What do you think?
Rate this book
Guidance To Heaven: On the Catholic View of Life
This is the best book we have ever seen to show the shortness and uncertainty of life and why we should live in anticipation of and preparation for death. Says we should not live being afraid to die because we are not prepared; but realizing that death is one's grand entrance into true life; if one is well prepared; we will make it our life's work to get ready. A powerful book to help us get properly oriented spiritually in life. 195 pgs; PB
- GenresCatholic
Paperback
First published September 1, 1995
About the author
Giovanni Bona
110 books1 followerHe was born of an old French family at Mondovì, in Piedmont, northern Italy, on 19 October, according to some 10 October, 1609.[1] His father favoured a military career for him but, after passing some years at a nearby Jesuit college, he entered the Cistercian monastery of the Congregation of the Feuillants at Pinerolo in 1624.[1] There, as also later at Rome, he pursued his studies with exceptional success.
He laboured for fifteen years at Turin, then as prior at Asti and as abbot at Mondovi, and in 1651 was called to preside over the whole congregation as superior general. During his seven years of official life in Rome he modestly declined all further honours, refusing the Bishopric of Asti.
Bona's coat of arms
He welcomed the expiration of his third term, in the scholar's hope that he would be allowed to enjoy a life of retirement and study, but his intimate friend, Pope Alexander VII, wishing to honour his learning and piety, made him Consultor to the Congregation of the Index and to the Holy Office. In 1669 Clement IX, made him cardinal. There was no change in his extremely simple manner of life, and every year he donated his surplus revenue to the needy priests of the Missionary College at Rome. He died at Rome on 28 October 1674.
He laboured for fifteen years at Turin, then as prior at Asti and as abbot at Mondovi, and in 1651 was called to preside over the whole congregation as superior general. During his seven years of official life in Rome he modestly declined all further honours, refusing the Bishopric of Asti.
Bona's coat of arms
He welcomed the expiration of his third term, in the scholar's hope that he would be allowed to enjoy a life of retirement and study, but his intimate friend, Pope Alexander VII, wishing to honour his learning and piety, made him Consultor to the Congregation of the Index and to the Holy Office. In 1669 Clement IX, made him cardinal. There was no change in his extremely simple manner of life, and every year he donated his surplus revenue to the needy priests of the Missionary College at Rome. He died at Rome on 28 October 1674.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 2, 2025
We are all here for one purpose and that is to get to heaven and to help others get to heaven. We should live reflecting on our death, our last hour, not live attached or slaves to anything of this world. When we take our last breath and meet God, what state will our soul be in? What hatred, resentment, pride will it be tainted with when it is presented before Our Divine Father, ever pure and holy. No unclean thing can enter heaven, therefore, there is a lot to be done within ourselves on earth and we don't have much time. Do not waste your time with pointless entertainments, self-indulgent behavior, and temporal attachments. These will pass away, but your soul will live forever. Where it lives is up to you.
October 6, 2016
Written by a 17th century monk heavily influenced by Aquinas. "Guidance to Heaven" seems to focus more on avoidance of hell. So it can be a bit harsh at times, but only to awaken the reader to the importance of avoiding sin and leading a virtuous life. Refreshing in a certain sense. Plenty of good, sobering advice in these pages.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews