RecomMended reading for discerners
Reading about the religious life, the Franciscan Charism, and what the Church teaches about religious life in her official documents can be very helpful to those discerning their vocation. Below, you will find our recommendations for some books and Church documents that can be helpful companions throughout the discernment process.
Church Documents on Religious Life
Francis of Assisi: Early Documents (I. The Saint; II. The Founder; III. The Prophet)
This 3-volume set contains the most up-to-date translations and scholarly commentary on the writings of St. Francis, early Franciscan sources, and early documents pertaining to the founding and spread of the Franciscan Order. We highly recommend reading and praying directly with the writings and prayers of St. Francis found in Volume I.
Volume Volume I the earliest recorded life of St. Francis, written by Thomas of Celano within just two years of the death of St. Francis. We recommend this biography for an authentic snapshot of St. Francis through the eyes of his early followers. Celano's First Life of St. Francis can also be read online by clicking here.
St. Clare of Assisi: Early Documents
The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure
Francis of Assisi: A New Biography by Augustine Thompson, OP
This book very helpfully combines the best of the primary sources on the life of St. Francis into one coherent, historically-accurate account that synthesizes the insights given by different early authors
A Right to Be Merry by Mother Mary Francis, PCC
Although this book centers on the life of Poor Clares, this book also contains many insights on the Franciscan charism in general and contemporary applications of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare.
St. Francis / Franciscan Charism
Francis of Assisi: Early Documents (I. The Saint; II. The Founder; III. The Prophet)
This 3-volume set contains the most up-to-date translations and scholarly commentary on the writings of St. Francis, early Franciscan sources, and early documents pertaining to the founding and spread of the Franciscan Order. We highly recommend reading and praying directly with the writings and prayers of St. Francis found in Volume I.
Volume Volume I the earliest recorded life of St. Francis, written by Thomas of Celano within just two years of the death of St. Francis. We recommend this biography for an authentic snapshot of St. Francis through the eyes of his early followers. Celano's First Life of St. Francis can also be read online by clicking here.
St. Clare of Assisi: Early Documents
The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure
I Know Christ: The Personality and Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi by Gratien Badin, OFM Cap
Francis of Assisi: A New Biography by Augustine Thompson, OP
This book very helpfully combines the best of the primary sources on the life of St. Francis into one coherent, historically-accurate account that synthesizes the insights given by different early authors
A Right to Be Merry by Mother Mary Francis, PCC
Although this book centers on the life of Poor Clares, this book also contains many insights on the Franciscan charism in general and contemporary applications of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare.
Discerning Religious Life by Mother Clare Matthiass, CFR
A Living Sacrifice: Guidance for Men Discerning Religious Life by Fr. Benedict Croell, OP and Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP
Obedience by Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap
Poverty by Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap
Discerning the Will of God by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV
The Foundations of Religious Life: Revisiting the Vision by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious
Chastity, Poverty and Obedience: Recovering the Vision for the Renewal of Religious Life by Mother Mary Francis, PCC
The Reform of Renewal by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Discernment / Religious Life
Consecrated Chastity / Celibacy
And You are Christ's: The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM
The Courage to Be Chaste by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Virginity by Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 1618-1620 on "virginity for the sake of the Kingdom" and CCC 2337-2359 on "the vocation to chastity"
My Beloved is Mine and I am His: Meditations on Brideship for Women Religious by Mother Mary Francis, PCC
Prayer / Spiritual LIfe
The Catechism of the Catholic Church Part 4: Christian Prayer, CCC 2558- 2856
Listening at Prayer by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Conversation with Christ by Fr. Peter Thomas Rorhbach, OCD
Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM
Into Your Hands Father by Wilfrid Stinissen
An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV
The Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV
Time for God by Fr. Jacques Philippe
The Contemplative Hunger by Fr. Donald Haggerty
Sensing Your Hidden Presence by Fr. Ignacio Larrañaga
Human formation / Healing
Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts
Healing Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness by Brya Hanan
The Heart of Perfection by Colleen Carroll Campbell
But I Have Called You Friends: Reflections on the Art of Christian Friendship by Mother Mary Francis, PCC
Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe
OTher Spiritual Classics
He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ
Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
The Wellspring of Worship by Jean Corbon
Come Be My Light by St. Mother Teresa
Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis
Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Life and Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila
Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Confessions by St. Augustine
The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận
The Way of the Disciple by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis
