Books by Priests

Means to Live a Happy and Chaste Life is a straightforward look at holy purity, lived in our present world, not only as something possible, but necessary if we are to live a full and truly happy life. Chapters include chastity within the married state, clear suggestions on how to tackle the predicament of homosexuality affecting some persons, plus specific advice on pornography. 

The Church's Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary is a beautiful exposition of her glorious titles. Her virtues shine through when meditating on this prayer. Author and Barnabite priest, Father Giovanni Semeria, exhorts the reader to apply these virtues to one's own life. Father Semeria unfolds the Litany in 31 profound, but challenging, meditations for spiritual reflection. 

Joy to the World contains meditations on the Gospel texts of the Advent and Christmas seasons and the spiritual wisdom of St. Francis de Sales. This little book is a practical resource for all those desiring to prepare themselves for the meaningful celebration of Jesus’ birth and to experience the gift of joy during this holy season and in all moments of life.

There is the spiritual life. Then there is the wild life: Daredevil stunts, drag races, partying and working with the entertainment industry, trying and failing to stay out of trouble with the law. Eventually, author Dennis O'Donnell realized that the center of his own soul couldn’t find fulfillment without complete trust in Jesus Christ.

In His Outstretched Arms contains life stories and simple truths etched out of a missionary priest's experience of serving the Lord on three continents. Each chapter contains messages of hope, discipleship, service, God's providence, and love. No one will be left untouched by them. Fr. Kurian Kollapallil is a missionary priest of the order of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, East African Province.

Gospel Meditations for Lent contains the Gospel spirituality of Jesus and the spiritual wisdom of St. Francis de Sales. It inspires readers to listen to God’s voice fervently, meditate on Scripture prayerfully, and courageously come back to God the Father in repentance. This book is a helpful resource of hope and encouragement and offers readers motivation to experience God’s love, forgiveness, and healing in Jesus.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia organized a lecture series on the priesthood entitled, "Faithful in Christ: The Ministry and Life of the Catholic Priest." The presenters were all high-ranking members of the seminary faculty with doctoral degrees from pontifical universities in Rome or the United States. Now in book form, these lectures look at various facets of a priest's ministry and life. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions and suggested readings.
Foreword by Cardinal Justin Rigali

Experiences of a Priest Chaplain in the Care of the Sick and the Dying will usher the reader into a unique view of the healthcare arena where an interdisciplinary team approach works for an important and noble cause: to assist individuals, including family and friends, in recognizing spiritual distress and needs, to find ultimate meaning of such life events. Fr. Kevin Ikpah's accounts may also serve to encourage persons either toward volunteer work to the sick and the dying or full-time ministry in this exciting and rewarding field.

Edited by Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R. The lectures in this series delve deeply into the Church’s stance on religious liberty. They demonstrate the relevance of its teaching for the challenges of today’s world.