Cherie Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 Hey there everyone! I just wanted to let you know some good books you should DEFINITELY read if you are discerning religious life. Feel free to add any that you know of! [url="http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Christs-Virginity-Celibate/dp/0898701619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269443668&sr=1-1"]"...And You are Christ's" by Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM[/url] [url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/The-True-Spouse-of-Jesus-Christ"]The True Spouse of Jesus Christ by St. Alphonsus Liguori[/url] [url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage/product_id/512/keywords/sister+therese/"]My Sister St. Therese by Celine Martin (Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face)[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Therese-Lisieux-Testimonies-Process-Beatification/dp/0901810843"]St. Therese of Lisieux by Those Who Knew Her (the testimonies at her beatification)[/url] [url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/The-Soul-of-The-Apostolate"] The Soul of the Apostolate by Jean Baptiste Chautard[/url] Hope those are helpful to you! I know they were like REQUIRED READING for me!!!
Lilllabettt Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 [url="http://www.amazon.com/Believe-Love-Personal-Retreat-Teaching/dp/1928832288"]I Believe in Love[/url] by Jean C. J. d'Elbée
laetitia crucis Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 This is a most wonderful thread to start, CM! And providentially, I was just putting together my "Book Wish List" -- honest! I suppose you can imagine my thrill when I came to check out the VS after doing so. Just added some of these books to my list. I will mention some addition books that I have read and found very useful in discernment: - [url="http://www.amazon.com/Come-follow-Fr-Stephano-Manelli/dp/B0006S6RZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445509&sr=1-1"]Come and Follow Me[/url] by Fr. Stefano M. Manelli, FI - [url="http://www.amazon.com/Give-Your-Heart-Institute-Incarnate/dp/1933871245/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445556&sr=1-1"]Give Me Your Heart[/url] by IVE Press - [url="http://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Saint-Therese-Lisieux-Story/dp/0385029039/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445585&sr=1-2-spell"]The Story of a Soul[/url] by St. Therese of Lisieux - [url="http://www.amazon.com/When-God-Asks-Undivided-Heart/dp/1930314108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445411&sr=1-1"]When God Asks for an Undivided Heart[/url] by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR (This is a book the CFRs always recommend -- or give you if you don't have it -- when you visit them.) - [url="http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Devout-Life-400th-Anniversary/dp/0980081769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445627&sr=1-1"]Introduction to the Devout Life[/url] by St. Francis de Sales - [url="http://www.amazon.com/Abandonment-Divine-Providence-Jean-Pierre-Caussade/dp/145153437X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445712&sr=1-1"]Abandonment to Divine Providence[/url] by Jean-Pierre de Caussade - [url="http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Clay-Autobiography-Fulton-Sheen/dp/0385177097/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I12FE422DVCHH5&colid=19T1HY3TGQJRL"]Treasure in Clay[/url] by Fulton Sheen
laetitia crucis Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 [quote name='CherieMadame' date='24 March 2010 - 12:20 PM' timestamp='1269444050' post='2079022'] Hey there everyone! I just wanted to let you know some good books you should DEFINITELY read if you are discerning religious life. Feel free to add any that you know of! [url="http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Christs-Virginity-Celibate/dp/0898701619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269443668&sr=1-1"]"...And You are Christ's" by Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM[/url] [url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/The-True-Spouse-of-Jesus-Christ"]The True Spouse of Jesus Christ by St. Alphonsus Liguori[/url] [url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage/product_id/512/keywords/sister+therese/"]My Sister St. Therese by Celine Martin (Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face)[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Therese-Lisieux-Testimonies-Process-Beatification/dp/0901810843"]St. Therese of Lisieux by Those Who Knew Her (the testimonies at her beatification)[/url] [url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/The-Soul-of-The-Apostolate"] The Soul of the Apostolate by Jean Baptiste Chautard[/url] Hope those are helpful to you! I know they were like REQUIRED READING for me!!! [/quote] Liguori's "True Spouse of Christ" was INTENSE! My spiritual director assigned it to me as a novice and all I could say while reading it was "Whoa. Who is this St. Mechtilde? And how on earth did she mortify her senses 23092030982350923498 times trying to eat a boiled egg for breakfast???" But seriously speaking, it is a really great book! Good recommendation!
Hilde Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 Diaries of st.Therese de lisieux and of avila; and faustina. [url="http://www.amazon.com/Vocation-Black-White-Dominican-Contemplative/dp/1440127476/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269447262&sr=1-1"]Vocation: in black and white[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Religious-Life-Revisiting-Vision/dp/1594711984/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269447298&sr=1-1"]The foundations of religious life[/url]
Cherie Posted March 24, 2010 Author Posted March 24, 2010 [quote name='laetitia crucis' date='24 March 2010 - 11:53 AM' timestamp='1269446000' post='2079055'] Liguori's "True Spouse of Christ" was INTENSE! [/quote] I must admit, reading this book was part of what made me stay in religious life so long!!! I wanted it SOOOOO badly, especially after reading that!!! I must have read it at least three times. I loved it!!!! St. Alphonsus Liguori is one of my FAVORITES. If I had known him better when I received the habit, I would have asked for the name Sr. Marie Liguori
laetitia crucis Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 [quote name='CherieMadame' date='24 March 2010 - 01:43 PM' timestamp='1269449037' post='2079090'] I must admit, reading this book was part of what made me stay in religious life so long!!! I wanted it SOOOOO badly, especially after reading that!!! I must have read it at least three times. I loved it!!!! St. Alphonsus Liguori is one of my FAVORITES. If I had known him better when I received the habit, I would have asked for the name Sr. Marie Liguori [/quote] Awww, whenever I hear his name, I am always reminded of "Sr. Liguori" from "The Trouble with Angels"!
zunshynn Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 The Cantata of Love by Blaise Arminjon, S.J. - a good introduction to the Church Fathers, as well as probably being to the BEST book to understanding the Song of Songs. The website for Ignatius Press is down currently, but it's cheapest to buy directly from them I think, usually. The newer editions have a different cover, but the book is the same. [url="http://www.dealoz.com/prod.pl?cat=book&op=buy&lang=en-us&search_country=us&shipto=us&cur=usd&zip=&nw=y&class=&pqcs=6rUtAXfFs8nfcDH8Il5RDg&quantity=&shipping_type=&sort=&catby=book.keyword&query=Jesus%20Appeals%20to%20the%20World&data_id=3970718"]Jesus Appeals to the World: The Unceasing Act of Love Revealed to the Capuchin Nun, Sr. Mary Consolata by Lorenzo Sales, C.M.[/url] If I had the money, I would buy a copy of this book to put in every library, chapel, doctor's office, bus stop, and hotel room in the whole world... and anywhere else that someone unsuspecting would stumble across it. But alas, I do not have the money. Most of you are probably tired of me mentioning this book again and again... but I can't help it! The Perfection of Sisters or Holiness of Life, by St. Bonaventure... if you can find it, I think it's a tad difficult to find... We had lessons on it in the monastery, I haven't actually read it myself, but the lessons were fantastic, so the book must be good. [url="http://www.archive.org/details/holinessoflifebe00bonauoft"]You can get an ebook of it from here[/url] .) Not a book, but a document by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life called [url="http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccscrlife/documents/rc_con_ccscrlife_doc_20020614_ripartire-da-cristo_en.html"]Starting Afresh from Christ[/url] is basically a must-read. Also, if you're going to look to get any of these books, check prices on [url="http://www.dealoz.com"]DealOz.com[/url]... even if you only want new books, it finds the best prices online... and if you don't mind used books, you'll save even more, and many times the books are practically in perfect condition! That's all for now, I may think of some more later.
tinytherese Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 I enjoyed reading this booklet- The Meaning of Vocation. http://shop.catholic.com/product.php?productid=73&cat=27&page=4
tinytherese Posted March 24, 2010 Posted March 24, 2010 [quote name='zunshynn' date='24 March 2010 - 12:28 PM' timestamp='1269451719' post='2079108'] The Cantata of Love by Blaise Arminjon, S.J. - a good introduction to the Church Fathers, as well as probably being to the BEST book to understanding the Song of Songs. The website for Ignatius Press is down currently, but it's cheapest to buy directly from them I think, usually. The newer editions have a different cover, but the book is the same. [/quote] Found it. http://www.amazon.com/Cantata-Love-Verse-Reading-Songs/dp/0898701880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269468212&sr=1-1-spell
OnlySunshine Posted March 25, 2010 Posted March 25, 2010 [quote name='laetitia crucis' date='24 March 2010 - 11:49 AM' timestamp='1269445798' post='2079048'] - [url="http://www.amazon.com/When-God-Asks-Undivided-Heart/dp/1930314108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269445411&sr=1-1"]When God Asks for an Undivided Heart[/url] by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR (This is a book the CFRs always recommend -- or give you if you don't have it -- when you visit them.) [/quote] Sr. Francis gave us this book when I was there.
OnlySunshine Posted March 25, 2010 Posted March 25, 2010 Some of my favorites that haven't been mentioned yet: [url="http://www.amazon.com/Right-Merry-Mother-Mary-Francis/dp/0898708249"][i]A Right To Be Merry[/i] by Mother M. Francis, PCC[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Vocation-John-Paul-II/dp/0933932995"][i]The Meaning of Vocation[/i] by Pope John Paul II[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Imitation-Christ-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486431851/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269486951&sr=1-1"][i]Imitation of Christ[/i] by Thomas Kempis[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Interior-Castle-Thrift-Teresa-Avila/dp/0486461459/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269487015&sr=1-1"][i]The Interior Castle[/i] by St. Teresa of Avila[/url]
laetitia crucis Posted March 25, 2010 Posted March 25, 2010 (edited) [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='25 March 2010 - 12:17 AM' timestamp='1269487077' post='2079527'] Some of my favorites that haven't been mentioned yet: [url="http://www.amazon.com/Right-Merry-Mother-Mary-Francis/dp/0898708249"][i]A Right To Be Merry[/i] by Mother M. Francis, PCC[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Vocation-John-Paul-II/dp/0933932995"][i]The Meaning of Vocation[/i] by Pope John Paul II[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Imitation-Christ-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486431851/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269486951&sr=1-1"][i]Imitation of Christ[/i] by Thomas Kempis[/url] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Interior-Castle-Thrift-Teresa-Avila/dp/0486461459/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269487015&sr=1-1"][i]The Interior Castle[/i] by St. Teresa of Avila[/url] [/quote] Oh my goodness -- I totally forgot about those! I especially loved [i]A Right to be Merry[/i] and [i]The Meaning of Vocation[/i]. I would especially recommend the latter for those that are in the very beginning stages of discernment and wondering what exactly a vocation to the religious life is. Just AMAZING. Edited March 25, 2010 by laetitia crucis
the_rev Posted March 25, 2010 Posted March 25, 2010 [url="http://www.amazon.com/Therese-Lisieux-Marie-Trinity-Transformative/dp/0818907320/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1269488459&sr=8-1"]Therese of Lisieux and Marie of the Trinity: The Transformative Relationship of Saint Therese of Lisieux and Her Novice Sister Marie of the Trinity[/url]
zunshynn Posted March 25, 2010 Posted March 25, 2010 [quote name='tinytherese' date='24 March 2010 - 04:06 PM' timestamp='1269468402' post='2079331'] Found it. http://www.amazon.com/Cantata-Love-Verse-Reading-Songs/dp/0898701880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269468212&sr=1-1-spell [/quote] Yeah, that's it, although I'd still suggest getting it from [url="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/COL-P/the-cantata-of-love.aspx"]Ignatius[/url] because you'll end up spending the same, or less, on a new book as you would on a used copy from amazon.
melporcristo Posted March 25, 2010 Posted March 25, 2010 JMJT Great idea for a post! Here are mine ... [url="http://www.amazon.com/He-Leadeth-Me-Walter-Ciszek/dp/0898705460"]He Leadeth Me[/url] - the Holy Spirit TOTALLY prompted me to read this during my 2nd visit with the Sisters. LOVED it. BEAUTIFUL BOOK! I heard the seminarians in Denver have to read this, which is perfect for seminarians & priests to read. [url="http://www.amazon.com/Hinds-Feet-High-Places-Devotional/dp/0768422787/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269495106&sr=1-2"]Hinds' Feet On High Places[/url] - It is written by a Protestant but is absolutely breath taking. I love the imagery and the perspective. It's based on the Song of Songs. [url="http://www.amazon.com/Four-Afternoon-Various/dp/0974366102/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269495183&sr=1-2"]Four in the Afternoon[/url] and [url="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/articulo.phtml?id=18628&se=364&ca=199&te=782"]Count the Stars[/url] - Now I don't feel personally called to Regnum Christi and I give a personal apology to anyone who has been hurt by them, but take these recommendations from Brides of Christ. They truly helped me make that next step in discernment again, even if I felt afraid and alone, these woman's stories were that of true encouragement for me to allow the Lord to pursue me. There's my list! :-) +JMJT+ Mel
Cherie Posted March 25, 2010 Author Posted March 25, 2010 [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='24 March 2010 - 11:17 PM' timestamp='1269487077' post='2079527'] [url="http://www.amazon.com/Right-Merry-Mother-Mary-Francis/dp/0898708249"][i]A Right To Be Merry[/i] by Mother M. Francis, PCC[/url] [/quote] Ah, I definitely forgot to mention that one --- GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!
vee Posted March 26, 2010 Posted March 26, 2010 Im wondering how much time roughly does a sister/nun (cloistered in particular) get for reading during the day? Also are secular books like The Lord of the Rings allowed?
Cherie Posted March 26, 2010 Author Posted March 26, 2010 [quote name='vee8' date='25 March 2010 - 10:26 PM' timestamp='1269570389' post='2080243'] Im wondering how much time roughly does a sister/nun (cloistered in particular) get for reading during the day? Also are secular books like The Lord of the Rings allowed? [/quote] At least in my community, there was at least an hour of "spiritual reading" set aside a day, and we'd often use any free time we had for spiritual reading. Our convent library was STOCKED with great spiritual classics ... I would spend so much time just joyfully looking through all the lovely spiritual books I wanted to read, and many of which I actually did read. Spiritual reading is considered a very important aspect of our spiritual lives. Numerous Saints give examples of just how important it is for us, and it can be summed up quite well in a quote from St. Athanasius: "You will not see anyone who is really striving after his advancementwho is not given to spiritual reading. And as to him who neglectsit, the fact will soon be observed by his progress." So religious communities are usually very eager for their Sisters to have plenty of time to take part in spiritual reading, especially cloistered communities (from the schedules I have seen and am familiar with). Secular books, in my community, WERE allowed, but only certain very specific books and under specific circumstances. The novices were not allowed to read secular books. Our community was divided on "Lord of the Rings," so by the time I left it still was not included in the library. But C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia," portions of Shakespeare, some Irish stories, and some other secular books and stories were included in the library.
zunshynn Posted March 26, 2010 Posted March 26, 2010 [quote name='vee8' date='25 March 2010 - 08:26 PM' timestamp='1269570389' post='2080243'] Im wondering how much time roughly does a sister/nun (cloistered in particular) get for reading during the day? Also are secular books like The Lord of the Rings allowed? [/quote] My community had a half of an hour for spiritual reading, although to be honest, there were days when it was hard to even fit that half an hour in! (If, for example, I was scheduled for adoration at four or five o'clock... If I had it at 5 I would usually have to eat dinner at 4:30, and although we could do spiritual reading during our holy hour if it was necessary, my superior discouraged us from spending our whole holy hour reading... or if it was a shopping day and I wasn't home during spiritual reading, sometimes it could be difficult to make up. We did have free time each day though, so on a day when I was able to take my free time, I was able to spend extra time reading, as well as on Sundays and sometimes on solemnities so I did get a fair amount in when all was said and done. And of course, we also had retreat days (one a month, and then an 8-day once a year) when we were able to spend more time reading. That probably didn't make any sense... sorry if that was confusing! We allowed to read some secular classics, but of course, that would be during free time. Personally I wasn't very motivated to read secular books... we had so many spiritual books that I hardly had enough time to read! We had an amazing library though. sigh.
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