Anonymously published in 1775, this classic of spiritual meditation swept through the Catholic world and multiple editions were published in quick succession. It remained readily available to generations of Catholics in many languages. The author remains unknown to this day, but it was quite likely a friend or close acquaintance of Saint Alphonsus.

ANONYMOUS - HARDCOVER- 330 PAGES

Introduction

Anonymously published in 1775, this book swept through the Catholic world and multiple editions were published in quick succession. It remained readily available to generations of Catholics in many languages. The author remains unknown to this day. In a brief preface to the 4th edition of 1778 the following advice was given:
“To draw the utmost profit from this volume, mere reading will not suffice. It must be read with calm reflection, deep thought, and ardent desire to translate into action whatever is found to be beneficial to the individual soul.”
Without a doubt, the Spiritual Diary is one of the most widely read works in ascetical literature. Over the centuries, countless souls have drawn part of their spiritual formation from meditation upon the saintly advice contained in these pages. Its collections of sayings and examples of saints provide a source of meditation for numerous devout souls.
The meditations are arranged for the calendar year with one of twelves virtues for each month. Perfection, Humility, Mortification, Patience, Meekness, Obedience, Simplicity, Diligence, Prayer, Confidence, Charity and Union are the virtues chosen, and under each virtue are gathered pertinent sayings and examples of the saints for every day of the month. A thought may be read daily, or the reader may prefer to read the different sections according to his spiritual needs.
Many have guessed that the writer was a devoteé of St. Alphonsus because of the pattern of the meditations and the numerous direct quotes from his writings. But other spiritual writers widely quoted are: St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, St. Francis deSales, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Theresa of Avila.
Whoever compiled this treasure house of advice has earned the lasting gratitude of Loreto’s editor who has used this book almost daily for over forty years. Since it has not been readily available to the general public since the last known edition from 1962, we have decided to issue this modern edition in the hopes that a new generation of 21st century Catholics may find as much spiritual benefit herein, as this editor has.
Douglas Bersaw - Editor
Feast of the Annunciation 2022

Excerpt: 

Simplicity is nothing but an act of love, pure and simple, with only one aim: to acquire the love of God. Our soul is truly simple when we have no other goal than this in mind, in everything we do. — Saint Francis de Sales

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi once said: "If I believed I could become a Seraph by uttering a word -- even an indifferent word -- for any other end than the love of God, I certainly would not say it."