Preface [Exercise of loving solitary spirits in their solitudes]

Abstract

As the Carmelite Venard M. Poslusney stated in his 1975 anthology of translated texts from the writings on John of Saint Samson “the Writings of John of St. Samson are a valuable addition to the rich heritage of mystical literature accumulated over the centuries within the Church.” Hence Sr. Veronica’s translation into English of L’exercise des esprits amoureux solitaires en leurs solitudes, is more than welcome. Sr Veronica, a graduate in French from the University of Maryland, hails from the Carmel of Wahpeton, and was introduced to Brother John’s writings in 2002 by Sister Joseph-Marie, encouraging her also to embark on the translation of his writings. Being herself attracted to the meditations about the Mysteries of Christ’s Life, she saw it was fitting to translate this text contained in Vol. 3 of the critical edition published jointly by Edizioni Carmelitane and FAC - Éditions in 2000. Sr. Veronica is also being encouraged by her community and the Mother Prioress who also believe that a translation project is needed to make accessible the richness of John of St. Samson’s doctrine to a wider audience. Indeed, John of St. Samson is considered by scholars, like the neo-thomist philosopher Jacques Maritain, to be the John of the Cross of France and “one of the greatest mystics whom France had given to the Church.