Peter Clenott

Meditation on death, though it seems depressing to many, is essential for our Salvation! Death is the one journey every man must go through alone. It is the one thing that sobers us all and can set us on a more resolute path to Holiness. But this path only begins after facing the reality of death, for to avoid it only increases our fear. In this popular abridgment of his monumental Preparation for Death, St Alphonsus teaches us the proper attitude toward death, which is one of readiness, of always having our debts cleared. Each chapter is a short consideration with three points, easily understood by laity in all states of life. Each point is followed by meditations and prayers for perseverance in our efforts to lead good lives. To aid busy priests in their sermons, St Alphonsus purposely included texts from Scripture and passages from the Holy Fathers, personally selected by the Saint himself to touch the heart of every reader and listener. St Alphonsus shows us how death is, on the natural level, a great sorrow but, on the supernatural level, a great gift. Understanding it as a gift and implementing this knowledge in our lives is the lesson of each powerful meditation. This book is a wonderful way to enhance your Lenten devotions and gain a more profound gratitude for Christ's victory over Death and Hell through His crucifixion and Resurrection!