This book introduces the reader to thirteen Christian spiritual classics that illustrate the ordinary steps we can take toward living the Gospel life more fully.

Drawing on the rich teaching of a particular saint or mystic, each chapter helps us grow in a different aspect of holiness, of intimacy with God. Archbishop Hughes offers an itinerary for becoming a good disciple of the Lord, giving the reader access to an impressive spiritual library that can support and strengthen progress in discipleship throughout one's life.

Among the great saints and spiritual writers whose writings are included in this book are Augustine, Anthony of the Desert, Aelred, Teresa of Avila, Benedict, Guigo, Catherine of Siena, Walter Hilton, Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Thomas à Kempis, and John of the Cross.

"Many Christians who want to grow in holiness desire to read the spiritual classics, but often aren't sure where to begin. This is a beautiful, readable, and inspiring guide to the lives and writings of the greatest saints and mystics in Church history. This is an introduction to the spiritual masters written by a spiritual master. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
— Dr. Brant Pitre, Author, Introduction to the Spiritual Life: Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus

"A beautifully crafted and rich presentation of the very best in Catholic spirituality down through the ages. Drawing upon his own vast experience, Archbishop Hughes guides us through the life and writings of thirteen 'spiritual masters' of the two-thousand-year Catholic tradition. He makes a compelling argument of why we need to return to these fonts of wisdom and grace now more than ever."
— Most Reverend James Conley, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska

"In this incredible spiritual treatise Archbishop Hughes forms, challenges, and inspires us. Those hungry for deeper prayer lives will be invited into an encounter with the living God by diving into the spiritual insights of the saints. They will find in Archbishop Hughes' long experience as a teacher and spiritual director practical help for their own lives of prayer."
— Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens, Chairman of the National Eucharistic Revival

"A wonderful compendium of Christian living rooted in a life of prayer. Archbishop Hughes reviews the life and teachings of some of our tradition's greats and then makes it applicable for the reader. I look forward to it being a contemporary spiritual classic."
— Most Reverend David Toups, Bishop of Beaumont, Texas

"Archbishop Hughes, with the prodigious skill of a seasoned teacher, brings to the fore the profound spiritual wisdom of the Church's greatest saints and mystics within the context of their own particular lives and callings. Through his lifelong study of and journey with these great men and women, he helps us to drink deeply of the wisdom of Saints Anthony, Augustine, Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola, and more."
— Jordan Haddad, Ph.D., Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans