Spiritual Direction Archives

Saint Cecilia, Guercino (1591–1666), 1649 oil on canvas. Dulwich Picture Gallery / Wikimedia Commons

Cecilia’s Saintly Marriage

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was blessed with countless visions of the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Here, she recounts her visions of St.

Monk in Prayer, Édouard Manet (1832–1883) 1865 oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts Boston / Wikimedia Commons

Devotion: The Gift of Oneself

Fr. Joseph Schryvers CSSR

What is true devotion? What does it look like in action? Learn how devotion is a gift of oneself from this excerpt, taken from The

Narcissuss, Caravaggio (1571–1610) 1600, oil on canvas. Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica / Wikimedia Commons

Defeating Vainglory and False Piety

Pope Saint Leo IX

In this spiritual masterpiece, Saint Pope Leo IX identifies our foes—vices and temptations—and teaches us how to combat them with virtue. Read on to learn

The Last Judgment, Michelangelo (1475–1564) 1541 fresco. Sistine Chapel / Wikimedia Commons

A Reflection on the Souls in Heaven

St. Anselm of Canterbury

Have you ever wondered what the souls of Heaven are like? Follow along with Saint Anselm of Canterbury as he mediates upon the attributes of

The Seven Sorrows of Mary by unknown artist. 1800s, oil on canvas, Museo de Artes Universidad de los Andes / Wikimedia Common

Exercise on the Three Degrees of Humility

St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola leads readers along the path to holiness through rich prayer and meditation on Christ and virtue. Join

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

Photograph of Fulton J. Sheen, Roman Catholic Bishop and early television preacher, on a set for one of his regular television series. 1952, photograph. photographed by Fred Palumbo. Library of Congress / Wikimedia Commons

The Mystery of Love According to Fulton Sheen

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, DD

Venerable Fulton Sheen was famous for his evangelization. He spoke and wrote on a variety of pertinent topics of our age. Here, he discusses the

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

Rorate Mass 2023, photo by Shalone Cason, S.D. Cason Catholic Gallery / https://sdcason.com/benedict/rorate-mass-2023

Why Pray in Latin?

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski

Turned Around answers all the most common objections to the traditional Latin Mass. Read on for Dr. Kwasniewski’s explanation of the use of Latin and

A Crocus Flower for Our Lady

St. Ildephonsus of Toledo

Mary is honored under many titles, often compared to flowers for her beauty, purity, and grace. In this meditation, St. Ildephonsus of Toledo offers the

Crucifixion, Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506). 1460, oil on panel. Louvre, photographed by Wilfredo Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons

Redemptive Suffering

TAN Books Editors

The Manual for Suffering shows each reader the purpose of redemptive suffering and the graces in store for those who unite themselves to the Holy

Coronation of the Virgin, Diego Velázquez (1599–1660). 1635, oil on canvas. Museo del Prado / Wikimedia Commons

Who Is Mary?

Fr. Ed Broom

Of all the women in the history of the created universe, in all the centuries of history, for all time as well as for all

The Vision of Saint Francis of Paola, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682). 1670, oil on canvas. J. Paul Getty Museum / Wikimedia Commons

How the Dark Night Enlightens the Soul

St. John of the Cross

In this excerpt from The Dark Night of the Soul, Saint John of the Cross discusses how the dark night transforms and enlightens a soul

The Flagellation of Christ, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905). 1880, oil on canvas. Musée des Beaux-Arts de La Rochelle / Wikimedia Commons

The Agony of Jesus

St. Padre Pio

Follow along with Saint Padre Pio, a saint who bore the marks of Christ upon his body, as he meditates upon the agony of Jesus

Padre Pio Showing the Stigmata, Placido Bux (1886-1968). 1919, photograph. Frati Minori Cappuccini di San Giovanni Rotondo / Wikimedia Commons

Padre Pio Receives the Stigmata

Phillip Campbell

Wounds of Love follows the journey of Saint Pio from his youth as a farm boy to his days as the beloved wonderworker of San

Henrik Olrik, Sermon on the Mount (Wikimedia Commons)

A Prayer Among Prayers

Rev. Francis Spirago

The Our Father, taught by Our Lord, is a prayer of great power and should be recited frequently. The Catechism Explained discusses the seven petitions

Two Young Noblemen in the Cloister of a Monastery with Two Dominican Monks, Charles-Caïus Renoux (1795-1846). 1834, Oil on Canvas. Private Collection / Wikimedia Commons

Holy Silence

Thomas à Kempis

Thomas à Kempis’s Solitude and Silence presents two pillars of monastic life to people of any vocation. In this excerpt, à Kempis offers challenging advice

The Lazy Boy, Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725-1805). 1755, Oil on Canvas. Salle Greuze / Wikimedia Commons

The Ruins and Remedies of Sloth

Fr. Dennis Kolinski, SJC

Manual for Conquering Deadly Sin is your guide to crushing the head of the serpent through prayer, virtue, and the Sacraments. Read on for a

Giuseppe Molteni, The Confession, 1838 (Wikimedia Commons)

A Virtue Necessary for Salvation

St. Albert the Great

Without penance, salvation is impossible. For Our Lord Himself states, “Unless you do penance, you will all perish.” (Luke 13:3). In this reflection, Saint Albert

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

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

Pascal Dagnan-Bouveret, Mater Dolorosa, 1887 (Wikimedia Commons)

Our Lady of Sorrows: Consolation for All

The Benedictine Convent Of Clyde, Missouri

There is no soul among the sons of man who has experienced sorrow as deeply as Our Lady. Her heart, having been pierced by the

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

Fabio Cipolla, Portrait of Pope Leo XIII, 1878 (Wikimedia)

Pope Leo XIII, the oldest reigning pope and author of the Saint Michael Prayer, delivers sixty lessons on the queen of virtues in The Practice of Humility. Cultivate humility with his first ten lessons below.

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

Stained glass window of the sacred Heart of Jesus Christ in the Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain (Wikimedia Commons)

The Longing Of The Divine Heart

St. Francis de Sales

God longs for the return of man’s love. He has offered infinite proof of His unfathomable desire to be united with mankind. In this excerpt

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.

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.

St. Louis De Montfort’s Holy Rosary

St. Louis de Montfort

St. Louis de Montfort is one of the greatest Marian saints of all time. He propagated the Most Holy Rosary as a powerful means of prayer and devotion to Our Lady. The following is the saint’s method of praying the Rosary.

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.

Francesco Trevisani, The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, 1740 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Mental Sufferings Of Christ

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman

Prayers Before the Eucharist compiles all the prayers and meditations of St. John Henry Newman for use before the Blessed Sacrament. Each prayer places singular focus on God’s mercy, perfections, and transcendent love, moving the reader toward eternal life with Him. This meditation considers the unfathomable mental and spiritual sufferings of Christ.

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

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 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.

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.

Uncover the profound impact of the Holy Face devotion. Witness miracles and embrace repentance as you meditate on the sorrowful face of Our Lord.

Power Of The Holy Face Over Sinners

The Benedictine Convent Of Clyde, Missouri

Devotion to the Holy Face is one of the most powerful devotions in the world. Many miracles are associated with the Holy Face. Through meditation upon the most sorrowful face of Our Lord, countless sinners have been led to repentance and conversion.

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