When La vie spirituelle appeared in 1901, it was the first book that delved into the dogmatic and ascetic underpinnings of St. Louis-Marie's two well-known works, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and The Secret of Mary; the first, that is, 200 years after they were written, and 60 years after they were discovered. In his preface, Fr. Antonin Lhoumeau says that "many have written on the devotion to the Blessed Virgin, called the Holy Slavery of Mary; but none has yet shown with consistency and to a great extent, that it is, according to the teachings of St. Louis-Marie, a system of spirituality, a special form of interior life, and not merely a set of pious practices." Fr. Lhoumeau's aim was to fill the gap in the understanding of the devotion to our Blessed Mother, and he succeeds very well indeed. In his 1902 review, Jean-Baptiste Terrien, the renowned Jesuit professor at the Institut Catholique de Paris, wrote: "All those who have at heart the glory of their Blessed Mother and the great business of their perfection in Christ, will have the pleasure and will gain edification by reading this book." THE AUTHOR: The Most Rev. Antonin Lhomeau (1852-1920), was the Superior General of the Company of Mary and the Daughters of Wisdom, the twelfth, after St. Louis-Marie, its founder. Fr. Lhoumeau founded several journals for the diffusion of the teachings of St. Louis-Marie. Besides the current title, he has two other works on Marian spirituality. Fr. Lhoumeau, a brilliant and cultivated soul, was also an accomplished musician and musicologist, who wrote several studies on Gregorian chant and hymn books. He died in 1920 and is buried in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre in France.

O divine Wisdom, Lord of heaven and earth, I humbly beg pardon for my audacity in attempting to speak of your perfections, ignorant and sinful as I am. I beg you not to consider the darkness of my mind or the uncleanness of my lips unless it be to take them away with a glance of your eyes and a breath of your mouth. Aeterna Press

Louis de Montfort's 'The Secret of the Rosary' is a classic devotional work that delves into the history and significance of the rosary in Catholic spirituality. Written in a concise and engaging style, the book explores the mysteries of the rosary and provides practical guidance on how to effectively pray this powerful form of devotion. De Montfort's writing reflects the piety and devotion of the seventeenth century Catholic Church, making it a valuable source for understanding the religious practices of the time. Louis de Montfort, a French priest known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary, was deeply involved in promoting the rosary as a means of spiritual growth and intercession. His experiences as a preacher and missionary influenced his writing, as he sought to share the benefits of the rosary with a wider audience. 'The Secret of the Rosary' stands as a testament to De Montfort's dedication to promoting this cherished form of prayer. For readers interested in deepening their understanding of Catholic devotion and spirituality, 'The Secret of the Rosary' is a must-read. De Montfort's insights and guidance offer a rich source of inspiration for those looking to enhance their prayer life and connect more deeply with the mysteries of the faith.

St. Louis Mary De Montfort (1673–1716), author of this “Letter,” is widely known through his treatise on “The True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” and its abridgment “The Secret of Mary.” Well has he merited the title of “Apostle of Mary” and deservedly he is called “Tutor of the Legion of Mary.” Addressing the many pilgrims at the canonization of St. De Montfort, July 1947, the Holy Father calls him “the guide who leads you to Mary and from Mary to Jesus.” Aeterna Press