Books & Reading

Subscription We know you want to nourish your soul and mind, and one of the best ways to do this is to read great Catholic content. Books, stories, and spiritual reflections have been invaluable to our community’s growth and devotion. Which is...

  The readings and prayers for Saint Louis de Montfort's thirty-three days of preparation for consecrating oneself to Jesus through Mary. Complete texts from Holy Scripture, The Imitation of Christ, Montfort's writings and the prayers used for...

  Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus ~ Sister Marie of St. Peter and the "work destined to save society." This is the story of the obscure Carmelite nun who was given a mission to spread reparation to the Holy Face of Jesus, as an antidote to the...

  A beautiful and simple explanation of the basic Catholic Marian prayer and related devotions. Without a doubt this easy read will increase your love of Mary and draw you closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. Also, check out Salam...

Renew Subscription We know you want to nourish your soul and mind, and one of the best ways to do this is to read great Catholic content. Books, stories, and spiritual reflections have been invaluable to our community’s growth and devotion. Which...

  The life of heroic virtue and sacrifice of the last Emperor and King of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is a stunning story of Christ-like leadership and patriotism. Karl’s uncompromising devotion to truth, and to his duties as husband, father,...

  Holy statues of Our Lord, Our Lady and the saints have been part of Catholic for centuries! The most commonly identified is the Infant of Prague, which depicted the Child Jesus as an Infant King. The unique story of this devotion give more...

Born in Portugal, Saint Anthony has been adopted by the Italians as the patron of Padua. Once an Augustinian priest, he later joined the newly founded Franciscans and preached throughout Europe, converting many heretics. So many miracles were attributed...

  Here's a great way to get your friends and family to attend more weekday and Saturday morning Masses! Don't just limit yourself to Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation Masses! Love yourself, your neighbors, your relatives and your friends and pass...

The feature article of this issue contains a short summary of Saint Louis de Montfort's life before it expounds on the spiritual legacy he left behind in his book, True Devotion. In this masterpiece of Marian devotion, Saint Louis Marie encourages the...

  Devotional medals are familiar articles worn throughout the ages by Catholics. One however stands out among the rest as having been ordered by Heaven to be made. Saint Catherine Laboure and the "Miraculous Medal" is the amazing story behind this...

  The tremendously popular saint, known simply as Padre Pio, was recognized as a means to miracles in his lifetime as he is today. Privileged to bear the wounds of Christ in his body, he was celebrated for life-long mystical experiences which...

  At the Cross With Mary is a beautiful work on the life and message of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin written by devotee John Joseph Schweska. A series of prayers, reflections and lessons drawn from the exemplary yet short life of Saint...

  In 1802, the mysterious grave of this young martyr was discovered in the Roman catacombs. Her courageous story, mystically revealed to three people, told how she faced torture and death at the hands of the Roman emperor. The thirteen-year-old...

The unique vision of Fatima and its message are still affecting society in many ways and ironically both the vision and message were given to three small children ages ten, eight and seven. The cause for the canonization of Blessed Jacinta Marto,...

  This is the story of one Ignatius Cardinal Kung, Modern Confessor of the Faith, the first Chinese Bishop of Shanghai and one of the Church's staunchest leaders in time of persecution. Unyielding to the revolution of Mao, Cardinal Kung suffered...

  The Martin Family ~ the story of the family of Saint Therese of Lisieux The story of Zelie and Louis Martin, recently canonized together as a married couple, is the tender tale of two people in love who put God first in their relationship...

Saint Joseph, Head of the Holy Family. Holy Scripture is somewhat silent about Saint Joseph, yet the little that is spoken is intrinsic to the plan of salvation. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit said, "Go to Joseph" when the people were starving and...

Saint Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism, cuts a prestigious figure both historically and spiritually. His influence is still with us today, leaving his impact on the world in education, art, literature and agriculture. A study of this article will...

  The enchanting story of the miraculous fresco of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The ancient painting, by an unknown artist, is a tender depiction of the Son of God embracing His Blessed Mother. Painted on a thin shell of plaster, the image was...

  Chosen by God as the head of the Holy Family, Saint Joseph humbly took on the great responsibility of providing and caring for Jesus and Mary. Throughout his life he had complete trust and confidence in God, and perfect abandonment to His...

Saint Josephine Bakhita ~ Flower of the African Desert The life of Saint Josephine Bakhita is a journey of incredible grace. She was kidnapped, abused, and sold into slavery. However, what could have been fuel for a deep and lasting hatred turned...

  Saint Maximilian Kolbe lived only 47 years. His courageous endeavors to counteract evil and to save souls was rivaled only by his indomitable courage in the face of death. This strength he received from a divine source – our Crucified...

  A modern hero, this Polish priest was just beatified in 2010. During the time of the Solidarity movement, Jerzy inspired and supported the faithful in their struggle for freedom and counseled them to achieve it by "overcoming evil with good." He...

  The story of Bartolo Luongo is the fascinating journey of a once dedicated Catholic, who, falling from grace, became involved in the occult. With the help of friends, priest and laymen, he barely escaped the claws of Satan, and dedicated...

  Matt Talbot's story is one of hope and encouragement to anyone suffering from addiction. Living through desperate times, politically and economically, with ample excuse to become an alcoholic, which he did, Venerable Matt Talbot overcame his...

                           A reparation prayer card for every day of the week. A perfect prayer card for your missal. To be said in reparation for blasphemies and the...

  Saint Anne, mother of the Mother of God, has remained one of the most dear saints since the very start Christianity. Many shrines in her honor have been the haven of consolation for the spiritually and physically afflicted. Find out more about...

This prayerbook contains prayers for motherhood and married life as well as counsels and helps for a wife and mother. The many prayer aids and directives of this manual help today’s mothers realize and fulfill the dignity of their state...

Saint Francis' story is the charming tale of a rich and unsatisfied noble with shallow goals of glory, who discovers a dramatic fulfillment in rejection of these values. Instead he pursues a life of poverty and self-renunciation, attracting hundreds of...

The One True Church – The Only Church That Christ Established is the Catholic ChurchBy Father Damen 1855"He that believeth an is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be condemned." Mark xvi. 16.My Dearly Beloved Christians:-From...

A role model for all mothers, Monica treasured the immortal soul of her son and husband more than life itself. Spending her whole married life in prayer and penance for her pagan husband and wayward son, she lived long enough to see the conversion of...

Saint Francis de Sales' story can well be described as that of a true gentleman who became a saint. Overcoming his personal faults he gently counseled souls, founded an order of religious women, became a bishop and converted souls, founded an order of...

  The life of Saint John Marie Vianney is one of a priest in a lonely and obscure village in France, has left an unforgettable mark in the history of the Church. Declared "Patron of Parish Priests," his zealous example would be well imitated by...

  Keeping the Faith, "A Young Catholic's Guide for Coping with the Secular World", by Dr. Paul Lavin. This is essential reading for students of Catholic schools and home-schooling programs who are launching out into a world hostile to their Faith...

  The story of Paul Miki and the Japanese martyrs is the story of twenty-six uncompromising heroes of the Faith who gave their lives for preaching the Gospel of Christ. What was designed to be a terror tactic by the government turned out to be one...

Saint Dominic, a contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi, was zealous for the conversion of souls which lead him to found the Order of Friars Preachers. His life is an exciting adventure of preaching, conversions and mystical experiences but he is most...

  An easy-to-understand step-by-step preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Traditional Catholic Latin Rite. An excellent way to prepare for, appreciate, and follow the rite of the sacrament of Confirmation.

Though she only stood a little under five feet tall, this zealous Italian nun took to the missionary fields of America and beyond with great fervor… but not without overcoming great obstacles first! From the Housetops Magazine issue. Other...

  This astounding story of conversion and sanctity is an encouraging example to those discouraged and seemingly hopelessly addicted to bad habits. It shows that nothing is beyond God's intervention. Saint Camillus is also an inspiration to those in...

                           A prayer card for the reparation of sins of blasphemy against God's name. How often has the name of God been blasphemed against and yet so little is...

This issue of "From the Housetops Magazine" features the life of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. One of the most influential men of the twelfth century, Saint Bernard should serve as an inspiration for us in the twenty-first. In the age of knighthood he...

  Kidnapped at 16 and sold into slavery, Saint Patrick escaped the hands of his captors, only to return years later, not for revenge, but to convert an entire nation to Christ. This is the story of the incredible missionary, who single-handedly...

  Had he pursued his career in law, the name and life of Alphonsus Ligouri would have been forgotten soon after his death. We must be forever grateful that by cooperating with grace, Alphonsus responded enthusiastically to God's call to work in His...

  Thoughts on the "De Montfort Way" and the spirit of True Devotion to Mary written by Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion of Mary. Paperback; 37 pages.

Bread of Life is a book comprising a series of lectures by Father Leonard Feeney, MICM., founder of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Many spiritual writers have written on the Holy Eucharist– the Bread of Life– but no one has...

  The life of Saint Martin de Porres, miracle worker, father of the poor, and humble Dominican, is a source of inspiration to all those who aspire to be a true follower of Christ. Born in Lima, Peru, the son of a freed slave and a Spanish noble,...

  Saint Germaine Cousin, the young shepherdess of France, is a victim of circumstances yet she defies all obstacles by turning loneliness into solitude; abuse into sacrifice and merit; hatred into love. She surmounts all excuses and energetically...

  The life of the unassuming Sister Blandina is one of missionary zeal and fearless charity. Beginning her religious life in Cincinnati, her missionary journey of obedience brought her to the far-out Wild West where she faced outlaws and brigands...

  This Lebanese saint who rarely spoke spent most of his life in the hills of Annaya monastery, sacrificing and praying for others. Only at his death was his holiness realized with thousands of miracles occurring at his grave. A beautiful article...

  Saint Vincent Ferrer thundered warnings of final judgement in the fourteen hundreds to a world filled with confusion and sin, in an age not unlike our own present time. This saint proved that only holiness can truly combat the evils that ravage...

  This is the story of a priest, who instead of fleeing sickness to preserve his own health, rather gave his life for those suffering from an incurable sickness, feared by all; leprosy. Spending the best years of his life on Molokai, servicing the...

Surrounded by high society with its pomps and glory, this young saint's life is a beautiful example of spiritual strength. Keeping his soul focused on the everlasting riches of virtue and holiness, he surmounted the worldly attractions of wealth and...

  Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, the daughter of hard-working immigrants, attended one of the oldest secondary schools for girls and the oldest college for women in New Jersey. She was a member of the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station, NJ,...

  Saint Peter Claver, Apostle of the West Indies, was a model of untiring selflessness and charity who spent his life with the slaves of Cartegena, caring for, and ministering to their spiritual and bodily needs. With no one else to care for...

A one time "man of the world," Gabriel Possenti forsook the limelight of Italian society to dedicate his life to God as a Passionist. Adventure, however, followed him into the cloister, making his story and exciting example of holiness in action. From...

"Go and set all on fire," was the command given to Saint Francis Xavier by his Superior, Saint Ignatius Loyola. Evangelizing the impenetrable Far East, this zealous missionary accomplished unbelievable conversions. He died at the age of forty-six after...

This is the story of a young girl who through reparation and prayer recovered the virtue and beauty she lost through illicit and sinful relationship. She is a new Mary Magdalene, after having led a life of indulgence for years, once she found Christ she...

This issue of "From the Housetops Magazine" features the life of Saint Jerome, one of the Fathers of the Church, who was born about 329. Jerome spent many years in the Holy Land mastering the Hebrew language. He translated the Old Testament and the...

  Saint John de Brebeuf, a professed Jesuit of towering stature, left his comfortable surroundings in France to evangelize the "Children of the Forest" in North America. His mission was urgent, his message had an eternal consequence. His zeal and...

This popular French Catholic writer, from the Nineteenth Century, has assembled over 30 common objections to going to Confession. He has answered them all with kindness, wit and wisdom. A book to allay fears and to give courage in approaching Confession,...

  A FROM THE HOUSETOPS PUBLICATIONS Second Series No.4By Father Arnold Damen, S.J. 1855The following sermon is as relevant today as it was over 100 years ago when it was first preached by Father Arnold Damen, S.J. "One cannot have God for his...

Devotion to the Holy Face — Compiled by Mary Frances Lester Our Lord expressed His desire that this devotion should be known and practiced in reparation for man’s blasphemy.  It has become one of the most loved, and remains one of...

  A prayer book for young Catholics. Useful instruction for Communion and Confirmation and a large selection of devotions and prayers. Truly a beautiful little book. Paperback; illustrated. Available in black and white. Measures 4" X 5 1/2"...

  The story of the Martyrs of Uganda is a tremendous example of strength. Converted to the True Faith by the missionary White Fathers, this group of young men unflinchingly faced torture and death rather than surrender their virtue and deny their...

  "The life of Peter Julian Eymard, the standard-bearer, herald and champion of Christ's presence, in the sacred tabernacle, is, like that of the Baptist, a shining and burning light…through which the ancient Secret of the Eucharist was...

  In this issue the heroic life of Saint Kateri Tekawitha is beautifully written by Sister Marie Bernard, who also painted the picture of the saint for the front cover. If you know little or even nothing of this great native born American saint,...

This is the extraordinary account of Korea's Catholic history and its most illustrious saint and martyr, Saint Andrew Kim, its first native born priest. From the Housetops Magazine issue. Other articles in this issue include: • The Conversion of...

  The story of Saint Vincent de Paul is a timeless example of the Catholic Church's work with the poor. Compelled by a deep love and zeal for souls, this saint spent his life doing acts of charity that affected society at large throughout the ages...

  First published in 1951 during the controversy over the dogmatic teaching “extra ecclesiam nulla salus,” outside the Church there is no salvation. The co-foundress of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary launches the...

  The life of Saint Marguerite d'Youville, the foundress of the Grey Nuns, is the story of a mother, widow, nurse and nun. Her life shows us that it is possible to  be a child of God the Father – a Saint – in all walks of life...

A beautifully illustrated explanation of the Guardian Angels for your child, presented simple terms. An ideal gift for every occasion. From a collection of books for children. Sold separately. Hardbound. 27 pages.

  Bible Stories for Baby Hands are board books that bring the beauty of traditional religious art to a format that the littlest ones can benefit from. The color lithographs on each page are based on engravings by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld for...

A fantastic activity book that also teaches kids about our heroes, the saints! A mini-story or bio is included for each saint featured here – kids will read the story and choose the sticker that fits next to it. What’s even better is that the...

Bible Stories for Baby Hands are board books that bring the beauty of traditional religious art to a format that the littlest ones can benefit from. The color lithographs on each page are based on engravings by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld for his 1860...

  Bible Stories for Baby Hands are board books that bring the beauty of traditional religious art to a format that the littlest ones can benefit from. The color lithographs on each page are based on engravings by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld for...

  A short, famous classic on "true devotion to Mary" – an excellent, easy means of attaining holiness and salvation, a way followed by Popes and Saints, but also perfect for lay people. It is at least every bit as good as his True Devotion to...

 Turin Crucifix by Mark R. Fisher The Crucifixion sculpture of the Turin Crucifix™ Project is the sole purpose for the writing of this book.  It describes the six elements of the sculpture along with the reasoning behind how...

Your child will love to learn all their prayers by reading along in this book with you. Full color illustrations make a beautiful and lasting impression. Our favorite Catholic prayers are the foundation of a solid and life-long Faith.  From a...

  “It is not every one that can keep his childhood. Father Benson has, and speaks to children bout the great, big eternal things in a child’s way. The little ones will be delighted to learn these verses by heart, and thus almost...

  This little book is intended to help husbands and fathers of a family to harmoniously manage the home together with his wife, acting as a guide and support in the very difficult task of rearing children according to God’s plan. Paperback;...

  Ireland’s Loyalty To Mary By Fr. Augustine Hayden, O.F.M. Cap  In this timeless classic, Fr. Augustine charts the devotion of the Irish to Mary from the time of Saint Patrick. News that the Council of Ephesus in 431 had declared...

  The Rosary devotion was given to Saint Dominic by the Mother of God to overcome the heresies and enemies of the Faith. For centuries it has been the weapon of choice for true devotees to Our Lady.  In 1884, at an apparition of Our Lady of...

A beautifully bound classic by Daniel A. Lord, SJ. Lovely full color illustrations and larger print make this the perfect gift for the young catholic boy or girl. An appealing and comprehensive guide to a child's prayer life that explains the most...

A Beginner's Guide to the Traditional Latin Mass is an easy to use book useful for adults and easy enough for young ones to follow. This simplified guide gives just enough about the sequence, content and meanings of the parts, at both a Low and High...

A fantastic activity book that also teaches kids about our heroes, the saints! A mini-story or bio is included for each saint featured here – kids will read the story and choose the sticker that fits next to it. What’s even better is that the...

  The Stations of the Cross prayer booklet is beautifully illustrated with fine Italian 'Bonella' artwork. 32 pages of illustrations and prayers to guide you through the Lenten season and make this pious devotion fruitfully! Booklet includes,...

  Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother — Many Catholics are unaware of our holy traditions on and powerful devotions to the Sorrows of Mary. Based on Scripture and the lives of the Saints, this little book will open eyes and hearts to...

In this article the little known story of the Spanish Civil War, where thousands of martyrs gave their lives for the Faith, is told. Divided into vignettes that illustrate the heroic courage of lay people, religious, young and old these inspiring stories...

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Teach your child this beautiful prayer with this lovely little book that explains the "Hail Mary" in simple terms and full color illustrations. From a collection of books for children. Sold separately...

  Ireland’s Loyalty to the Mass By Father Augustine Hayden, O.F.M. Cap.  The history of Catholic Ireland is the story of a nation’s unsurpassing love of the Mass.   After the death of Henry the VIII in 1547, when...

With society crumbling around him, Saint Benedict was called by God to reform the moral and social depravity of his day. Challenging his followers to embrace discipline rather than licentiousness, silence rather than tumult, and mortification rather than...