Saint Benedict called the Divine Office, the Work of God. And yet for many it is a dry work, the mere recitation of prayers, when it should lead us to sublime union with Almighty God. ST. ALPHONSUS was seventy-eight years old when in 1774 he published his TRANSLATION OF THE PSALMS AND CANTICLES OF THE DIVINE OFFICE. This difficult work, composed at so advanced an age, amidst sufferings almost continual, and numerous occupations, excited at Naples the admiration of learned men. According to Canon Massa, professor of theology and ecclesiastical examiner, the author in his work explains so skilfully the sense and the obscure passages of the psalms, that without taking anything from the purity of the inspired word he aids both the heart and the mind of those that read it. The Holy See has frequently praised and recommended all the works of St. Alphonsus; but the decree of March 23, 1871, which conferred on St. Alphonsus the title of Doctor of the Church, makes special mention of this work, speaking of it as one of his most useful and salutary works. The decree says: "He [St. Alphonsus] has made clear dark passages of the Holy Scriptures, both in his ascetic writings, which are freighted with a celestial odor, and in a most salutary commentary, in which, for the nourishment of piety and the instruction of the soul, he has given expositions of the Psalms, as well as of the Canticles, for the benefit especially of those obliged to its recitation." Our holy author wished above all to give, not an explanation, but, as the title expresses it, a translation of the psalms, so that even those that do not understand Latin may avail themselves of it; and he thus proceeds in his work: He takes each verse of the psalms separately, and gives of it a more or less extended paraphrase, which is accompanied or interspersed by diverse explanations. We have judged it proper, and even necessary, to modify this method in the present volume namely, we have given in parallel columns the Latin text and the English translation. Below the psalms we have placed the explanations that are given by the holy author, and at the bottom of the page foot-notes are here and there added whenever they were found to be necessary. It must be remarked that all the foot-notes have been added by the French translator, the Rev. Father Dujardin, C.SS.R., upon whose work the present translation is based. By the kind permission of the Rev. T. Livius, C.SS.R., we have freely used his translation in the preparation of this volume.

The Divine Office: Explanation of the Psalms and Canticles (Illustrated)

Religion & Spirituality

Saint Alphonsus de Liguori

Christian Books & Bibles

Aeterna Press

On Holy Images

Saint John of Damascus

Worship & Devotion

The Spiritual Combat is known as one of the greatest classics in ascetic theology, along with The Imitation of Christ. In both cases the authors are shrouded in mystery. Several 17th century editions were published under the name of the Spanish Benedictine, John of Castanzia. Some writers of the Society of Jesus have ascribed the book to the Jesuit, Achilles Gagliardi, but most critics however consider Fr. Lawrence Scupoli as the author of this famous treatise. The first known edition was published in Venice in 1589 and contained but 24 chapters; later editions appeared with more chapters, so it is possible that the Theatines or another religious order may have been part of the composition. Whatever may be the solution of the problem of the author, doubt of the actual one or ones, can take nothing away from the value and efficacy of this "golden book" as St. Frances de Sales called it. It was "the favorite, the dear book" of this great master of the spiritual life who, for 18 years, carried in a pocket a copy which he had received from Fr. Scupoli in Padua himself. The Saint read some pages of it every day, entrusted to its supernatural and human wisdom, the guidance of his soul, and recommended it to all under his direction. The purpose of the work is to lead the soul to the summit of spiritual perfection, by means of a constant, courageous struggle against our evil nature, which tends to keep us away from that goal.

The Spiritual Combat

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

An Exposition of the Epistles of Saint Paul and of the Catholic Epistles: Volume 1 (2 Volumes)

Rev. John Macevilly D.D.

<p>The translation of Dr. KNECHT’S celebrated “Practical Commentary” is a most valuable and welcome addition to our English literature. Brimful of interest and practical instruction, it should be in the hands not only of every Priest and Catechist, but of the heads of every Catholic family. In a few days we shall have our annual Retreat and Synod. I shall not fail to recommend it strongly to all my Priests and Religious Communities.</p>

A Practical Commentary On Holy Scripture

Frederick Justus Knecht D. D.

Commentary on the Gospel According to Saint John: Volume 1 (2 Volumes)

Saint Cyril

Commentary on the Gospel According to Saint John: Volume 2 (2 Volumes)

The Lausiac History of Palladius

History

Palladius of Galatia

World

<p>As the Son of God came down from heaven, not only to be our Redeemer, but our teacher; not only to ransom us with the effusion of His precious blood, but to enlighten us with these saving truths, the knowledge of which, joined to firm and unhesitating faith, He has made an indispensable condition of salvation, it must be ever a subject of the deepest spiritual interest, to place these truths in as clear a light as possible. Whether this Commentary may serve in any way to advance this end, must be left to others to decide.</p>

Catena Aurea: Commentary On the Four Gospels Collected Out of the Works of the Fathers: Volume 1 (4 Volumes)

Saint, Thomas Aquinas

Catena Aurea: Commentary On the Four Gospels Collected Out of the Works of the Fathers: Volume 2 (4 Volumes)

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