Join the St. Josemaria Institute’s Book of the Month as we unpack a new title and go deeper into our faith and the teachings and spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva each month.
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November 2025
In Spe Salvi: On Christian Hope, Pope Benedict XVI encyclical reminds us that salvation is not simply something given but a gift of hope that transforms our present life. Drawing on Scripture, the early Church, and the witness of saints like St. Josephine Bakhita, he shows how hope changes the way we live, suffer, and act in the world.
As we near the closing of the Jubilee of Hope, Spe Salvi calls us to rediscover hope as the anchor of Christian life, hope that endures trials, opens the future, and teaches us to live differently because of Christ.
As you read along, we invite you to share your thoughts, questions, favorite quotes, etc., with us on Facebook and Instagram @stjosemariainst.
About the Author
On April 18, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 264th successor of Saint Peter and chose the name Benedict XVI. His papacy testifies to both a scholarly churchman, having extensively studied theology and philosophy, and pastoral sensitivity. When elected pope at age 78, he didn’t anticipate traveling the globe given his age and health, but quickly realized that the best way to reach the people of God was to go to them. He attended the first World Youth Day in Germany just months after his election. On February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict announced his resignation, becoming the first pope in almost 600 years to resign from the papacy. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on December 31, 2022 at the age of 95. (From the USCCB)
2025 Selections
January
Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint)
Pope Francis
February
In Love with the Church
St. Josemaria Escriva
March
Dilexit Nos (On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ)
Pope Francis
April
Why Are You Downcast?
Fr. Joaquin Paniello
May
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Franz William
June
Cures Through the Intercession of Saint Josemaria Escriva
Flavio Capucci
July
Grain of Wheat
Fr. Michael Giesler
August
About Charity in the Transmission of Faith
St. Josemaria Escriva
September
The Upward Arrow: A Way of Holiness for Every Home
Fr. Colum Power
October
Blessed Be Pain! Lessons of Sickness and Suffering From St. Josemaria Escriva
Miguel Monge
November
Spe Salvi (On Christian Hope)
Pope Benedict XVI
December
The Narrow Gate
Fr. Federico Suaerz
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