Selected and Annotated by Dom Raymond Thibaut One of Mother Teresa's favorite books, Union with God is a collection of letters written by Blessed Columba Marmion to the many persons who sought his spiritual counsel with questions about prayer, faith, temptation, suffering, and the struggles of daily life. Marmion excelled in the art of letter-writing and his advice was always simple and direct, yet profound. In his letters we see him bringing to bear his great depth of theological knowledge in a practical and human way. Union with God offers warm, practical counsel from a spiritual master whom Popes and Bishops looked to for inspiration.
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.
Generally a good book, but difficult to read. The excess of editorial notes and lack of meaningful context make the disparate excerpts of Bl. Marmion's letters difficult to latch on to. This book can only be read slowly and work only in the sections of the book that apply more personally to the reader in the reader's vocation and spiritual state in life. This book requires discretion, patience, and rightful use of imagination (in making use of Marmion's spiritual direction), so I would not recommend it for everyone, but it can be very helpful to take the fruit of certain excerpts to pass along to a directee or confrere, as appropriate.
This book is exceptional! I can see why it was one of Saint Teresa of Calcutta's favorite companion books. Reading this book felt life changing. It is such a beautiful look at total abandonment to God's will, utter surrender to the Lover of your soul. Jesus longs for us to be His beloved, His spouse, to love Him and be united with Him forever. And this book calls to us to see the extraordinary truth of His longing.