10 Classic Catholic Books Every Catholic Should Read
Quick answer
Ten classics of Catholic spirituality are the Confessions, the Life of St. Anthony, the Rule of St. Benedict, The Imitation of Christ, the Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena, The Interior Castle, Introduction to the Devout Life, True Devotion to Mary, The Glories of Mary and Story of a Soul.
Key takeaways
- Spiritual reading has always been a valued part of Catholic life.
- Beginners do well to start with Story of a Soul, the Confessions or Introduction to the Devout Life.
- Read slowly and prayerfully, a little at a time.
St. Alphonsus Liguori taught that spiritual reading is hardly less useful than mental prayer. These ten books have nourished Catholics for centuries.
1. Confessions, St. Augustine
The story of a restless heart that finally found God, written as a prayer. Read our life of St. Augustine.
2. The Life of St. Anthony, St. Athanasius
The fourth-century biography that inspired monks across the Christian world. It is a good doorway to the Desert Fathers.
3. The Rule of St. Benedict
A short and humane guide to community life. Its wisdom on listening, work and prayer applies to any family or parish.
4. The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis
A small book of great depth on humility and friendship with Jesus. See our reader’s guide.
5. The Dialogue, St. Catherine of Siena
A conversation between God and the soul, by a Doctor of the Church who dictated it in 1378.
6. The Interior Castle, St. Teresa of Avila
The soul pictured as a castle with many rooms, and God at its center. It suits those who want to go deeper in prayer.
7. Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales
Written in 1609 for lay people. It is gentle, practical and full of good sense.
8. True Devotion to Mary, St. Louis de Montfort
The classic text on consecrating oneself to Jesus through Mary. His Secret of the Rosary is a helpful companion.
9. The Glories of Mary, St. Alphonsus Liguori
A warm commentary on the Hail, Holy Queen by the founder of the Redemptorists. Read about St. Alphonsus. His True Spouse of Jesus Christ was written for religious.
10. Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse of Lisieux
The memoir of a young Carmelite, and the source of the Little Way. Read about St. Thérèse.
How to Read Spiritual Books
- Choose one book and stay with it.
- Read a few pages a day, ideally before prayer.
- Stop when something moves you.
- Ask a priest or a trusted friend if you are unsure about anything.
Older books were written for their own times. Read them with gratitude, and in harmony with the Church’s teaching today.
A Prayer Before Spiritual Reading (Original Prayer)
Lord, speak to me through the saints. Let what I read become what I live. Amen.
Continue Reading
Explore the Catholic Bible and early Christian writings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Catholic book for beginners?
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales was written for ordinary people living in the world, and it remains a very good place to start.
Are these books free online?
Many older translations are in the public domain and can be read free of charge. Modern translations are often easier to read.
Sources
- St. Alphonsus Liguori on spiritual reading
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 2653-2654, 2705-2708
