The Art of Dying Well

by St. Robert Bellarmine, Anthony Esolen (Foreword by)

Overview

Rather than turning away from death, great saints such as Robert Bellarmine, the author of this book, use it as a lens through which to view life from the right perspective ' God's perspective.

Seen this way, death becomes for them ' and can become for you ' a source of spiritual liberation rather than a reason for fear, enabling you to love the world as it ought to be loved and to answer your final summons with joy.

St. Robert Bellarmine makes it simple for you. He explains sixteen things you can do to put your life in order now, so you'll start living better today and be prepared for death whenever it comes, be it tomorrow or years from now. Not only will these sixteen insightful measures free you from fear; they'll invigorate your spiritual life and bring into all aspects of your life the consoling peace of Christ.

Let St. Robert Bellarmine ' the brilliant Doctor of the Church who influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence and other American founding documents ' introduce you to the art of dying well. You'll discover:

• Why learning these principles is more important than anything else you can do today
• How to die to the world while living in it ' without losing the truly good things in life
• Fasting: how this spiritual discipline can determine your soul's destiny
• The secret spoiler of prayers and good works: has it crept into your heart?
• Why now is the time to prepare for death ' whether you're young or in your twilight years
• And much more to help you learn to live well now and to die holy when God calls you!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781644136065
Publisher:	Sophia Institute Press
Publication date:	02/22/2022
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	665,475
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

St. Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621), was a Jesuit priest. He was ordained at the University of Louvain, where he was a well-known professor. His preaching drew both Catholics and Protestants, even from distant parts. He was a chief theological advisor to the Holy See. Proclaimed Venerable only six years after his death, Cardinal Bellarmine was canonized in 1930 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1931.

Anthony Esolen is a Princeton graduate, the author or translator of thirty books (including Dante’s Divine Comedy), and a regular contributor to Crisis Magazine, Chronicles, Touchstone, Magnificat, American Greatness, and Front Porch Republic. Dr. Esolen is widely praised as one of the best Catholic writers of our age. His engaging, conversational style opens eyes, engages minds, and changes hearts. He has been a professor of English since 1988. He and his wife Debra publish the web magazine Word and Song, designed, by means of linguistic history, music, art, classic poetry, and film, to bring to people daily encounters with what is beautiful, good, and true.

Table of Contents

Introduction Anthony Esolen vii

1 Strive to live well 3

2 Learn to die to the world 7

3 Persevere in faith, hope, and charity 15

4 Be ever ready to meet Christ 21

5 Remain detached from worldly possessions 29

6 Be sober, just, and pious 35

7 Pray fervently 41

8 Practice fasting 51

9 Give generously of the gifts God has given you 59

10 Be faithful to your baptismal promises 69

11 Use the gifts you have received in Confirmation 77

12 Receive the Eucharist worthily 81

13 Confess your sins with true contrition 87

14 Revere the sacred 93

15 Love and honor your spouse and your children 99

16 Guard your senses against sin 107

17 Resolve to die well 125

St. Robert Bellarmine 127