Oratory of the Faithful Soul; or, Devotions to the Most Holy Sacrament, and to Our Blessed Lady.

Louis de Blois, also known by his Latin name, Franciscus Ludovicus Blosius, became abbot of the Benedictine Order at Liessies in 1530. As abbot, he concerned himself with the renewal of the monastic spirit among the Benedictine brothers. The monastic spirit was one of great learning and disciplined, righteous living, and Blois’ monastery became widely known for those virtues. Blois wrote The Oratory of the Faithful Soul for his fellow monks as an instrument of devotion and spiritual adoration. In turn, Blois praises and meditates upon the Triune God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. With the passion of a mystic, the abbot fills his words with affection for his Redeemer. Five hundred years later, Catholics still worship God through Blois’ devotions.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff