Catholic Classics

What happens when prayer stops being something we try to accomplish and becomes something we simply receive from God? Sr. Katie Flanagan explains the transition from our own efforts in prayer to the mysterious work of God within the soul—and reminds us that we cannot force or manufacture His grace. Today, we read The Fourth Dwelling Places: Chapter 2.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What if your distracted mind doesn’t mean you’re failing at prayer? As we enter The Fourth Dwelling Place, Sr. Katie Flanagan and Sr. Elfie Del Rosario reveal the difference between consolation and spiritual delight, and remind us that God works in His own time to unite us more fully with Him. Today, we read The Fourth Dwelling Places: Chapter 1.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

Ever caught yourself calling something a virtue when it was really an attachment? Sr. Katie Flanagan explains the flaw of souls whose lives look well-ordered but who fall apart at the smallest trial, and who mistake clinging to their own will for holiness. She highlights how humility, obedience, and holy companions help us let go, and invites us to ask what God is calling us to surrender in each hardship. Today, we read The Third Dwelling Places: Chapter 2.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What happens when we’re doing all the “right” things in our spiritual life—but something deeper still needs to change? As we enter The Third Dwelling Place, Sr. Katie Flanagan and Sr. Eflie Del Rosario invite us to look beyond our exterior actions and allow God to purify our hearts, detach us from approval and consolation, and conform our wills more fully to His. Today we read The Third Dwelling Places: Chapter 2.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What do you do when you fall, struggle, or feel discouraged in your prayer life? Keep going. As we enter The Second Dwelling Place of The Interior Castle, Sr. Katie Flanagan and Sr. Eflie Del Rosario remind us that perseverance is essential on the journey toward deeper union with God. Trials and failures will come, but they do not mean the journey is over. Today, we read The Third Dwelling Places: Chapter 1.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What happens to the soul when mortal sin darkens our relationship with God—and where is God in the midst of it? Sr. Katie reminds us of the ugliness of sin while reminding us that God’s light never stops shining. Through the sacraments, the intercession of Our Lady and the saints, and a humble reliance on God’s mercy, we can keep moving deeper into the castle and toward true freedom. Today, we read The First Dwelling Places: Chapter 2.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What would happen if we spent as much time caring for our souls as we do caring for our bodies? As we enter the First Dwelling Place of St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, we’re invited to move beyond worldly distractions and begin the journey inward through prayer, reflection, and silence. Today we read The First Dwelling Places: Chapter 1.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What does it take to truly know God—and ourselves? Sr. Katie Flanagan explores the importance of self-knowledge, humility, and compassion as we begin the journey of prayer. Today we read the Prologue.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What can St. Teresa of Ávila teach us about drawing closer to Jesus? Sr. Katie Flanagan and Sr. Elfie Del Rosario give us an overview of what we can expect from our journey through St. Teresa of Ávila's The Interior Castle this season.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

What do you want your life to be about when it's all said and done? As we reach the final episode of The Practice of the Presence of God, Fr. Gregory and Rebecca highlight Brother Lawrence's final days and discover the remarkable simplicity that defined both his life and his death. Facing eternity, he was not consumed by fear, regret, or uncertainty. Instead, his heart remained fixed on one thing: loving and adoring God.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics