About the book: 1994 / This book was written as the second volume of the book Spiritual Theology recently published by Sheed & Ward in London. In the first book we attempt a comprehensive, systematic examination of the theology of Christian self-improvement, identifying the theological principles that form the doctrinal basis of ascetic and mystical practice, and then considering the application of these principles to the Christian life. About the Author. Director of the Institute of Spirituality of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Advisor to the Sacred Congregation for Clergy and Catechesis and to the Sacred Congregation for Evangelization. Edited by The Priest, ed. Our Sunday Visitor, and Cross and Crown Series of Spirituality, ed. V. Herder Book Company of St. Louis, Mo. He conducted courses of spiritual exercises in solitude for priests and monks, and gave lectures in different countries of the world - in Nigeria, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, the USA and Canada. Professor Emeritus, University of Saint Thomas, Manila.