Letter from the Secretariat of State

Letter from the Secretariat of State of His Holiness

From the Vatican, February 12, 1957

Reverend Mother,

You have desired to present to the August Pontiff, on behalf of this Monastery, the volume in which, under the significant title “Divine Intimacy,” are piously and diligently gathered the meditations for the entire liturgical year, dictated by the Rev. Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen.

In it is collected the doctrine of Carmelite spirituality, by which the unforgettable Father Gabriel was nourished and which he had taught to innumerable souls until the eve of his holy passing.

The spirituality of Carmel constitutes a vigorous expression of the Gospel, specifically destined for contemplative souls, yet equally valid and most useful also for souls consecrated to God in the active life, and likewise for those — today very numerous — who in the midst of the world long for the interior life and for union with God.

The Holy Father has greatly appreciated this devout homage and most willingly imparts to you, Reverend Mother, and to all who have shared with you in so useful and opportune an undertaking, to the Monastery which you worthily preside over, a special Apostolic Blessing, and prays that this precious book may spread abroad and bring to many souls the light, love, and peace of God with which these pages are imbued — pages which are a worthy spiritual testament of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen.

With sentiments of religious esteem, I profess myself,

your most devoted in the Lord,

Angelo Dell’Acqua Substitute

Reverend Mother Prioress of the Monastery of St. Joseph of the Discalced Carmelites — Rome

Censura and Imprimatur

CENSURA ORDINIS

Nihil obstat quominus imprimatur

Rome, February 20, 1957 Fr. Benjamin of the Most Holy Trinity, O.C.D. Fr. Valentinus of St. Mary, O.C.D.

IMPRIMI POTEST

Fr. Anastasius of the Most Holy Rosary, O.C.D. Praepositus Generalis Rome, February 20, 1957

IMPRIMATUR

Fr. Petrus De Boni, Cens. Eccl. Vicenza, March 28, 1957 Msgr. Franciscus Snichelotto, V. G.

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