Spirituality

What Is Catholic Spirituality?

Catholic spirituality is the life of grace lived through prayer, the Sacraments, virtue, charity, and union with Jesus Christ.

The Church has many spiritual traditions, but all authentic Catholic spirituality leads to holiness, love of God, and love of neighbor.

Explore Spiritual Traditions

One Faith, Many Paths to Holiness

Benedictine

A spirituality of prayer, work, stability, humility, community, and ordered life.

Carmelite

A spirituality of contemplative prayer, interior silence, and union with God.

Franciscan

A spirituality of poverty, simplicity, joy, creation, and love for Christ crucified.

Dominican

A spirituality of study, preaching, truth, contemplation, and evangelization.

Ignatian

A spirituality of discernment, mission, examination of conscience, and finding God in all things.

How This Section Is Organized

• Introduction
• Core Practice
• Founder or Major Saint
• Major Teacher
• Saints
• Resources

Continue Exploring

Discover the major spiritual traditions of the Catholic Church and learn how different saints have guided souls toward holiness through prayer, contemplation, study, service, and mission.