Gaetano Maria da Bergamo (1672–1753)

Although a spiritual classic from one of the great Italian missionaries of the 18th Century, this is not a fun read. Imagine yourself being flogged page after page. It is redundant and takes mostly from saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas; so it's hard to find new insights within the text. I realize this makes me full of pride. Sigh. I humbly submit that I'm glad I'm finished. Now to find something uplifting...

This classic study in humility describes the nature of that virtue typical of all Saints - the one virtue that underlies every other virtue and without which none of us will enter Heaven. Says, "Impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part." A treasure; filled with insights.