General Books

The courageous and loyal Swiss Guard swear to protect the pope with their very lives. Here is a fascinating inside look into their history and what it takes to become one of the most elite soldiers in the world.

Marc, the main character, wants to become a Swiss Guard. While following him from his first interest in the Guard to his first assignment as a young sentinel, discover the history, the mission, the training, and the way of life of the Swiss Guards. The story is based on real events and historical research.

In this first document of his papacy, Pope Leo issues a call to all Christians to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who took on the poverty of our human condition; and to walk in the footsteps of countless men and women throughout the history of the Church who have expressed their love for God in and through their loving service to their neighbor by caring for the sick, freeing those bound, educating, clothing, and accompanying those who are least among us. The Pope reminds Christians, “The same Jesus who tells us, ‘The poor you will always have with you’ (Mt 26:11), also promises the disciples: ‘I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20). Likewise, he says: ‘Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me’ (Mt 25:40). This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor, he continues to speak to us” (Dilexi Te, 5). 

Dilexi Te is an eloquent reminder that our love for God and our deepest convictions need to be expressed in concrete action. “Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies. It spans chasms that are humanly impossible to bridge, and it penetrates to the most hidden crevices of society” (Dilexi Te, 120). 

With Frassati’s famous motto Verso l’alto (To the Heights), this book challenges you to rise to the occasion and live your Catholic faith with courageous action. Whether you’re seeking holiness, joy, or a deeper purpose in your life, Pier Giorgio is inviting you to follow him.

Are you ready to take your Catholic faith to new heights? The Frassati Field Guide invites you to walk in the footsteps of one of the Catholic Church’s newest saints, Pier Giorgio Frassati—a fearless adventurer, passionate mountain climber, joyful servant to the poor, and bold witness to Christ. Throughout his life, Pier Giorgio proved that living the faith is not just about words but about daring action and joyful sacrifice.

In this inspiring guide, Bobby Angel—mountain guide and retreat leader—leads you through an eight-day journey that challenges you to live with the same boldness, purpose, and vitality that Pier Giorgio did. Each day is centered on a powerful virtue that shaped his remarkable life, including:

• Words of Wisdom from Frassati himself, inspiring you to live fully;
• Practical Insights showing how he turned his Catholic beliefs into action in every moment;
• Journaling Prompts that help you apply Frassati’s witness to your own life;
• Challenges that push you to step outside your comfort zone and take bold action;
• Daily Prayers to unite your efforts with God’s will for your life.

The Frassati Field Guide is more than just a book—it’s a call to adventure! Discover Pier Giorgio’s passions, from hiking the mountains to praying before the Blessed Sacrament to serving his friends and the poor. He lived each day infused with faith, joy, and love, and this guide will help you do the same, one step at a time.

Will you answer the call? Step out, live boldly, and let your Catholic faith soar!

Pages: 96

Size: 5x7

This is the story of a true friendship, a friendship of the soul. In From Robert to Pope Leo, Armando Lovera shares an inside look at the journey of Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, whom he met in Trujillo, Peru, and with whom he shared his mission, conversations, and daily life for decades. From this close bond emerges a portrait of a simple man with a sense of humor and an enormous capacity for listening, who now carries the responsibility and grace of guiding the entire Roman Catholic church.

From Robert to Pope Leo reveals a friendship in Christ, Robert Prevost's closeness and affection for Pope Francis, the strength of his family and his migrant roots, his Augustinian spirituality, his Marian devotion, and Robert’s profound connection with the legacy of Leo XIII. Throughout this inspiring story, Lovera shares personal insight into this spiritual leader of deep faith and compassion. The result is an intimate portrait of a pope and the beginnings of a pontificate, revealing the man in Leo XIV from the depths of friendship and shared faith.

Armando Jesús Lovera Vásquez coordinates the editing of religious texts at the Loyola Communication Group. For seven years, he shared community life and pastoral experiences at the Augustinian formation house in Trujillo, Peru, with Father Robert Prevost, the future Pope Leo XIV, which gave rise to a deep friendship that has withstood the passage of time and distance.

Develop a daily habit of prayerful conversation with the Lord with Pocket Guide to Prayer. 

Pocket Guide to Prayer is a beautiful, inspiring book written by Edward and Beth Sri, with contributor Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, that gives anyone confidence in knowing God and building a relationship with him. As an "on-ramp" into understanding the various tools for prayer that the Church offers us, this pocket guide will help Catholics build a fulfilled and deeply satisfying prayer life. 

This short but complete guide helps Catholics enter into prayer with more consistency and devotion. It empowers anyone on their faith journey to prioritize daily conversation with God.

Filled with insight on many facets of prayer, Edward and Beth with Fr. Mark-Mary show Catholics how to:

• Get started with prayer
• Understand vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation
• Learn how to respond to distractions, dryness, and other common struggles experienced in prayer without being discouraged
• Shape their lives around a habit of prayer
• Build a life of prayer in the family and the home
• Understand popular devotions
• And more!

Through practical tips and personal stories, Pocket Guide to Prayer empowers Catholics to approach the Lord in their daily life through prayer each and every day.

“Pocket Guide to Prayer is an easy to read introduction to the spiritual life. This informative and practical resource will both inspire and encourage the reader to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through daily prayer.”

–Fr. Josh Johnson

Help get to the root of sin in your life with Fr. Josh Johnson’s simple method.

Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins is a beautiful, prayerful book by Fr. Josh Johnson that helps readers better understand the ways sin affects them in their daily lives, gives practical guidance and accompaniment, and reminds them of the power of surrendering to God in these areas and enlisting his help on the journey.

The small but powerful book by Fr. Josh Johnson helps Catholics learn how to overcome patterns of sin and strengthen their relationship with God as a result.

Fr. Josh  leads readers through a 7-day plan using his exclusive 3Rs system: Resolving to grow in the virtues that oppose the sin by using Scripture, renouncing the lie, and remembering God’s love. This 7-day plan for each vice helps Catholics conquer the battle against that particular sin and grow in virtue.

Begin the journey as Fr. Josh accompanies Catholics in a gentle way on: 

• What each of the seven deadly sins are
• How to identify if one struggles with a type of sin 
• How to strengthen the fight against sin through prayer
• Reflection questions to help readers understand the sin’s effects
• The practical 7-day challenge and tips for overcoming each individual sin
• A daily examination of conscience to help readers evaluate wins and growth areas.

Ultimately, Catholics will be inspired to seek God’s grace, forgiveness, and help as they battle against the effects of sin in their lives.

Not only does this resource help readers better understand the ways sin affects them in their daily lives, but it also reminds them of the power of surrendering to God in our struggles, and enlisting his help on the journey.

Read the same wisdom that has inspired many great saints.

Since the beginning of creation, men and women have been made to share in the very life of God. Yet the constant call to holiness is often met with the distractions and temptations of the world. 

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis, speaks directly to this struggle: How can we live in the world while pursuing Christ and a life of holiness?

Rooted in Scripture, The Imitation of Christ offers practical wisdom for daily Christian living, helping us loosen our grip on worldly concerns so that we may hold fast to Christ. 

This spiritual masterpiece has shaped the lives of countless saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas More, St. Ignatius of Loyola and continues to guide ordinary people in their every walk of life.

Written with an exclusive translation, Ascension’s edition of The Imitation of Christ presents all the teachings of this classic in a fresh, accessible way, making it the perfect companion for anyone seeking to grow in prayer, faith, and intimacy with Jesus.

This special edition includes:

• Expert commentary to illuminate and contextualize the text
• An exclusive English translation by Fr. Dylan Schrader which is faithful to the original translation, yet accessible for today’s reader
• Beautiful sacred art insert of Christ the King from Ascension’s Sacred Art Collection of Holy Men and Women by Tianna Williams
• A general introduction to set the stage for your reading
• Elegant design with a hard, leatherlike cover, foil stamping, and a ribbon bookmark—ideal for prayer, reflection, and daily use

While reading The Imitation of Christ, you will draw closer to God through wisdom that has inspired saints for centuries, and walking step by step toward a life more fully united with Christ.

Advice and encouragement for lay Catholics pursuing a personal relationship with God from a Doctor of the Church.

The first book of the Catholic Classics series, Introduction to the Devout Life is an updated translation of St. Francis de Sales’ original text that makes this key work of Catholic Tradition approachable to modern readers.

Written as a letter to St. Francis’ lay cousin, this classic yet relevant text features advice on the questions that members of the Catholic laity often ask themselves, such as:

• Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life?
  
• What do spiritual meditation and prayer look like amid the demands of daily life?
  
• How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound?
  
• Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task?
  
• And more!
  

Written by Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales to offer sound preaching and clear instruction for Catholics and translated by Matthew K. Minerd to renew Catholics’ understanding and appreciation of this classic Catholic work, Introduction to the Devout Life promises that “it is possible to have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus, regardless of the demands of everyday life.”

This special version includes:

• The complete English translation of St. Francis de Sales’ 17th century work (which is not available in all translations)
  
• Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message
  
• Expert commentary from Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. introducing each section
  
• A leather-like cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon

This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation.

The timeless spiritual classic—now beautifully refreshed with a new translation, sacred art, and a companion podcast.

For over 1,500 years, The Confessions of St. Augustine has captivated readers as one of the most powerful and personal works of a Doctor of the Church. Written as a prayer to God, it reveals Augustine’s journey from sin to sanctity, bearing witness to God’s transformative grace and the soul’s longing for heaven.

Now, this enduring work is available in a stunning new edition—the only one to feature:

• A fresh, faithful translation, developed in consultation with the original Latin, by Dr. Matthew K. Minerd
• Insightful commentary from Dominican friars Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.
• Striking new sacred art of St. Augustine by Tianna Williams
• The Catholic Classics podcast with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., featuring a full audio reading, expert reflections, and a free reading plan

Rediscover a masterpiece of conversion, grace, and the restless heart—made beautifully accessible for today’s reader.

A message from the Catholic Classics podcast hosts:

“Some books simply need to be read. The book that you hold in your hands is one of them. The Confessions of St. Augustine is a classic of Christian spirituality. For centuries it has rewarded its readers with a wealth of insight into God, self, evil, and the whole range of human experience. With each generation, it continues to draw men and women into a profound encounter with the living God. By the intercession of St. Augustine and through his modest and humble confession, may we set out with renewed fervor in our own conversion.”

—Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.

The official Carmelite translation of Story of a Soul, now enhanced with expert commentary, new sacred art, and a companion podcast!

One of the most beloved spiritual classics of the Church, Story of a Soul reveals how St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way” leads us to holiness through humility, trust, and love, even in the face of great suffering.

This is the only edition that features:

• A foreword by Cardinal Anders Arborelius, O.C.D.
• Insightful commentary by Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., and Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
• The complete English translation from Thérèse’s original, unedited manuscripts—and the only translation authorized by the Carmelite Order
• 25 historical images from the life of St. Thérèse, provided by the Carmelite Order and thoughtfully woven throughout the text
• A comprehensive appendix including St. Thérèse's explanation of her coat of arms, a chronology, a biblical index, and more.
• The Catholic Classics podcast with Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, O.C.D., featuring a full audio reading, expert reflections, and a free reading plan

“These men teach us how to grow as Christians by walking the way of the Cross. The Cross is as close to us as the limitations of our own humanity. The Cross is woven into all our relationships. Drawing closer to God is infinitely rewarding but also terribly hard, and demands everything from us. Living in community fortifies our identity and sustains our purpose, but it also confronts us with the whole range of human weakness, starting with our own. St. Anthony was left to battle wild beasts, feeling that God had abandoned him. St. Benedict was nearly poisoned twice by men who should have been his closest friends and collaborators. The wisdom that is enshrined in these monastic rules was hard-won and continues to speak to all of us who are trying to be faithful followers of Christ!”

–Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB

The powerful witness of the Church’s early saints gives guidance on striving for heaven to all the faithful.

A beautiful compilation of influential and inspiring works by saints and doctors of the Church, these classic yet relevant texts were written by the early monastic fathers:

• St. Benedict of Nursia
• St. Gregory the Great
• St. Basil the Great
• St. Athanasius

Saints of the First Monasteries is a book about saints, written by saints who have had a great impact on the Church. It contains four unabridged, foundational texts:

• The Life of St. Anthony written by St. Athanasius
• The Greater Rule of Our Holy Father Basil, Archbishop of Caesarea by St. Basil the Great
• The Life and Miracles of St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great
• The Rule of St. Benedict by St. Benedict of Nursia

Through these writings, gain deeper insight on subjects like:

• embracing Christ and the Cross
• living a communal life
• revitalizing and renewing the Church and your own heart

This timeless Catholic Classics edition of Saints of the First Monasteries also includes:

• An introduction and commentary by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, Rev. Dr. Christiaan Kappes, and Jerome C. Foss, PhD
• A full-color image of St. Benedict from Ascension’s Sacred Art Collection of Holy Men and Women by Tianna Williams
• A leatherlike cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon

Classic and beautiful, this book draws all Catholics into a deeper relationship with God in their pursuit of holiness through the honest, authentic wisdom from some of the Church’s greatest saints.

 Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical – Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the time of Artificial Intelligence.

Also available in Spanish 

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USPS Media Mail has the best rate, but transit times vary by destination, **with no guaranteed delivery date** and UPS Ground is the fastest normally arrives in 1-5 business days.

 Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical – Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the time of Artificial Intelligence.

Also available in English

Available late Summer!

When checking out please note when picking shipping options:

USPS Media Mail has the best rate, but transit times vary by destination, **with no guaranteed delivery date** and UPS Ground is the fastest normally arrives in 1-5 business days.

Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.

In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV underlines a deep understanding of our magnificent humanity in the face of the challenges and successes of artificial intelligence.

This encyclical was poignantly signed on the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's seminal encyclical in response to the upheaval of rapid industrialization, Rerum Novarum. Like his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV provides a response to the social, moral, and theological questions raised by the technological advances of our day. 

Ascension’s edition of Magnifica Humanitas features:

• The full official text of this work written by Pope Leo XIV
• A foreword written by Arthur C. Brooks, PhD.
• An afterword written by Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Carefully designed pages to make each page readable, organized, and inviting

Available July!

When checking out please note when picking shipping options:

USPS Media Mail has the best rate, but transit times vary by destination, **with no guaranteed delivery date** and UPS Ground is the fastest normally arrives in 1-5 business days.

Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, speaks directly to one of the most urgent questions of our time: What does it mean to remain fully human in the age of artificial intelligence? With moral clarity and pastoral depth, the first American pope offers a compelling Christian response to the rise of digital technocracy and power, showing how faith, reason, and the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching can guide society through rapid technological change.

Drawing on Scripture, Church history, and the social teaching of the modern papacy, Leo XIV explores how AI is reshaping work, education, family life, politics, warfare, and public truth. While acknowledging the remarkable potential of AI, he warns against systems that reduce people to data points, labor units, or instruments of control, and offers a hopeful vision rooted in dignity, solidarity, justice, and the common good. Both intellectually substantial and accessible to general readers, Magnifica Humanitas is an essential book for Catholics, Christians, ethicists, and anyone concerned about the human future.

• A landmark papal reflection on AI and human dignity 
• Grounded in Scripture and Catholic social teaching 
• Addresses work, surveillance, misinformation, education, war, and family life 
• Combines theological depth with a clear, approachable writing style 
• Offers a hopeful Christian vision for the future of technology

Available in July!

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USPS Media Mail has the best rate, but transit times vary by destination, **with no guaranteed delivery date** and UPS Ground is the fastest normally arrives in 1-5 business days.

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical letter is a resounding call to uphold the dignity of each human person and to seek the common good in the face of the promises and challenges of AI technology. The pontiff roots his presentation of our “magnificent humanity” in the theological soil of Catholic Social Doctrine, which rests on the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God.  

Available end of June!

When checking out please note when picking shipping options:

USPS Media Mail has the best rate, but transit times vary by destination, **with no guaranteed delivery date** and UPS Ground is the fastest normally arrives in 1-5 business days.

This book is the culmination of years of research and planning from sources in multiple languages and countries, and it includes: 

• A complete biography of the first pope from the United States, including his family history, his work as an Augustinian priest, and his time later as a bishop and cardinal 
• An investigation across diverse sources that reveals the ten issues closest to the heart of Robert Francis Prevost
• The challenges and signs of hope facing Pope Leo XIV
• The first global report on the state of the Catholic Church

The election of Leo XIV is one of the most surprising historical events in the recent history of the Catholic Church. Through this book, Catholics and all people of good will understand why he was chosen as Bishop of Rome

The smoke clears. The world watches. A name is announced. A man steps forward and the earth’s gaze falls upon him.

We have a Pope! And his name is Leo XIV.

But who is this 266th successor to St. Peter? What is the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s vision for the Church, and what impact will his papacy have on Catholics and on the world?

Veteran Catholic journalist and historian Matthew Bunson offers the first authoritative portrait of the new Holy Father. With unmatched access, deep sources in Rome, and a reputation for integrity and insight, Bunson delivers a compelling, richly textured narrative of the new pope’s life, beliefs, and improbable journey to the Chair of St. Peter.

In this comprehensive and deeply satisfying account, you will discover:

• His birth at Mercy Hospital and early life in Dolton, just outside South Side Chicago
• His classic American Catholic upbringing, from the moment the legacy institutions began to decline
• Suburban Chicago as the quintessential microcosm of the Church in America
• The Augustinian intellectual heritage, and the sketches of the Augustinian saints in his pectoral cross
• Peru as a place of mission: its geography, culture, and the history of Catholicism in northwest South America
• Leo as a fully American pope shaped by both the U.S. and Latin AmericaCardinal Prevost’s Vatican career culminating in his appointment as prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops
• His relationship with Pope Francis, and early decisions that signal a desire to place himself within the Church’s tradition

Accessible, informative, and rooted in journalistic rigor and an intimate understanding of the Church, Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the man inside the white cassock—and the moment in which he will reign.

The election of Pope Leo XIV signals a defining moment for the Catholic Church. As he steps onto the world stage, the first pontiff ever to hail from the United States inherits the throne of St. Peter, the legacy of Pope Francis, and the challenges of a rapidly changing Church.

In Pope Leo XIV, veteran Vatican correspondent Christopher White delivers an authoritative account of the conclave that shaped this momentous transition, the forces that propelled Pope Leo XIV to the papacy, and the vision he brings to the Church’s future. Drawing on exclusive reporting and expert analysis, White examines the potential impact of Pope Leo XIV's leadership on Catholicism’s governance, doctrine, and engagement with pressing global issues. He also explores how the vision of Pope Francis’s successor may shape the Church’s role in contemporary society amid unprecedented uncertainty and change.

Timely and insightful, with sharp analysis, personal experience, and vivid storytelling, Pope Leo XIV offers an essential look at the past, present, and future of a papacy that exerts a major influence on 1.4 billion Catholics and the world itself.

A new era begins for the Church with Pope Leo XIV—Augustinian friar, missionary for distant lands, bishop among the poor, prefect entrusted with appointing pastors throughout the world, and now successor to Peter.

Above all, Leo XIV has proven to be a tireless seeker of Truth. His vocation was born of that restlessness of heart to which Saint Augustine gave expression: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” In the Augustinian spirit, Leo XIV has trusted the power of the gospel to shape his style: humble yet firm, quiet yet courageous. His path has been marked by service, listening, and quiet fidelity—a shepherd who walks with seekers, unafraid of their questions, patient in accompaniment.

So, what does Pope Leo XIV want us to know in order to live the gospel more faithfully? How can we ensure that Christ remains the center of our lives? Leo XIV invites us to live a faith that is alive and open to the world. The following pages explore ten themes inspired by his first Urbi et Orbi blessing as Peter’s successor, given on May 8, 2025. Here we’re invited to embrace a posture of listening from one who has made that his life’s work.