A description of the soul's journey to full union with God
This site is an online book.
The book is summary of a course in ascetical and mystical theology given for over twenty years by Reginald Garrigou Lagrange, OP at the Angelicum in Rome.
In other words, this book describes in detail the path to the highest union with God possible in this life according to Catholic theology.
PREFACE - TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE - FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
A. The one thing necessary
B. The question of the one thing necessary at the present time
C. The aim of this work
D. The object of Ascetical and Mystical Theology
E. The method of Ascetical and Mystical Theology
F. The distinction between Ascetical and Mystical Theology and their relations to each other
G. Division of this work
I. THE LIFE OF GRACE, ETERNAL LIFE BEGUN
II. THE INTERIOR LIFE AND INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH GOD
IV. THE BLESSED TRINITY PRESENT IN US, UNCREATED SOURCE OF OUR INTERIOR LIFE
V. THE INFLUENCE OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER ON HIS MYSTICAL BODY
VI. THE INFLUENCE OF MARY MEDIATRIX
VII. THE GROWTH OF THE LIFE OF GRACE BY MERIT, PRAYER, AND THE SACRAMENTS
VIII. THE TRUE NATURE OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION
IX. THE GRANDEUR OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION AND THE BEATITUDES
X. PERFECTION AND HEROIC VIRTUE
XII. PERFECTION AND THE PRECEPT OF THE LOVE OF GOD
XIII. PERFECTION AND THE EVANGELICAL COUNSELS
XIV. THE SPECIAL OBLIGATION OF THE PRIEST AND THE RELIGIOUS TO TEND TO PERFECTION
XV. THE THREE AGES OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE ACCORDING TO THE FATHERS AND THE GREAT SPIRITUAL WRITERS
XVI. SPIRITUAL READING OF SCRIPTURE, OF THE WORKS AND LIVES OF THE SAINTS
XVII. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION