Saint Rafael Arnaiz was born in Burgos, Spain, on April 9, 1911. When he was twenty-one years old, he left behind the comforts of his wealthy family and an unfinished degree in architecture to join the Trappist-Cistercian abbey of San Isidro de Duenas. A sudden onset of diabetes and the beginning of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) turned his monastic journey into an unusual one.

In these unfavorable circumstances and despite the shortness of his life (he died soon after his twenty-seventh birthday), Rafael developed a solid spirituality, which in its simplicity is a straight path to holiness. He has been compared to mystics like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, whose writings inspired him, and his theology of the cross, born from his prayer, places him in continuity with the best of the monastic tradition. In his letters and journals, compiled in this volume, his heart speaks of the joys and struggles of striving to live for God alone.

About the Author

Catherine Addington, PhD, is a translator and scholar of Catholic writing in the Spanish-speaking world. She earned her doctorate in Spanish literature and translation from the University of Virginia in 2021.

Sr. Maria Gonzalo-Garcia, OCSO, is the novice director at the Trappist-Cistercian monastery of Our Lady of the Angels (Crozet, Virginia). She is originally from Madrid, Spain, where she completed degrees in social work and theology. She has benefited from Saint Rafael Arnaizs spiritual message since the beginning of her monastic journey and hopes to help spread this blessing to others through the English edition of his works.

Reviews
"There are so many holy heroes waiting for us to stumble upon them, waiting with words that will resonate in our souls and lead us to a closer spiritual union with God. Saint Rafael Arnaiz is a wonderful example of this and through her translation of his collected works, Catherine Addington has made it so for both us and Saint Rafael the wait is over. I have been blessed to get to know this wonderful saint and I smile knowing that countless others will now as well."
Tommy Tighe, author of Saint Dymphna's Playbook
"At last, an accessible English translation of the works of St. Rafael Arnaiz that captures both the appeal and the depth of his life and spirituality! Helpfully and insightfully introduced by Sr. Maria Gonzalo-Garcia, Addington's fine translation opens the riches of St. Rafael's writings to new readers who will certainly benefit from his simple zeal and the profound wisdom he learned from the Cross. Pick up this book, and get ready to be enriched, inspired, and challenged by what you read!"
Mark O'Keefe, OSB, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
"St. Rafael is a brother to St. Therese of Lisieux, living a small, hidden life that was burning with love for God. I will turn to his writings for strength in my own spiritual life, and I'll read excerpts to my children, so that they can see what it means to turn every crumb and corner of our lives over to God, all for love."
Leah Libresco Sargeant, author of Building the Benedict Option
"We must warmly applaud the editor and translator who have presented us with such an important new saint."
The Downside Review
"This not-so-slim volume full of the prolific writing of Saint RafaelArnaiz, Cistercian lay oblate at the Abbey of San Isidro de Duenas, Spain, is fascinating. There is a wide audience for this book. All religious, especially those in monasteries, will find it helpful to keep focused on what is most important, namely, to truly seek God, no matter what. Rafael Arnaiz will inspire anyone living the monastic way of life, inside or outside of the monastery, and anyone for whom the love of Christ comes before all else."
American Benedictine Review
"Young readers: Do you need a model for dealing with the great and terrible impulses the contemplative life has unleashed in you? Old readers: Do you still cherish the longing to recover your first love? Mature readers: Has the way of sobriety and reasonableness begun to taste like semi-Pelagianism? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, a marvelous companion is now at hand thanks to the new English translation of the writings of Saint Rafael Arnaiz."
Cistercian Studies Quarterly



Book Information
ISBN 9780879070618
Author Saint Rafael Arnaiz
Format Paperback
Page Count 792
Imprint Liturgical Press
Publisher Liturgical Press
Weight(grams) 567g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 41mm