Reading Suggestions For A Discerner?

[zunshynn]

The document Starting Afresh from Christ is a must-read, if you ask me. It's inspiring... tells you exactly what the Church wants its religious to be. The document Verbi Sponsa is also an important read if you're discerning the cloister.

The document from the Congregation for the Clergy on Spiritual Motherhood is also good reading, though it's not specifically about religious...

[the lords sheep]

[quote name='zunshynn' post='1933931' date='Jul 28 2009, 07:54 PM']The document from the Congregation for the Clergy on Spiritual Motherhood is also good reading, though it's not specifically about religious...[/quote]

[MithLuin]

[quote name='Noemi' post='1933769' date='Jul 28 2009, 10:25 AM']I think you should read once the "Following of Christ" (or sg like this, I did a mirror-translating from Hungarian) from Thomas Kempis.

Maybe a book from Saint John of the Cross? (e.g.:Spiritual Songs)[/quote]

The English title is "The Imitation of Christ" and yes, that book comes highly recommended!

Another book for discerners is [i]Religious Vocation: An unnecessary mystery[/i] by Fr. Richard Butler, OP. I realize he's not a Carmelite, and you've made your purchase already, but if anyone else is interested, go for it.

[TeresaBenedicta]

[quote name='MithLuin' post='1934675' date='Jul 29 2009, 10:37 AM']Another book for discerners is [i]Religious Vocation: An unnecessary mystery[/i] by Fr. Richard Butler, OP. I realize he's not a Carmelite, and you've made your purchase already, but if anyone else is interested, go for it.[/quote]

I've read this, and I'd endorse it. I think, perhaps, sometimes he goes a little far in his discussion, but for the most part it is very helpful and he has some very good points.

[loveletslive]

this thread is *very* helpful! thank you all for your suggestions! my amazon shopping list is overflowing

[Saint Therese]

I would like to add [i]St. Teresa of Avila [/i]by [b]Marcelle Auclair[/b].

Edited August 1, 2009 by Saint Therese

[DominicanPhilosophy]

Ignacio Larranaga's "Come with Me" - a bit hard to follow at times because of deep philosophy and the translation from Spanish into English, but very good. It was recommended to me by a Nashville Dominican, who said the Novice Mistress of the congregation often recommended it to sisters in the community. It is especially good if you have/have had problems with anxiety, perfectionistic tendencies, etc.

As far as Archbishop Fulton Sheen's book on St. Therese, I actually just got that, so once I read it, I'll try to remember to post about it. It looks very good, though, and the cover pictures ..

I would also recommend, at some point, Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons. It's humorous, but also serious and gives good advice and words to live by. I got it two years ago as a little going-away present for my school's March for Life trip, and I have to say, it was really helpful to read, as I was going through major spiritual changes at the time. It also set me on fire for Christ for the March!

Let us know what books you picked on Amazon!

+JMJD