#OpenBook for October 2026

Italy’s Shrines and Wonders Volume II: Discovering Sacred Spaces and Fascinating Places in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi

While it is possible for me to make a local pilgrimage to obtain an indulgence, I won’t be able to make a pilgrimage to the saint’s home in Italy this year. Thankfully, Teresa Tomeo has written a book that makes me able to imagine and learn about going on pilgrimage to all of the incredible places where St. Francis prayed, preached, evangelized, and lived. I could *almost* taste the pasta and smell the fresh air of the Spoleto countryside while I read Italy’s Shrines and Wonders Volume II: Discovering Sacred Spaces and Fascinating places in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Padre Pio Devotional: 30 Days with Padre Pio

I enjoyed reading through this in anticipation of St. Padre Pio’s feast last month. It is based around a prayer that he wrote to be said after Mass asking Jesus to stay with us. A few days after I started the book, a friend gave me a prayer card with the prayer on it (not knowing I was reading the book). I now say the prayer after receiving Holy Communion (as long as I am not wrangling a baby or toddler and I can get the card from my bag).

The Spiritual Legacy of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The Spiritual Legacy of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

I have seen many of the Archbishop’s old videos, but I will admit that I have never read any of his books or writings. Fr. Charles Connor’s book, The Spiritual Legacy of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, was the perfect introduction to many of the Archbishop’s writings and teachings, and it was an inspirational spiritual read for me. 

Memorize the Rosary in Latin

This is part guidebook and part workbook. It has information about praying the rosary in Latin for beginners. It would be a good introduction to Latin for young children in homeschool or religious education settings, or anyone who is starting out learning Latin.