The Three Ages of the Interior Life: Prelude of Eternal Life: Volume 2

by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange

SEE COMPLETE EDITION

Genres: Christianity

670 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2013

About the author

Réginald Marie Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P. (February 21, 1877, Auch, France – February 15, 1964, Rome) was a Catholic theologian and, among Thomists of the scholastic tradition, is generally thought to be the greatest Catholic Thomist of the 20th century. He taught at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, commonly known as the Angelicum, in Rome from 1909 to 1960.

Father Garrigou-Lagrange initially attracted attention when he wrote against the theological movement later called Modernism. He is also said to be the drafter or "ghostwriter" of Pope Pius XII's 1950 encyclical Humani Generis, subtitled "Concerning Some False Opinions Threatening to Undermine the Foundations of Catholic Doctrine."

He is best known for his spiritual theology. His magnum opus in the field is The Three Ages of the Interior Life, in which he propounded the thesis that infused contemplation and the resulting mystical life are in the normal way of holiness of Christian perfection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald...

Reviews

[Becca Maginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years later...Thank you for being patient with me, Goodreads.

I have no idea where I go from here. This book is a Dominican's 1100-page explanation of Carmelite spirituality, an essential antidote to the fatal spiritual fads so popular today. By staying rooted in Christ's timeless truths, one is equipped to identify and flee from the mediocre image of sanctity found in most modern Christian literature and churches.

Perhaps the most formative spiritual read since 'The Ascent of Mount Carmel,' read during the most transitory years of my life.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this set (clothbound) when I was working at a Catholic bookstore and newly converted. If I had found anything like this years earlier, I might not have wandered through the labyrinthine maze of eastern religions and philosophies. But perhaps it was precisely that exploring thst enabled me (slow, stubborn and obtuse as I am) to appreciate the treasure of Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange when at last I found him. The course in Spiritual Theology by Dr. Brant Pitre draws much from the Three Ages (along with works by Aumann, Tanqueray, Chautard, the great Carmelite Doctors, and others). If you read the Three Ages, I highly recommend Dr. Pitre's course. Cannot recommend this set and the course highly enough.

[Robbe Mangelinckx · Rating 4 out of 5]

After +- one year, two volumes, 1200 pages and a lot of prayer later, I can say this is one of the best spiritual books I have ever read. What a grace it is to discover Lagrange, such a profound scholar in mystical and ascetical theology. This book is both an introduction to the mysticl life and its theology but also a guide to spiritual perfection, a must read for the devout soul.

[Bartholomew De La Torre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly uplifting. Divine grace definitely uses these volumes to inspire the soul.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume two was way over my head but brings me hope in something to aspire to. I will have to revisit this again. God willing, I will be able to read this again over and over.