Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers

by Monsignor P. Lejeune, Francis Ryan (Translator)

“Be on guard against haste and worry, for nothing hinders us more on our journey toward perfection.” -St. Francis de Sales

We are all called to be saints, but with busy schedules and many responsibilities it can be a challenge to know how to use our time wisely, grow in virtue, and overcome spiritual obstacles. In this inspirational book, originally published in the early 1900’s, you will find practical advice on a rule of life, mental prayer, spiritual reading and other valuable means of spiritual growth. Drawing from the wisdom of spiritual classics such as the Introduction to the Devout Life and The Imitation of Christ , Monsignor Lejeune provides simple, yet compelling counsels to help mothers overcome specific obstacles to spiritual growth and to cultivate virtue. He also goes through the various Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and goes on to explain how to reap the most benefit from them. His book is addressed to Christian Mothers, but the spiritual counsels provided within will be of benefit to all those striving for christian perfection. This newly digitized version (NOT a photographic reproduction) has been revised and beautifully reformatted while remaining true to the original translation.

198 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2022

Reviews

[AnneCatherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I would recommend to any Catholic woman looking to grow in virtue and their faith. Honestly the title sounded really intense and dry and I was very close to not reading it. 😂 I'm so glad I picked it up anyway! This is one I plan on rereading many many times. Like most books, there are some passages that need to be taken with a grain of salt depending on your current state in life, but overall I found it extremely well written and relatable. One qualm I have is the title though. Other than the last few chapters specifically about raising children in the faith, I thought everything could be applied to women of all states in life. I would hate for the title to be the reason women without children never read it.

[Ashley Selland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way the book was written. I appreciated the directness of the author. I found this book inspiring to me to be a better Catholic mother. I also found that everything seemed true today as it was when he wrote it in 1913. I’ll be reading an Introduction to the Devout Life now as I haven’t read that one yet and Monsignor Legeune quoted that book many times.

[Kelli Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing. This is one that I will be returning to again.

[Michaela Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books I’ll immediately re-read. Cor Jesu Press printed a beautiful copy with a lovely cover that is so enjoyable to pick up. :)