Book Categories

The full subtitle is: “A complete exposition of the Seven Sacraments, their institution, meaning, requirements, ceremonies, and efficacy; of the Sacramentals of the Church: holy water, oils, exorcisms, blessings, consecrations, etc.; and of prayer, with a comprehensive explanation of the Our Father and Hail Mary. Illustrated with numerous parables, examples, and interesting anecdotes. Drawn from Holy Scripture, the Lives of the Saints, the Fathers of the Church, and other sources.”

Some things in this book may be outdated, since many Catholic practices and the style of explanation of many Catholic beliefs have changed during that time.

Also known as Baltimore Catechism No. 4

This book is included because it has good approbations, and looks at least a little interesting, especially in the first third or so.

Some things in this book may be outdated, since many Catholic practices and the style of explanation of many Catholic beliefs have changed during that time.

Especially great for parents.

A very theological course in devotion as ‘mansions’. It gives instruction on many topics all around spiritual converse with God, with instruction on discernment of inspirations/revelations. Very good for nuns, fairly good for contemplative religious, and also good for lay people.

Thorough instructions on living a holy and sinless life in practically every state of life. Often used for spiritual direction by those who have no spiritual directors.

Letters written by the bishop of Geneva to various people on various points of practical holiness in everyday life. Could very well be considered a companion to Introduction to the Devout Life.

This book could be considered an update to Introduction to the Devout Life, being written in the same style and spirit, but for more modern times. Very encouraging and instructive.

Down to earth explanations of a wide variety of Catholic truths, principles, concepts, and devotions, without watering them down.

This work has no approbations, but is by Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, who was very zealous in Catholic doctrine, having converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism along with St. John Henry Edward Manning. That said, this book may contain opinions of his which are not necessarily doctrines of the Catholic Church. It is included in this library because of its historical and theological interest.

Note: This is not the same as “The Imitation of Mary” sold by Catholic Book Publishing Corp. The content is entirely different.

See also The Temporal Mission of The Holy Ghost.

This might be missing a fourth volume. I’m not sure. An amazon.com result seems to suggest there is a fourth volume. But I haven’t found one on archive.org yet.

This book does not have approbations, but was written by a priest and edited (and probably translated) by another priest. It also says “Authorised Translation” on the title page. It’s also published by Burns, Lambert, and Oates, which are generally safe publishers. So it’s probably safe to read.

Highly recommended by St. Francis de Sales who read bits of it every day for almost 20 years, this book uncovers many finer points and subtle dangers of the spiritual life. With a specialty on conquering your vices, it gives five distinct methods. Quite structured.

This work has no approbations, but is by Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, who was very zealous in Catholic doctrine, having converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism along with St. John Henry Newman. It is included in this library because of its historical and theological interest.

This work has no approbations, but is by Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, who was very zealous in Catholic doctrine, having converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism along with St. John Henry Edward Manning. That said, this book may contain opinions of his which are not necessarily doctrines of the Catholic Church. It is included in this library because of its historical and theological interest.

This work has no approbations, but is by Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, who was very zealous in Catholic doctrine, having converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism along with St. John Henry Edward Manning. That said, this book may contain opinions of his which are not necessarily doctrines of the Catholic Church. It is included in this library because of its historical and theological interest.

A friendly discourse on life, and how to keep virtues in the midst of a corrupted world. Very great for youth, and explains everything from belief in God and self-control to vocation discernment.