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Humility of Heart

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Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753 AD) has written a masterpiece of the spiritual life, based on those key words of Jesus,"Learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart." (Mt. 11:29). I have read many other works on how to attain the virtue of humility, but this one is truly a classic version which has been a constant bedside companion for over 20 years. Since this virtue of Christian humility is so foundational and yet so elusive, I have found that weekly or even daily recourse to "Humility of Heart" serves as pointed salutary reminder of the evil of pride as well as a heartfelt encouragement to follow the Lord Jesus on his way of humility and suffering.
Fr.Cajetan writes, "It is only by the measure of thy humility that thou canst hope to please God and save thyself, because it is certain that God 'will save the humble of spirit.' (Ps. 33:19-- page 60). Indeed, frequent recouse to this humble book will lead the reader to daily pray, "Jesus, meek and humble of hear, make my heart like unto thine."

This is an awesome and faithfilling book on the virtue of humility. The Cardinal who wrote the preface of this 17th century book saids you could spend a year studying this book and still not gleam all the riches it contains about the virtue of humility and how it's lifelong attainment can help weed out all your bad vices or sins and help one get to heaven. I totally agree with him! This book is for those Catholic individuals who are serious about wanting to get to heaven and through God's graces and the sacraments are trying to live down here as close to God as they can and are trying to love the rest of mankind made in the image and likeness of God.It has so much meditation material on each page of book to pray and think about. This book is also for all individuals who want to change their life for the better in living for loving God and loving other people more.

Humility is the queen of the virtues, and this book helps you to understand why you likely don't have it but describes how you can still hopefully obtain it. Very highly recommended by an avid reader of traditional Christian/Catholic books.

I first came across this book over three decades ago. It is one of those classics that has passed the test of time in hundreds of years. It has never left my possession, although I wore out a few paperback copies and replaced them. The subject matter is clear. The book was written to teach it to us. I have gone back dozens of times to the Introduction of the book, by Herbert Cardinal Vaughn, Archbishop of Westminster, England, who translated the 1903 edition. It was because of this I first read the book. It was because of his advice there that I used three of the books, he recommends there, as he suggested. I believe his is probably the best of all reviews of this work. So let me share a two-paragraph excerpt from it below (of course, the links are mine). Possibly, you will do what I did.

There is a great advantage in using such a book as this for two or three years consecutively as a meditation book. The human mind is so volatile, the character so restless, convictions are so slow in taking a deep and permanent hold on our practical life, that I have always considered that a retreat made upon one idea, and two or three years given to the meditation of one great subject is productive of more solid good than the following out of the ordinary system, which, of course, has it own advantages, commending it to the greater number. I venture even to think that for many persons living amidst the distractions of the world, such as priests engaged in the active ministry, and devout men and women of the laity, who are deeply in earnest about the work of their sanctification, the persevering study of one book for years, such as The Spiritual Combat and a Treatise on Peace of Soul (Tan Classics), St. Alphonsus on [his] Treatise on Prayer, Blessed de Montfort on "True Devotion to Mary," Padre Gaetano on "Humility of Heart," Palma on The Sacred Passion, and certain other treatises which need not be named here, is far more important than for recluses and good people living out of the world. We never get a proper hold of a great spiritual doctrine until we have lived in it and been saturated by it. The soul must soak in the brine until it has become wholly impregnated with its qualities. And is this process likely to be carried out by one who thirsts for variety and is always on the move towards some totally new sensation from the one that at present occupies his feelings? There is the question of breadth, I know, as well as depth. But he who said "Times hominem unius libri" ["I fear the man of one book." The quote attributed to Saint Thomas Aquinas], hit a truth that must be felt by every earnest soul.

One need not fear that the constant handling of one book will dry up the mind, if the topic treated be one of primary importance, and if it be the work of a master on the spiritual life. The number of thoughts and truths suggested by such a book are truly wonderful. It often will happen that far more is suggested than is actually put down by the hand of the writer. But to enjoy this result, you must have put away all hurry; you must have said, "I am going to spend at least a year with this friend; I am going to take him not merely for a friend but for a master and a guide."

If you would like to deepen your walk with the Lord, please read this book. Pride is the sin which leads to all other sins. Read this book, ask the Holy Spirt to open the eyes of your mind that you will walk and be transform you into the image of Our Lord. OH Lord give us a "humble and contrite heart". Amen.

This book is excellent. Practical, down to earth, you will be able to relate to what the author says even though he lived over 200 years ago. It was recommended to me by my 19 year old son who received it from a Norbertine priest, brother of a friend of mine. For solid encouragement on the journey to increase the virtue of humility I recommend this book.