Most Transformational Book?

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chefmomster2

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I am looking to expand my personal library of Catholic books. What book has been the most transformational- it inspired you, changed your thinking, spurred you to take action, or stirred your religious fervor.

I am looking for something beyond the basics, in other words not the Bible, Catechism, Collections of Papal Documents, etc.

🙂
 
The Story of a Soul By St. Therese of Lisieux

The Philosophy of Jesus By Peter Kreeft.

Jesus of Nazareth By Pope Benedict, the volume covering the Baptism in the Jordan until the entrance into Jerusalem.
 
Second vote here for St Therese of Lisieux’s autobiography. It had a big impact on me because it made me realise that I didn’t have to have extraordinary experiences or be an outstanding person, in order to be loved by God and favoured by Him. All I need to do is do my best to live my life for Christ and scatter rose petals before the Father! :o
 
Jesus of Nazareth By Pope Benedict in particular, but the whole trilogy also.
 
Confessions, St Augustine

Helped me on my conversion path because not only is the journey from sceptic and sinner to believer so like that of many of us but also it shows that the Church of today believes what the Church of the 4th Century believed.
 
I think “Life of Christ” by Archbishop Sheen should definitely be in your top 5.
 
Many books have been a blessing for me throughout my life. Some seem to have greater impact depending on when I read them. Just a few favorites off the top of my head:

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis
Introduction to the Devout Life, by Francis de Sales
The Seven Strorey Mountain, by Thomas Merton
The Way of a Pilgrim & The Pilgrim Continues His Way
 
I came across a wonderful book that is in a nearby adoration chapel. The old hardbound copy is too expensive for the average person but it is full of great spiritual direction. It’s called Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.
 
Thanks for so many wonderful ideas! I have a LOT of reading to do!
 
  1. Divine Mercy in My Soul (Diary of St. Faustina)
  2. Life of Christ-Fulton Sheen
  3. Padre Pio (unsure of author, I don’t even think its in print anymore)
  4. 33 days to Morning Glory-Fr. Michael E. Gaitley
  5. The Collected works of St. Theresa of Avila-translated by Kavanaugh and Rodriguez
I really wish I knew the author of the book on Padre Pio…that was easily the most influential in my reversion to Catholicism. Pretty much anything from Fulton Sheen is amazingly beautiful. Scott Hahn is SUPER smart, almost to the point of being difficult for me to follow. Reading a Saints own diary has a dimension that few other books can offer. '33 days…'is an awesome Marian consecration novella. I’m now interested in finding good apologetic books,something on St Maximilian Kolbe, something good on St. Joseph, and something arguing against liberalism in politics from Catholic perspective…

Suggestions??
 
The book that had the most effect on my life is Saint Teresa of Avila’s autobiography. (not St. Therese, the Little Flower, though her own autobiography has influenced others.)
 
I really like Thomas Merton and anything by him. They can be tough to read but I enjoy his writings. I can’t wait to look into these other titles listed here too!!👍
 
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

A book I found very helpful but its controversial for some people is The Shack by William P. Young. It reawakened my spirit to look for deeper things in life.

I’ll second The Way of a Pilgrim.
 
I’ve added these to my wish list on Amazon. Thanks!

A more specific request- how about books on the Holy Spirit?
 
The Way of Divine Love, Sister Josefa Menendez.-- I will never be the same. This was actually sort of a “precursor” to Divine Mercy. I could not put it down and read it in a couple of days. Then read it again. Then started going through highlighting and taking notes. “The power of this book and the experiences of a ‘hidden’ soul during her journey in Life, is in its ability to convey the redemptive power and true meaning of suffering. Told in a most profound way, one comes to understand quite clearly, the ‘powers’ of darkness are no match to the true power of a Merciful God.”–BN reviewer
“…about the nun who Jesus was appearing to so much she once asked him to leave her alone so she could get her work done! (She regretted it afterwards, of course) It also tells about his many messages of Love.”-- BN reviewer

To Know Christ Jesus, Frank Sheed. Excellent. " Faith, doctrine, prayer, worship–all the content and consequences of Christian belief–rest on the person of Christ Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. In this classic study, Frank J. Sheed employs wide learning, theological sophistication, spiritual insight, and a lucid style to bring the reader to a personal encounter with the living Lord. To Know Christ Jesus has been justly called “one of the most satisfying studies of the Gospel ever made.” "–BN reviewer

**The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints, **Ralph Martin. Explanation and helpful comparisons of 7 Doctors of the Church. “Ralph Martin’s “spiritual guidebook” is written in clear language that doesn’t require rereading to understand. This book can open the reader to God’s grace and deepen one’s relationship with Him. I especially liked the excerpts from the spiritual writings of the Doctors of the Church who focus on one’s prayer life and moving nearer to God. Clearly organized, the lengthy work can lead the reader to insight and wisdom. It is fine reading, and I recommend it highly to anyone seeking direction in this journey from life to eternity.” -BN reviewer.

An Exorcist Tells His Story, Fr. Gabriel Amorth. The Vatican Exorcist. Made me, again, grateful to be Catholic. “In this powerful book, the renowned exorcist of Rome tells of his many experiences in his ministry as an exorcist doing battle with Satan to relieve the great suffering of people in the grip of evil. The importance of the ministry to “expel demons” is clearly seen in the Gospels, from the actions of the Apostles, and from Church history. Fr. Amorth allows the reader to witness the activities of the exorcist, to experience what an exorcist sees and does.”–BN reviewer

These can all be found at amazon and Barnes and Noble

Enjoy!
B.
 
The Sanctifier, Archbiship Luis M. Martinez. Beautiful book.

"In The Sanctifier, one of the most fascinating books on the Holy Spirit ever written, Archbishop Martinez reveals the secret of holiness. Step by step, he guides us to understand the gentle ways in which the Spirit acts in our lives. The author explains how the Spirit is present to us and leads us to the Father and the Son, especially through the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. He then focuses on the seven gifts, which make us attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Along with the gifts, we discover the consoling fruits of the Spirit, such as joy, peace, and patience. Finally, Martinez crowns his work with a masterful explanation of the beatitudes, the summit of the Christian life. "-- BN reviewer
 
A really excellent commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict called “Sur un chemin de liberté”. Alas it’s only available in French as far as I know. It includes three commentaries on the daily reading of the Rule (monks read through the Rule three times per year with specific chapters or portions of chapters assigned to specific days), so there’s a different commentary for each pass through that chapter.

Every time I read it-and I’ve been reading it daily for years-, some new gem jumps out at me. I’m going to have to find a new copy soon, mine is getting pretty dog-eared.
 
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