Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. Visions and Revelations. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $14.95. Ebook $9.99. Available from the publisher.
When you read the writings of the saints, it may seem that visions and revelations are customary in the spiritual life. You may feel discouraged and worry that you’re doing something wrong if you don’t receive these gifts. Or, due to common misrepresentations of the supernatural, you may be afraid when the word phenomena is even mentioned.
Regardless of their vocation, readers will benefit from the principles of discernment found in Visions and Revelations. Fr. Gabriel clearly conveys the importance of practicing the virtues, exercising reason, and concrete ways to grow in holiness. He will lead readers in understanding:
- How to walk by faith
- The essence of contemplation
- The journey to intimate union with God
- Different stages of prayer
- Mystical gifts the saints experienced
Readers will also learn about St. Teresa of Avila’s insights from Interior Castle and St. John of the Cross’s wisdom on the supernatural. “St. Teresa explains different ways whereby the soul is prepared for the grace,” Fr. Gabriel conveys.
Additionally, Fr. Gabriel also cautions readers about the importance of correctly understanding mysticism. “In our times, mysticism is in the order of the day. We hear it discussed almost everywhere. Its concept, however, seems to have acquired a certain elasticity, since although at first limited to the supernatural order, it is now extended to the natural….Especially where the spiritual life is in question, to misunderstand certain fundamental concepts may be to cause souls to go astray disastrously.” “’Mystic’ is not synonymous with ‘visionary.’”
In these pages, he dispels misconceptions about the spiritual life. “St. Teresa of Jesus, with her wide experience of supernatural favours, and her very precise psychological descriptions, will furnish us with ample material, and that of the first quality, in order that we may form a clear idea of the phenomena which we have to examine.”
“In recent years, it has been emphatically asserted by many theologians—and we have shown elsewhere that such is also the opinion of the Teresian school—that interior souls may cherish a contemplative ideal and order their lives with a view to attaining mystical union with God,” Fr. Gabriel instructs. “Those, however, who confuse the mystical life with visions and revelations may believe that it is right to aspire to these immediate communications with God and the Saints, which seem to have a particular attraction for certain people, and this would be to expose themselves to many delusions.”
The saints encourage us on our path to God. Fr. Gabriel elucidates: “The spiritual teaching of the Teresian Carmel urges souls on along the road to sanctity, towards the most intimate union that can be reached in this world between the soul and God.” Synthesizing her writings, Fr. Gabriel relates of this experience: “It is Heaven on earth. The soul rejoices in the presence of the Trinity, and delights itself with its Bridegroom, Christ Jesus.”
In Visions and Revelations, readers will enjoy learning to lean on God so that “all the way to Heaven is Heaven.” (St. Catherine of Siena)
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 Visions and Revelations, and/or to schedule an interview.
