Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year (Leather Bound)

~ O.C.D. Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Divine Intimacy is undoubtedly the classic Carmelite work on meditation---a book that helps one arrive at intimate union with God by the practice of considering holy truths. It is a book that shows how to join prayer and action and put the Catholic doctrine on the spiritual life into practice daily. Divine Intimacy has been translated into all principal languages and has met with extraordinary success, bringing encouragement and spiritual profit to lay people as well as priests and religious. For each day of the year, Fr. Gabriel gives 1) a brief introduction, 2) a two-part meditation, followed by 3) a colloquy---holy acts of love, thanksgiving, petition, resolution, etc., addressed to Our Lord and based on the truths just meditated upon. About three pages are devoted to each day, so it reads quickly, and even the busiest person can use it regularly. The meditations for Sundays are based on the Sunday Gospel readings of the traditional liturgical calendar. Grounding his work on a firm Thomistic basis, Fr. Gabriel (1893-1953) draws from Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the great Carmelite Saints, including St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. His goal---marvelously achieved---is to cover the whole doctrine of the spiritual life in the course of a year. This is a lifetime book---one that is conceived to be used each day and to be read over and over. Divine Intimacy imparts an absolutely Catholic view of life and prepares the reader for the greatest possible union with God this side of Heaven. Made in U.S.A. No. 2107. 5 1/4" x 8 1/4" 1,227 Pp. Leatherbound.

Product Details

• Leather Bound: 1227 pages
• Publisher: TAN Books and Publishers (April 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895558173
• ISBN-13: 978-0895558176
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #160,575 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The , December 14, 2006

By	Mike M. LoPiccolo "Oblate." (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are books beyond number that propose to gently lead a soul by the hand as it progresses through the steps of "Seeking the Face of God". Some of them make a brave attempt but loose the way through vague, sometimes incomprehensible writing. A very few succeed in fits and starts and soon return to my bookshelf to gather dust.

The answer to the search for a book that does exactly what its profound claims promise has ended with "Divine Intimacy"! This is not a small book at 1227 pages but it succeeds in every aspect on every page.

No need for a Theological degree (although many Theologians would profit from reading it) the writing is understandable, truly illuminating and relies on quotes from many saints for pithy quotes always "spot on" the point.

Being a former Religion teacher, Bible study leader, a Master of Formation in the Carmelite Third Order, an isolate Carmelite tertiary for over 30 years and also Oblate of St. Benedict I can assure you "Divine Intimacy" is true to the Faith and not some PC scree written for the balloon and banner crowd. I hate to mention credentials but I want you to realize I am not speaking through my hat here when I tell you that this book will lead you to closer union with Almighty God if you even give it half a try....

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soaring with the Angels, March 15, 2007

By	glorybe - See all my reviews

This wonderful edition had been out of print for a few years. Used books were almost impossible to find. We should be so grateful that Tan Publishing has brought it back in print. Carmelite history and prayer began with Elijah on Mount Carmel. From Elijah has descended a long line of saints who have heard the voice of the Lord calling them to leave everything and come and drink from the holy steams of God. This book is an invitation for all to come and pray like the holy men and women of the past. The daily prayers and meditations will lift you to incredible heights. These prayers and meditations are not simply for recitation. When read slowly and reflectivedly, these devout outpourings have the power to snatch you up as well into the sublime intimacy of knowledge and love that our saints experienced in the divine mysteries. So, for a mystical experience and to increase your love for God, I strongly recommend this treasure that is timeless for its truth and beauty.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guides you in Meditation, July 3, 2008

By	Richard Rychetsky (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have both this book and In Conversation With God. This book tends to be more contemplative, while Fr. Fernandez's books (ICwG) tends to be more pastoral. Also, this book follows the readings of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, while the ICwG books follow the post-concilliar cycle of readings.

I can honestly say that this book is very good for giving your prayer life a jump start. I get more out of it when I couple it with a Rosary or quiet time. If you want to read a section, set it down and go back to your daily activities, you won't get much out of this. It is meant to be a springboard to further prayer.

Finally, and Baronius Press has now acquired the sole rights to print this book in English, so I don't think you will be able to get this edition by Tan Books.

I'd highly recommend getting a Sunday Missal or Daily Missal according to the 1962 rite, too. It makes following the readings a lot easier.