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Light and Peace Instructions for devout souls to dispel their doubts and allay their fears
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 20, 2022
Excellent book. Especially helpful to read to calm an anxious mind when trying to progress in the spiritual life. There is really so much to ponder and meditate. So many gems from St. Francis de Sales are included. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
June 25, 2018
The introduction from the American translator, from the turn of the last century, contains this commentary that made me chuckle: "Unlike many foreign religious works, whose spirituality often fails to touch the Anglo-Saxon temperament, this author's teaching is decidedly practical and practicable, and appeals in every way to the common sense and fits in with the busy, matter-of-fact life of the average American Catholic." (p. iv)
There are a number of issues here, a short commentary of which will suffice to address why this book is of value and why the above statement is funny. We can start with the last part first - "...the busy, matter-of-fact life of the average American Catholic." Alas, if such a life exists, it was bestowed on the average American Catholic by the Puritan work ethic so common in America and so alien to Catholic notions of work in relation to life. If life is "busy" and consumed with "facts" it is a choice, not a condition, and it can be changed. As for the "foreign religious works" there are very few "domestic religious works" of real value, not because there have not been saints on those shores (Mother Cabrini and the North American Martyrs just to name a handful) but because spiritual classics are born out of civilizations steeped in Christianity over centuries. Hence Spain (St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila) and France (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Margaret-Mary Alocoque) and Italy (St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Alphonsus Ligouri) have gifted us with such classics, which have been translated into English and read, to benefit, by believers and nonbelievers alike.
The great strength of this little book, however, is in its admonitions against scrupulosity, so often a theme among those seeking to be devout, and its simple instructions on how to live more virtuously and in line with the ways laid down by Christ and His Church. St. Francis de Sales features prominently in these pages and it only made me more desirous of reading more of his writings.
"If He consoles me, I kiss the right hand of his mercy; if I am dry and distracted, I kiss the left hand of his justice." (p. 23)
"Begin your prayer with the desire of being very recollected." (p. 29)
"The ability to wish is a great power with God, and you thus have contrition by the simple fact that you wish to have it." (p. 53)
"It is indeed an error to consider holy Communion a reward of virtue...whereas it is above all a means to attain perfection." (p. 64)
"Do not forfeit your peace of mind by wondering what destiny awaits you in eternity." (p. 88)
"What should it matter to us if it be through deserts or pleasant fields that we walk, provided God be with us and we are advancing towards heaven? (p. 105)
There are a number of issues here, a short commentary of which will suffice to address why this book is of value and why the above statement is funny. We can start with the last part first - "...the busy, matter-of-fact life of the average American Catholic." Alas, if such a life exists, it was bestowed on the average American Catholic by the Puritan work ethic so common in America and so alien to Catholic notions of work in relation to life. If life is "busy" and consumed with "facts" it is a choice, not a condition, and it can be changed. As for the "foreign religious works" there are very few "domestic religious works" of real value, not because there have not been saints on those shores (Mother Cabrini and the North American Martyrs just to name a handful) but because spiritual classics are born out of civilizations steeped in Christianity over centuries. Hence Spain (St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila) and France (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Margaret-Mary Alocoque) and Italy (St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Alphonsus Ligouri) have gifted us with such classics, which have been translated into English and read, to benefit, by believers and nonbelievers alike.
The great strength of this little book, however, is in its admonitions against scrupulosity, so often a theme among those seeking to be devout, and its simple instructions on how to live more virtuously and in line with the ways laid down by Christ and His Church. St. Francis de Sales features prominently in these pages and it only made me more desirous of reading more of his writings.
"If He consoles me, I kiss the right hand of his mercy; if I am dry and distracted, I kiss the left hand of his justice." (p. 23)
"Begin your prayer with the desire of being very recollected." (p. 29)
"The ability to wish is a great power with God, and you thus have contrition by the simple fact that you wish to have it." (p. 53)
"It is indeed an error to consider holy Communion a reward of virtue...whereas it is above all a means to attain perfection." (p. 64)
"Do not forfeit your peace of mind by wondering what destiny awaits you in eternity." (p. 88)
"What should it matter to us if it be through deserts or pleasant fields that we walk, provided God be with us and we are advancing towards heaven? (p. 105)
August 13, 2018
I read this text again this time to take it in chapter by chapter. It is much inspired by the writing of St. Francis the Sales (1567-1622 and Thomas A. Kempis (1379?-1471). Quadrupani adds some prayers at the end. The one prayer that for me pointed to one major focus of his writing is “Act of Love”. It is worth quoting.
“Notwithstanding the coldness and insensibility that benumb my soul, I know that I love Thee. O my God! Since my will prefers Thy service to all the joys of the world, since Thy grace is the sole good to which I aspire, and because I suffer so much be reason of my lack of sensible love for Thee.”
“Notwithstanding the coldness and insensibility that benumb my soul, I know that I love Thee. O my God! Since my will prefers Thy service to all the joys of the world, since Thy grace is the sole good to which I aspire, and because I suffer so much be reason of my lack of sensible love for Thee.”
July 25, 2021
An absolute must read for Catholics. Offers practical advice on a variety of issues, but mainly how to avoid/live with anxiety and scrupulosity. While written in 1795, the content is evergreen. One of the best Catholic books I've ever read. Simple, soulful advice. Heavily references St Francis de Sales. Read this along with Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence. My review isn't worthy of this little gem - buy it and write a better one!
September 15, 2019
No review can do it justice. Just read it.
January 19, 2021
Was going the motions in a lot of ways. Picked this book up and it helped to rekindle my spiritual life.
July 24, 2022
Small but powerful read; so rich in food for thought. (life tip: ask your pastor for book recommendations. Solid move.)
June 6, 2023
Started thinking this was something else, stayed nonetheless, impressed by some things written. Not my type of book though
November 28, 2012
Quadrupani’s meditations are a refuge in the mental ravages caused by the physical world. They restore peace in the soul, take away fears.
Second Reading Nov 12, 2012
First reading Mar 15-19, 2012
Second Reading Nov 12, 2012
First reading Mar 15-19, 2012
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews