The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints - Sister Joseph Marie of the Trinity, CHT

The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints

Sister Joseph Marie of the Trinity, CHT

ICS Publications

ISBN 9780935216295

eISBN 9781939272041

ASIN B00BJMNFD2  

I picked this volume up on recommend of a Catholic Blogger, The Curt Jester. I do not believe I have read any other works from ICS Publications, but have added a few to my wish list. And I do not believe that there are any other books currently available from Sister Joseph Marie of the Trinity, CHT. And that is a pity. The beginning of the description of the book states:

“This book offers one of the most fruitful and popular practices of Christian devotion: the Way of the Cross, or Stations of the Cross, from a Carmelite perspective. The reader has the opportunity to make the Way of the Cross with five inspiring Carmelite saints: John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Thérèse of Lisieux, Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) and Elizabeth of the Trinity.

In effect, the book provides five different Ways of the Cross which the reader can use for prayer. A complete set of reflections from each saint includes a brief Scripture passage, followed by a selection from the saint’s writings; footnotes identify the source document for each.”

And it is a wonderful read. I did one of the five ways each day during Holy Week this year and plan on repeating the exercise next year. The chapters in the volume are:

About The Author 

The Way of the Cross with Saint John of the Cross 

The Way of the Cross with Saint Teresa of Avila 

The Way of the Cross with Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus 

The Way of the Cross with Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) 

The Way of the Cross with Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity 

The Institute of Carmelite Studies 

This is such a wonderful version of this devotion. I see my self using this frequently in Lent’s to come but also picking it up throughout the year and praying one of the 5 options presented. A great thing about the eBook edition is that I can always have it with me. At the end of each of the Ways is a section with Notes, which contains a list of volume or volumes used and which edition. And they contain the endnotes for the 27-35 quotes in that chapter. 

All 5 offerings are excellent. It I had to pick my favorite I would state The Way Of The Cross with Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. But honestly, each of them is of great value. Each of the stations has a drawing accompanying it. It is at the beginning of the station. The drawings are by the author. And the same ones are repeated for each version. A sample station from Saint John of the Cross:

“III

JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

I was hard pressed and was falling (Psalm 118:13). 

On this [narrow] road there is room only for self-denial (as our Savior asserts) and the cross. The cross is a supporting staff and greatly lightens and eases the journey.

… Not only are temporal goods and bodily delights contradictory to the path leading to God, but so also are spiritual consolations, if possessed or sought with attachment, an obstacle to the way of the cross of Christ, the Bridegroom.”

I have a few versions of the Stations of the cross I have used for years. And a couple I try and use all year round. This is another excellent volume to add to my collection. I am certain if you pick it up it will be of great benefit. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Sister Joseph Marie of the Trinity, CHT:

Prayer-Songs (2001)

The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross (Indexed)

…

Books edited by Sister Joseph Marie of the Trinity, CHT:

Fire Within - Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M

Seeking Spiritual Direction - Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M

…