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Christ, the Life of the Soul

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I first read Blessed Columba Marmion's classic, "Christ, the Life of the Soul," while at the Benedictine monastery of Mount Angel Abbey... and I re-read the book repeatedly in the following three years. One of my great regrets at moving away was that I no longer had access to my (new) favorite spiritual reading, because none of Marmion's books were in print any longer, despite having been written in the 20th century and being praised by popes. Only his recent official recognition for holiness by the Catholic Church has lifted his words from obscurity.

Marmion's thoughts are easy to understand and speak to the heart, which is all the more amazing in that they were written by a scholar of Scripture and the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. Perhaps one reason why they are clear and captivating is that they were originally spiritual talks given by the author, who although an English-speaking Irishman by birth was a Benedictine abbot of a French-speaking monastery in Belgium. He was a gifted and popular speaker in both the U.K. and western Europe, and he was also a compassionate spiritual director. The talks engage the reader like the words of a true spiritual guide and fellow pilgrim.

There is nothing dry in his "talks", and reading it always set my heart on fire for God and holiness. I also, by the way, have never found a better description of the nature of the Blessed Trinity than in his writings. He had a knack for helping people grasp the vital truths of Christianity with both the heart and the head.

Be aware that Marmion often cites short Latin quotes from the Bible, which is a language that used to be more commonly known in the English-speaking world. However, I always was able to figure out what he was talking about just from the context, and they were never an obstacle to understanding even though I don't know Latin.

As you can see, I cannot recommend these books highly enough. If you love the Bible, enjoy both passion and reason, and would like to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Son of God, then please consider this book.

This work is one of the great spiritual classics of the 20th century, along with St. Maria Faustina's "Divine Mercy in My Soul," Blessed John XXIII's "Journal of a Soul," Paul Claudel's "I Believe in God" and Rev. Adolphe Tanquerey's "The Spiritual Life." It treats of our realtionship as adopted sons & daughters of God ( a theme central to Blessed Marmion's writing ) in a way that is enlightening, enriching and accessible. "Christ, the Life of the Soul" will become a life long companion, as it has already become for me. It's interpretations of the nature of the Triune God, the Church & Her sacraments and the whole of spiritual life are illuminating and rewarding in a manner that is to be cherished and embraced. I cannot recommend this volume more.
When I discovered "Story of a Soul" by St. Therese, I considered myself blessed that I had found one special book ( along with Scripture , of course ) that had transformed and enhanced my spiritual life. I now consider myself doubly blessed to have discovered "Christ, the Life of the Soul" by Blessed Columba Marmion as well.Read this book, and then pass it on to someone you love.

This is the best book on the spiritual life. Anyone who wants to grow in the spiritual life will find this book invaluable. Catholics will come away with a deeper appreciation of their faith and all that God has done for us his son's and daughter's in Christ.

Frank

Would recommend to any person sincerely serious about understanding and gaining progress in spiritual development. Christ's life in our soul is REAL, and is our true LIFE.

Christ, the Life of the Soul(Paperback)
This is a beautiful, easy read. It reads both like an instructional book as well as a prayer book. Marmion has a way of putting across a thought so that you suddenly see the whole idea beautifully explained. Read it slowly and digest it all. You'll come back to it again and again.