The Holiness of Ordinary People 

by Madeleine Delbrêl

At around the age of 20, Madeleine Delbrêl, a French social worker, author, and poet experienced a profound conversion that would send her searching for her “true” vocation. Health and family issues prevented her from becoming a religious sister, but, undaunted, she embraced the call of the laity, to live a life of holiness in the “ordinary” places and jobs that they find themselves. This book is a selection of some of the best essays, articles, and notes, some never published before, which came from the pen of this remarkable Frenchwoman. Information about Madeleine’s life is offered throughout the collection. The cause for her canonization was opened in 1993, and she was declared Venerable in 2018.

Recommended for lay people who are searching for a deeper way of living out their faith, single people, and evangelists.

If You Want Peace in This Life 

by Father Timothy Gallagher OMV

An excellent induction into the wise spiritual advice of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, by Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV. Father Gallagher leads us through 19 of Lanteri’s letters, giving us a useful introduction to the circumstances of their correspondents, and concluding each letter with some suggestions for prayer and reflection. Lanteri was renowned for his wise counsel to his spiritual directees and in particular for his gift of encouragement. These letters attest to the fact that some charisms continue to bear fruit even after the death of the one who exercises them.

Highly recommended for souls in need of encouragement and also for anyone who is looking for a fresh approach to daily prayer and meditation.

The Miracle Book

 by Anthony DeStefano

We live in an era that is somewhat allergic to the miraculous, and with good cause. The term is applied indiscriminately to new products on the shelves of supermarkets and unlikely online yarns.  Miracles are even somewhat out of fashion with people of faith either to avoid disappointment or because of a fear that asking for them is presumptuous.

Destefano’s book is a handbook for anyone willing to ask God for the impossible. The author does not promise us a miracle — he reminds us that God will not grant a miracle that does not align with his plan — but he sets out to show us the best way to grow in the kind of prayer that achieves the miraculous. It is a wonderful “build your own prayer for a miracle” handbook.

Recommended for anyone praying for a miracle and those with a heart for intercession.