Can you recommend some stories from 'best catholic short stories'?

Sure. 'The Grand Inquisitor' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a great one. It delves into complex religious and moral themes within a Catholic context. Another is 'The Little Flower' which tells the story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, highlighting her simple yet profound faith.

One short Catholic moral story is about the Good Samaritan. A man was beaten and left on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite passed by but did not help. However, a Samaritan, who was despised by the Jews, stopped and took care of the man, showing that true love and morality cross all boundaries.

The story of St. Mother Teresa is also very inspiring. She dedicated her life to the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. She saw Jesus in every suffering face. She started with very little but through her unwavering faith and love, she was able to create a global movement of care. Her story is a testament to the power of Catholic values like love, compassion and selfless service.

Well, 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck can be considered in this category. It has elements that touch on catholic ideas like the concept of good and evil, and the struggle against greed. Also, Flannery O'Connor's short stories, such as 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', often deal with catholic themes of redemption and grace.

There is also a story about St. Nicholas which is related to Catholic Christmas traditions. St. Nicholas was known for his generosity. In the story, he secretly gives gifts to the poor. This story has been passed down and is an important part of Catholic Christmas lore, as it shows the spirit of giving, which is central to the celebration of Christmas in the Catholic faith.

One great Catholic short story is 'The Grand Inquisitor' from Dostoevsky's 'The Brothers Karamazov'. It delves deep into themes of faith, freedom, and the role of the Church. Another could be 'Flannery O'Connor's stories which often have strong Catholic undertones, like 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' where the encounter with the Misfit at the end has elements of grace and judgment within a Catholic framework.

Another excellent short story from Poe is 'The Cask of Amontillado'. It's a tale of revenge. Montresor lures Fortunato into the catacombs under the pretense of tasting a rare wine. The dark and claustrophobic setting heightens the sense of doom. Poe's use of irony and foreshadowing makes this story a classic.

One of the well - known short stories from Twain is 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County'. It's a humorous tale about a bet on a frog - jumping contest.

There's also 'The Hand'. It's a story that shows Colette's ability to create an atmosphere. Through her words, you can almost feel the tension and the unspoken emotions that the characters are experiencing.

There might be a story in '2021 best short stories' that is a mystery. It could involve a detective trying to solve a strange case in a big city. The plot twists and turns keep the readers on their toes as the detective uncovers new clues.