The Seven Steps to Sanctification, by Fr. Walter Farrell, O.P. and Fr. Dominic Hughes, O.P. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2022). 208 pp., $18.95.
Got a hunch? It may be a nudge from the Holy Spirit!
In a time when man clings to the world instead of Heaven, we need the Sanctifier’s gifts more than ever to guide us and to preserve peace amidst uncertainty. The Seven Steps to Sanctification, by bestselling authors Fr. Walter Farrell, O.P. and Fr. Dominic Hughes, O.P., will help readers overcome anxiety and persevere in growing in virtue.
As they journey through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, readers will deepen their relationship with God. They will be inspired by practical examples from Scripture, reason, philosophy, and daily life. Chapters also feature a brief passage on the gifts of the Holy Spirit from St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae.
Fr. Farrell explained that we need the gift of fortitude to not just endure but thrive in an age “where the world howls again for Barabbas rather than Christ.”
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are necessary to develop “enlightened awareness” of God’s presence. Growing in Understanding allows the perception of truth in an age of confusion. Knowledge provides certainty of “the things that are not seen,” and Charity inculcates Wisdom.
By the same token, fostering Counsel aids in docility. Piety enkindles filial devotion, and Fear of the Lord yields childlike reverence. Fortitude conquers fear and enlivens confidence.
As readers learn to co-operate in cultivating the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they will enjoy loving Communion with God, imitate the Holy Family, and find happiness in living for God’s glory.
The Seven Steps to Sanctification will form readers in the virtues needed to exercise charity toward others. They will assist readers in practicing temperance and overcoming inordinate appetites.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit work together and relate to the theological and cardinal virtues. They allow grace to build upon nature, enable us to reflect God’s simplicity, and attain lasting tranquility.
The Holy Spirit provides the armor for spiritual combat and final victory.
“Ours is an age for courage, it is an age for martyrs,” reflected Fr. Farrell, “it is an age for splendid Catholic living. Now the world looks to the mystical Christ for salvation no less than it did in the early ages of the Church, hardly less than the men of His time looked to the Son of Mary tramping down the roads of Palestine.”
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of The Seven Steps to Sanctification, and/or to schedule an interview with their spokesperson.
