Interior Life Archives

Santa Teresa de Jesus, Anonymous, after Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652), 17th Century, oil on canvas. Church of San José / Wikimedia Commons.

Is the Interior Life Selfish?

Fr. Jean-Baptiste Chautard

Follow along as Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard answers a thought-provoking objection to the spiritual life: Is the Interior Life Selfish? Let us not speak of the

The Adoration of the Name of Jesus, El Greco (1541-1614), between 1577 and 1580, oil on canvas. Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial / Wikimedia Commons.

The Saints and the Holy Name

Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, O.P.

The name of Jesus can be invoked for comfort in times of distress, solace in sadness, gratitude when blessed, or protection against evil spirits. The

Portrait of a Nun, Gabriel con Max (1840-1915), oil on canvas. Wikimedia Commons.

Cardinal Richelieu’s Twenty Spiritual Counsels

Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis Duke of Richelieu

This timeless but long-forgotten masterpiece overflows with insights from Cardinal Richelieu on how to fulfill one’s vocation and station in life for the glory of

Soul Carried to Heaven, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905_, c. 1878, Musé d'art et d'archéologie du Périgord / Wikimedia Commons.

Living for the Pursuit of Heaven

Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis Duke of Richelieu

You were created for Heaven. How often do you ponder this truth? A Treatise on Perfection reveals the necessity of living for Heaven through the

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler, Heinrich Hofmann (1824–1911), 1889, oil on canvas. Riverside Church / Wikimedia Commons

The Quickest Path to Perfection

Fr. Jean Pierre de Caussade, SJ

Jean-Pierre de Caussade offers the most sure solution to any spiritual difficulty: abandonment to Divine Providence. Read on for his brilliant counsel on surrendering all

Ceiling of Church of the Gesù (The Triumph of the Name of Jesus), Giovanni Battista Gaulli (1639–1709). 1677, fresco on stucco. Church of the Gesù, photographed by LivioAndronico / Wikimedia Commons.

The Name Above All Names

Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, O.P.

The name of Jesus is the shortest, yet most powerful prayer the tongue of man can utter. Our Lord Himself admonishes us that whatever we

The Holy Children with a Shell, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682), 1670, oil on canvas. Museo del Prado / Wikimedia Commons

3 Prayers to the Infant Jesus

Thomas A. Nelson

Catholic Prayers is a pocket-sized collection of the most essential prayers of the Church. Carry Catholic tradition and devotion in your pocket or purse for

Wolkensdtudie, Carl Gustav Carus (1789–1869), between 1830 adn 1840, oil on canvas. Photographed by Villa Gisebach aAuktionen, Berlin / Wikimedia Commons

Hatred Is Quelled By Love

Pope Saint Leo IX

Masterly crafted in the form of a play, The Battle of the Virtues and Vices, penned by Pope Saint Leo IX, reveals the ancient battle

Statue of Jesus with a red heart. Photographed by o1559kip. Used under license by Adobe Stock.

A Guide to Devotion to the Sacred Heart

Fr. Peter J. Arnoudt, SJ

Devotion to the Sacred Heart forms our own hearts to unite to God’s Will, but how do we adopt such a devotion? Read on for

Scenes from the Life of St. Francis, Benozzo Gozzoli (1420-1497), 1452, fresco. Museum Complex of San Francesto, Apsidal Chapel. Photo by Web Gallery of Art / Wikimedia Commons.

How to Be Poor in Spirit

St. Albert the Great

Brimming with heavenly insights, The Paradise of the Soul presents forty-two virtues to reach Heaven. Read on for St. Albert the Great’s counsel on cultivating

Saint Gertrude, Miguel Cabrera (1695–1768), 1763, oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art / Wikimedia Commons

The Stigmata of Saint Gertrude

Gertrude the Great

The writings of Saint Gertrude open a window to Heaven, illuminating the divine effects of each prayer, choice, and liturgy here on earth. Her sweet

Henri Rouart and his daughter Hélène, Edgar Degas (1834–1917), 1877, oil on canvas. Wikimedia Commons

“My Father, I am Yours”

St. Francis de Sales

God is our Father. He loves us with an everlasting love and desires our good. Reflect with Saint Francis de Sales on this loving Father

Prayer, Eduard Ratti (1816–1856), 1834, oil on canvas. National Museum in Warsaw / Wikimedia Commons.

It Is Easy to Give Oneself to God

Fr. Joseph Schryvers CSSR

We often fall into the temptation of feelings of inadequacy or discouragement in the pursuit of holiness. Yet, in truth, it is easy to give

Christmas Night Mass celebrated in a French Nunnery, Asta Nørregaard (1853-1933). 1889, oil on canvas. Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design, photographed by Jacques Lathion / Wikimedia Commons

A Deceased Sister Visits Saint Faustina

TAN Books Editors

Hungry Souls recounts these stories and many other trustworthy and Church-verified accounts of earthly visitations from the dead in Purgatory. Read on for an account

The Return of the Prodigal Son, Rembrandt (1606-1669). 1668 oil on canvas. Hermitage Museum / Wikimedia Commons

The Eternal Love of God for Us

St. Francis de Sales

God has loved each one of us since the beginning of time. He has willed our being into existence and like a tender mother, watches

The Heart of Mary

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman

Meditate with Saint John Henry on the heart of Mary. In this reflection, written by the saint himself, readers will reflect upon the beauty and

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, The Annunciation, 1660 (Wikimedia)

10 Virtues of Mary

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the Prince of Moral Theologians, never fails to utter a stirring word on Our Lady and her graces. His work, The Glories

Valentin de Boulogne, Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, 1620 (Wikimedia Commons)

Fighting the Good Fight with Perseverance

St. Albert the Great

Without the virtue of perseverance, nothing can be brought to completion or perfection. The following excerpt, taken from Saint Albert the Great’s, The Paradise of

Luca Cambiaso, Benediction of God the Father, 1565 (Wikimedia Commons)

Hallowed Be Thy Name

St. Teresa of Avila

The Way of Perfection is an astounding work by an astounding saint, guiding you through the degrees of meditative prayer and contemplation. In this excerpt,

Andrei Rublev, Trinity Icon, 1427, Tretyakov Gallery (Wikimedia Commons)

Meditating on the Trinity with Saint Ignatius

Dr. Sean M. Salai, D.Min

Saint Ignatius of Loyola is renowned for his Spiritual Exercises. His wisdom and counsel has been a guide for souls for centuries. Meditate with this

Luca Giordano, Death of Saint Joseph, 1696 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Words of a Dying Man to Jesus Crucified

St. Alphonsus Liguori

At the time of death, our life shall be like a mirror before our eyes. We shall see all our wrongs, our failings, and our

Domingos Sequeira, Saint Bruno in Prayer, 17th Century (Wikimedia Commons)

How God Sends Temptations for Our Good

TAN Books Editors

God does not desire our souls to fall into spiritual danger. As a tender Father watches over His children, He is ever waiting for us

Theophile Marie Francois Lybaert, Simon of Cyrene carries the Cross, 1887 (Wikimedia Commons)

Deny Yourself and Follow Me

Thomas à Kempis

The Imitation of Christ is one of the most beloved Catholic literary works of all time. Here, Thomas a Kempis, writing in a dialogue between

Discover the power of angelic intercession. Join us in seeking protection and grace through the mighty angels who serve at God's throne for eternal praise.

3 Powerful Prayers In Times Of Need

Thomas A. Nelson

BLESS the Lord, all ye His Angels! Thou who art mighty in strength and do His Will, intercede for me at the throne of God. By thine unceasing watchfulness, protect me in every danger of soul and body. Obtain for me the grace of final perseverance, so that after this life, I may be admitted to thy glorious company and sing with thee the praises of God for all eternity.

Explore St. Alphonsus' profound insights on the Holy Eucharist, featuring biblical discourse and prayers to enhance your devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

The Despised Heart Of Jesus

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In The Holy Eucharist, St. Alphonsus gives the reader a profound biblical and theological discourse on the Blessed Sacrament and stirring prayers to deepen Eucharistic devotion. This meditation and prayer focuses on the despised Heart of Jesus.

Discover the essential role of humility in salvation and sanctification. Learn from five saints how this foundational virtue enriches our spiritual journey.

5 Saintly Quotes On Humility

Pope Leo XIII

Humility is the foundation on which all other virtues are built, it is the Virtue of virtues, and necessary for the salvation of our souls. Learn from five saints on humility and the integral role it plays in our salvation and sanctification.

Stained glass window of the Immaculate Heart of Virgin Mary, choir of Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain (Wikimedia Commons)

Meditation On Mary Immaculate

St. Padre Pio

The following is a meditation on Our Lady written by Saint Padre Pio, titled, Meditation on Mary Immaculate. Eternal Love, Spirit of Light and Truth,

Bernardo Strozzi, Saint Francis in Prayer, 1630 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Fruit Of Prayer And Meditation

St. Peter of Alcantara

Meditation and prayer are spiritual nourishment for our souls. It is important to make these spiritual exercises a daily habit if we desire to advance

Discover the power of persistent prayer with insights from St. Claude de la Colombière. Learn how unwavering trust in God enhances your spiritual journey

Praying With Persistence

St. Claude La Colombière

When we pray, we should not be discouraged if at first our prayers are answered. Instead, we ought to double our efforts in praying to God and trust that our persistence is pleasing to Him. Here, St. Claude de la Colombière discusses the necessity of perseverance and obstinate trust and how pleasing we are to God when we pray in this manner.

Meditation On Heaven And Hell

Thomas à Kempis

Meditations on Death is a soul-stirring work from Thomas à Kempis, published in English for the first time. To keep eternity before our eyes is one of the greatest secrets to sanctity, orienting our every decision toward Heaven. This excerpt guides readers through three moving meditations on death, the horrors of Hell, and the glories of Heaven.

Explore the profound insights of Saint John of the Cross on the interior life. Discover his teachings on spiritual luxury in The Dark Night of the Soul.

What Is The Sin Of Spiritual Luxury?

St. John of the Cross

Saint John of the Cross was a master of the interior life. This excerpt, taken from his most famous work, The Dark Night of the Soul, describes the sin of spiritual luxury that beginners to the spiritual life often fall prey to.

Visions Of Mary’s Childhood

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich

The Life of Jesus Christ is one of the most extraordinary books every published, recording the mystical visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. These visions spanned all of salvation history with remarkable detail, relayed impeccably by Sister Emmerich in her humility and felicity. This excerpt follows Mary’s dedication to the temple at age three.

The Heart Of Prayer

St. Francis de Sales

As a master of the interior life and a gifted spiritual director, St. Francis de Sales offers an abundance of wisdom for the soul seeking to grow in prayer. Here, he discusses the heart of prayer including the types of prayer, exterior reverence during prayer, and mental prayer.

Michelangelo, The Last Judgment, 1541 (Wikimedia)

The Devil’s Greatest Lie

St. Robert Bellarmine

St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor of the Church, dispels all doubts and lies about Hell in his great work, Hell and Its Torments. This excerpt examines

Workshop of Domenico Fetti, The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, 1628

The Day of Eternity

Thomas à Kempis

Infinite joy awaits the soul who is welcomed into paradise. As pilgrims in an alien land, we who remain on earth encounter many hardships throughout

Delve into the concept of Divine action and Providence through the perspective of faith on our website. See how God's presence is revealed to those who believe.

The Divine Action Is Always Present

Fr. Jean Pierre de Caussade, SJ

The Divine action, although only visible to the eye of faith, is everywhere, and always present. God is interpreted through faith and His Providence is most visible when seen with the eyes of faith.

Explore the greatest autobiography ever written by Saint Augustine of Hippo, Confessions. Delve into the longing of a Doctor of the Church for the true Doctor of the soul, Christ.

Avoiding False Compassion

St. Augustine of Hippo

Of all the autobiographies ever written by mere mortals, Confessions by Saint Augustine of Hippo is the greatest. In this masterpiece, you will find a Doctor of the Church longing for the true Doctor of the soul, Christ. This excerpt highlights the distinction between compassion toward sin and true sorrow for lost souls.

Emmanuel Massé, St. Vincent de Paul, 1872 (Wikimedia Commons)

Words of the Apostle of Charity

F.A. Forbes

Saint Vincent de Paul exemplified the virtue of love of neighbor, earning him the title, Apostle of Charity. His life is a reminder for us

Gaspar de Crayer, Saint Benedict receiving Totila, King of the Ostrogoths, 1633 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Twelve Degrees of Humility

St. Benedict of Nursia

Written in the sixth century by the father of Western monasticism himself, St. Benedict, this common-sense guide to living a truly Christian life is applicable

Discover the treasures of Carmelite spirituality with The Little Flower Prayerbook. This article offers an abridged version of the Novena of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Get your copy for more devotions!

Novena Of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel

TAN Books Editors

The Little Flower Prayerbook is a Carmelite manual of priceless devotions, meditations, novenas, and more. This article lays out an abridged version of the Novena of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, whose feast is today! For the longer novena and many more devotions, pick up your copy of The Little Flower Prayerbook.

Explore Saint Bonaventure’s meditation on Christ’s second word from the Cross. Delve into the profound significance of His final sermon in this compelling website.

Saint Bonaventure: The Second Word

St. Bonaventure

From the pulpit of the cross, Christ gave His final and most riveting sermon: His seven last words. The following is Saint Bonaventure’s meditation on Christ’s second word from the Cross.

Selfless Prayer

Gertrude the Great

The Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude the Great records a lifetime of mystical conversation between St. Gertrude and the Lord. Through the course of her life, God revealed many spiritual truths and practices to St. Gertrude that still guide the faithful today. This excerpt compiles several revelations about selfless prayer.

Uncover the profound impact of Saint Joseph's intercession for all causes and the abundant graces he secures for those who seek his patronage with these five prayers from the Saint Joseph Prayer Book.

5 Powerful Prayers To St. Joseph

TAN Books Editors

Saint Joseph is renowned as a intercessor for all causes. He aids those who entrust themselves to his patronage and obtains many graces for the souls who beseech him. The following five prayers to Saint Joseph were excerpted from Saint Joseph Prayer Book.

Immerse yourself in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, a guide to spiritual growth through self-examination, meditation, prayer, and discipline. Engage in a profound meditation on the powerful story of the Prodigal Son.

Lessons From The Prodigal Son

St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Spiritual Exercises outline the rigorous self-examination and spiritual meditations of St. Ignatius, written to pave a path to holiness through contemplation, prayer, and discipline. This excerpt is a thorough meditation on the story of the Prodigal Son.

Bearing The Defects Of Others

Thomas à Kempis

hy do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3) All too often, we fall into the trap of criticism of others. It can be all too easy to lose patience with the faults of others. Here, Thomas à Kempis teaches us how to bear the defects of others with patience, following in the footsteps of Christ.

Meditation On The Angels

St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Meditations on the Holy Angels will inflame each reader with renewed love for the holy angels, especially our own guardian angels, through St. Aloysius’s moving

Sanctifying Grace – Divine Blood

Fr. William Rock, FSSP

In previous articles (here and here), it was stated that because of its immateriality and supernaturality, the Church’s theologians utilize various analogies to explain Sanctifying

Raphael, Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saints and Angels, 1503 (Wikimedia Commons)

Prayers for Devotion to the Precious Blood

The Benedictine Convent Of Clyde, Missouri

The veneration of Our Lord’s Blood is as old as our Holy Faith. The Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ was shed for the salvation

Delve into Saint Alphonsus Liguori's wisdom on using everyday events to glorify God and connect the soul with His divine plan. Learn about God's will to bestow blessings and spiritual purification upon us.

How To Converse With God

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In this booklet, Saint Alphonsus Liguori teaches the reader to use the small events of everyday life to praise God and unite the soul to His Will. This excerpt encourages readers and describes God’s desire to bless us and purify our souls.

Discover the boundless favors awaiting those who trust in the Sacred Heart. Unlock the mercy and tender heart of Our Lord through unwavering confidence.

The Key To The Heart Of Jesus

The Benedictine Convent Of Clyde, Missouri

The heart of Our Lord is willing to grant countless favors to the soul who entrusts itself to the Sacred Heart. Yet how few souls place their trust in the mercy of Our Lord’s most tender heart. The confidence of souls can be said to be a key that unlocks the heart of Jesus.

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