Sacraments

This is a list of texts on the Sacraments or Great Mysteries of Christ qua sacraments (that is, as visible and efficacious signs of grace). There is a separate index of texts concerning the Liturgy, which includes texts on the sacramentals.

I. On the Sacraments, in General

  1. The Beauty and Truth of the Catholic Church: Sermons from the German, adapted and edited, Volume II, by the Rev. Edward Jones, with an Introduction by the Most Rev. John Ireland (St. Louis, London: B. Herder, 1913). With Imprimatur. Available at Internet Archive [N.B., This volume collects discourses on the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist.]
  2. The Beauty and Truth of the Catholic Church: Sermons from the German, adapted and edited, Volume III, by the Rev. Edward Jones, with an Introduction by the Most Rev. John Ireland (Freiburg (Baden); St. Louis, Mo.; London: B. Herder, 1913). With Imprimatur. Available at Internet Archive and Open Library  [N.B., This volume collects discourses on the sacraments of penance, matrimony, orders, and unction, and on education. The OL index age incorrectly provides the image of Volume II.]
  3. Dogmatic Theology VIII. The sacraments: a dogmatic treatise. Vol 1. The Sacraments in General, Baptism, Confirmation, by Joseph Pohle, translated by Arthur Preuss (St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1917) With Imprimatur. Available on multiple formats at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Regis Library, University of Toronto).
  4. Explanation of the Sacraments, by St. Thomas Aquinas. Available on EWTN Library, as as indexed on the St. Thomas Aquinas page of the Russian-language Medieval Philosophy Library.
  5. Illustrated Explanation of the Holy Sacraments: A Complete Exposition of the Sacraments and the Sacramentals of the Church, adapted from the original of Rev. Hermann Rolfus, with a reflection and practice on each sacrament, by Very Rev. Ferreol Girardey (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1898). With Imprimatur. Available in multiple formats at Internet Archive.
  6. Outlines of Dogmatic Theology, 2nd ed., by Sylvester Joseph Hunter, S.J. (London, New York, Bombay, Calcutta: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1909). With Imprimatur. Volume III (Actual Grace, Justification, the Sacraments, the Last Things) is available at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  7. The Sacraments explained according to the teaching and doctrine of the Catholic Church: with an introductory treatise on grace, by Arthur Devine (London: R. & T. Washbourn, 1918). With Imprimatur. Available at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Kelly Library, University of Toronto).
  8. The Spirit of Catholicism, by Karl Adam, translated by Dom Justin McCann, O.S.B. The ebook may be purchased at com(Papamoa Press 2017) and Amazon.fr (Papamoa Press, 2017), and Barnes & Noble. The printed book be purchased on this page of the Catholic Answers Shop(Catholic Answers Press), on this page of St. George Books & Gifts, on this page of Ignatius Press (2016), on this page of the Ave Maria University Store (Angelico Press); and at Amazon.com (Kessinger Publishing, 2010), Amazon.com (Angelico Press, 2012), Barnes & Noble (CreateSpace Publishing, 2016), and Amazon.com (Image, 1960).
  9. Theology of the Sacraments: a Study in Positive Theology, by the Very Rev. P. [Pierre] Pourrat (St. Louis, Mo.; London: B. Herder,  1924, c1910). Authorized translation from the third French edition. With Imprimatur. Available in various formats at Internet Archive.
  10. The Treasure of the Church, or, The Sacraments of Daily Life, by the Very Rev. J. B. Bagshawe, D.D. (London: Burns & Oates; New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1902). With Imprimatur. Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library.

II. On Baptism

  1. Dogmatic Theology VIII. The sacraments: a dogmatic treatise. Vol 1. The Sacraments in General, Baptism, Confirmation, by Joseph Pohle, translated by Arthur Preuss (St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1917) With Imprimatur. Available on multiple formats at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Regis Library, University of Toronto).
  2. Instruction on Infant Baptism “Pastoralis Actio”, by the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope St. John Paul II, October 20, 1980. May be read online at the Holy See, the EWTN Library and the Catholic Information Network.
  3. A Treatise on Baptism: also a Treatise on Confirmation, by Francis Patrick Kenrick, Archbishop of Baltimore (Baltimore: Hedian and O’Brien, 1852). May be read online, and available in various formats (pdf, mobi/kindle, epub, text, etc.), at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library and a 3rd copy at Internet Archive. Also available at HathiTrust and HathiTrust (2nd copy) through this page as indexed by the Online Books Page on Archbishop Kenrick.
  4. A Treatise on Baptism; with an Exhortation to Receive It, Translated from the Works of St. Basil the Great; to which is added, a Treatise on Confirmation, by Francis Patrick Kenrick, then Bishop of Philadelphia (Philadelphia: M. Fithian, 1843). Available at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library, and a 3rd copy at Internet Archive. Also available at Google Books, Google Books (2nd copy), and at HathiTrust (through this page as indexed by the Online Books Page on Archbishop Kenrick). An ebook edition of the 1843 imprint (Aeterna Press, 2015), which incorrectly attributes the authorship of the entire work to St. Basil, may also be purchased at Google Books.

III. On Penance

  1. Contrition: The Golden Key of Paradise; Key to Heaven (Pamphlet), by an Italian priest (Australian Catholic Truth Society No. 1325 (1959)). With Imprimatur. May be read online on this page of e-Catholic 2000 (Copyright ©1999-2018 e-Catholic2000.com), and at the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.
  2. Dogmatic Theology X. The sacraments: a dogmatic treatise. Vol. III, Penance, by Joseph Pohle, translated by Arthur Preuss (St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1915). With Imprimatur. Available on multiple formats at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: New York Public Library).
  3. [Letter to William Palmer, 3rd] Third letter to the Rev. William Palmer, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford: on auricular confession, and the absolute necessity thereof; also the nullity of the Church of England’s ordinations, notes, etc., by Verax, a Catholic layman (London: T. Jones, 1841). Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  4. [Letter to William Palmer, 4th] Fourth letter to the Rev. William Palmer, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford: on the way to find the true church of Christ on earth, on satisfaction, on indulgences, on the supremacy of the See of Rome, infallibility, Eucharist, etc., etc., by Verax, a Catholic layman (London: T. Jones, 1842). Internet Archive and Open Library.
  5. Penance in the Early church: With a Short Sketch of Subsequent Development, by Michael J. O’Donnell (Dublin: Gill, 1908). With Imprimatur. Available at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Regis College Library, University of Toronto).
  6. Perfect Contrition (Pamphlet), by Rev. F. Quirijnen, S.J. (Australian Catholic Truth Society No. 978 (1945)). With Imprimatur. May be read online on this page at e-Catholic 2000 (©1999-2018 e-Catholic 2000.com); and on this page of Pamphlets.
  7. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Reconciliatio et Paenitentia” on Reconciliation and Penance in the Mission of the Church Today, by St. John Paul the Great (2 December 1984). Available on this page of Catholic Culture; in 2 parts, part 1 here and part 2 here, at Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary; at the Holy See; and at IntraText.
  8. The Practical Science of the Cross in the Use of the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, by the Abbe Grou (Jean Nicolas Grou), translated from the French edition of 1855 (Joseph Masters: London, 1871). May be read online, and available in pdf, mobi, epub, and other formats, at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  9. Theory and Practice of the Confessional: A Guide in the Administration of the Sacrament of Penance, 2nd edition, by Prof. Caspar Erich Schieler, edited by Rev. H.J. Heuser, with an Introduction by Archbishop S.G. Messmer (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1905). With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available in pdf, mobi, epub and other formats, at Internet Archive, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archiveand Open Library, and a 3rd copy at Internet Archive. Also available at HathiTrust, with a 2nd copy at HathiTrust.

IV. On the Blessed Eucharist and the Sacrifice of the Mass

A. The Eucharist and the Real Presence

  1. The Blessed Sacrament the Centre of Immutable Truth: a sermon preached at the opening of the Pro-Cathedral of S. Wilfrid’s, York, by Henry Edward Cardinal Manning (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green, 1864). Available at Open Library and Internet Archive.
  2. The Catholic Doctrine of the Eucharist: demonstrably proved from Scripture, from Tradition, and from the writings of some of the most eminent Catholic and Protestant authors who have treated on the subject; in sixteen letters, with notes and appendices, addressed to the Lord Bishop of Exeter; and dedicated by permission to His Imperial and Royal Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, Bohemia, etc., by M.D. Talbot (London: T. Jones, 1844). Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  3. The Coming Home Journal, Volume I, Issue 3: The Eucharist (July-December 1998). Includes the articles: “The Real Presence” by David Palm, “Transubstantiation and the Eucharist” and “St. Augustine’s Belief in the Real Presence” by David Armstrong, “But What Do We Mean By ‘The Real Presence’?” by Dwight Longenecker, “The Holy Eucharist (reprint)” by James Cardinal Gibbons, “The Meal of Melkizedek” by Scott Hahn, Ph. D., and “Before You Object” by Marcus Grodi. Available in PDF format (on this page) at the Coming Home Network.
  4. Considerations on the Eucharist Viewed as the Generative Dogma of Catholic piety, by Olympe Philippe Gerbet (London : C. Dolman, 1840). Available on Internet Archive and Open Library (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Kelly – University of Toronto).
  5. Devotion to the Most Holy Sacrament, by Giovanni Battista Pagani, 1806-1860 (London: Art and Book Co.,1892). Available at Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Kelly – University of Toronto).
  6. Eucharist, by Rev. Dr. Thomas Paniker. Available in DOC format at Internet Archive and Internet Archive (2nd copy). [N.B. Described as “Theology of Eucharist with special reference to Syriac Tradition”. Divided into 3 sections: “The Real Presence of the Glorified Christ”, “The Eucharistic Banquet”, and “The Sacramental Meal”.]
  7. The Eucharist: Sacrament and Sacrifice, by Father Giles Dimock, O.P., S.T.D. (New Haven, CT: Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, 2009). With Imprimatur. May be read online and available in pdf format through this page of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council – Catholic Information Service.
  8. The Eucharistic Christ: Reflections and Considerations on the Blessed Sacrament, by the Rev. A. [Albert] Tesnière, translated by Mrs. Anne R. Bennett-Gladstone, with a Preface by the Rev. D.J. McMahon, D.D. (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1897). With Imprimatur. Available at Google Books. May be read online, and available in pdf, mobi/kindle, epub, and other formats, at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  9. Eucharistic Meditations of the Curé d’Ars, by St. John Baptist Mary Vianney (Carmelite Publications, 1961). Available in pdf format (here) at through this archive of the Irish Province of the Order of Carmelites; and also available at Yumpu. [N.B., We have assumed that this work was lawfully published online since it is available on a Carmelite website. If this assumption is incorrect, please comment immediately so we may immediately remove the link.]
  10. Eucharistica; or, a Series of Pieces, original and translated, on the Most Holy and Adorable Sacrament of the Eucharist, by Most Rev. W. [William] Walsh, Archbishop of Halifax (New York: Edward Dunigan & Brother, 1854). Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  11. The Holy Eucharist, by St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. May be downloaded in PDF format through the Saints’ Books index,
  12. Lectures on the Holy Eucharist, by Charles Coupe, S.J., M.A., edited with notes and references by Hatherley More (London: R. & T. Washbourne; New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1906). Available in pdf, mobi/kindle, epub, and other formats at Internet Archive; also available at Forgotten Books (with some copies limited to members).
  13. [Letter to William Palmer, 4th] Fourth letter to the Rev. William Palmer, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford: on the way to find the true church of Christ on earth, on satisfaction, on indulgences, on the supremacy of the See of Rome, infallibility, Eucharist, etc., etc., by Verax, a Catholic layman (London: T. Jones, 1842). Internet Archive and Open Library.
  14. Lectures on the Holy Eucharist, by Charles Coupe, S.J., M.A., edited with notes and references by Hatherley More (London: R. & T. Washbourne; New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1906). Available in pdf, mobi/kindle, epub, and other formats at Internet Archive; also available at Forgotten Books (with some copies limited to members).
  15. “Mary and the Eucharist”, by James T. O’Connor, Marian Studies, Vol. 34 (Proceedings of the Thirty-Fourth National Convention of the Mariological Society of America held in North Palm Beach, FLA.), Article 14, (1983): pp. 48-65. Available in pdf format through this page at Marian Studies.
  16. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Sacramentum Caritatis” on the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Church’s Life and Mission, by Pope Benedict XVI, 22 February 2007. May be read online on this page of Catholic Culture.org, on this page of EWTN Library, on this page of Crossroads Initiative, and at the Holy See  (© Copyright 2007 – Libreria Editrice Vaticana). Excerpts may be read online on this page as part of Volume 13 (also available in pdf format) of Sacred Architecture (Institute for Sacred Architecture, 2007), at the Institute for Sacred Architecture.
  17. The Real Presence of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist: Proved from Scripture in Eight Lectures, by Nicholas Patrick Wiseman (New York : P. O’Shea, [1870?]). Available at Internet Archive and Open Library (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Kelly Library, University of Toronto).
  18. A Reply to the Rev. Dr. Turton’s “Roman Catholic doctrine of the Eucharist considered,” Philalethes Cantabrigiensis, the British critic, and the Church of England quarterly review, by Nicholas Patrick Wiseman (London: C. Dolman, 1839). Available at Internet Archive and Open Library (Digitizing sponsor: National Institute for Newman Studies, Book contributor: Saint Mary’s College of California).
  19. The Sacraments: A Dogmatic Treatise. Volume II, The Holy Eucharist, 2nd revised edition by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pohle, adapted and edited by Arthur Preuss (London, St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1917). Book IX of the Pohle-Preuss Dogmatic Theology series. With Imprimatur. Available on multiple formats at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 3rd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  20. “We Cannot Live without the Eucharist!”: Pastoral Letter 2009-2010 to All the Catholics of Kuwait, from Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCJ, Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait, released on September 2, 2009. Available online on this page at the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia.

B. The Sacrifice of the Mass

  1. Calvary and the Mass: A Missal Companion, by Archbishop Fulton Sheen (P.J. Kenedy & Sons, 1936). May be read in HTML (on this page) of Sancta Missa.]
  2. Cochem’s Explanation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; with an Appendix, Containing Devotions for Mass, for Confession, and for Communion, by Martin von Cochem [+1712], with a Preface by Bishop Camillus P. Maes [+1915] (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1896). With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats, at Internet Archive.
  3. An Explanation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, by Bishop M. F. [Michael Francis] Howley, 1843-1914 (Boston: Doyle and Whittle, 1894). With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats, at Internet Archive, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and a 3rd but less legible copy at Internet Archive.
  4. An Explanation of the Prayers and Ceremonies of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; in Familiar Discourses, Addressed to a Congregation, 4th edition, by Rev. E.B. [Edward Benedictus] Glover, OSB (London: William Eusebius Andrews: 1835). May be read online, and available in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats, at Internet Archive.
  5. Explanation of the Sacrifice and of the Liturgy of the Mass, by a priest, 2nd edition, enlarged and improved, sold for the benefit of orphans (London, Dublin, Derby: Thomas Richardson & Son; London: Burns and Oates; London: E.J. Farrell; New York: Henry H. Richardon & Co., 1870). With Imprimatur; and with the approbation of St. John Henry Newman. May be read online, and available in pdf, mobi, epub, and other formats, at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  6. The Hidden Treasure; or, The Value and Excellence of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; with Practical and Devout Methods of Hearing It with Profit; and Devotions for Confession and Communion, &c., by Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, new translation by Fr. Jarlath Prendergast, O.F.M., 13th edition, enlarged (Dublin: James Duffy & Co., 1861). With Imprimatur, and with an approbative letter from Herbert Cardinal Vaughan.The text may be read online, and available in pdf, mobi, epub, and other formats, at Internet Archive. The text of an earlier edition (Dublin, London: James Duffy, 1861), with the approbation of Dr. Paul Cullen, Lord Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, is available in pdf format on this page at Saints Books, at Google Books, and at Internet Archive, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and a 3rd copy at Internet Archive. The text of an earlier edition (Edinburgh: Marsh and Beattie; London: C. Dolman, 1855), with Imprimatur, without the essay “An Easy Method of Assisting at Holy Mass with Great Profit” included in the 1861 edition, is available at Internet Archive and may be read online at Catholic Apologetics Information. (Note: Readers are advised to approach certain other materials on this last website with prayerful caution, as its various pages contain either valuable materials or texts of problematic content.) The audio of the 1855 edition, which sounds like computer-generated audio, is provided on this video on the Youtube channel Classic Catholic Audiobooks.
  7. Hierurgia; or, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; With Notes and Dissertations Elucidating its Doctrines and Ceremonies, and Numerous Illustrations, 3rd edition, by Daniel Rock, revised by W. H. James Weale (London : John Hodges, 1892). Volume 1 is available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library; and at eBooksRead.com. Volume 2 is available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  8. A History of the Mass and its Ceremonies in the Eastern and Western Church, by John O’Brien (New York: Benziger, c1879). With Imprimatur. Available at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Kelly Library, University of Toronto). History, Sacraments, Liturgy.
  9. The Holy Mass, by St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. May be downloaded in PDF format through the Saints’ Books index,
  10. Holy Qurbono in the Syro-Malankara Church: A Liturgical Study, by Fr.Givergis Paniker Karichal, revised and edited by Rev. Dr. Thomas Paniker, P.G. (Trivandrum: SB Press, 1991). Includes “The Theological Significance of Epiclesis in the Malankara Qurbono”, by Rev. Dr. Thomas Paniker. With Imprimatur. Available at [LINK DELETED DUE TO COPYRIGHT CONCERNS.], which describes it as a “Liturgical and Theological Study of the Eucharist according to Malankara Church”.
  11. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; Dogmatically, Liturgically and Ascetically Explained, 3rd edition, by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Gihr, translated from the sixth German edition (St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1908). With Imprimatur. Available in various formats (pdf, epub, mobi/kindle, etc.) at Internet Archive and Open Library. An earlier edition (Freiburg im Breisgau, Vienna, Munich, Strassburg, St. Louis: B. Herder, 1902) is available at Internet Archive and Open Library, with another imprint (St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1902) available at Internet Archive and Open Library. An excerpt from a 1918 edition, “The Saints of the Canon of the Mass”, reprinted from The Catholic Voice, is available in PDF format through this page of Sancta Missa.
  12. How Christ said the First Mass, or, The Lord’s Last Supper: The Rites and Ceremonies, the Ritual and Liturgy, the Forms of Divine Worship Christ Observed, when He Changed the Passover into the Mass, 2nd edition, by Rev. James L. Meagher (New York: Christian Press Association, 1908). Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library. The 1st edition (New York: Christian Press Association, 1906) is also available at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  13. Instruction “Redemptionis Sacramentum” on Certain Matters to be Observed or to be Avoided Regarding the Most Holy Eucharist, by the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments (2004). May be read online on this page of Catholic Culture, on this page of the EWTN Library. and at the Holy See. The text should be read with “Introducing ‘Redemptionis Sacramentum’”, Presentation by Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, made on April 23, 2004, which may be read online on this page of Catholic Culture, on this page of the EWTN Library, and at the Holy See.
  14. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, with Commentary and Reflections [in Ukrainian], by Fr. Pavlo Hayda. Available at Internet Archive.
  15. The Mass and Vestments of the Catholic Church: Liturgical, Doctrinal, Historical and Archeological, by Monsignor John Walsh, 1847-1919 (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1916). With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats, at Internet Archive and Internet Archive. (An older impression (Troy, NY: Troy times art Press, 1909), with Imprimatur, is available at Internet Archive.
  16. The Order and Ceremonial of the Most Holy and Adorable Sacrifice of the Mass: Explained in a Dialogue between a Priest and a Catechumen, by Frederick Oakeley (New York: Catholic Publication Societypref. 1859). With Imprimatur. Available at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: University of California Libraries). History, Sacraments, Liturgy
  17. The Sacrifice of the Mass: An Explanation of its Doctrine, Rubrics and Prayers; with an Introductory Chapter, 3rd edition, by the Rev. M. Gavin, S.J. (London: Burns and Oates; New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1903). With Imprimatur. Available in pdf format (on this page) of the Grupo São Tomás de Aquino. As linked from this page of Catholic AudioBooks, it may be read online on this page of the-latinmass, and it is available in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats at Internet Archive. The audiobook of what appears to be the 3rd edition, read out by Maureen S. O’Brien (2008) is available in video form (on this page), published 25 September 2017 by Classic Catholic Audiobooks. The same audiobook is also available in 3 parts at Internet Archive (linked from this page of Catholic AudioBooks): Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
  18. The Sacrifice of the Mass: An Explanation of its Doctrine, Rubrics and Prayers; with an Introductory Chapter, 5th edition, revised, enlarged, and corrected, by the Rev. M. Gavin, S.J. (London: Burns and Oates; New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1906). With Imprimatur. Available at the HathiTrust Digital Library; and in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats at Open Library and Internet Archive.
  19. The Sacrifice of the Mass Worthily Celebrated, by Father [Pierre] Chaignon, S.J. , translated by Bishop L. De Goesbriand (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1897). With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available in pdf, epub, mobi, and other formats, at Internet Archive, with a 2nd copy at Internet Archive.

C. Holy Communion

  1. “Abortion, Bishops, Eucharist, and Politicians: A Question of Communion”, by Professor Gregory C. Sisk and Professor Charles J. Reid, Jr., The Catholic Lawyer, Vol. 43, No. 2, p.255-288 (Fall 2004). Available in pdf format on this page and on this page of the Social Science Research Network (SSRN), and on this page of the University of St. Thomas. What appears to be a November 2017 electronic reprint is available in pdf format on this page of the St. John’s Law Scholarship Repository.
  2. “Canon 915: The Discipline Regarding the Denial of Holy Communion to Those Obstinately Persevering in Manifest Grave Sin”, by the Most Rev. [now Cardinal] Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop of St. Louis, Periodica de Re Canonica, Vol. 96 (2007) pp. 3-58. May be read online on this page of the EWTN Library; and on this page of the Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association, linked to from In the Light of the Law (blogspot)and In the Light of the Law (wordpress).
  3. Guidelines for Admission to the Eucharist between the Chaldean Church and the Assyrian Church of the East, by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, July 20, 2001. Available at the Holy See.
  4. “Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper”: On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist, by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 14, 2006. Available in PDF format on this page of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

D. Holy Communion: Texts Relating to the 2015 Synod

  1. Communio: International Catholic Review, Volume 41.2, Marriage: Theological and Pastoral Considerations (Summer 2014). Available (on this page) at Communio: International Catholic Review, including the following articles: “Marriage and the Family Between Anthropology and the Eucharist, by Cardinal Angelo Scola (in PDF format); “The Merciful Gift of Indissolubility and the Question of Pastoral Care for Civilly Divorced and Remarried Catholics”, by Nicholas J. Healy, Jr. (in PDF format); and “God’s Gift of Life and Love: On Marriage and the Eucharist”, by Pope St. John Paul II (in PDF format).
  2. Declaration of Fidelity to the Church’s Unchangeable Teaching on Marriage and to Her Uninterrupted Discipline, 29 August 2016. May be read online (on this page) at Filial Appeal. See also: “Three cardinals sign statement defending magisterial teaching on the sacraments”, 3 Oct 2016, at Catholic Herald.
  3. “Doctrine, Law and Practice in Light of Mitis Iudex and Amoris Laetitia”, by Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki. (Diocese of Springfield, IL, May 2, 2017). Keynote Address at the North West Regional Canon Law Convention held in Portland, Oregon on May 2, 2017. May be read online (on this page) at Catholic Culture; and available in pdf format on this page of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
  4. “Does Pure Logic Threaten to Destroy the Entire Moral Doctrine of the Catholic Church?”, by Josef Seifert, Aemaet: Wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift für Philosophie und Theologie, vol. 6, no. 2 (2017): pp. 2-9. May be read online on this page at Rorate Coeli, and on this page of Catholic Culture.
  5. Marriage: Theological and Pastoral Considerations (Washington, D.C.: Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage & Family and Communio International Catholic Review, 2015), which is available in PDF format (on this page) at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America.
  6. The Power of Truth: The Challenges of Catholic Doctrine and Morals Today, by Gerhard Ludwig Cardinal Müller (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2019).
    • The paperback is available on this page of Ignatius Press and on this page of Leaflet Missals. The Nook book and paperback is available at Barnes & Noble. The Kindle ebook and paperback are available at Amazon.
    • N.B., The work consists of various essays by Cardinal Muller, including the following essays which may be read online: “Faith’s Political Witness: The Demands of Justice and Love”—earlier published on this post at First Things (April 2013); and “Testimony to the Power of Grace: On the Indissolubility of Marriage and the Debate Concerning the Civilly Remarried and the Sacraments”—from “L’Osservatore Romano, ed. quotidiana, Anno CLIII, n. 243, Merc. 23/10/2013”, earlier published at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith;
  7. [Reflections on Questions of Present Importance in the Life of the Church], by Gerhard Ludwig Cardinal Müller. Available at First Things: “What Does It Mean to Say ‘I Absolve You’?” (December 15, 2017); “By What Authority? On the Teaching Office of the Pope” (January 16, 2018); “Development, or Corruption?” (February 20, 2018); “Is There a Saving Truth? The Salvific Relevance of the Rule of Faith” (March 13, 2018); “Who May Receive Communion?” (April. 20, 2018).

V. On Holy Matrimony

Note: This only lists texts specifically relating to Marriage as a sacrament. For other texts, especially on the marital and sexual ethics, please see the page Marriage and the Family.

A. Sacrament of Matrimony

  1. Apostolic Exhortation “Familiaris Consortio” on the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World, by Pope St. John Paul II (22 November 1981). May be read online (on this page) of the Holy See, and on this page of CBCP for Life.
  2. Decree “Ne Temere” concerning betrothal and marriage, by the Sacred Congregation of the Council, August 10, 1907. May be read online at the EWTN Library.
  3. Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution on Chastity, Marriage, the Family, and Virginity, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.
  4. Discursos del Santo Padre Benedicto XVI a los Prelados Auditores, Defensores del Vínculo y Abogados de la Rota Romana (2006-2013). Disponible en esta pagina de Un Puente de Fe, y  en esta pagina de Ratzinger-Gänswein: Doctor de la Iglesia, y en la Santa Sede. Los Discursos de 2006-2010 están disponibles en formato PDF en el Tribunal Eclesiástico Metropolitano de Madrid.
  5. Exhortación Apostólica “Familiaris Consortio” sobre la misión de la familia cristiana en el mundo actual, del Papa San Juan Pablo II (22 de noviembre 1981). Disponible en la Santa Sede, y Catholic.net, y la Vicaria de Pastoral, Arquidiocesis Primada de Mexico.
  6. Lettre Encyclique “Casti Connubii” sur le Mariage Chrétien Considéré au Point de Vue de la Condition Présente, des Nécessités, des Erreurs et des Vices de la Famille et de la Société, du Souverain Pontife Pie XI (31 décembre 1930).  Disponible sur le site officiel du Saint-Siège. [D’apres Wikipedia : « Elle forme l’essentiel de l’enseignement doctrinal de l’Église sur le sacrement matrimonial et la vie conjugale. »]
  7. The Sacraments: A Dogmatic Treatise, Vol. IV, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, Matrimony, by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pohle, translated by Arthur Preuss (St. Louis, Mo., and London: B. Herder Book Co., 1917). With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available on multiple formats at Internet Archive(Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: New York Public Library). The 1918 edition is also available at Internet Archive, with a second copy at Internet Archive and Open Library.

B. Indissolubility (1)

  1. Instruction “Dignitas Connubii” to be Observed by Diocesan and Interdiocesan Tribunals in Handling Causes of the Nullity of Marriage, by the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, January 25, 2005. Available at the Holy See and JGray.org.
  2. The Juridical and Christian Anthropological Study of the Indissolubility of Canonical Marriage in the Light of Canon 1056, by Clothilde Ngwe Wanki (Rome, 2011). Doctoral thesis in canon law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross – Faculty of Canon Law. 580 pages. Available in pdf format at Bibliotecanonica. [N.B., This is an admirably comprehensive historical-theological overview of Catholic Christian teaching on the unity and indissolubility of marriage, which shows (i) its fidelity to divine revelation and natural law, seen in the continuity of apostolic, patristic, scholastic, and modern canonical legislation, especially on sacramental marriages; and (ii) its development on matters subject to positive law, such as the effect of privileges in favour of the faith on non-sacramental marriages.]

C. Indissolubility (2): Texts Relating to the 2015 Synod

  1. The Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia: A Theological Critique, by 45 theologians, including Dr. Aidan Nichols O.P. The critique is available in pdf format on this page of One Peter Five, and at Internet Archive (21 October 2016 snapshot of this defunct page); and it may be read online at Society of Saint Pius X. A summary may be read online on this page at Life Site. The 29 June 2016 letter transmitting it to Cardinal Sodano is available in pdf format at Internet Archive (21 October 2016 snapshot of this defunct page) and may be read online at Society of Saint Pius X. [N.B., Due to the irregular canonical status of SSPX, readers are counseled to approach any other texts on its website with prayerful caution.]
  2. “Appeal to prayer: ‘That Pope Francis may confirm the unchanging praxis of the Church with regard to the truth of the indissolubility of marriage’”, by Tomash Peta, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana; Jan Pawel Lenga, Archbishop-Bishop Emeritus of Karaganda; and Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana, 18 January 2017. May be read online on this page at Rorate Coeli, and on this page of Regina; and reproduced in “Three bishops launch ‘spiritual crusade’ urging Pope to rebuke Communion for adulterers” at Life Site.
  3. Communio: International Catholic Review, Volume 41.2, Marriage: Theological and Pastoral Considerations (Summer 2014). Available (on this page) at Communio: International Catholic Review, including the following articles: “Marriage and the Family Between Anthropology and the Eucharist, by Cardinal Angelo Scola (in PDF format); “The Merciful Gift of Indissolubility and the Question of Pastoral Care for Civilly Divorced and Remarried Catholics”, by Nicholas J. Healy, Jr. (in PDF format); and “God’s Gift of Life and Love: On Marriage and the Eucharist”, by Pope St. John Paul II (in PDF format).
  4. Correctio Filialis de Haeresibus Propagates (Filial Correction), 16 July 2017. Available in pdf format on this page of Correctio filialis de haeresibus propagates.
  5. Declaration of Fidelity to the Church’s Unchangeable Teaching on Marriage and to Her Uninterrupted Discipline, 29 August 2016. May be read online (on this page) at Filial Appeal. See also: “Three cardinals sign statement defending magisterial teaching on the sacraments”, 3 Oct 2016, at Catholic Herald.
  6. Guidelines for the Pastoral Accompaniment of Christ’s Faithful who are Divorced and Remarried without a Decree of Nullity, by the Catholic Bishops of Alberta & the Northwest Territories. Available in pdf format on this page of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton; on this page of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Paul (with link from this page); and on this page of the Archdiocese of Ottawa (in which the Archbishop of Ottawa expresses his endorsement of the text). May be read online on this page of Catholic Culture.
  7. Marriage: Theological and Pastoral Considerations (Washington, D.C.: Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage & Family and Communio International Catholic Review, 2015), which is available in PDF format (on this page) at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America.
  8. The Misuse of Amoris Laetitia to Support Errors against the Catholic Faith: A Letter to the Supreme Pontiff Francis, to All Bishops in Communion with Him, and to the Rest of the Christian Faithful, by John Finnis and Germain Grisez. Available in pdf format through this page of The Way of the Lord Jesus.
  9. A Pastoral Appeal to the Bishops for an Apostolic Reaffirmation of the Gospel (Official Text), 22 April 2018. Available in pdf format and may be read on this page at Cura Pastoralis. [See also: “Priests Appeal to World’s Bishops to Address ‘Pastoral Crisis’ in the Church”, by Edward Pentin, May 2, 2018, at National Catholic Register; Raymond Arroyo’s interview of Raymond Cardinal Burke concerning the Pastoral Appeal, in the 3 May 2018 episode of World Over, published on 4 May 2018 by EWTN.]
  10. Pastoral Guidelines for Implementing Amoris Laetitia, by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, July 1, 2016. Available in pdf format (on this page) at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (linked by this page of Saint Norbert Parish, and this page of the Diocese of Lancaster), and at Google Drive. See also the articles “Archbishop Chaput’s Guidelines for Amoris Laetitia Can Serve as Model for US Church”, 7 July 2016, at the National Catholic Register; “Archbishop Chaput: Pope Francis shows continuity on divorce, remarriage”, 7 July 2016 at Catholic News Agency.
  11. Pastoral Guidelines for Implementing Amoris Laetitia in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, May 4, 2017. Available in pdf format (here) linked from this page of the Diocese of Lancaster. May be read online on this page at Catholic Culture. [See this articles: “Archbishop Sample’s guidelines on family and marriage urge truth, mercy”, July 05, 2017 at Catholic Sentinel; “Portland archbishop: active gays must repent and change before receiving Communion”, July 11, 2017, at the California Catholic Daily.]
  12. Pastoral Letter on the Reading of Amoris Laetitia in Light of Church Teaching: “A True and Living Icon”, by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, October 7, 2016. May be read online on this page at Catholic Culture; and available in pdf format (on this page) at Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. [See also the following articles: “Abp. Alexander Sample Discusses His Pastoral Letter about ‘Amoris Laetitia’”, October 17, 2016, at Catholic World Report; “Another bishop says “Amoris” doesn’t change practice on Communion” at Crux Now; “Archbishop Sample corrects ‘troublesome misuses’ of Amoris Laetitia”, October 11, 2016, at Life Site.]
  13. Pastoral Message about the Apostolic Exhortation ‘Amoris Laetitia’ (‘The Joy of Love’), Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth, England, 24 April 2016. Available in pdf format (on this page) at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth.
  14. Pledge of fidelity to the authentic teaching of the Church, by pro-life and pro-family leaders, 12 December 2017. May be read online at Pledge of Fidelity; and republished in the article “Pro-Life Leaders: Faithful To True Doctrine, Not To Erring Pastors”, December 12, 2017, at Voice of the Family. See also the article: “Pro-Life Leaders Pledge To Be Faithful To Catholic Doctrine”, December 11, 2017, at Church Militant.
  15. A Pledged Troth: A Pastoral Letter on Amoris Laetitia, by Bishop Steven J. Lopes. May be read online on this page at the National Catholic Register; on this page of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter (linked by this page of Ordinariate News, and at Yumpu.
  16. The Power of Truth: The Challenges of Catholic Doctrine and Morals Today, by Gerhard Ludwig Cardinal Müller (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2019).
    • The paperback is available on this page of Ignatius Press and on this page of Leaflet Missals. The Nook book and paperback is available at Barnes & Noble. The Kindle ebook and paperback are available at Amazon.
    • N.B., The work consists of various essays by Cardinal Muller, including the following essays which may be read online: “Faith’s Political Witness: The Demands of Justice and Love”—earlier published on this post at First Things (April 2013); and “Testimony to the Power of Grace: On the Indissolubility of Marriage and the Debate Concerning the Civilly Remarried and the Sacraments”—from “L’Osservatore Romano, ed. quotidiana, Anno CLIII, n. 243, Merc. 23/10/2013”, earlier published at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith;
  17. Profession of the Immutable Truths about Sacramental Marriage, by Tomash Peta, Archbishop Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana; Jan Pawel Lenga, Archbishop-Bishop of Karaganda; and Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana, 31 December 2017. May be read online at Scribd, and on this page of Life Site; and through the article Three Bishops Issue Profession of Truth About Sacramental Marriage at the National Catholic Register, which summarises the document. [Other signatories as of February 6, 2018 are Cardinal Janis Pujats, Emeritus Archbishop Metropolitan of Riga, Latvia; Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò of Italy and former apostolic nuncio to the United States; Luigi Negri, Archbishop emeritus of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy; Bishop Andreas Laun, Emeritus Auxiliary of Salzburg, Austria; Rene Gracida, Bishop emeritus of Corpus Christi, Texas, USA; Marian Eleganti, auxiliary bishop of Chur, Switzerland; and Elmar Fischer, Bishop emeritus of Feldkirch, Austria.]
  18. “Seeking Clarity: A Plea to Untie the Knots in Amoris Laetitia” (Dubia), by Cardinals Walter Brandmüller, Raymond L. Burke, Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, and Joachim Meiser, September 19, 2016. May be read online on this page at the National Catholic Register.
  19. “Statement of the Confraternities of Catholic Clergy”, reproduced in “‘Clarification is gravely needed’: international priests’ association gives support to dubia”, 1 February 2017, at the Catholic Herald.

VI. On Holy Orders

  1. Dogmatic Theology XI. The sacraments: a dogmatic treatise, Vol. IV, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, Matrimony, by Joseph Pohle, translated by Arthur Preuss (St. Louis, Mo.: B. Herder, 1915). With Imprimatur. Available on multiple formats at Open Library and Internet Archive (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: New York Public Library).
  2. “Dominus Iesus and the Christian Priesthood”,by Romanus Cessario, O.P., The Catholic Answer 14.6 (2001): 38-43. Available in PDF format through this page of the Nederlands Thomas-Genootschap.
  3. The Eternal Priesthood, by Henry Edward Manning, 1808-1892 (London: Burns and Oates; New York: Catholic Publication Society, 1844). Available at Internet Archive and Open Library (Digitizing sponsor: MSN, Book contributor: Cornell University Library).
  4. Grace Overflowing: A Consideration of Diaconal Spirituality in the Contexts of Marriage and Ordained Ministry [Dissertation], by Richard Douglas Shewman (Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, May 2005). Available in PDF format on this page of the Diocese of Erie.
  5. Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick, by Peter Kreeft (New Haven, CT: Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, Catholic Information Service, 2000). With Imprimatur. Available in PDF format on this page of the Knights of Columbus.
  6. [Letter to William Palmer, 3rd] Third letter to the Rev. William Palmer, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford: on auricular confession, and the absolute necessity thereof; also the nullity of the Church of England’s ordinations, notes, etc., by Verax, a Catholic layman (London: T. Jones, 1841). Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  7. The Religious State: Together with a Short Treatise on the Vocation to the Priesthood, 2nd edition, translated from the Italian of St. Alphonsus De Liguori, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm, C.Ss.R. (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1889). Available in various formats at Internet Archive and Forgotten Books; and may be read online (on this page) at Hathi Trust.
  8. Vocations Explained: Matrimony, Virginity, the Religious State, and the Priesthood, by a Vincentian Father. (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benzinger Brothers, 1897). Published with the permission of the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission. With Imprimatur. May be read online, and available in PDF format and in RTF format at the Saints’ Books. [N.B., The front page states that ‘”Vocations Explained” is a compendium of “Questions on Vocations,” a catechism approved by His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons; His Eminence Cardinal Satolli; by five Archbishops and twenty-two Bishops; also by numerous priests and religious Brothers and Sisters.’]

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