The Spirit of Solesmes

Do not be deceived by the academic sounding title of this book. The reality may be a delightful surprise. While few may be familiar with the personality of these people and their community, a large window is opened upon it by this author who, avoiding a mere collection of excerpts from their published works, takes the reader instead to their letters, homilies and personal reflections. The result is a glimpse of a spirit of Solesmes which is not so much about the intellectual production and revival of this famous community and its foundations, but about the spirit which sustained them through some great trials. After a summary of the history of the Solesmes family and its many trials, the author presents short quotes from each of the three central figures gathered around particular themes, which are introduced by a clear and concise summary of their perspective on the topic. While the chapter introductions may be read for information about such topics as liturgy, Mary and contemplation, the short quotes are best enjoyed as lectio and the wisdom in them is abundant.

Prosper Gueranger (1805-75) was founding abbot of Solesmes and a towering figure in the Church and the Benedictine world for forty years Cecile Bruyere (1845-1909) was elected abbess at twenty-six of the new sister foundation, and was a spiritual adviser and writer of outstanding quality Paul Delatte (1848-1937) oversaw a huge expansion at Solesmes; his powerful personality left an indelible mark on its development