Catholic Readers discussion

I find I learn them best by having to live them and by examining each as I have to live them. Our pastor said in the homily two weeks ago that a sign of a mature faith is to have an understanding of the virtues and to live by them.

I would recommend Particular Examen by James McElhone if you can find a copy. (I have seen them on Bookfinder). I read this some years back and again recently. It concerns the seven deadly sins and their opposite virtue. Through a series of questions you determine your weakest areas and then move on to specific suggestions to practice the virtues. It has proved invaluable to me.

I am looking for good about how to grow in virtue.....Can you give me any recommandations? Thanks

Michael wrote: "I am looking for good about how to grow in virtue.....Can you give me any recommandations? Thanks"

You might try Kevin Vost, Psy.D. The Seven Deadly Sins

I applaud you for desiring to understand and grow in virtue. A desire to grow in holiness is always a good sign that God is drawing you nearer to Him!

I, too, desired this but instead of trying to understand them, I wanted to know how to live them. Essentially, I wanted to know how to practically live a virtuous life and I then found that as I did so, I began to understand more about virtues and being virtuous (it is a lifelong process of development and discovery). That being said, I found two books of particularly great help to me. They are:

The Spiritual Combat and Abandonment to Divine Providence.

Jeremy wrote: "Michael wrote: "I am looking for good about how to grow in virtue.....Can you give me any recommandations? Thanks"

You might try Kevin Vost, Psy.D. [book:The Seven Deadly Sins|28..."

I second Vosts' -- it's excellent.

The Practice of the Presence of God is another.

Theoretical books about the virtues are good, and they certainly have their place in catechesis. However, there's nothing better, IMHO, than "holiness truly lived", so consider reading the lives of saints or their writings. Examples: "The Life of St. Teresa of Avila" by herself, "The Life of St. Catherine of Siena" by Blessed Raymond of Capua, "Man of the Beatitude" (Biography of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati) by Luciana Frassati, "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales.

John Zmirak has a way of explaining concepts in ways no other writer I've come across can do and allows me to understand the concepts well. Try his, "The Bad Catholic's Guide to the Seven Deadly Sins: A Vital Look at Virtue and Vice, With Quizzes and Activities for Saintly Self-Improvement." It's a serious explanation with humor.