Contact with God: Retreat Conferences

Anthony de Mello is loved and respected the world over; he was a Jesuit spiritual director and retreat leader from India who held numerous conferences, retreats, and workshops for those looking to further their spiritual lives. His Christianity was the mystical variety, a position which has placed his writings under the skeptic's scope since his death. But anyone who has read his splendid works knows firsthand the wonderfully kind and open heart he had; there is not doubt in this mind that Anthony was teaching the true spiritual roots of all Christianity.De Mello had an uncanny ability to draw those attending workshops and the like completely in with his masterful charm and charisma. He aimed at helping the participants break down their stress packed minds in order to have a more simplistic and beneficial experience in cultivating a relationship with God. His exercises were always intended to open the virtually unlimited capacity of the human heart. This text focuses on a number of retreats de Mello led throughout his teaching years which he always meticulously edited, yet never published. He was not the type to shy away from controversial subjects, and in this work he made some criticisms about the catholic Church's hierarchy, calling for a fresher and more inspired outlook. In here he gives practical advice on how to practice a life of prayer for fellow Christians, some chapters include "How to Pray" and the Jesus Prayer, the social implications of sin, and on and on. This book is a no-brainer for those interested in the spiritual life, filled with timeless advice and practice suggestions to further each and every one of our aspirations in coming closer to that Ultimate Mystery: God. Enjoy.

Anthony De Mello pulls no punches with his theology or his belief that we are all weak creatures that could be making a hell of a lot more with our lives. This book is a wonderful introduction to the Retreat experience and helps guide the reader through the process of settling into the mediatative state a religious retreat requires. De Mello is tough on the reader (not with his prose, but with his tone) and expects action - spiritual, mental and physical - and won't settle for complacency or laziness. Thank you for the wake up call! Don't do what I did - I read this during my retreat; I should have read it before. Nonetheless, it was an eye-opener - a finger pointing the way (don't concentrate on the finger, focus on the way).