Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God

by Basil Nortz

Fr. Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and

Keys to obeying God’s will Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholyTen tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your sensesSeven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollectionHow to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heartEffective ways of responding to injustice You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.”

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality, Religion

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

Reviews

[Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus’s The Twelve Degrees of Silence, which Fr. Basil Nortz attempts to build upon, is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it at least once a year and meditate through the excellent reflection questions provided by Françoise Reuter and Lucinda M. Vardey in their English translation. When I first heard of Fr. Basil Nortz’s book, I was extremely excited because Marie-Aimée de Jésus isn’t necessarily the most well known and to get a book length treatment engaging with her text was an unexpected treat. Perhaps that’s part of the reason I’m so disappointed by Nortz book. Maybe I over-hyped it for myself. Nortz inputs a bit to much of his own Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross theology and spirituality, their devotion to the holy angels especially comes through and, honestly, feels out of place when engaging with Marie-Aimée de Jésus’s text. Additionally, Nortz reflections themselves are quite shallow, critical of the contemporary world without offering solutions, run off into tangential topics, and fail to offer any practical reflections or methods of engagement with Marie-Aimée de Jésus’s twelve degrees of silence. Perhaps I’m being too harsh, some people might find Nortz’s reflections encouraging and helpful, but, personally, I’d just recommend getting Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus’s The Twelve Degrees of Silence in Françoise Reuter and Lucinda M. Vardey’s English translation with their excellent reflection questions instead.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good spiritual read.

[Morgan Berning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the spiritual explanations from this book. It was an excellent way to break down what silence looks like, and help you to discover different forms of silence throughout your life and even your daily routine. In the beginning, I thought it was a little scrupulous and could be challenging for a lay or married person to follow. However, the last 4 chapters touched on some controversial subjects within the Church and presented a balanced and loving answer. This would be a helpful guide before or during reading The Interior Castle by St Teresa of Avila, to help make the topic material in that book more tangible and practical to someone who is growing deeper in their spirituality.

[Ramsés Carballo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un precioso libro. Explica de una manera sistemática el silencio dentro de la vida cristiana, sin por "sistemática" dejar de hacerlo también práctica y persuasivamente. Es muy fácil de leer e interiorizar y sus contenidos son de suma importancia para todo aquel que esté deseando en verdad guardar silencio para escuchar la voz de Dios.

[Isaiah Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very deep and authentic reflection on the purpose of silence, being recollection in God. Based largely on The Power of Silence, this book was helpful for me and along with "Personal Prayer" by Fathers Boniface Hicks and Thomas Acklin (both OSB), has helped me crave silence because of how close it can bring me to God.

[Don Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding treatise on true silence

The type of silence that is so necessary in our life is well defined by Fr. Nortz. I look at this book as I would a text bookthat needs to be re-read, studied and reflected on. There is so much good in this writing to behold. Bless you Fr. Nortz!

[Richard Dole · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

A very insightful and captivating read. I am inspired to strive toward God in the communion of silence. Thank you.

[J B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. A must read for anyone looking to take their faith seriously.

[Sonia Drabek · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a treasure trove of learning different ways to be silent one of my favorites is the silent of judgment having a real dying to self

[Gerard Toenjes · Rating 5 out of 5]

important work for your spiritual life

Very useful book about the steps toward union by becoming increasingly silent. Different forms of silence help us to be there

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and spiritually helpful

This book gave me fresh insight each night as I read from it, on how to get closer to God using silence in forms I never imagined.