Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching

In his ground-breaking, systematic presentation of Catherine of Siena’s teachings, Thomas McDermott draws on Catherine’s writings to explain her principal teachings in relation to spiritual development and identifies her possible sources as well as her areas of originality. By examining Catherine’s life and mystical experiences, McDermott shows how she grew spiritually and how her growth corresponds to her later teachings. Finally, he explicates what he regards as the fundamental message of Catherine’s life and teaching. Students of mysticism and spirituality will find this book a trustworthy guide through the rich mysticism of one of the 14th century’s most amazing women.  Preface by Fr. Wojciech Giertych, OP, Theologian to the Papal Household

“Thomas McDermott’s magisterial book is the first work in English that does full justice to the systematic theological importance of Catherine of Siena’s teaching. Readers will find their thinking freed from the styles and whims of so much writing on ‘spirituality’ and set firmly on the path that Jesus himself trod with his disciples.”
                  —Benedict M. Ashley, OP, Professor Emeritus
                  Aquinas Institute of Theology, Saint Louis, MO

 “In this well-researched book, Thomas McDermott has unraveled the many intertwining threads in Catherine of Siena’s teaching on spiritual development to produce a logical and convincing description of the spiritual journey along the Christ-Bridge. Catherine of Siena offers its readers many helpful markers on their own journey toward God.”
                   —Mary O’Driscoll, OP
                  Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome

 “The merit of Father McDermott’s book is that it tackles some of the most difficult aspects of St. Catherine of Siena’s teaching. A demanding but enriching work which brings our understanding of Catherine an important step forward.”
                         —Fr. Paul Murray, OP, author of
                          The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality