Synopses & Reviews
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ has been revered as a classic of Christian spirituality since its initial publication in 1833. Now available in a new edition, freshly re-designed and re-edited for contemporary readers, this richly detailed description of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ recounts the revelations of the German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, whose mystical witness of Jesus' final journey took place during the season of Lent, 1823.
Emmerich's narrative represents an eyewitness account of the Last Supper, Jesus' internal agony in the garden, his arrest and trial, his crucifixion, and his resurrection from death. The author describes these events with almost cinematic visual detail, and examines with remarkable subtlety the motivations of each person involved, including Mary the mother of Jesus, Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalen, Pontius Pilate, and dozens of other believers and detractors.
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is a powerful drama that explores with extraordinary insight one of history's defining moments. It presents, as perhaps no other document, the human struggles and spiritual significance of the Passion of Jesus, with a voice that speaks to readers across the ages. As a testimony to its enduring appeal and relevance, the author was declared "Venerable" by John Paul II in 2001, an advanced step on the path to sainthood.
Please note that this North Bay Books 2004 edition opens with a new introduction, prepared especially for this volume to enhance the appreciation of a new audience for this landmark devotional work.
Synopsis
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the book that inspired Mel Gibson's long awaited, controversial epic about Christ, The Passion of the Christ. Based on legendary religious mystic Anne Catherine Emmerich's extended vision in the year of 1823 of the last four days of Christ, the book vividly describes each episode the Last Supper, Jesus' agony in the garden, his arrest and trial, his crucifixion and resurrection as an eyewitness, with striking visual detail, and compellingly explores the emotions and motivations of Mary, Peter, Pontius Pilate, Judas, and many others. Rich with complex characters, this powerful drama is an inspiration to all.
About the Author
Born of poor parents in northern Germany, Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) joined a convent at the age of 28, after years of working as a seamstress and servant. As a nun of the Order of St. Augustine, she eventually was confined to her bed due to failing health. She spontaneously displayed the stigmata (the wounds of Jesus on her hands and side), and was subject to extended visions of the life of Jesus. Her visions were recorded by the poet Klemens Maria Brentano, and published after her death in three books: The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1833), The Life of The Blessed Virgin Mary (1852), and The Life of Our Lord (1858-80). She has been pronounced "Venerable" by the Catholic church, an advanced step on the path to sainthood.