My work with Fr. Marin de Boylesve began when I discovered one of the few books by this French priest to have appeared in English, Little Month of Saint Joseph. Its distinctive spiritual insights were expressed with such clarity and simplicity that I wanted to make the work available to new readers.
As I learned more about its author, I encountered a remarkable nineteenth-century priest formed in the traditional Jesuit spirit of Saint Ignatius—zealous for the glory of God and deeply concerned with the salvation of souls. Fr. de Boylesve became known in France for promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart, contributing through his writings to the spiritual movement that supported the construction of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Paris.
He also came from western France, a region profoundly marked by the Catholic courage of the Vendée. During the French Revolution, the people of the Vendée and neighbouring Brittany defended their faith and their king amid devastating persecution. That inheritance of fidelity and sacrifice, joined to the spiritual discipline of Saint Ignatius, can be felt throughout Fr. de Boylesve’s writings.
I soon discovered that many more of Fr. de Boylesve’s books had never appeared in English—and so began my continuing project to translate and restore these forgotten spiritual classics for modern readers. Readers have told me that these works scarcely seem to belong to the nineteenth century: their spiritual counsel speaks directly to the difficulties of our own time. I hope these new translations will continue to be a light for many more years to come.
~ E.A. Bucchianeri
From Promise to Redemption
These three works lead readers from the Old Testament prophecies and prefigurations fulfilled in Christ to two enduring devotions centred upon His love, sacrifice, and work of redemption.
Explore Jesus Christ According to the Old Testament
Our Lady in Scripture and the Spiritual History of France
The Blessed Virgin According to the Gospels offers thirty-one meditations following the life of the Mother of God through the Gospel narratives—ideal for May and the other months and feasts dedicated to Our Lady.
Month of Mary—Queen of France unites biblical reflection with accounts of France’s Marian apparitions, shrines, and devotional history, revealing why Our Lady has long been honoured as Queen of the Eldest Daughter of the Church.
The Hidden Greatness of Saint Joseph
Little Month of Saint Joseph offers thirty-one brief Gospel meditations upon the life and virtues of the foster father of Jesus, accompanied by prayers and accounts of the graces obtained through his intercession.
The First and Second Joseph explores how the favoured son of Jacob—blessed with authority, wisdom, and responsibility for the welfare of a nation—prefigured the humble son of David entrusted with Jesus and Mary.
Begin with Little Month of Saint Joseph
Continue with The First and Second Joseph
Three Companions for the Life of the Soul
Devotion to Saint Ignatius gathers dramatic meditation, prayers, novenas, brief accounts of the saint’s life, and the remarkable tradition surrounding the Holy Water of Saint Ignatius.
The Month of Saint Teresa arranges wisdom from the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila into thirty-one days of prayer and practical counsel for progress in the spiritual life.
The Month of Saint Michael draws upon Scripture, tradition, and history to present thirty-one encouraging meditations upon the defender of God’s people and his powerful heavenly assistance.
Deepen Your Devotion to Saint Ignatius
Pray Through The Month of Saint Teresa
Seek the Protection of Saint Michael
Meditation Made Simple
Many Catholics desire to practise daily meditation but struggle to find the time, choose a subject, or form a practical resolution. Fr. Marin de Boylesve offers a clear and manageable path through the Church’s liturgical year.
Drawing upon the Sunday Gospel readings, each meditation provides a concise reflection, a prayer inspired by its lesson, and a resolution that can be carried into daily life.
Make A Thought for Each Day of the Year Your Daily Companion
