Lent calls the faithful to sincere repentance, a renewed fidelity to Christ, and a searching examination of conscience as they prepare to commemorate His Passion and celebrate His glorious Resurrection. One of the Church’s most time-honored Lenten practices is deliberate spiritual reading — books that confront sin honestly, stir contrition, and draw the soul more deeply into a life of grace.
Here are several trusted companions for the Lenten season:
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
Written in the 15th century by Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch canon regular of the Augustinian Congregation of Windesheim, this work encourages believers to abandon worldly pursuits in favor of a profound connection with Christ. Its concise chapters make it ideal for daily reflection.
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
In Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales presents laypeople navigating ordinary responsibilities with a practical path to Heaven. Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea (Greek for “lover of God”), the 17th-century saint reminds the faithful that holiness adorns every vocation.
Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo
Part autobiography and part prayer, Confessions is one of the most enduring works of Christian literature ever written. St. Augustine of Hippo lays bare his struggles with sin, his restless search for truth, and his dramatic conversion. The fourth-century saint addresses God directly throughout the work, allowing readers to eavesdrop on a profound and humble conversation with God and reminding the faithful that no sin can put us beyond redemption when repentance meets grace.
Life of Christ by Ven. Fulton Sheen
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen writes with lyrical and theological depth. In Life of Christ, he meditates on the Gospels with particularly moving reflections on the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. Sheen’s vivid meditations can help readers enter Holy Week with greater focus and devotion.
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken
In this memoir, Sheldon Vanauken — a close friend of C.S. Lewis’ — chronicles his marriage to his wife Davy, their conversion to Christianity, and the profound suffering he experienced following her death. While less overtly devotional than other titles on this list, Vanauken’s poetic prose offers an intense meditation on grief, grace, divine providence, and the reality that sacrifice and love cannot be separated.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
This satirical classic offers a humorous yet incisive look at the subtle strategies the evil one can use on souls in a state of spiritual complacency. Written as fictional correspondence from a senior demon to his novice nephew Wormwood — who is tasked with securing a young man's damnation — it functions as a creative examination of conscience. The book unmasks the dangers of a lukewarm faith, along with pride and distraction.
The Gospels
This list would be remiss not to mention Sacred Scripture itself. Many Catholics choose to read one Gospel account straight through over the 40 days of Lent, while others follow the daily Mass readings or focus on the Passion narratives. Returning directly to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John ensures that every reflection, sacrifice, and act of repentance remains rooted in Christ.