The Spiritual Doctrine of Dom Marmion

By M. M. Philipon, O.P.

Any account of twentieth-century Catholic spirituality does well to begin with Dom Columba Marmion. Beginning in 1917 with Christ, the Life of the Soul, this humble Irish monk sparked a profound spiritual revival, with countless Christians reading and benefiting from his vigorous preaching. The message was simple: Jesus Christ is the source of life and model of sanctity and He invites all mankind to live in Him, to unite themselves with His Church, and to be led by Him to the bosom of the Father. In The Spiritual Doctrine of Dom Marmion, M. M. Philipon offers a synthesis of this treasury of spiritual teaching. Opening with a biographical sketch of his subject, Philipon then renders the major themes of his writings: life in, with, and through Christ; the monastic vocation; the mystery of the priesthood; and the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, through whom Christ bestows “every grace and every blessing.” 

Preserving the doctrinal richness, humble power, and evangelical zeal which characterize Dom Marmion’s books as well as his abundant correspondence, Philipon’s The Spiritual Doctrine of Dom Marmion is an excellent introduction for those as yet unversed in Marmion’s lessons and an enlightening companion for those already familiar with their power to reveal truths forgotten.

Perfect happiness, the supreme joy is to be found in sinu Patris and Jesus is the way which leads us there. Without Him we can do nothing.… Let us live in Jesus. (Dom Columba Marmion, O.S.B.)

M. M. Philipon, O.P. (1898–1972) was a French Dominican priest, theologian, and author. Along with The Spiritual Doctrine of Dom Marmion, his works in English include The Mother of God and The Sacraments in the Christian Life—both available from Cluny.

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Paperback: 260pp.

ISBN: 978-1685954352