Thoughts and Reflections of Armand-Jean de Rance, Abbot of la Trappe

Reviews / Votes

"In this collection of spiritual sayings, now in its first English translation, Armand-Jean de Rance reflects on spirituality as lived faith that realizes relationship with God through the obliteration of one's own will and self-love. The Pensees are brief and practical, yet deeply thoughtful. David N. Bell provides a thorough and engaging context for the spiritual background and contributions of the Pensees. It is fitting that Rance, who would have once seemed an unlikely author of spiritual edification, and whose Pensees made their way through the world in several haphazard editions, now finds a home in a series dedicated to a variety of spiritual thought."
R. Jacob McDonie, Associate Professor of Literatures and Cultural Studies, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley "David Bell provides a fresh presentation of Rance with his excellent new translation of the 'Thoughts and Reflections' of the French reformer. A substantial introduction provides a clear context for what follows, and the reflections themselves are remarkably contemporary. They are powerfully succinct and rich in insight. This work presents the wisdom of Armand-Jean de Rance as absolutely relevant and significant for our own time. I am grateful for this superb book and hope it will attract a wide audience, especially among those in my own Order."
Sister Maria Rafael, OCSO, Tautra Mariakloster, Norway "This book has a variety of treasures for everyone. If we are undergoing acute suffering and pain and grief, if our life seems out of control and even hopeless, then the map of healing put forth in this book can assist us toward the healing of our suffering human consciousness. It is a charter of prayer and practice that can bring us new freedom and even happiness. We all need these realities of goodness and peace in our lives."
Cistercian Studies Quarterly