A 2024 Lenten Book List
The period of time between the end of the Christmas season and Lent has been about as short as it can be this year. With Ash Wednesday just days away I hope it is not too late to make some recommendations for reading this Lent, as I’ve done for the other sites I’ve written for over the years. With time running so short, I will only be making new recommendations for adults but I will re-list some of our family favorites for younger Catholics and will provide links to the lists I’ve published on other sites. I will also provide links to purchase each title with a preference for Catholic companies over big box stores.
Adults and Older Teens
The Challenge of Saint Bernadette by Hugh Ross Williamson—This lovely and short biography on Saint Bernadette takes the popular versions of the saints life to task. Her family and upbringing was much more holy and remarkable than depicted in the film “The Song of Bernadette”. My reverence for her has deepened in reading this selection. Unfortunately, this books is only available in the US through a big box store.A Forest of Symbols by Abbé Claude Barthe—This selection walks the reader through the Mass, highlighting its deep symbolism, tradition, mystery, and meaning.
Meditations on Death: Preparing for Eternity by Thomas À Kempis—This is on my list for this Lent. I’ve enjoyed his Imitation of Christ and Imitation of Mary.
The Life of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque by Most Rev. Émile Bouguad—This was a gifted to me by a dear friend at Christmas. Definitely on my list to read this year, if not during Lent. This saint is one I’ve been fascinated with for years.
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence—I read this over Advent and it really impacted my prayer life. This is one I will revisit for years to come.
The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day—Day has always been a challenge for me. As her popularity continues to grow I had some serious misgivings about her and her work with socialists. This autobiographical work resulted my developing an appreciation for Servant of God Dorothy Day. Her life, philosophy, and work was complicated but her love for God and her fellow man is undeniable.
Thérèse by Dorothy Day—Reading this sweet biography by Day lead to my further reading on the author. This is likely my favorite biography on The Little Flower.
Good Music, Sacred Music, and Silence: Three Gifts of God for the Liturgy and Life by Dr. Peter Kwasniewski—As a sacred musician I adored this work but anyone who truly loves music and liturgy will appreciate it. I gave copies as gifts to every member of the choir I’m a part of.
The Once and Future Roman Rite by Dr. Peter Kwasniewski—Dr. K writes faster and more prolifically than I am able to read! This work took me several months to work through but it is so insightful and important. If you are interested in liturgy, liturgical tradition, and liturgical reforms this is one you should add to your must read list.
Read Aloud Books for Young Children
Catholic Treasure Box—This is a set of incredibly sweet books written like a series. Stories, activities, poems, and lovely lessons make up each book. Our children loved these and I read them over and over again over several lenten seasons. We have since outgrown them, but this year I will pass them down to our grandchildren. Wonderful as a read-aloud for non-readers as well as a great choice for newly independent readers.Picture books by Tomie dePaolo—No Catholic family library could be complete without selections from the works of Tomie dePaolo. Works including Francis the Poor Man of Assisi, Patrick Patron Saint of Ireland, Christopher the Holy Giant, The Parables of Jesus, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and The Holy Twins (written by Kathleen Norris and illustrated by dePaolo) are easy to find from online suppliers or even in your local library.
Fifty-Seven Saints by Eileen Heffernan, FSP— Comprised of short biographies and short stories of 57 of the most beloved Saints this is a great choice for reading aloud to younger children or for older children who can read independently. **It is recommended that parents preview some of these stories as they may deal with sensitive and more mature topics, including sins against chastity.
Once Upon a Time Saints , Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints, and More Once Upon a Time Saints by Ethel Pochocki— Simple stories of favorite saints with lovely blackline illustrations, these picks are perfect for newly independent readers.
Beautifully illustrated and favorite picture books
Books for Independent Readers
A Child’s Book of Saints by William Canton—This and the following are reprints of books written by William Canton in the 19th century. I am completely enamored of these books. They read like fairytales and the language is slightly antiquated but the stories are so beautiful and enchanting. These are a great choice for reading aloud to the whole family or older children and teens could read them independently.A Child’s Book of Angels by Marigold Hunt—This children’s book explains authentic Catholic teaching on angels and then recounts biblical stories of angels on a level which young readers will understand.
The Young People’s Book of Saints by Hugh Ross Williamson—Originally published in 1960, this reprint is a wonderful compilation of favorite saints’ stories for older children.
Novel-Style Books about Saints
Encounter the Saints is a series published by Pauline Books which includes short novels on the lives of various saints. Our children have collected most of this series over the years and they have passed through many hands.Ignatius Press has a terrific series of short novels on various saints perfect for older children and young teens.
Openlight Media and Disciples of Christ has a wonderful selection of journals for young people. Lenten Journal, The Paschal Mystery of Christ is a perfect choice for older children and teens who might prefer journaling as a part of their Lenten practice.
Bonus New Book:
The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion: A Daily Meditation for Lent by Suzan Sammons--This is a new work published by Sophia Institute Press. Several days of readings and meditations accompanied by beautiful illustrations are devoted to each of the fourteen Stations of the Cross. This spiritual work can be used as a private devotion or a means for the entire family to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Passion of Our Lord.Needing more inspiration? Check out these Lenten book lists from past years:
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