E-book: At the same moment, I saw dearly that this was not the work of the imagination - no more than that which happened on Candlemas Day was the work of the imagination. How ugly now appear all the statues and paintings which depict our lovable Mother! Rather than devotion, they inspire nausea, especially now that the recollection is still fresh of the magnificent beauty and majesty whose image remains in my memory. - Ven Marie Petyt, Candlemas Day, 1666
The present work has the purpose of making available to sincere souls the rich treasures of Carmelite Marian devotion through the writings of Venerable Mary Petyt of St Teresa, a lay Third Order Carmelite, who was a spiritual daughter of Venerable Michael of St Augustine, Belgian Carmelite of the seventeenth century.
Mary Petyt presents a description of Marian devotion in actual practice within the depths of her own soul.
Time and time again, spiritual writers discussing the subject of Our Lady's position in the life of the soul refer both to Father Michael and to Mary Petyt, also known as Sister Mary of St. Teresa, her name in the Secular Third Order.
Hence, it seemed to us most desirable that English-speaking lovers of Our Lady should have the Marian classics of each of these Carmelites available for their prayerful study. The main part of the present work is, of course, the translation of Mary Petyt's Marian writings. These writings are selections from her letters to Father Michael, who was the first to publish them.
In one of her letters, Mary Petyt prays that Our Blessed Lady may raise up many souls to know and love her, souls who will join in singing the praises of their heavenly Queen and Mother. That same desire has motivated our efforts. The Marian Year, it is true, draws to a close. But is not the Marian Era at hand?
Every sincere Christian must learn to be led to the fulfilment of his spiritual destiny by the hand of his Lady. God wills it. We feel that Mary Petyt, through her Marian writings, can help to teach souls that lesson.
Union With Our Lady was published in 1954.
About the author: Maria Petyt (1623–1677), was known as a great mystic. Her writings have been cited as unequaled in volume and mystical content within the historical context of the Flemish-speaking 17th century. In about 1662, Michael of St Augustine asked her to write a memoir of her spiritual and mystical experiences. The resulting autobiography titled La vie de Marie Petyt (The Life of Maria Petyt) was published after her death. Maria Petyt was declared Venerable by the Catholic Church. She is also considered a Mystic of the Carmelite Order.
Excerpts taken from Wikipedia.
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