Further Reading
The journey of faith is a lifelong path of discovery, discovering God’s truth, His unending love, and His continual invitation to holiness. For Catholics, this journey is not walked alone; it is guided and nourished by sacred Scripture, the teachings of our Holy Mother Church, and the wisdom and witness of countless saints and scholars who have gone before us. Just as the body becomes stronger through repeated physical exercise, the soul grows and deepens through spiritual exercise. Prayer, study, reflection, and participation in the sacramental life are like training for the heart and mind: the more we engage with them, the more our spiritual resilience, understanding, and love for God grow. Faith is not simply something we possess, it is something we practise, strengthen, and allow to transform us over time. In this spirit, we offer a curated collection of essential Catholic reading for all who wish to understand and live their faith more fully. These works invite every reader to stretch the heart and mind, to enter more deeply into prayer and contemplation, and to walk ever closer to Christ and the heart of His Church. Whether you are taking your first steps in faith, returning after time away, or seeking to grow in holiness, these writings provide a firm foundation on which to build a rich and enduring spiritual life.
Enrich and Strengthen Your Faith
“To know God more deeply, we must learn to love Him through His Word and His Church.”
The journey of faith is a lifelong encounter with truth and love. These works ancient and modern invite the reader to grow in knowledge, prayer, and devotion, drawing ever closer to Christ and His Church.
1. The Holy Bible (Catholic Edition)
The inspired Word of God revealing His plan of salvation. Recommended translations: ESV-CE.
2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The definitive summary of doctrine, Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, and Prayer, offering a complete guide to the faith.
3. The Compendium of the Catechism
A concise question & answer companion to the full Catechism, ideal for study or reflection.
4. The Lives of the Saints
Stories of holiness through the centuries; begin with Butler’s Lives of the Saints or The Oxford Dictionary of Saints.
5. The Imitation of Christ – Thomas à Kempis
A devotional classic urging humility, simplicity, and love of God above all things.
6. Confessions - St Augustine of Hippo
A spiritual autobiography of conversion and grace, a profound testimony of divine mercy.
7. Introduction to the Devout Life – St Francis de Sales
Guidance for laypeople seeking holiness amid daily duties through patience and prayer.
8. Story of a Soul – St Thérèse of Lisieux
Teaches the “Little Way” of love and trust, finding holiness in ordinary moments.
9. The Way, The Furrow, and The Forge – St Josemaría Escrivá
Short reflections inspiring holiness in daily work and family life.
10. The Documents of the Second Vatican Council
Essential texts such as Lumen Gentium and Dei Verbum, guiding the Church’s mission in the modern world.
11. The Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours)
The Church’s daily formal prayer uniting the faithful worldwide in praise and Scripture.
12. Deus Caritas Est – Pope Benedict XVI
A reflection on the unity of divine and human love, the essence of Christian charity.
13. The Screwtape Letters – C. S. Lewis
A creative exploration of temptation and virtue through witty, insightful correspondence.
14. YouCat – The Youth Catechism
Accessible Catholic teaching for young believers and those new to the faith.
15. The Spirit of the Liturgy – Pope Benedict XVI
An inspiring reflection on the sacred meaning of liturgy at the heart of Christian life.
16. The Everlasting Man – G. K. Chesterton
A powerful defence of Christian truth tracing humanity’s search for God to the Incarnation.
17. Orthodoxy – G. K. Chesterton
Faith rediscovered through reason and joy; a lively testament to belief in Christ.
18. Mere Christianity – C. S. Lewis
A reasoned and heartfelt explanation of Christian belief and moral life.
19. Theology and Sanity – Frank Sheed
Shows that faith and intellect are harmonious, deepening understanding of the mysteries of God.
20. The Interior Castle – St Teresa of Ávila
Describes the soul’s journey toward divine union through prayer and virtue.
21. Dark Night of the Soul – St John of the Cross
Explores the soul’s purification through trial, leading to perfect love of God.
22. The Seven Storey Mountain – Thomas Merton
A moving modern conversion story and invitation to contemplative living.
23. The Fulfilment of All Desire – Ralph Martin
A synthesis of Catholic mystics offering practical guidance toward holiness.
24. Rome Sweet Home – Scott and Kimberly Hahn
A joyful account of conversion to the Catholic Church, rich in scriptural insight.
25. Hail, Holy Queen – Scott Hahn
A biblical exploration of the Blessed Virgin’s role in salvation history.
26. Jesus of Nazareth (Trilogy) – Pope Benedict XVI
A scholarly yet prayerful portrayal of Christ drawn directly from the Gospels.
27. The Apostolic Fathers (Early Christian Writings)
Letters and sermons from the Church’s earliest leaders, preserving apostolic faith.
28. The Cloud of Unknowing (Anonymous 14th C.)
A classic of English mysticism teaching contemplative prayer through love beyond understanding.
29. The Navarre Bible Commentary Series
Scripture with commentary drawn from the Fathers, Magisterium, and spiritual tradition.
30. The Didache – Teaching of the Twelve Apostles
A first-century guide to Christian life and worship, echoing the earliest Church.
“Read to pray, pray to understand.” St Jerome
Faith grows when it is nourished by truth, reflection, and prayer.