THE LAST WRITINGS - KNOWING THE LOVE OF GOD

This book is by Father Reginald Garrigou Lagrange, OP.

It was first published in the United States, 1969, by New City Press, © by Citta Nuova Editrice. Printed in Italy.

Nihil obstat: Martinus S. Rushford, Ph.D. Censor Librorum

Imprimatur:  Franciscus Ioannes Mugavero, D.D., Episcopus Bruklyniensis, Bruklyni die VII Maii 1969

Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange is well known to the English reading audience from his books on theology and particularly those on the spiritual life.

The retreat conferences that comprise this book are pre-Vatican II and from time to time quite evidently so, the spiritual depth of their author rises above the changing mood of the world and captures to a great extent the fresh emphasis of the Church on various aspects of her infinitely rich reality. 

In this book, what is offered is a retreat preached by Father Garrigou to his Dominican brethren. Consequently, one will encounter frequent references to Dominican saints as well as Dominican life along with some of those delightful, if no doubt apocryphal, stories that grow in a religious family. Yet, the universality and oneness of the spiritual life shine forth and all Christians, not only religious, will find in the following pages considerable help from the doctrine and exhortations of this renowned father of those seeking greater holiness.  One might have anticipated constant references to the Summa of St. Thomas but instead Father Garrigou overwhelmingly gives preference to holy Scripture as the source for his thoughts.

“He preferred to see man's ascent to God in terms of the good news of Christ. The hardships of life will always be present no matter how much technology improves the physical living conditions of mankind. Only God can reach the heart of man. We trust that this retreat of Father Garrigou touches the hearts of all who read it and meditate upon it. He felt that all the people of God were called to holiness, to everlasting union with God through love. This message is Father Garrigou's last will and testament.” 

Raymond Smith, O. P., St. Dominic's Priory, Washington, D.C.