Christ, the Life of the Soul [Hardcover]

Columba Marmion (Author), Alan Bancroft (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 8, 2005

Christ, the Life of the Soul by Blessed Columba Marmion is a classic guide to the spiritual life that had a direct influence on several Popes, generations of priests and religious, and countless members of the laity. Firmly rooted in the Bible, the Liturgy, and the writings of the Saints and Doctors of the Church, Marmion explores every aspect of Catholic dogma — with penetrating insight — but his great emphasis is on the person of Christ,and the doctrine of Divine Adoption. Written for Christians in every walk of life, here are pages of practical knowledge and timeless wisdom -- a "how to" guide filled with rich insight, spiritual refreshment, inspiration and encouragement. The hardcover edition features 3-piece case binding (burgundy/forest green) with gold stamping on front and spine, extra-thick 110 pt. covers, embossed end-papers, and Smyth-sewn binding.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An authentic treasury of spiritual truth" -- Pope John Paul II, speaking at Blessed Columba's Beatification Ceremony

"At each page, one is bathed in a spiritual atmosphere -- an atmosphere of prayer. Hence also light, security and peace." -- Dom Raymond Thibaut

The works of Marmion are "outstanding in the accuracy of their doctrine, and the depth and richness of their thought." -- Pope Pius XII

About the Author

Born in Ireland, Blessed Columba Marmion served for several years as a priest in Dublin before finding a vocation to the monastery. He eventually became Abbot of Maredsous Abbey, Belgium. One of the foremost spiritual masters of the 20th century, his books, acclaimed by Popes and lay faithful alike, were translated into eleven languages, and sold some 1.5 million copies. Asked to explain the secret of Marmion's amazing success with the book-reading public, his contemporary and close friend, Cardinal Mercier, simply said: "He makes you touch God." And indeed, what more could any bookreader ask for?

Product Details

• Hardcover: 532 pages
• Publisher: Zaccheus Press (December 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972598146
• ISBN-13: 978-0972598149
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,381,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nourishing Christ-Centered Devotional Classic, February 25, 2006

By 

J. Rieping "Theophilus" (California, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christ, the Life of the Soul (Paperback)

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.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great spiritual classics of the 20th Century., December 20, 2006

By 

Mark Hennicke (A stone's throw from Carnegie Hall) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christ, the Life of the Soul (Paperback)

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.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christ, Life of the soul, November 2, 2006

By 

Frank Gallinaro "Lover of good ideas" (Auburn, NH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christ, the Life of the Soul (Paperback)

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