Perseverance (Theology) 

The many facets of the virtue of perseverance have never been exposed so thoroughly or with such candor as Father McElligott's patient and profound study. With almost photographic clarity, his book details the nature of perseverance, its necessity in every state of life and the simple application of its power for holiness. Writing for priests, for religious, for the married and for those living in the single state in the world, the author hopes to capture and to synthesize for all men and women the aspects of perseverance which will help them to live their vocations richly and fully.

Father McElligott's purpose in reproducing his reflections on the meaning of perseverance can be summed up in his own words: "For some years I have been preoccupied with perseverance and all that this word implies; whether considered as perseverance in a work of long, yet temporary, duration, or perseverance in grace, or in a vocation; and the climax of it all, final perseverance. My personal interest in this was deepened as I reflected on defections in the priesthood, in religious life and in the laity both married and single. At first this frightened me, unduly perhaps, but at the same time there seemed to be a pattern at work, sometimes clear, at other times delusive and mysterious. After all, these persons had at their disposal a plentiful supply of grace. Why did they not use it? Very personal to me, however, was this thought: Is there not a sure way of safeguarding one's vocation regardless of his or her state of life."

Beginning with St. Thomas' notion, The Crown of Life continues with three other approaches to the virtue of perseverance: the sacramental approach; the scriptural approach; and the canonical approach. Under each of these headings new knowledge of the virtue is brought into view, a knowledge that can be instrumental in opening up an entirely new treasury of spiritual riches.

Taken from the inside flaps.