Reading Roundup
The practice of spiritual reading has been central to monastic life from the very beginning - St. Benedict himself, father of Western monasticism, legislated for lectio divina (divine reading) of the Scriptures in his monasteries. Although we certainly spend a lot of time reading and praying with the Word of God, the wealth of nearly 2,000 years of Christian history means that there are also countless other works worthy of our attention.
Besides spiritual reading in the strict sense, there are also numerous works of prose and poetry, fiction and non-fiction, that can simultaneously entertain and nourish the soul. Furthermore, a good work of literary art can glorify God in its own right, as the author exercises in a beautiful way the artistic gifts which the Lord has given to him or her. A number of Sisters enjoy reading books of this sort during their personal time, as a way to relax and refresh the mind so as to be more attentive for prayer.
We thought you might enjoy this little glimpse at the books some of our Sisters are reading right now, whether for spiritual or recreational purposes. And if you’re not much of a reader … perhaps this just might inspire you to give one of these books a try!
Mother Mary Veronica
Psalms and Canticles by Pope St. John Paul II - A collection of his general audience meditations on the Psalms and Canticles for Lauds (Morning Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours). Mother shared that she really loves this book’s insights into the prayers we lift up each day in the name of the whole Church; she likes to read it right before we sing Lauds each morning.
Sr. Cecilia Maria
The Fruit of Her Womb by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB - Sister likes to make a special preparation each year for her renewal of Marian consecration on September 15th, and this is the book she’s using for 2026.
Treatise on the Love of God by St. Francis de Sales - A spiritual classic for Sister’s usual daily spiritual reading.
Dragons: A Roman Requiem by Fr. Joseph Carola, SJ - For feast day “fun reading,” Sister is enjoying a recently-published historical fiction novel by her former chaplain from when she studied in Rome.
Sr. Miriam Esther
Healing Wounds by Bishop Erik Varden, OCSO - Given as a gift for Mother Mary Veronica’s feastday; the title drew Sister in, and the very “Passionist” content (the Wounds of Jesus Crucified) held her.
I Believe In Love by Fr. Jean du Coeur de Jésus d'Elbée - Every year Sister renews her Consecration to Merciful Love on the Feast of St. Therese (October 1). This year, as she approaches perpetual vows at the end of the same month, she wanted to prepare more intentionally by a deep dive into Theresian spirituality.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - Sister hasn’t read these since she was a very young child and had them read to her … she shares that they are so much more wonderful and powerful and spiritually significant to read as an adult! She is on book 6 of 7 (The Silver Chair) right now.
Sr. Bethany Marie
The Science of the Cross by St. Edith Stein - Sister has been wanting to start reading St. John of the Cross, but she heard that it’s best to read him with a “companion.” What better companion, she thought, than his fellow Carmelite Saint, Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)?
Through the Heart of St. Joseph by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB - Sister is hoping to get to know St. Joseph better, as a real person.
Creative Intuition in Art and Poetry by Jacques Maritain - Sister has been doing a lot of creative writing in her free time, and she chose this book to help her explore the philosophy behind this art form.
Aspirants Marie and Morgan
Both: The Life of Christ by Ven. Fulton J. Sheen - This classic is one of the first books we give to our aspirants for spiritual reading and prayer, because it does such a beautiful job at showing how the Passion of Christ is foreshadowed throughout Jesus’ life. It’s especially meaningful to be reading it in the months leading up to Sheen’s beatification on September 24th!
Marie: The Sanctifier by Luis Martinez - A deep dive into the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual life.
Morgan: Jesus the Bridegroom (audio) by Dr. Brant Pitre - A full-length audio course that explores more deeply the “spousal character” of Christian life, described in Dr. Pitre’s book of the same name. An all-time favorite of our community!