Bestselling author Timothy M. Gallagher, OMV, assembles a remarkable biography of Father Bruno Lanteri, who while living within a context of exciting historical significance—with the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, and the Bourbon Restoration reshaping France all around him—overcame great odds to become the foremost spiritual leader of the age, ultimately founding the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Drawn from Lanteri’s own journals, letters, and correspondence, Gallagher offers a detailed spiritual portrait of a man once limited by his own impatience and lack of charity, who evolved into a man of fierce spiritual courage, religious reformer, defender of the Pope against Napoleon’s command, and a symbol of perseverance who coined the term “begin again”—the official motto of the Oblates. Complemented by a timeline of historical events, photographs, and maps, Gallagher’s richly researched volume brings to light the ministry and legacy of a remarkable leader as never before.
A historically rich and informative biography of the founder of the OMV congregation (Oblates of the Virgin Mary). Many of the 18th/19th century issues in the public square of Lanteri's time remain salient today. It takes the reader through Ven. Bruno's spiritual journey that resulted in the founding of the OMV congregation, which continues to operate in the world today. Very enjoyable read.