Books about Lent: A season of simplicity, penance and preparation

Posted: 17 February 2016

Looking for some good books about Lent? Here are some of the top picks from the spiritual and religious Bookshop at Knock Shrine.

Rooted in Jesus’ fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, Lent is a season of simplicity, sacrifice and penance.

However, it is also a season filled with anticipation and hope for the joyful, spiritual renewal of Easter.

The religious and spiritual Bookshop at Knock Shrine has a wide range of books about the meaning of Lent; how to observe Lent; prayer and reflection for the Lenten journey; and preparation for Easter. Here are five of the favourites.

Bringing Lent Home with Pope Francis – Prayers, Reflections and Activities for Families

€5.25

As the leader of the Catholic Church and an inspiration for humanity and concern for the poor, Pope Francis is the embodiment of thoughtful Lenten living. EWTN host Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle brings Pope Francis into the family home as a spiritual guide who provides conversation and prayer on the Lenten season for shared spiritual growth.
In following this daily devotional, families are encouraged to grow closer as they reflect on the words and life of Pope Francis during the penitential season.

Find it in the online Bookshop

Words for the Lent and Easter Season

By Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB

€3.30

As Benedictine Abbot of Pluscarden Abbey and now Bishop of Aberdeen, Bishop Hugh Gilbert’s homilies have gained him a reputation as a clear and profound teacher of faith. This collection of homilies for the Lent and Easter season are an ideal companion to these wonderful seasons of contemplation and joy.

Find it in the online Bookshop

Lent & Holy Week – Journeying with the Joy of the Gospel

Fr Kevin O’Gorman

€6.90

These daily reflections for Lent and Holy Week are inspired by passages from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation ‘The Joy of the Gospel”, and aim to reflect something of his words, images and sentiments.

Find it in the online Bookshop

The Passion and the Cross

By Ronald Rolheiser

€10.90

Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is one of the most influential spiritual writers of our day. In this book, he offers profound reflections on the central mystery of our Christian faith.

His beautifully written meditations on the passion and the cross invites you to a new understanding of redemption and offers insight into the meaning of your own loss and suffering. Take a journey into the deeper meaning of pain with guidance from a trusted spiritual advisor.

Find it in the online Bookshop

Woman, Why are you Weeping?

By John Timmerman

€9.55

Even though Christ remains one of the most frequently written about figures in all of history, it is impossible for us to understand the mystery of his life. As we approach the Lenten season, author John Timmerman invites readers to walk upon ground that God has provided for coming to know his Son.

Find it in the online Bookshop

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