"Only God knows the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book."
-St. John Bosco
Whether you consult Josemaria Escriva, Padre Pio, or a long list of other beloved saints, you will find no shortage of Catholic figures who recommend spiritual reading as a catalyst for holiness. As St. Jerome would say, "When we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us." Of course, this is true not simply for God's Word in Sacred Scripture, but also in the texts composed by and about the saints, works of accomplished theologians, and even treatises and tales composed by the practicing layperson. The Lord is continually providing opportunities for us to encounter Him in His truth, goodness, and beauty, especially through the written word!
We invite you to peruse our Eastside Family bookshelf below which features some of the most beloved titles recommended by those in our community. Whether you are looking for a novel, a biography, a devotional, Catholic "self help" book, or a deep dive into Sacred Scripture, we have something for you! All of our books have also been vetted by our Catechesis and Evangelization Office, so you can have peace of mind that each read will be faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium.
Check out our column in the Eastside Family bulletin for new recommendations each week and watch our virtual bookshelf continue to grow! Happy reading!