Christ, the Life of the Soul

by Columba Marmion

A classic guide to the spiritual life that has had a direct influence on several Popes, generations of priests and religious, and countless members of the laity. In clear, inspiring language, the author discusses every aspect of our journey to 'the source of all light, all grace, all holiness - the true Life of our life'. Written for Christians in every walk of life, here are pages of practical knowledge and timeless a 'how-to' guide filled with rich insight, spiritual refereshment, inspiration and encouragement. Blessed Columba Marmion was born in Ireland, and served as a priest in Dublin for several years before finding a vocation to the monastery. He eventually became Abbot of Maredsous Abbey, Belgium.

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Theology, Religion, Christianity

560 pages, Print on Demand

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Reverend Father Blessed Dom Columba Marmion, OSB, born Joseph Aloysius Marmion a Roman Catholic Benedictine Irish monk and the third Abbot of Maredsous Abbey in Belgium. Beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 3, 2000, Columba was one of the most popular and influential Catholic authors of the 20th Century. His books are considered spiritual classics.

Reviews

[Pater Edmund]

Blessed Columba here gives us the very essence of the Christian life: that God has predestined us in Christ before the foundation of the world to become His adopted sons through grace, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has given us through the biter passion of His Beloved Son. Blessed Columba shows us that Christianity consists in Christ: He is the goal to which we go, and the way by which we go. This book is perfect; it is beyond all praise.

[Emily Giuffre]

A very intimate, and thought provoking insight into the love of Christ through the seven sacraments.

[Emily]

Honestly one of the best books about Catholicism that I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

[Quanah Jeffries]

5 stars for the text; 3 stars for the translator's notes.
The contrast between text and notes is jarring. I stopped looking at any notes early on so as to keep to the style and prayerful reflection of the text. Better to simply read than to be continually interrupted with explanations and clarifications.

This is possibly the best presentation of Catholic teaching I have read. It is a thoroughly doctrinal work while also being a thoroughly spiritually work. All that we do and believe as Catholics is fundamentally rooted in the intimacy of a relationship with Christ. Bl. Marmion writes of doctrine precisely in this way, rather than it being disconnected or merely intellectual. (The same cannot be said for the notes.)

It is a packed read, not so much because of technical theological language but rather due to the amount of content faith Marmion consistently brings together. If it were a pudding it would be thick.

[Marc Jude Estrada]

Highly recommended for those who want to learn more about various aspects of the Christian life, in light of our role as adopted children of God.

As you read this book and learn from it, let this be your prayer: “May we merit to be coheirs to eternal life, and may praise and glorify you, O God, through your Son, Jesus Christ” (cf. Eucharistic Prayer II, Roman Missal).

[Ibrahim]

This is a book I can read over and over again in the spirit of prayer. I especially enjoyed his teaching on the doctrine of adoption, as well as everything he had to say on Christ, the life of my soul.

[Michał]

Czytałem wydanie polskie, którego tutaj nie mogę znaleźć.

[Eric]

Beautiful line:

"In each of the saints, the Divine Spirit has respected nature with the particular features which creation has put there. Grace has transfigured those features, has added to them its special gifts of a super-natural order." p290

Several beautiful gems on the faith. A good read!

[Curtis Seidel]

I found this to be an excellent work on the Christian Life and highly recommend it.