Mystical Theology: A Layman's Guide brings together four classic treatises by the French Benedictine Dom Savinien Louismet, one of the great spiritual masters of the early twentieth century. Drawing deeply from Scripture and the full breadth of Catholic tradition, Louismet offers a clear, practical, and compelling account of true mysticism—what it is, how it works, and how ordinary Catholics can grow toward contemplative union with God.
Louismet begins by asking a piercing question: Why are there so few contemplatives, even among devout Christians? For some, he notes, the obstacle is simple indifference. But for many others—the sincere who long for a deeper life of prayer—the barriers come from confusion, fear, or the lack of sound guidance. This book is written for precisely such souls.
Across four treatises—The Mystical Knowledge of God, The Mystical Life, Mysticism: True and False, and Divine Contemplation for All—Louismet explains the processes by which the mind and heart are gradually drawn into genuine contemplation. His approach is synthetic, lucid, and deeply pastoral. He distinguishes true mysticism from counterfeit forms, outlines nine stages in the soul’s ascent to God, and shows how contemplation is not the privilege of a select few but, in some degree, within reach of all who live in a state of grace and persevere with good will.
Louismet’s teaching is marked by clarity, strength, and a sweetness of spirit that avoids both sentimentality and abstraction. His reflections help readers recognize the several degrees of communion with God, deepen their relationship with the Sacred Humanity of Christ, and cultivate a life permeated by prayer, recollection, and divine intimacy.
As Cardinal Bourne, Archbishop of Westminster, wrote: “What is written here will do much in bringing souls nearer to God, and beg Him to bless the author and the work.”
