Spiritual Masters: Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition

This book introduces the reader to thirteen Christian spiritual classics that illustrate the ordinary steps we can take toward living the Gospel life more fully.

Drawing on the rich teaching of a particular saint or mystic, each chapter helps us grow in a different aspect of holiness, of intimacy with God. Archbishop Hughes offers an itinerary for becoming a good disciple of the Lord, giving the reader access to an impressive spiritual library that can support and strengthen progress in discipleship throughout one’s life.

Among the great saints and spiritual writers whose writings are included in this book are Augustine, Anthony of the Desert, Aelred, Teresa of Avila, Benedict, Guigo, Catherine of Siena, Walter Hilton, Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Thomas à Kempis, and John of the Cross.

Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes received a doctorate in spiritual theology at the Gregorian University and served in parish, seminary, and administrative roles in Boston. Pope St. John Paul II appointed him bishop of Baton Rouge in 1993 and archbishop of New Orleans in 2002. As archbishop emeritus, he now serves at New Orleans’ Notre Dame Seminary. He is the author of Priests in Love with God and Eager to Witness to the Gospel.