'Short' Breviaries in 20th Century America

An interesting general introduction to a genre of prayer texts which has several names: "short" breviaries, little offices,breviaria parva and lay breviaries, among others.

A Few Minutes on Books of Hours

An excellent introductory essay by Patrick Haynes. For more studies and introductions, see: - Books of Hours: An Introductory Essay - Introduction to Scholarly Study of the Book of Hours and Index to a Selection of Texts and Variants - Sacred Image and Illusion in Late Flemish Manuscripts

A Franciscan Prayerbook

An excellent gathering of prayers on subjects ranging from "the needs of the Church" to "times of trial."

A Hypertext Book of Hours

An online version of a 1559 prayer book. The medieval "Book of Hours" evolved out of the monastic cycle of prayer which divided the day into eight segments, or "hours." These portable books designed for individual laypeople are smaller and less complicated than those used by the monks and designed for use by individuals. Usually, a Book of Hours include a liturgical calendar, along with the seven "Penitential Psalms" and additional prayers devoted to particular saints or personal issues. Most Books of Hours were devoted to the Virgin Mary.

A Pastoral Letter on Reverence for the Eucharist

A good treatment by the late Bishop John R. Keating of Arlington, Virginia.

A Short Catechism on Prayer

A helpful, brief outline prepared for use in adult Catholic education by Sacred Heart Church in the Seattle, Washingon Archdiocese.

A Worldwide Tour of Churches, Cathedrals and Monasteries

An inspiring set of links to the finest examples of Catholic architecture in the world. See also: - Churches of Rome - Saints in 16th-Century Mexican Churches

Accepting the Embrace of God: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina

A good practical introduction. By Father Luke Dysinger, O.S.B.

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)

- Uniformity to God's Will - The Necessity and Power of Prayer - Spiritual Reading

Ambrosian Breviary

The Divine Office as it was prayed in the Archdiocese of Milan until the Second Vatican Council. See the order of prayers for: - Prime - Terce, Sext, None - Matins and Lauds - Compline - Vespers Chants For the post-Vatican II Ambrosian Office, see: - Diurna Laus and Psalter Schema

An Incentive to Prayer

Cardinal Francis Spellman's 1950 reflection on the Breviary, the official prayer book of the Church, remains a fresh introduction to Catholic prayer.

An Outline of the Liturgy of the Hours

A handy one-page overview.

Anonymous (ca. 1260-1288) - The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

Anonymous English Author (14th-century) - The Cloud of Unknowing

Art in the Vatican

Links to the treasures of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pontifical Palaces and more. See also: - Sistine Chapel - Art by Raphael in the Vatican - The Vatican Museums

Artwork of Biblical and Liturgical Themes

A good sampling of artwork ranging from classic masters to contemporary. Alphabetical by theme: - Aaron to Dreams - Easter to Ishmael - Jacob to Mustard Seed - Nahum to Ruth - Salome to Zechariah

Ascetical Teaching of St. John of the Cross

A good introduction by Father Jordan Aumann, O.P.

Awakening to Prayer

A good introduction, by a Japenese Carmelite, Father Ichiro Okumura, O.C.D.

Beads and Prayers: The Rosary in History and Devotion

An abridged version of John D. Miller's good book of the same name. See also his: - Chart of the Evolution of the Marian Rosary

Benedictine Spirituality

A good introduction from "Some Schools of Catholic Spirituality" (1959).

Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) - on Loving God

Bible Passages on Prayer

Quotes are from the Douay-Rheims translation. See also: - Scripture on Prayer - The Canticles of the Old and New Testaments

Blessed Columba Marmion (1858-1923)

- The Mysteries of the Rosary - Meditations on the Church Year

Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

- Meditations on Christian Doctrine - God is All in All - A Short Road to Perfection - Meditations and Devotions

Books of Hours in the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, The Hague

A general introduction to Books of Hours, with links to hundreds of high-quality images from manuscripts in the Koninklijke Bibliotheek. For other collections of images and texts with introductions: - Book of Hours Exhibition, University of Pennsylvania - Books of Hours in the J. Paul Getty Museum - Books of Hours in the Wellesley College Library - Franciscan Books of Hours from 15th-Century Italy - Leaves of Gold: 19 Books of Hours - Depicting Devotion: Illuminated Books of Hours from the Middle Ages - Book of Hours for Daughter of Francis I - Books of Hours in the University of Kentucky Special Collection - Book of Hours (Rouen, France, ca. 1600) - Book of Hours (Angers, France, ca. 1470) - Book of Hours (Holland, ca. 1425) - Book of Hours (Utrecht, Netherlands, ca. 1430) - Hours of the Holy Spirit and Prayers (Flanders, ca. 1600)

Carmelite Spirituality

A good introduction from "Some Schools of Catholic Spirituality" (1959).

Carol Gerten's Fine Art (CGFA)

An excellent site with lots of good Catholic art. Search by: - Artist Name - Nationality and Time Frame - Featured Artists

Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510) - Scriptural Dialogue in Three Parts

In the first part Saint Catherine relates in what manner she was captivated by worldly allurements, and how, from this state, she was entirely converted to God, and devoted herself to austere works of penance. In the second, she describes the sublime perfection of the spiritual life in which she is engaged. In the third, she discourses of the divine love and of its wonderful effects, and how she has experienced them all in herself.

Catherine of Siena (c. 1347-1380)

- The Dialogue of the Seraphic Virgin Catherine of Siena

Catholic Prayers

A good place to start. Contains traditional prayers an others, including little known gems like John Donne's Annunciation. See also: - On-Line Catholic Prayer Book - Basic Catholic Prayers

Christian Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition

A great introduction, by Father Jordan Aumann, O.P. See also, Father Aumann's classic study: - Spiritual Theology These articles by Father Aumann are also recommended: - Asceticism and the Christian Life - The Christian Laity

Clement of Alexandria (d. 215) - Stromateis

Dante Aligheri (1265-1321)

- Inferno - Purgatorio - Paradiso

Desert Fathers (4th century)

- Excerpts from The Paradise of the Desert Fathers - From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers - The Life of Our Holy Mother Mary of Egypt

Devotion To the Sacred Heart

A good historical overview, by P. Milward. Originally published in the American Ecclesiastical Review. - Part 2

Devotion to the Sacred Heart Explained

An excellent set of pages and links hosted by Sacred Heart Church in the Seattle, Washington Archdiocese. Includes prayers, history , Bible study and official Church documents.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

From The Catholic Encyclopedia.

Dionysius Areopagita: A Christian Mysticism?

An excellent study of an important but often overlooked figure in the Catholic spiritual tradition. By Father Alexander Golitzin. See also his: - "Suddenly", Christ: The Place of Negative Theology in the Mystagogy of Dionysius Areopagites

Directory of Churches and Chapels Holding Eucharist Adoration

A handy site.

Divine Office

A thorough overview from The Catholic Encyclopedia. See also these articles: - Breviary and Reform of the Roman Breviary - Canonical Hours - Matins - Lauds - Prime - Terce - Sext - None - Compline - Vespers and Music of Vespers - Nocturns

Dominican Spirituality

A good study by Father Benedict Ashley, O.P. See also Father Ashley's studies: - Blessed Osanna d'Andreasi and Other Renaissance Italian Dominican Women Mystics - Dominic Cavalca and the Spirituality of the Word - The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: A Study Outline

Dominican Spirituality

A good introduction from "Some Schools of Catholic Spirituality" (1959).

Dominican Spirituality: Principles and Practice

A good overview by Father William A Hinnebush, O.P. See especially the chapter, "Dominican Life is Liturgical."

Dorothy Day (1897-1980) - Writings

Egeria and Holy Week in Fourth-Century Jerusalem

Presents the original Latin and English translation of the remarkable diary kept by Egeria on her pilgrimage to celebrate Holy Week in Jerusalem. Egeria’s diary represents one of our most vivid snapshots of early Catholic worship.

Eucharist, A Sacrament to be Adored

Pope John Paul II's letter marking the 750th anniversary of the first celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi. See also the Pope's: - Pope John Paul II Recalls and Encourages National Eucharistic Devotion (excerpt)

Evening Prayer, Night Prayer and Psalmody

An excerpt from St. John Cassian's Institutes. See also, this excerpt: - Daytime Prayer and Psalmody in 4th-Century Egyptian Monasticism

Fasting, Prayer, Charity for the Gift of Peace

A fine meditation by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., official Preacher of the Papal Household under Pope John Paul II.

Form and Meaning of the Rosary Devotion

A fine consideration by Father Romano Guardini.

Francis Thompson (1859-1907) - The Hound of Heaven

Franciscan Spirituality

A good introduction from "Some Schools of Catholic Spirituality" (1959).

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) - Poems

Girolamo Savonarola O.P (1452-1498) - A Sermon on the Lord's Prayer

Gospel Meditations for Lectio Divina

- The Parables of Jesus - Miracles of Jesus - Parallel Passages in Matthew, Mark and Luke (NIV Translation - Catholics should compare with RSV and NAB) - Lectio Divina with the Sunday Mass Readings

Guigo II (d. 1193) - The Ladder of Four Rungs

Henry Suso (c. 1295-1366) - A Little Book of Eternal Wisdom

Hermas (first or second century) - The Shepherd

History of the Liturgy of the Hours

A good introduction from a text book on Medieval Christian Liturgy. See also: - Origins of the Book of Hours

History of the Rosary

Informative overview by Father William Saunders.

Holy Land Photos

Fully searchable collection of nearly 150 sites with 1500 photos of the Holy Land. To browse: - Site List Other sources for photos related to biblical scenes: - Bible Places - Virtual Travel Through the Holy Places - Christian Sanctuaries of the Holy Land - Biblical Excursions in the Holy Land - The Holy Land of the First Crusaders

How Do You Pray the Rosary?

From the University of Dayton's Marian Library. A fine introduction with many images and quotations from Pope John Paul II. See also: - What is the Origin of the Rosary? - Is There a Biblical Basis for the Rosary?

How to Pray

By Blessed Columba Marmion, the great Benedictine abbot of the 20th century. An excerpt from his great work, Christ the Life of the Soul (1925).

Ignatian Spirituality

A good introduction from "Some Schools of Catholic Spirituality" (1959).

Instruction on Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery (Eucharisticum Mysterium)

An important teaching on the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Issued in 1967 by the Sacred Congregation of Rites. See also: - Instruction on Certain Norms Concerning the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery (Inaestimabile donum) by the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments Divine Worship, 1980 - Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass (Eucharistiae Sacramentum) by the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments Divine Worship, 1973

Introduction to the Roman Breviary

Father William Lallou's good introduction to the 1950 English translation of the Breviary.

Introduction to the Theology of the Divine Office

A good treatment by Melkite Catholic Archbishop Joseph Tawil, Eparch Emeritus of Newton, Mass.

Jan van Ruusbroec (1293-1381)

- The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage - The Sparkling Stone - The Book of Supreme Truth

Johannes Tauler (1300-1365) - The Inner Way

John Cassian (c.360-c.432)

- Conferences - Institutes (on the monks life)

Jordan of Saxony (1231-1234) - The Libellus of Jordan of Saxony (An early history of the Dominicans)

Julian of Norwich (1343-1443) - Revelations of Divine Love

Letter on Lectio Divina

Written in 1993 by Father Bernardo Olivera, O.C.S.O, Abbot General of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, or Trappists.

Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8th Century)

A cycle of daily prayers devoted to Our Lady.

Liturgy of the Hours

An excellent introductory site. From the Liturgy Office of the Archdiocese of New York. Includes: - What is Liturgy of the Hours? - Daily Structure of the Liturgy of the Hours - Structure of Each of the Hours - Editions of the Liturgy of the Hours - Organization and Contents of Editions of the Liturgy of the Hours - The Liturgical Calendar and the Liturgy of the Hours - Roles in the Celebrations of the Liturgy of the Hours

Margery Kempe (c. 1430)

Treatise of Contemplation- The Book of Margery Kempe - Treatise of Contemplation (from The Book of Margery Kempe)

Mass Times

A free ministry to traveling Catholics. Offers Mass times in the United States by city, zip code or area code.

Medieval Wall Painting in the English Parish

A very interesting collection of paintings. Includes such topics as: The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy, The Seven Deadly Sins, the Passion, the Tree of Jesse, the Suicide of Judas.

Meditation With Art

As The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things, but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate" (no. 2129). This site provides depictions of classic Catholic art, along with meditations.

Meditations on the Church Year by Blessed Columba Marmion

From Blessed Columbae's classic, Christ in His Mysteries: - Divine Preparations (Time of Advent) - O, Marvelous Exchange (Christmas) - Epiphany - The Blessed Virgin and the Hidden Life - The Baptism and the Temptation of Jesus - Some Aspects of the Public Life of Jesus (Lent) - Transfiguration (Second Sunday of Lent) - Christ ... Loved the Church and Delivered Himself Up for It, That He Might Sanctify It (Passiontide) - In the Footsteps of Jesus from the Pretorium to Calvary (Good Friday / Stations of the Cross) - Si Consurrexistis cum Christo (Paschal Time) - "...And Now, Father, Glorify Thy Son" (Ascension) - In Mei Memoriam (Corpus Christi) - The Mission of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

Meister Eckhart (ca. 1260-1327) - Sermons

My Rosary

by Pope John Paul I

Mysticism

The classic book by Evelyn Underhill.

Novenas

For another set, try: - Litanies - Prayer E-Book Novenas

Of the Fruits to be Derived From Prayer and Meditation

An excerpt from a work by St. Peter of Alcantara, a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan.

On Prayer

Writing in the late 2nd century, Tertullian demonstrates that the custom of praying at the third, sixth, and ninth hour is of very ancient origin in the Church.

On Praying the Hours

An excerpt from the liturgical code of the Rule of St. Benedict.

On the Jesus Prayer

By Princess Ileana of Romania (d. 1991). The princess, later become a nun and abbess of an Orthodox monastery, speaks on the solace of the Jesus Prayer through her own experience of losing a child.

Origen on Spirituality

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Handbook

A practical guide to beginning Eucharistic Adoration in your local parish.

Prayer Without Ceasing

An excerpt from The Way of the Pilgrim, a 19th-century spiritual classic of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. For the "method" of the Jesus Prayer as presented in The Way, see: - The Basic Method of the Jesus Prayer

Prayers in the Home

A good selection and explanation of the importance of family prayer and the notion of th family as "the domestic Church." From a Byzantine Catholic perspective.

Progress Through Mental Prayer

Father Edward Leen's classic study, designed to help the reader to develop a deeper prayer life.

Psalter Schemas

A very interesting presentation of the way Psalms have been used in various Breviaries, from the 6th century to the present. - The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ambrosian Rite)

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (late 5th-early 6th century)

- The Celestial Hierarchy - The Mystical Theology

Restoring Sacred Time: How the Liturgical Year Deepens Catholic faith

A nice meditation by Msgr. Peter Elliott. Excerpted from his book, Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year According to the Modern Roman Rite.

Richard Rolle (1300-1349)

The Fire of Love- The Fire of Love - The Mending of Life or Rule of Living

Rite of Eucharistic Devotion

The prayers and blessings in Latin and English.

Rosaries of All Kinds

A fascinating compilation of the many ways of saying the Rosary. See also: - Various Kinds of Rosaries and Chaplets

Rosary Prayers in Many Languages

If you ever find yourself needing to say the Rosary in Tagalog, this is the place.

Russian Icons

An index of nearly 100 icons from the 10th to the 18th centuries. For another collection, see: - The Icon Gallery

Selected Readings on Lectio Divina from the Catholic masters:

- From The Rule of St. Benedict (4th century) - From William of St. Thierry (d. 1148) - From Guigo II (d. 1193) - From The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic (1260-1288) - From The Cloud of Unknowing (13th century)

Short History of the Angelus

Summarizes the development of this staple Marian prayer. Originally published in L'Osservatore Romano.

Some Schools of Catholic Spirituality

From a 1959 book of the same title: - Benedictine Spirituality - Carmelite Spirituality - Dominican Spirituality - Franciscan Spirituality - Ignatian Spirituality - Oratorian Spirituality - The Spirituality of The Imitation of Christ - The Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales

Spiritual Theology in the Thomistic Tradition

A great introduction, by Father Jordan Aumann, O.P. See also, Father Aumann's: - Thomistic Evaluation of Love and Charity - The Contemplative Dimension of Dominican Spirituality

St. Albert the Great (1200-1280)- On Cleaving to God

St. Ambrose (340-397) - On the Mysteries

St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) - Sunday Sermons

St. Athanasius (295-373)

- On the Incarnation - Life of Antony

St. Augustine (354-430)

- Confessions - Enchiridion - On Christian Doctrine - On the Sermon on the Mount - An excerpt about prayer (from On the Sermon on the Mount) - On Patience

St. Basil (329-379)

- On the Holy Spirit - Nine Homilies on the Six Days of Creation - To Gregory the Theologian

St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547) - Rule for Monasteries

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274)

- Prayer after Holy Communion - Journey of the Mind into God

St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

- Letters - Rule of St. Clare - Testament

St. Claude La Colombiere (1641-1682) - Spiritual Retreats

St. Columba (521-597) - Rule of St. Columba

St. Cyprian

- On the Advantage of Patience - On the Lord's Prayer

St. Edith Stein (1891-1942) - The Hidden Life: Meditations and Spiritual Texts

St. Ephraim of Syria (c. 306-373)

- The Pearl - Fifty-Five Chapters on the Beatitudes - On Love, On Psalmody, On Prayer

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

- Introduction to the Devout Life - Treatise on the Love of God - Sermons on Prayer

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

- The Canticle of Brother Son - Praises of God Most High - Exposition of the 'Our Father' - An Exhortation to Praise God - The Office of the Passion of the Lord - A Prayer Before the Crucifix - Rule of the Friars Minor

St. Gregory of Nazianzus (329-389) - Second Paschal Oration

St. Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)

- Dialogues, Book II (on the life and miracles of St. Benedict) - Commentary on the Book of Job, Books I-V

St. Ignatius of Antioch (50-107) - Epistle to the Smyrnaeans

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

- The Spiritual Exercises - Selected Letters and Instructions

St. Jerome (320-420) - On the Song of Songs

St. John Chrysostom (347-407)

- The Easter Sermon of John Chrysostom - Prayer of St. John Chrysostom

St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)

- Ascent of Mount Carmel. - Counsels to a Religious - Dark Night of the Soul - The Living Flame of Love - Sayings of Light and Love - The Spiritual Canticle of the Soul and the Bridegroom Christ - Poetry of St. John of the Cross

St. John Vianney (1786-1859) - St. John Vianney (1786-1859)

St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) - Writings

St. Louis de Montfort (1673-1716) - True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Maximus the Confessor (580-662)- On Knowledge

St. Patrick (385-461) - Confession

St. Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562) On the Fruit to be Derived from Prayer and Meditation

St. Sophronious (ca. 600) - Life of St. Mary of Egypt

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

- Autobiography - Interior Castle - Way of Perfection

St. Teresa's Teaching on the Grades of Prayer

A good introduction by Father Jordan Aumann, O.P.

St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) - Poems

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) - The Our Father

Stations of the Cross

With reflections by Mother M. Angelica, P.C.P.A., founder of The Eternal Word Television Network. See also: - The Living Way of the Cross

Studies in Jewish Prayer

A good introduction to the origins and development of prayer in Judaism, with implications for the development of Christian prayer.

Sulpitius Severus (363-420) - The Life of St. Martin

Symbols in Christian Art and Architecture

An illustrated dictionary of Christian symbolism. See also: - Christian Symbols

Tertullian

- On Prayer or Prayer - Patience

The Art of Trinitarian Prayer

A reflection on Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte. By Jesus Castellano Cervera, originally published in L'Osservatore Romano.

The Catholic Art Gallery

A splendid collection of artists including Raphael, Caravaggio, Cimabue, Rembrandt, Bellini and more. Also includes a special collection of Paintings of Angels. See also: - Sacred Art by Giotto (d. 1337) - The Book of Hours of Jean, Duke of Berry (the greatest of illuminated manuscripts, ca. 1485) - The Jacques Maritain Center Art Gallery - The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus - Breviary of Chertsey Abbey (ca. 1307) - Life and Death and Miracles of St. Jerome (Images) - Iconography of St. Sebastian - Thais 1200 Years of Italian Sculpture

The Cell of Self-Knowledge: Seven Early English Mystical Treatises

(Includes works by Richard of St. Victor, Margery Kempe, Walter Hilton, and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing.)

The Divine Office as the Church's Prayer of Praise and Intercession

Father John Hardon, S.J., begins his study of the Divine Office with the notion that it is "The Song of Heaven brought down to earth by the Incarnation." He continues: "Christ Jesus (the Church tells us), the high priest of the new and eternal covenant, taking human nature, introduced into this earthly exile , that hymn which is sung throughout all ages in the halls of heaven. He joins the entire community of mankind to Himself, associating it with His own singing of this canticle of divine praise." See also, Father Hardon's: - The Divine Office as Liturgy - The Divine Office as a Form of Sacrifice

The Epistles for Lent and Easter

Translations and Commentary by Father Ronald Knox. Not complete, but still helpful. - First Sunday - Second Sunday - Third Sunday - Fourth Sunday - Passion Sunday - Palm Sunday - Easter Day

The Exsultet

Father Jerome Gassner, O.S.B. looks at this ancient prayer that serves as a prelude to the Easter solemnities. The Exsultet is “a majestic proclamation of the Resurrection of Christ, a dramatic invitation to heaven and earth to join with the Church in joy and jubilation.�

The Friars Preachers

An excellent overview of Dominican spirituality from the Dictionary of Spirituality. See also, by Father Benedict Ashley, O.P.: - The Dominicans

The History of Eucharistic Adoration

A comprehensive study by Father John Hardon, S.J.

The Holy of Eucharistic Adoration

A good introduction to this devotion.

The Human Heart of Jesus

By Herbert Ratner. Originally published in New Covenant magazine.

The Immaculate Conception

An excerpt from The Church's Year of Grace by Pius Parsch.

The Jesus Prayer: Prayer of the Heart

A good historical overview of the prayer. An Orthodox Christian site. See also: - The Jesus Prayer

The Litanies

A good explanation of the history and practice of praying Litanies, includes links to several Church-approved Litanies. See also: - The Litany (Catholic Encyclopedia) - Novena (Catholic Encyclopedia)

The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi

The Liturgical Calendar

An excellent, well-designed site. By the organization Women for Faith and Family. For other good resources, try: - The Catholic Calendar Page - The CIN Catholic Calendar Page - Roman Catholic Liturgical Calendars

The Liturgical Year

By Abbot Gueranger, O.S.B. This is the preface to the classic book on the Church's Liturgy, The Liturgical Year. See also Gueranger's reflections on individual feasts and seasons of the Church year: - The History of Advent and On Holy Communion During Advent - The Feast of the Immaculate Conception - History of Lent and Practice During Lent - History of Passiontide and Holy Week and Practice During Passiontide and Holy Week - History of Paschal Time and Practice During Paschal Time - Feast of the Most Holy Trinity - Ascension

The Liturgy of the Hours in Our Lives of Prayer

In this 1998 pastoral letter, Archbishop Elden Curtiss of Omaha, Neb. urges priests to renew their devotion to praying the Divine Office.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

A short book of meditations by the 20th-century Benedictine abbott, Blessed Columba Marmion.

The Necessity and Power of Prayer

An excellent meditation by St. Alphonsus de Liguori. Highly recommended.

The Prayer of the Church

By St. Edith Stein. A complex but rewarding consideration, in which the saint argues that "The prayer of the church is the prayer of the ever-living Christ. Its prototype is Christ's prayer during his human life."

The Revised Book of the Liturgy of the Hours (Laudis Canticum)

Pope Paul VI's Apostolic Constitution of 1970. See also: - The General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours

The Rosary in Image and Text

Meditations and artwork. A nice site. - The Joyful Mysteries - The Sorrowful Mysteries - The Glorious Mysteries - The Luminous Mysteries

The Sacraments and the History of Salvation

An extraordinary article by Cardinal Jean Danielou, S.J. on the connection between the sacraments and the marvelous works wrought by God in the Old and New Testaments. A quote: "The sacraments are conceived in relation to the acts of God in the Old Testament and the New. God acts in the world; His actions are the mirabilia, the deeds that are His alone. God creates, judges, makes a covenant, is present, makes holy, delivers. These same acts are carried out in the different phases of the history of salvation....The sacraments are simply the continuation in the era of the Church of God's acts in the Old Testament and the New. This is the proper significance of the relationship between the Bible and the liturgy. The Bible is a sacred history; the liturgy is a sacred history." Must reading.

The Scriptural Rosary

- Joyful Mysteries - Luminous Mysteries - Sorrowful Mysteries - Glorious Mysteries

The Six Great Litanies of the Church

A collection of the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus; the Litany of the Sacred Heart; the Litany of the Precious Blood; the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the Litany of Saint Joseph;t he Litany of the Saints. For more Litanies, see: - The Litany Collection

The Spirituality of the Catacombs

A very interesting short piece that tries to show that "the spirituality of the catacombs is the spirituality of the early Church."

The Splendors of Grace

An essay on union with God by the great Mattias Joseph Scheeben.

The Structure of the Soul and Mystical Experience According to St. Thomas Aquinas

A good study by Father M.-D. Chenu, O.P.

The Three Ways of the Spiritual Life

The little classic by the great Thomist, Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

The Vatican's Holy Rosary Page

Good, basic site for prayers, papal teachings and Scripture texts associated with each of the mysteries.

The Veneration of Icons in the Tradition of the Byzantine Rite

A thorough survey. See these related links: - What is an Icon?

The Way of the Cross

A nice site with texts and artwork. Includes the following mediations: - Cardinal Newman's Long Meditations - Cardinal Newman's Shorter Meditations - The Stations by F.X. Lansance - Rutter's 1875 Stations of the Cross - The Holy Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross

A fine set of meditations by St. Josemaria Escriva. See also: - The Way of the Cross by St. Francis of Assisi - A Scriptural Way of the Cross with Meditations by St. Alphonsus Liguori

The Way of the Cross - Meditations by Pope John Paul II

Three excellent sets of meditations are available: - Good Friday 2003 - Good Friday 2001 - Good Friday 2000

The Way of the Cross in the Company of the Saints

Composed by Father Antonio Maria Sicari, O.C.D. for the Vatican's celebration of the Jubilee for Priests (2000).

The Way of the Cross in the Holy Land

Pictures and meditations.

The Way of the Cross with St. Paul of the Cross

As prayed by Pope Paul VI at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, 1975.

Theosis: The Final Mystery of the Rosary

A fine meditation on the Mystery of Mary's crowning as Queen of Heaven. By Stratford Caldecott.

Thomas a Kempis (1379-1471) - The Imitation of Christ

Treasury of Latin Prayers

A good source for prayers in Latin with English translation. For help with the pronunciation: - Ecclesiastical Latin Pronunciation

Universalis: The Liturgy of the Hours

Lets you pray the Liturgy of the Hours every day of the year. Provides both text and guide. Similar sites include: - Pray the Psalms Daily with the Monks - The Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate

Virtual Stations of the Cross

From St. Charles Borromeo Church in Picayne, Miss. With texts and prayers drawn from the Douay-Rheims Bible.

Walter Hilton (d. 1396)

- The Scale (or Ladder) of Perfection or The Scale of Perfection - The Song of Angels - Treatise Written to a Devout Man

Web Gallery of Art

A virtual museum and searchable database of European painting and sculpture of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods (1150-1800), currently containing over 11,600 reproductions. Commentaries on pictures, biographies of artists are available.