Today, the gang is breaking down Pope Francis’ new pastoral letter on literature “On the Role of Literature in Formation.” Why do priests need to read more stories? We do we all need to read stories? What are the very best stories? What do they teach us? And what is wrong with all the people who hate Harry Potter?

So. Many. Links. Today. Probably missing a dozen. But here is the best list we could manage.

“On the Role of Literature in Formation,” by Pope Francis

The Catholic Writer Today by Dana Gioia

Mystery & Manners: Occasional Prose by Flannery O’Connor

“Misguided Hope, Questionable Television, and Harry Potter … So Much Harry Potter,” by Emily Chapman

Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos

Under Satan’s Sun by Georges Bernanos

The Power and the Glory by Georges Bernanos

The Prince of Darkness & Other Stories by J.F. Powers

Contemporary Catholic Poets: Jane Greer, Sam Hazos Mike Aquilina

Lamy of Santa Fe by Paul Horgan

Humble Powers: Three Novelettes by Paul Horgan

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

Made for You by Jenna Satterwaite

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

Kristen Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset

Death Comes for an Archbishop by Willa Cather

Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather

Gilead by Marilynn Robinson

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