First book of Leo’s pre-papal writings published

Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me is a collection of his homilies, messages and addresses from his 12 years as the head of the Augustinian Order.

Pope Leo, then Fr Robert Prevost, was prior general of the Augustinians between 2001 and 2013, and the book helps chart the development of his thought during that period.

The writings – which also include letters and were selected by Leo himself – were first published in Italian by Vatican Publishing House (LEV) under the title Liberi sotto la Grazia. The English version was published on September 15.

The writings draw deeply on the teachings of St Augustine.

In the foreword of the book, Fr Joseph Farrell, current head of the Augustinian Order, highlights recurring themes in Leo’s words, including “unity , . . the call to renewal and the call to continue making progress on the path of the spiritual life”.

Fr Prevost’s homily to the General Chapter of Augustinians in 2001 emphasises the connection between loving God and loving one another.

“We are called to know ourselves that we might know God, and in encountering God, we are also led to deep love of God and our neighbour,” Fr Prevost writes.

Later, in a speech in Slovakia, he holds up the example of St Augustine. “St Augustine, [is an] image of this generosity in giving his heart for others, who gave so much to the Church, promoting the values of unity and truth – always on the basis of charity, of love”.

He also gives an outline of how a Christian can seek to emulate the great saint.

“Respect for the human person and his or her dignity, sensitivity to what is truly human, dialogue with diverse cultures, the acceptance of human values and legitimate autonomy, living in tune with the deepest longings of humanity – all these are indicators of what must be the spirituality of persons of faith who seek to imitate Augustine’s style of life,” he wrote.

The collection centres on the belief that has proven a lodestar for Leo’s ministry: “Man is not defined by what he possesses or what he knows, but rather by what he loves.”

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Pope Leo publishes first book of his pre-papal writing (Crux Now)