These _Instructions for Pious Souls_, now published in English under the
title _Light and Peace_, were written in 1795 by the illustrious and
saintly Barnabite, Padre Quadrupani. They contain a summary of spiritual
guidance for earnest Christians in the ordinary duties of life in the
world. The author had formed his own spirituality on the model presented
by the life and teaching of St. Francis de Sales, and in this little book
he reflects the wisdom, prudence and sweetness of that "gentleman Saint."
The work has passed through uncounted editions in its original Italian,
and through a large number of editions in both the French and the German
translations. An English translation was published many years ago, but
besides its present rarity, its many imperfections warrant the belief
that a new rendition will not be unwelcome. The translator has, moreover,
been encouraged by the persuasion that the maxims of Father Quadrupani
are specially adapted to the American character. Unlike many foreign
religious works, whose spirituality often fails to touch the Anglo-Saxon
temperament, this author's teaching is decidedly practical and
practicable, and appeals in every way to the common sense and fits in
with the busy, matter-of-fact life of the average American Catholic.
The present translation has been made from the twentieth French edition
and has been collated with the thirty-second edition of the original
Italian published at Naples in 1818. The many recommendations from the
Episcopacy of France prefixed to the French translation are here omitted,
as the Introduction by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Philadelphia is
abundant testimony to the doctrinal solidity of the work.
I. M. O'R.
Overbrook, PA.