The Twelve Steps to Holiness and Salvation

This book is classic Alphonsus- practical and representing the finest in moral theology. Yet this book is the "gentle" side of Alphonsus. It is challenging but not totally discouraging as some of his other writings can be (if you are not properly prepared, that is). This book consists of 12 chapters, each focusing on a different virtue or necessity for the life of perfection. It is recommended in the preface that one read and mediate on a single chapter each month.The first three chapters deal with the 4 theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, with charity being broken up into love of God and love of neighbor. Here, for example, we are cautioned against small faults and venial sins, as they can easily turn mortal if left unchecked. We also learn about mortifying the senses and denying oneself something good, like looking at beautiful objects. For if we are able to resist looking at something beautiful which is good, how much easier will it be to resist looking at those things which are sinful? The chapter on love of neighbor was especially helpful, as today it is so easy to judge and look down upon our neighbor. Yet Alphonsus teaches us that true charity requires that we ALWAYS assume people are innocent of faults and make excuses for them unless there is a grave reason to do so. But even then, the safer way is to avoid judgement (this can depend, though, on if we are talking about someone you are in charge of, like a child). On the other hand, we should never speak badly of our superiors, even if they have done us wrong.Another chapter that is very important in this day and age is chapter 6 on chastity. Among many other important things, St Alphonsus takes us through the three stages of mental sexual sin. These are look which can lead to desire which can lead to consent. It is the transition from 1 to 2 that we must flee from immediately. Of course, the best option is to avoid seeing something altogether, which hearkens back to the above paragraph and showing custody of the eyes. We learn in this chapter that this was the practice of the saints- they never looked at faces of people so as to not tempt themselves. We even see evidence that this was practiced by Christ himself. Alphonsus understands passage that begin "Jesus, raising his eyes towards heaven..." to indicate that normally Jesus' eyes were cast down, giving us the perfect model for how we ought to mortify ourselves.We also learn the relationship between many of these virtues. For example, in the chapter on mortification, we learn that while it is always good to practice mortification, obedience to directors and those above us comes first. One particularly striking quote to illustrate this is from St Ignatius where he says that "Prudence is required of superiors; the prudence of subjects must consist in obeying without prudence." It is not up to use to determine if we should follow the command of a superior (unless it is sinful, of course). True docility, according to Ignatius and approve by Alphonsus, consists in total submission and releasing of the will.This is a wonderful little spiritual book that will inspire you and, as the title suggests, put you on the path to holiness. It is easy to read, challenging, but not discouraging. I highly recommend it.

Wow! Packs a punch! Well worth reading for those striving to live on the narrow path—if only our moral overlords in higher places could humble themselves to read and follow what St Alphonsus teaches…but alas

I read a few pages every Sunday afternoon. It's very practical and St. Alphonsus' writings tell you how to actually practice the steps in your daily life. Meditation on the concepts in this book, frequent attendance at the Traditional Latin Mass, and frequent prayer of the 15 decades of the Holy Rosary should take a person a long way towards the goal.

Probably Unknown to anyone under the age of 60, these 12 Steps are the SOURCE of- "THE 12 STEPS OF AA"!!YEP!! Bill Wilson's "friend & Spiritual Advisor", was a Jesuit Priest!! Anonymously, of course. A Great Paradox, because RC'S were either forbidden to 'join' AA, or strongly discouraged from going to Meetings, on the East Coast. Meanwhile, in Akron, Ohio, Dr. "Bob" was being assisted in his Detoxification by Sr. Ignatius!! A compassionate Head Nurse, in the Hospital where he Practiced Medicine. She went on to make assisting Alcoholics her "2ndVocation". When she died, the number of Cars, filled with her "prodigal sons" & their families, stopped the normal traffic flow in Akron Ohio! Many Businesses Closed early the day of her Funeral. "Respect" was more than a word then.I'm Blessed to have been a beneficiary of the Heroic efforts of ALL of these people!! It took years for RCs to be "allowed" to openly attend meetings.Like I said, it's a Great Paradox! But I've learned over the past 48 yrs, that's where you'll find God! In a Paradox!

This book is well written and most helpful to us on our journey. Reading one chapter a month and meditating on it, as recommended, is an excellent way to read this book.

Not for the complascent. Liguori devotes an entire chapter to 12 virtues, which are: Faith, Hope, Love of God, Love of Neighbor, Poverty, Chastity, Obedience, Humility, Mortification, Recollection, and Prayer. These virtues are considered to be essential to the Christian life. They can be read in any order, and in the Preface it is suggested rhat we focus on one virtue each month. I like Liguori ' s writing style and so enjoyed the book that I read it 3 times consecutively. This is a veritable gold mine of virtues and I highly recommend it for personal sanctification. I know I will be referring to it often.

Amazing! I loved it and it really helps one to dwell deeper in our beautiful faith written by a doctor of the church!

The reason I titled my review like this is because I purchased this book in January of 2014. I put it on my shelf and just sort of forgot about it. During this season of Lent I picked it up after it collected 5 years worth of dust. After reading it I realized I made a big mistake. I should have read it as soon as I got it. This book will definitely help me or anyone get to Heaven. Buy it!

We read this little book as we prepared for Easter and what great lessons we learned! I highly recommend this book. It is well written in simple english and if do apply the teachings of the Holy Saint we sure are one step closer to heaven. Go get it and happy reading

With every chapter there is a lesson to be learned. With every page comes the realisation that one is not worthy or that one is indeed on the right path. Every page contains a tasty spiritual morsel on which to feed the soul.

very enlightening

Can’t go wrong with St Alphonses. A fatherly book filled with wisdom and great tips to enhance your prayer life and day to day living. Solid and Faithful

A must read for all those interested in knowing the truth about Catholicism instead of relying on hear-say, innuendo, and unsubstantiated myths. Buy it, read it, and live it!