A Golden Treatise of Mental Prayer, Meditation, and Devotion, together with a Life of St. Peter of Alcantara: Franciscan Spirituality Series

The Golden Treatise is an admirably concise introduction to contemplative prayer. Part One teaches reading, meditation, and prayer, while Part Two offers additional instructions on devotion. This volume is prefaced by a brief life of the Franciscan saint by the translator, drawing on the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, whose work he had encouraged and supported. After studying at the University of Salamanca, Peter of Alcantara joined the Franciscans of the Stricter Observance. He was ordained priest and began preaching to the poor with much success. After two years of solitary retreat, he journeyed barefoot to Rome and obtained permission of Pope Julius III to found poor convents in Spain. In confirmation of his virtues and mission of reformation, God worked numerous miracles through his intercession and by his very presence. He was beatified by Pope Gregory XV in 1622 and canonized by Pope Clement IX in 1669.