Searching for a book to lead you to a deeper relationship with God? Try these
First of at least two parts
By John Shaughnessy
Laura Soto knows the power of a good book. One of her favorites led her mother into a deeper relationship with God as she was dying.
The book—Surprised by Truth: 11 Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic by Patrick Madrid—also helped to lead her mother, Cathy Markland, into full communion with the Church before she died at the age of 69 in 2023.
“As an adult convert myself, I have always found myself drawn to conversion testimonies,” Soto says. “Not only have I read this book several times, I have given it to a few people I have encountered in my life who have had questions about the Catholic Church. My mother, in particular, had some ideas of what the Catholic Church believed and taught that were incorrect.
“After witnessing how my husband and I have attempted to raise our kids in the faith and pass along the importance of it, she began to ask questions over the years. Once she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and started undergoing treatment, I went out on a limb and gave her a copy of the book and encouraged her to read it in the hope that it may help in answering some lingering questions. She did read it.”
Near the same time, her mother learned the cancer had spread and stopped responding to treatment.
As Markland prepared to go into hospice, Soto took another leap of faith and asked her mom if she would like to speak to their pastor about becoming Catholic. When her mother surprised her by saying yes, Soto reached out to Father Richard Doerr of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Carmel, Ind., in the Lafayette Diocese.
“By the grace of God, she was able to be welcomed in the Catholic Church two weeks before her death. She received the sacraments of reconciliation, first Communion, confirmation and anointing of the sick on the same day,” Soto says. “The Mass was celebrated at her bedside, and it was one of the most joyful experiences I have ever had.”
Soto also remembers that moment as providing “a deep sense of peace” for her mother.
“I have also given this book to my uncle who, upon learning of my mother’s conversion on her deathbed, was interested in learning more about the Catholic Church.”
A senior accountant, Soto was among a group of people from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis who was invited to share a favorite book that has helped them in their faith and into a deeper relationship with Christ. Here are some other faith-related books that have touched people’s lives.
‘Letting go of the daily worries’
Uniformity with God’s Will by St. Alphonsus Ligouri
“By far my favorite spiritual book,” says Roarke LaCoursiere, associate director of the Indiana Catholic Conference. “It is only 30 pages long, so more of a short story.
“Reading this book helped me with letting go of the daily worries and frustrations that come up. This book helps you realize that everything that happens, except for sin, is God’s will, and we can let go of taking all responsibility for everything onto ourselves. Instead, we can surrender and lovingly accept that all things that happen are as God designed and his will is always the greatest good for us and those we love.”
‘The depth of God’s love for me’
Beloved by Henri Nowen
“Nowen is such an inspirational writer and speaks in a voice that is approachable for everyone,” says Kimberly Pohovey, director of major and planned gifts for the archdiocese. “I read this book many years ago as part of a book study. I’ve always felt loved by God, but this book helped me to better understand the depth of the love God has for me.
“Also, I was surprised to learn how many of the women in the study did not feel worthy of God’s love and therefore avoided a deeply personal encounter with Jesus. This book crashed through those pre-conceived notions to help them see that God loves us, all of us, no matter what.”
‘A deeper devotion to Our Lady’
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre
“This book was really transformative for me in my understanding of the Blessed Mother and the deeper history of the queen mother and the way that all ties into the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies of Jesus as Christ and King,” says Megan Lauritsen, coordinator of youth ministry for the archdiocese.
“This book breaks open Marian apologetics in a way that is understandable and calls the reader to a deeper understanding of the role of Mary in our faith, which then in my experience led me to a deeper devotion to Our Lady and the ways that we can call on her for her intercession to her Son.”
A deeper level of prayer’
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Augustinian Father Martin Laird
“One of the most impactful books I’ve read, particularly related to my spiritual/prayer life,” says Jim Maslar, a Catholic philanthropic adviser in planned giving for the archdiocese. “This book helped unlock, in an accessible way, a deeper layer of prayer that I had not yet known or been able to articulate.
“Father Laird utilizes Scripture and Catholic spiritual masters to invite the novice into a deeper awareness of God’s presence through practical tools and wisdom.
“What has stuck with me the most seems obvious but has been transformative: taking time in prayer of simply being aware of God’s constant and intimate awareness of me, of my individual soul, and allowing my heart/soul to rest in that.”
A choice of forgiveness
A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai by Marist Father Paul Glynn
“A Song for Nagasaki tells the amazing story of the author’s conversion to Christianity, his work as a medical doctor, and his life before and after August 9, 1945,” says Brian Disney, superintendent of Catholic schools for the archdiocese.
On that fateful day in history, an American bomber dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II, killing tens of thousands of people instantly and impacting the lives of countless survivors, including Nagai.
“I learned about the historical roots of Catholicism in Nagasaki and the faith of the underground Church for
250 years when Christianity was forbidden in Japan,” Disney notes. “I was humbled by Nagai’s humility, faith and trust in God.
“I cried when I read how Nagai thanked God for choosing Nagasaki for the second nuclear bomb as a sacrifice which saved millions of lives and brought peace to the world at war. Rather than bitterness, anger and hate, Nagai chose mercy and forgiveness. I can only pray for faith like his, so that I can be more like Jesus.”
‘The soul’s ascent to holiness’
Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
“I originally read this in high school and through it, I found my confirmation saint,” says Lucy Wahnsiedler, special events coordinator for the archdiocese. “This book completely changed my perspective on the interior life and spiritual growth.
“It gives the reader rich [Teresian] imagery of the soul’s ascent to holiness through the maturation of one’s prayer, as well as practical ways to ascertain which ‘mansion’ you are currently in and how to persevere in prayer to move toward the next ‘mansion.’ I love the use of this imagery in prayer, and I appreciate being able to gauge my progress [or, admittedly, sometimes my regression] through the ‘mansions.’ ”
On the road to joy with God
Travel the Highways of Advent by Stan Purdum
“This was a perfect study for me during the Advent seasons and beyond,” says Anita Bardo, coordinator of evangelization and discipleship for the archdiocese. “The title, Travel the Highways, sets the tone for knowing God’s plan for us. How we handle our days, whether good or bad. Our struggles and challenges.
“The book is broken down into the different ways we see God’s highway. Is it a level or straight highway, meaning, ‘Are we preparing our minds and emotions to be in tune with what God is about to do for us?’ Are we facing obstacles to get around the highway, through or beneath it? How do we see our relationship with God through our struggles?
“The questions after the chapters gave me direction on many occasions, especially being in a space of disappointments and seeing no other way out. The different reflections at the end of the chapters were a breath of fresh air. This book has continued to allow myself to think first and take it one day at time to sort through those ‘highways’ in my life. It’s a short book filled with good study, prayer, mediation and positive joys.”
(If you have a favorite book that has led you to a deeper relationship with God, we’d love for you to share it with us. Please send the title, the author and the reasons why the book has had an impact on your faith to John Shaughnessy by e-mail at jshaughnessy@archindy.org or by mail in care of The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Please include your parish and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.) †