The Spiritual Life of Cardinal Merry del Val

The illustrious Cardinal Secretary of State of Pope St. Pius X was a saintly man in his interior life with God and his daily life among men. Although revered and admired by all, only after his death was his immense charity and profound humility revealed in its fullness.

Cardinal Merry del Val was an aristocrat by birth, a man of culture and great learning, yet his joy and happiness was to be among the poor and lowly. His great desire was to work for souls. "Give me souls; take away all else" was the constant plea he voiced to God throughout his life, and these were the only words he wished to have on his tomb besides his name.

This book reveals the hidden depths of spirituality which strengthened him and perfected him in his quest for perfection and union with God. The testimonies of those who knew him, his letters of direction to souls, his diaries and personal notes are woven into a profoundly stirring revelation of a soul completely dedicated to God.