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Thoughts on the Contemplative Life is a short work by Rev. Mother Mary Immaculata, a Poor Clare Abbess, in which she gives her reflections on the practice of contemplative prayer and the contemplative life.

In presenting this translation of that most valuable work, commonly known as "Réglement," from the prolific pen of the learned and ascetic Abbot Dom Prosper Guéranger, it is our aim to meet, to some extent, a long-felt necessity and oft-expressed desire that it be made accessible to our English-speaking brethren. Though our labor may not be crowned with the same success as that of the renowned author, we hope, nevertheless, that this work will find a hearty welcome and approval. May God graciously accept it as an instrument for showering His richest blessings on all who faithfully seek Him in the religious state.

From Father Ludovic de Besse about Light on Mount Carmel:If only the reading of this little book might lead many souls to study the works of Saint John of the Cross, and God's grace make them "brave enough" to try the Ascent outlined for them by Saint John! Once the first steps have been taken with courage,... it bursts upon us almost as a new revelation that what we took at first to be an "inhuman" course of self-renunciation is nothing more than a tardy response to that loving invitation which still rings down the centuries: "Come to Me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you... My yoke is sweet and My burden light" (Mt 11:28).All which I took from thee I did but take,Not for thy harms,But just that thou might'st seek it in my arms.All which thy child's mistake Fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home;Rise, clasp my hand, and come. - Francis Thompson, "The Hound of Heaven"

In this little book, a child will be aided by novenas in preparing for his or her First Confession and First Holy Communion. Each day provides prayers and meditations, supplemented by aspirations and adorned with lovely images to help teach the child how to pray. A perfect gift for First Communicants, and for children at any stage, to deepen their understanding of the Holy Eucharist and their love of the God Who dwells within.

For purposes of health, Dom Columba was ordered by the doctors to take some weeks of rest during the summer of 1918. He went into Luxembourg to recruit his strength, and there he enjoyed to the full the beauties of nature by which he was surrounded. As a companion for his long, solitary walks in the forests of the Ardennes, he took the Commentary of St. Bernard upon the Canticle of Canticles. His lively and penetrating faith showed him during the contemplation in which his reading plunged him, the marvellous condescension of the Word toward his privileged creatures: the theme of the Canticle itself.Dom Columba generously communicated the spiritual lights he received to souls that were eager for them; consequently, on his return he gave a series of conferences to the nuns at the Abbey of St. Scholastica at Maredret, Belgium, commenting on a text of St. Bernard that had specially struck him; in this passage the great Doctor indicates the conditions necessary for the soul aspiring to become the spouse of the Word.Although these conferences were given to Benedictine Nuns, they are not specifically monastic as all souls are called to become spouses to the Divine Word! The conferences were first published a few months after the death of Blessed Columba Marmion.

In this short but comprehensive guide, Father Gabriel describes in clear terms the means and methods of mental prayer. Set out in question-and-answer format, the Little Catechism of Prayer is an invaluable work for those seeking to enter more deeply into a life of prayer and loving communion with God.Mental prayer is indispensable to the spiritual life; normally it is, so to speak, its very breath. However, this spontaneity in prayer is usually realized only if the soul applies itself to meditation for some time by its own personal effort. In other words, one must learn how to pray. It is to teach souls this devout practice that various meditation books have been published. There are many methods, each with its own merit; among them is the Teresian method, so called because it is based on the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus, the Foundress of the Discalced Carmelites and the great mistress of the spiritual life. . . . We outlined this method in a pamphlet called the Little Catechism of Prayer.... It is a simple exposition of the Teresian method according to the writings of many Carmelite authors; its widespread circulation shows very clearly that this method answers the needs and the desires of many prayerful souls.Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene, Preface to Divine Intimacy (1963).