The History of the Sacred Passion

by Luis de la Palma, Tony Okoromadu (Foreword), Henry James Coleridge (Translator)

The History of the Sacred Passion (also known as The Sacred Passion) by Luis de la Palma (Spain, 1559-1641) was first published in 1624 in Spain, and has been a steady and continuous resource in the 400 years since. It is one of the most influential theological yet accessible reflections on Our Lord’s suffering and death and guides the reader into a historical, spiritual and at the same time practical exploration of the week leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, death and burial.This edition presents de la Palma’s classic work for the first time in a clear and improved format in english. Using various enhancements, it brings it closer to the 21st century reader by making its narrative easier to read and follow, but without changing the excellent and enduring 1872 english translation by Henry Coleridge (save in a very few instances when recourse has had to be made to the spanish original in order to render its proper essence to today’s audience).For latin texts have been maintained and presented in such a way that they are unobtrusive and allow the reader to more easily advance and effectively follow the overall narrative;- latin texts originally without english translation, or whose meaning cannot be directly discerned from the contextual english text, have been translated, with the english translation presented between curly brackets;- various english words have been shown in a more relatable spelling where the original might today be confusing;- its chapters have been conveniently separated into sub-chapters with headings, following La Palma’s original, to facilitate a more comfortable reading;- praise for La Palma’s work has been sourced from the 17th century through to the 20th and presented in the early pages;- typography and layout have been carefully designed such that reading is easier and comfortable on the eye;and so on. Where the original latin text is a scriptural quote, the Douay-Rheims bible version english translation has been used.It is hoped that the reader reap the many benefits that this classic work of a wholly accessible Christian theology so engrossingly offers; a significant reason why La Palma’s book has remained doggedly relevant to this day.

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality

468 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

There seem to be two books by this author, an early Jesuit and expert on the Passion. One is depicted here and is 468 pages. The other has the shortened title, The Sacred Passion and is only 233 pages. I have this, the longer book. Although the title would lead you to believe it is some sort of history, it is actually a collection of meditations on the Passion, something Santa Teresa strongly urges her sisters in The Way of Perfection. Interestingly, Fr. De La Palma and St. Teresa were contemporaries, but I have not yet found mention of him in her writings, although I was not—until now—alert for the name.

Initially I was using this book as a source for meditation but as I rarely pray discursively anymore, I am now just reading it. However, I can strongly recommend it to anyone who is praying with this method. It is beautiful as prayer or reading.

My only qualm with the book is the pious assertions which the author includes. They only go to increase one’s love for the Lord, Our Lady and to occasionally inflame one’s indignation at how much He suffered, so the reader is advised to take them in good faith, as the author intended. Again, these are meditations, not history as we know it, despite the title. I am very happy to have this book in my collection of Passio books, especially as an example of what 16th century Spanish Catholics read, learned and believed about Jesus during His suffering, death and even entrance into the netherworld. This last topic rarely touched on by most other authors.

A rare book and good source of material to help one sequentially mediate on the Passion of the LORD.

[Pablo Sotomayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

El sufrimiento y la muerte de Jesús explicada con detalle, con piedad y con cariño...

[Chris Chin · Rating 5 out of 5]

De La Palma provides insights into The Passion that gives the reader the opportunity to better appreciate and understand what Jesus went through.

A must read for anyone wanting to discover the more profound meaning of suffering.

[Jorge Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Meternos" en la historia de la Sagrada Pasión, es adentrarnos en lo más profundo de la doctrina y piedad. Cada párrafo, intenta y logra una lectura espiritual de gran altura, con impresionante sencillez y sobriedad.
Imperdible para todo creyente.

[Álvaro Pérez Palafox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historia sobre la pasión contada de una manera cariñosa, tierna pero a la vez teológica.

El autor demuestra su gran cercanía con el Señor al relatar la historia con una sencillez y cercanía peculiares, dignas de un buen amigo, de un amante que cuenta la vida de su amado.

[Jean Philippe Huet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayuda a meterse en las escenas de la Pasión, a "sentir" lo que pudieron vivir los apostoles y en particular la Virgen.
Utiliza la imaginacion pero sin exagerar. Como dice el prologo, es un estilo sencillo, narrativo, se lee como una novela y a la vez queda muy cerca del Evangelio.
Es ideal para Cuaresma y Semana Santa.
Un clásico del Siglo de Oro que merece ser redescubierto por todo cristiano que quiera amar más a Cristo crucificado y a su Madre.

[Evan H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pius retelling of the Passion with many elaborations. I don't necessarily mind the elaborations, but it was difficult to tell what was the author's musings and what had actual traditions behind them. Still, a great devotional option for praying through the Passion.

[Michael Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new point I learnt was that JC begged to be delivered from the suffering that he was to endure. We should always aim at alleviating or reducing suffering. Always. But we can never eliminate suffering at all costs, especially at the costs of even more suffering.

[Ralph Wechuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read...
Incredible extrapolation of the gospels...

[Alejandro Quintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buenísimo. Me dejó marcado. Cada vez que lo abría encontraba algo edificante y profundísimo. Casi me hace llorar varias veces.

[J David Castellanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy interesante el acercamiento que hace a la pasión del Señor con comentarios que ayudan a situarse dentro de la escena, aunque a veces da muchas vueltas.

[Santiago Cantón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Luis de la Palma gives a great inside of what Our Lord pass through his Sacred Passion. He describes the Passion of the Lord from the Last Supper until they leaves him in the tomb

[Rebeca Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una síntesis de los cuatro evangelios y profecías de manera clara y reflectiva, muy emotivo , hace crecer el
Amor al Señor

[Bruno Freire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilhoso. Luís de la Palma enriqueceu profundamente a minha vida interior — e, nesta edição em especial, as notas do tradutor contribuem para tornar o livro ainda melhor.

[Gilberto Toscano García · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro para meditar y llevarlo durante la Semana Santa.

[Juan Guillermo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is narrated in an incredible and clear way. This work allows you to understand the mystery of the cross in a very intimate manner, making you look at every cross with deep love. I read it during Holy Week, and it was a wonderful experience, as it allowed me to feel very close to Jesus throughout the week.

[Pablo Galiana]

Comenta la Pasión del Señor con doctrina y piedad, con sencillez y sobriedad. Ayuda a conocer y tratar a Jesucristo, y a crecer en espíritu de mortificación, contrición y desagravio. Asequible para todos.

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm only on page 40 but so far I'm really enjoying this book. It's incredible to me that it's over 400 years old.

[Eduardo Da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

La Palma faz, simplesmente, uma leitura fascinante da Paixão de Nosso Senhor. O texto é cativante, os capítulos são bem divididos, o que ajuda muito para momentos de oração.

[Mario Rincón · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermosísimo libro. Mi reseña: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1qOB...