Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This volume of the acclaimed Classics of Western Spirituality(TM) is a significant one. It offers new translations of a representative selection of the spiritual writings of Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)-saint, bishop, religious founder (the Redemptorist Congregation), and doctor of the church. The late Frederick M. Jones, principal editor of this volume, and author of an acclaimed biography of Alphonsus, has written an exceptional introduction that outlines this saint's life, with particular emphasis on the political, sociological, and intellectual climate of Bourbon Naples in which he lived, wrote, and ministered. The writings presented here demonstrate the wide range of his work and its relevance to Christian life and spirituality in our own day: o Spiritual Writings o Spiritual Direction o Devotional Writings o Prayer o Moral Theology o Letters Alphonsus' devotional writings had an enormous impact on the practices of Catholic piety right up to Vatican II. In addition, he played an influential role in the development of moral theology. This collection of his works fills a demand for an English translation of Alphonsus' major spiritual works. Among the interested readers will be members of the Redemptorist order, theology students, and students of 18th century Italian church history and society.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 405-406) and indexes.
Table of Contents
Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) : his life, writings, and spirituality -- Divine love and the means of acquiring it / translated by Frederick M. Jones -- Conformity to the will of God / translated by Martin McKeever -- Motives for confidence in the divine mercy / translated by Frederick M. Jones -- The practice of the love of Jesus Christ / translated by Brendan McConvery -- Direction of souls who wish to lead a deeply spiritual life ; Encouragement for a troubled soul ; Peace for scrupulous souls ; Novena to the sacred heart / translated by Frederick M. Jones -- The Blessed Virgin Mary : selected writings and The glories of Mary / translated by Terrence J. Moran -- A way of conversing continually with God as with a friend / translated by Terrence J. Moran and Brendan McConvery -- Prayer the great means of salvation selections / translated by Terrence J. Moran -- The practice of mental prayer and An outline of a simple method of making mental prayer / translated by Terrence J. Moran and Frederick M. Jones --