Good Catholic literature forms knowledgeable Catholics

Oct 18, 2024

Faithfully Speaking - Julie Lim Seet Yin
In July this year, the Vatican published a letter of His Holiness Pope Francis on the Role of Literature in Formation. In the letter, Pope Francis underscored “the value of reading novels and poems as part of one’s path to personal maturity.”

The Church is abundantly blessed with a rich tradition of Catholic writings and literature, which serve as invaluable resources for deepening our faith and guiding us toward spiritual maturity. Cultivating the habit of reading these works is essential for becoming well-informed and grounded Catholics. Below, I’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of some Catholic writings and publications that have greatly enriched and shaped my own faith journey.

The Code of Canon Law
The Code of Canon law contains ecclesiastical laws governing the Catholic Church. Because of this, many people perceive it as a serious and boring read. However, I choose to read it to have a deeper understanding of the laws of the Church which can come in handy at times.

For example, my mum who follows a keto diet usually prepares meat dishes without a care about the Church’s law to abstain from meat on Fridays. When I called her out for it, she asked in which church document is that law mentioned in? I explained that Canon 1251 states the following: “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Bishops’ Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.”

So now you know which Church document has the law on meatless Fridays. It certainly was not conjured from thin air.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
The CCC is a statement of the Church’s faith and of Catholic doctrine, attested to or illumined by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium.

When I was serving as a catechist, I referred to the CCC when preparing lessons. And I still refer to it at times when I need to check something about the faith. I encourage all Catholics to read the CCC to have a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Church. Let us all not just be Sunday Catholics, but be knowledgeable Catholics about the faith that we profess.

The writings of Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI wrote many books throughout his life. However, his threevolume meditation on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ stands out. The first volume (in order of publication date) is titled, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration (2007), followed by Jesus of Nazareth – Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection (2011), and lastly, Jesus of Nazareth: The Infant Narratives (2012).

Written on the book flap of the second volume is this description: “Benedict brings to his study the vast learning of a brilliant scholar, the passionate searching of a great mind, and the deep compassion of a pastor’s heart. In the end, he dares readers to grapple with the meaning of Jesus’ life, teaching, death and resurrection.”

If you’re interested to read more of Pope Benedict XVI’s writings, the Vatican website has his homilies, messages, letters, encyclicals, etc preserved for generations to read and reflect upon.

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
The book essentially captures Nouwen’s reflections on a painting by renowned Dutch artist, Rembrandt (1606 – 1669) titled, The Return of the Prodigal Son. As the name suggests, the painting is Rembrandt’s interpretation of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11 – 32).

There were three parts in Nouwen’s book that grabbed my attention, and all of it was about the hands of the father:

From Chapter 7: “The true centre of Rembrandt’s painting is in the hands of the father. On them all the light is concentrated; on them the eyes of the bystanders are focused; in them mercy becomes flesh; upon them forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing come together, and through them, not only the tired son, but also the worn-out father find their rest.”

From Chapter 8: “It all began with the hands. The two are quite different. The father’s left hand touching the son’s shoulder is strong and muscular. The fingers are spread out and cover a large part of the prodigal son’s shoulder and back. I can see a certain pressure, especially in the thumb. That hand seems not only to touch, but, with its strength, also to hold. Even though there is a gentleness in the way the father’s left hand touches his son, it is not without a firm grip.”

From Chapter 8: “How different is the father’s right hand! This hand does not hold or grasp. It is refined, soft, and very tender. The fingers are close to each other and they have an elegant quality. It lies gently upon the son’s shoulder. It wants to caress, to stroke, and to offer consolation and comfort. It is a mother’s hand.”

Nouwen’s reflections on Rembrandt’s masterpiece added a new dimension to my understanding of the parable of the prodigal son.

The writings of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Fulton John Sheen (1895 – 1979) was an American bishop known for his preaching and his work on television and radio. Some of his notable writings are “Life of Christ”, “World’s First Love” and the “Life is Worth Living” series.

I first came to know about Bishop Sheen’s writings when a BEC member who was spring cleaning her home gave me two of Sheen’s books, Those Mysterious Priests and Christ-Centred Wisdom for the Third Millennium.

I discovered that Sheen’s writings were written in a down to earth manner and easy to comprehend. Reading those books motivated me to begin a collection of his books.

Consecration to St Joseph, The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by Donald H. Calloway, MIC
The Bible does not have much information about the earthly father of Jesus, so I picked up this book to learn more about St Joseph and the Church’s teaching about this silent witness who played a pivotal role in the life of Jesus.

HERALD – The Catholic Weekly
I wouldn’t do justice with this article if I don’t mention HERALD as a regular source of informative articles about the Catholic faith. The publication’s mission is to communicate up-to-date news and Christian values and strives to dialogue with all sectors of society in order to build a harmonious community of believers in God. Herald is my weekly must-read to keep abreast about what’s happening in the local and international Church.

Conclusion
In his Letter on the Role of Literature in Formation, Pope Francis highlights how “reading prepares us to understand and navigate various life situations. Through reading, we immerse ourselves in the thoughts, concerns, tragedies, and fears of characters who, in the end, overcome challenges. In following these stories, we may discover insights that later prove helpful in our own lives.” May we continue to enrich and deepen our faith through good Catholic literature.

(Julie Lim Seet Yin believes that a satisfied life measured by one’s heart, mind and soul is better than a successful life measured by worldly yardsticks)