The Spiritual Life: A Comprehensive Manual for Catholics Seeking Salvation by Jean Nicolas Grou

by Jean Nicolas Grou

We found this lost classic among the cherished works that French Catholics risked everything to save when the Church was under attack - in the frenzied days of the French Revolution and its aftermath.

Written by Fr. Jean Nicolas Grou, The Spiritual Life might seem on the face of it an odd choice for the embattled Catholics of France to preserve. After all, it only gives a few small hints here and there of the great crisis that was engulfing France. Yet preserve it they did.

A closer look at its contents reveals why: it's a tough, uncompromising handbook to help you deal with all the obligations and problems of the spiritual life. As such, it teaches you what you need to know and to do when the comforts and supports of life have been swept away.

Indeed, Fr. Grou reminds you right at the beginning that salvation is only won at a great price. He wrote this book for those who are willing to pay that price themselves. His focus is firmly on Christ, whom he maintains should be the model for your own spiritual life - not just in theory, but in the hard fact of sacrifice and love so great as to pierce your heart.

Our times are not so far removed from the Godless irrationality that swept across France in Fr. Grou's day. That's why, in our own tumultuous age, The Spiritual Life is so desperately needed. It's the one guide that offers you real help to navigate the treacherous spiritual waters of today's world, and through it all, to keep the Faith.

Genres: Catholic, Religion

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Father Jean Nicolas Grou (1731–1803) was a French Roman Catholic mystic. (wikipedia)

Reviews

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book for beginners, but the wisdom is for everyone to remember. I found it helpful and insightful, but then again anything written by this particular Priest is.

[Michał · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bardzo dobra książka! Czytałem wydanie polskie, którego tutaj nie mogę niestety znaleźć.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, solid overview of the stages, trials, temptations, etc. one should expect when one becomes serious about growing in sanctity. However, if you want something more in depth and with more detail (especially practical detail), you should look elsewhere.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read. Simple, straight to the point, practical wisdom for the spiritual life. Why is this man not a canonized saint? This book is an absolute gem.

[Crystal Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and very challenging. Definitely for those seriously longing to satisfy their spiritual thirst for God.