Introduction

[John]

In this famous Treatise, St. Peter of Alcantara assists the Catholic soul to find devotion, that supernatural affection that removes distaste for spiritual effort and urges one on to serve God joyfully and genersously. St Peter made this book short and simple, yet packed into it "all that is necessary to know about prayer." It is full of saintly counsels on prayer, which is the key to the entire spiritual life. The reader of the Treatise will access the classic Catholic wisdom on mental prayer, including what to think about, how to follow a method, when to disregard a method, the importance of the heart over the head, what to do in times of spiritual dryness and much more. This introduces souls to mental prayer as a means of obtaining all spiritual goods. St. Peter of Alcantara was a 16th - century Spaniard and a spiritual director of St. Teresa of Avila, the great Doctor of Prayer. He was known for his severe penances and after he died, he is said to have appeared to St. Teresa and exclaimed: "O blessed penance that has led me to Heaven

[John]

I am not sure how to structure the discussion for this book, in part because I just got it last night and have only been able to glance through the table of contents. It strikes me that this may be a book that it would be beneficial to take our time with.

My tentative reading plan, is to read the introductory materials and Chapter 1 between now and Sunday. Then read (and do) the meditations in Chapter 2 during the first week of Advent, perhaps also reading Chapter 3 and some of Chapters 5 - 12. Then read (and do) the meditations in Chapter 3 during the second week of Advent, as well as the remaining Chapters in Part I. And Part II during the third week of Advent, leading up to Christmas.

My book also includes Pax Anime, by John of Bonilla. I plan to read that the week between Christmas and the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. If everyone has that in their book, is there interest in discussing that as well?

I will start with a couple generic questions/discussion topics today and plan to add questions as we go. I am open to other thoughts on how to tackle this, and, as always, please feel free to add your own questions or topics for discussion.

[Jill]

The publisher's preface recommends one NOT read John of Bonilla's Pax Anima right after St. Peter's Treatise. Perhaps his approach is sufficiently different that it might dilute the benefits of the main read.

[Mariangel]

Mine does not have it. I found a free epub version in Spanish.

[John]

Jill wrote: "The publisher's preface recommends one NOT read John of Bonilla's Pax Anima right after St. Peter's Treatise. Perhaps his approach is sufficiently different that it might dilute the benefits of the..."

Very well, we'll follow their lead. :-)

[Manuel]

Mine does not have it either.