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A Lenten reading list

By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Feb 10, 2022 | In Reviews

I asked three Catholic publishers—all known for their faithful Catholic work—to give me a short list of their best titles for Lenten reading. I have read some of them myself, and in all cases. the authors are known for their thoroughly Catholic spirituality.

These recommendations are listed in alphabetical order by the last name or the saint name of the author, in order to create a random arrangement of the respective publishers. In each case, I am providing a link to the web page where the item is thoroughly described and available for purchase (or, in the case of one video series, for streaming). By following the links you can get full details and decide whether or not to place an order.

Plan ahead to get some extra spiritual sustenance for Lent!


Mike Aquilina, How the Fathers Read the Bible: Scripture, Liturgy, and the Early Church. St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week. Ignatius Press.

John Bergsma, The Word of the Lord : Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings. St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

John Bergsma, The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Mass Readings for Solemnities and Feasts. St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Christopher Carstens, A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery: How Prayerful Participation in the Paschal Mysteries Brings Life, Joy, and Happiness. Sophia Institute Press.

Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ, He Leadeth Me: An Extraordinary Testament of Faith. Ignatius Press.

Claude de la Colombière, The Spiritual Direction of Saint Claude de la Colombière. Ignatius Press.

Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM, Happy are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom. Ignatius Press.

St. Faustina Kowalska, compiled by Susan Tassone, Praying with Jesus and Faustina During Lent and in Times of Suffering. Sophia Institute Press.

Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV, Jesus I Trust in You: A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust. St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, The Way of the Cross. Sophia Institute Press.

Scott Hahn (free Lenten video streaming), Journey through Lent. St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Scott Hahn & David Geisser, The Lenten Cookbook: With Essays by Scott Hahn. Sophia Institute Press.

Michael Hesemann, Jesus of Nazareth: Archaeologists Retracing the Footsteps of Christ. Ignatius Press.

Fr. Edward Looney, Lenten Journey with Mother Mary. Sophia Institute Press.

Mother Mary Francis, PCC, A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season. Ignatius Press.

François Mauriac, Holy Thursday: The Night that Changed the World (includes a preparatory meditation by St. Teresa of Calcutta). Sophia Institute Press.

Fr. A. G. Sertillanges, OP, What Jesus Saw From the Cross. Sophia Institute Press.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, The Cries of Jesus from the Cross: An Anthology. Sophia Institute Press.

Fr. Gerald Vann, OP: The Pain of Christ and Sorrow of God. Sophia Institute Press.

Jeffrey Mirus holds a Ph.D. in intellectual history from Princeton University. A co-founder of Christendom College, he also pioneered Catholic Internet services. He is the founder of Trinity Communications and CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.

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  • Posted by: Cinciradiopriest - Feb. 15, 2022 8:07 PM ET USA

    Fr. Neuhaus DEATH ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON is wonderful Lenten Reading as well.

  • Posted by: winnie - Feb. 12, 2022 1:19 PM ET USA

    He Leadeth Me and Happy Are You Poor continue to challenge me years after reading them the first time. They are transformative.