustine and through his modest and humble confession, may we set out with renewed fervor in our own conversion.”

—Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.

Advice and encouragement for lay Catholics pursuing a personal relationship with God from a Doctor of the Church.

The first book of the Catholic Classics series, Introduction to the Devout Life is an updated translation of St. Francis de Sales’ original text that makes this key work of Catholic Tradition approachable to modern readers.

Written as a letter to St. Francis’ lay cousin, this classic yet relevant text features advice on the questions that members of the Catholic laity often ask themselves, such as:

• Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life?
  
• What do spiritual meditation and prayer look like amid the demands of daily life?
  
• How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound?
  
• Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task?
  
• And more!
  

Written by Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales to offer sound preaching and clear instruction for Catholics and translated by Matthew K. Minerd to renew Catholics’ understanding and appreciation of this classic Catholic work, Introduction to the Devout Life promises that “it is possible to have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus, regardless of the demands of everyday life.”

This special version includes:

• The complete English translation of St. Francis de Sales’ 17th century work (which is not available in all translations)
  
• Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message
  
• Expert commentary from Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. introducing each section
  
• A leather-like cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon

This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation.

With Frassati’s famous motto Verso l’alto (To the Heights), this book challenges you to rise to the occasion and live your Catholic faith with courageous action. Whether you’re seeking holiness, joy, or a deeper purpose in your life, Pier Giorgio is inviting you to follow him.

Are you ready to take your Catholic faith to new heights? The Frassati Field Guide invites you to walk in the footsteps of one of the Catholic Church’s newest saints, Pier Giorgio Frassati—a fearless adventurer, passionate mountain climber, joyful servant to the poor, and bold witness to Christ. Throughout his life, Pier Giorgio proved that living the faith is not just about words but about daring action and joyful sacrifice.

In this inspiring guide, Bobby Angel—mountain guide and retreat leader—leads you through an eight-day journey that challenges you to live with the same boldness, purpose, and vitality that Pier Giorgio did. Each day is centered on a powerful virtue that shaped his remarkable life, including:

• Words of Wisdom from Frassati himself, inspiring you to live fully;
• Practical Insights showing how he turned his Catholic beliefs into action in every moment;
• Journaling Prompts that help you apply Frassati’s witness to your own life;
• Challenges that push you to step outside your comfort zone and take bold action;
• Daily Prayers to unite your efforts with God’s will for your life.

The Frassati Field Guide is more than just a book—it’s a call to adventure! Discover Pier Giorgio’s passions, from hiking the mountains to praying before the Blessed Sacrament to serving his friends and the poor. He lived each day infused with faith, joy, and love, and this guide will help you do the same, one step at a time.

Will you answer the call? Step out, live boldly, and let your Catholic faith soar!

Pages: 96

Size: 5x7

A new era begins for the Church with Pope Leo XIV—Augustinian friar, missionary for distant lands, bishop among the poor, prefect entrusted with appointing pastors throughout the world, and now successor to Peter.

Above all, Leo XIV has proven to be a tireless seeker of Truth. His vocation was born of that restlessness of heart to which Saint Augustine gave expression: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” In the Augustinian spirit, Leo XIV has trusted the power of the gospel to shape his style: humble yet firm, quiet yet courageous. His path has been marked by service, listening, and quiet fidelity—a shepherd who walks with seekers, unafraid of their questions, patient in accompaniment.

So, what does Pope Leo XIV want us to know in order to live the gospel more faithfully? How can we ensure that Christ remains the center of our lives? Leo XIV invites us to live a faith that is alive and open to the world. The following pages explore ten themes inspired by his first Urbi et Orbi blessing as Peter’s successor, given on May 8, 2025. Here we’re invited to embrace a posture of listening from one who has made that his life’s work.

Coached by Joan of Arc book is a dialogue between the reader and Joan of Arc, the woman Mark Twain called “easily and by far the most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced.”

As we explore her virtue-infused life, this astonishingly modern woman takes us by the hand, coaches us, whispers wise advice and lessons in noble leadership in our ear. Far from being anachronistic, her way of life and virtuous example is eternally new, for she follows precepts that are above human weakness.

Joan is for all of us – men and women of today, living and working in the midst of the world. She is for us all a coach, a mother, and an excellent teacher of the elevated, virtuous, and courageous life.

St. Paul’s initial transformation was a dramatic shift from Saul to Paul, from persecutor to believer, from darkness to light. And yet, the scales falling from his eyes was only the beginning: he lived and taught the lesson of transformation for the rest of his life. 

St. Thérèse of Lisieux sought a new way to Heaven: “a little way that is quite straight, quite short: a completely new little way.” Blessed with personal limitations that might have discouraged another, Thérèse believed God would not have given her a desire for holiness if He did not intend for her to achieve it. She learned to humbly accept herself as she was and trust completely in God’s love. 

First given as a retreat by renowned author Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love navigates excerpts of St. Thérèse’s writings phrase by phrase, extracting powerful, resonating insights. To Thérèse, the journey seemed “little” as she traveled it. A hundred and fifteen years after her death, the message of the young saint and Doctor of the Church has traveled around the world inspiring millions. With this newly translated study of her spirituality, many today will rediscover—or find for the first time—the relevance of “the little way,” in all seasons of life.

The Gospel of St. Matthew Shares with us astonishing words of Jesus: a promise of everlasting happiness, far removed from the usual recipes for gratification.

Blessed are the poor in spirit! Blessed are those who mourn! 
Happy are the meek!...

Fr. Jacques shares with us a profound clarity to the full scope of meaning behind Christ’s eight beatitudes, and in turn, outlines for us a way in which we can live them in our daily lives. We learn how each beatitude gives insight into how we can situate ourselves in an honest and fulfilling relationship with God, with oneself, and with others, and how to confront head-on the difficult realities of life.

We live in a day and age characterized by an extraordinary amount of agitation and lack of peace. This tendency manifests itself in our spiritual as well as our secular life. In our search for God and holiness, in our service to our neighbor, a kind of restlessness and anxiety take the place of the confidence and peace which ought to be ours. What must we do to overcome the moments of fear and distress which assail us all too often in our lives? How can we learn to place all our confidence in God and abandon ourselves into his loving care? This is what is taught in this simple, yet profound little treatise on peace of heart. Taking concrete examples from our everyday life, the author invites us to respond in a Gospel fashion to the upsetting situations we must all confront. Since peace of heart is a pure gift of God, it is something we should seek, pursue and ask him for without cease. Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe is here to help us in that pursuit.

Where do we find the answers to the challenges of our time? Fr. Jacques Philippe asserts that the answers – which can renew the Church and save the world – can be found in the “living contact with the mystery of God in prayer.”

Drawing on quotes from the saints, scripture, and the Catechism, the authors “communicate the thirst for an encounter with God in prayer” and “provide the means to persevere faithfully in the practice of meditation.”

But how can God’s Word dwell in us if we haven’t memorized it? How can it comfort and guide us if it doesn’t live in our hearts?

In Memorize Scripture, Catholic speaker, podcaster, and worship leader Jackie Francois Angel invites you on a 12-month journey into the timeless beauty and transformative power of scripture memorization. With 120 carefully selected verses, each organized into 12 thematic chapters, Jackie equips you with practical tools to make memorization simple, meaningful, and accessible.

Drawing from her own experiences of falling in love with God’s Word, Jackie reveals hidden treasures within each verse—uncovering layers of wisdom that have illuminated her own faith journey. From the comforting embrace of Psalms to the profound teachings of the Gospels, Jackie shares firsthand how scripture can become a constant companion, echoing in your heart and guiding your every step.

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Eucharistic worship with Behold, Believe, Become—where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the Mass becomes a soul-saving, life-changing encounter with Christ, our Eucharistic Lord.

In Behold, Believe, Become, Timothy P. O’Malley, a distinguished leader in the Eucharistic Revival movement and bestselling author of Becoming Eucharistic People and Real Presence, shows you how to see differently—through newly formed habits of contemplation—fifteen ordinary, physical things that the Church uses at Mass to point us toward Christ. You will explore layers of meaning found in noble doors and stained-glass windows, sunlight and water, oil and fire, altars and church pews, and bread and wine become Body and Blood. O’Malley helps you see how each element tells us something about who Christ is and who we are to become as Christian people.

Inspired by the towering genius of the twentieth-century liturgical movement, Fr. Romano Guardini (1865–1968), O’Malley offers an unconventional walk through the Mass, highlighting that “matter matters.” This book doesn’t delve into the intricate history of Eucharistic Prayers or the doctrinal meaning of various words and actions. Instead, it provides a unique exploration of the material stuff of the Mass that we encounter from the time we enter the church until the time we depart at the end.

Follow the spiritual wisdom of one of the twentieth century’s great theologians, Romano Guardini, as you prepare your mind, body, and heart for Mass. Guardini’s sacramental imagination influenced the liturgical renewal that took shape in the Second Vatican Council, and has been highly praised by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

Romano Guardini’s Meditations before Mass and Sacred Signs collects two seminal works from Guardini that are both filled with brief meditations on the fundamental elements and actions of the liturgy. Taken together, these two classics provide readers with a treasure-trove of reflections on the source and summit of Christian life—The Eucharist.

A friend’s child dies; a parent gets a cancer diagnosis; your spouse loses their job. Sometimes life and God’s plan don’t make sense and we end up feeling hurt and angry.

In Seriously, God?, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran explore the denial, doubt, and betrayal we experience when we face hardship, pain, and grief, and they encourage us to lean into our feelings and to take each circumstance as a chance to learn more about God.

Do you question whether God really exists? Have you considered walking away from your faith because you’ve been hurt by someone in the Church or because you struggle with some of its teachings? Or maybe you’ve already left? Are you carrying around guilt for something you’ve done and don’t feel you are worthy of God’s love?

Rebuilt Faith, written by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—authors of the bestselling book Rebuilt—proposes five simple steps to learn (or relearn) more about your Catholic faith and deepen your relationship with God.

In Rebuilt Faith, you will learn that rebuilding and renewing your faith starts with a nagging feeling that you want something more—more connectedness, more community, and more purpose. That’s the spark that leads to a flame that burns brightly around Jesus, the foundation of living and growing in faith.

ISBN: 9781646802012

Paper back