Caryll Houselander (1901-54), an English Catholic laywoman, artist, and visionary, was driven by a strong identification with the poor that enabled her in fresh and insightful ways, to proclaim the 'Christing of the World.' Wright interweaves texts and images into an intimate encounter with a fascinating woman, a 'divine eccentric,' and a gifted reader of souls.

"...a milestone in American religious publishing." New Catholic World Francis de Sales, Jane de Chantal: Letters of Spiritual Direction translated by Peronne Marie Thibert, V.H.M. selected and introduced by Wendy M. Wright and Joseph F. Power, O.S.F.S. preface by Henri J.M. Nouwen "I know you have complete confidence in my affection; I have no doubt about this and delight in the thought. I want you to know and to believe that I have an intense and very special desire to serve you with all my strength. It would be impossible for me to explain either the quality or the goodness of this desire that I have to be at your service, but I can tell you that I believe it is from God, and for that reason, I cherish it and every day see it growing and increasing remarkably." Francis de Sales to Jane de Chantal Offered here in fresh translation are the letters of spiritual direction of two seventeenth century mystical writers, Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. These letters show us the daily attempts of laity, clergy, cloistered religious, bishops, and obscure windows to live in the authentic spirit of Jesus, and will speak not only to the historian of the period, but to all contemporary readers. This collection is unique, since many of these letters, which are treasures of lived Salesian teaching, are translated for the first time into the English language. It is also the first time that the letters have been presented together, and that a scholarly and comprehensive introduction to the Salesian spiritual tradition, as embodied in the lives and writings of both Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, has been attempted.

In "Seasons of a Family's Life," Wendy M. Wright-- parent, Church historian, and follower of the contemplative tradition-- offers a reflective, story-filled, and inspirational examination of the spiritual fabric of domestic life. This practical and insightful book explores family life as a context for nurturing contemplative practices in the home. Rooted in an appreciation of our deep and wise spiritual traditions that probe the sacred alongside everyday human experience, Seasons "of a Family's Life" challenges us to wrestle with the great religious questions that shape our lives and offers parents a model for integrating family life and spiritual awareness.

Every chapter in Wendy M. Wright's thoughtful book is a lesson in gaining an awareness of the joy in our experience as families and letting the sacred be more present in our frantically paced daily lives. Wright shows us how to pay attention to the silence that underlies our lives and encourages us to be sensitive to the ordinary moments that connect us. She reveals a family life replete with sacred spaces, rituals that enrich our time together, shared family stories, and much more. Interwoven throughout the book is a wealth of inspiring, personal stories.

The Essential Handbook series provides a concise resource for understanding and practicing your faith. The Essential Spirituality Handbook presents the foundations of Catholic spirituality in five sections. Beginning with the theological understanding of the term spirituality, Wendy Wright presents an accessible approach to prayer, virtues, discernment, and satisfaction in living a spiritual life. Readers will find Dr. Wright an excellent guide through the history of Catholic traditions in spirituality.

This volume, the first in the highly praised Classics of Western Spirituality series to venture into the 20th century, introduces the writings of Elisabeth Leseur (1800-1914), French laywoman who left a precious record of a remarkable inner spiritual journey that was all but hidden from those who knew her. Leseur confronted the twin challenges of serious illness and her husband's agnosticism, which pained her, but didn't prevent her from being happily married. Inspired by a spirituality of the communion of saints, Leseur approached these issues by becoming a loving presence in her familial and social circles. She participated in all of the major theological developments that led to Vatican II, as well, but she has been a missing figure in the history of spirituality until now. This first and only edition of Elisabeth Leseur's works brings together insights from the entire corpus of a key lay figure in the history of Christian spirituality. The works included are: "Journal and Daily Thoughts, Writings on Christian Vocation, Letters to Unbelievers (Selected), "Letters on Suffering (Selected).