"Another book about Thérèse of Lisieux? Yes, The Power of Confidence
is Susan Conroy's translation of Conrad De Meester's Dynamique de la
Confiance in its second updated edition. De Meester's original doctoral
thesis, published in 1969, has been revised and reissued in 1998 with
references redone according to the integral critical edition of her
Complete Works and also in light of the wealth of new information that
has emerged since 1969. Although the genre is scholarly and methodical,
the book is as fascinating as a good mystery. The table of contents is
clear and descriptive, allowing the reader to dip into sections of
particular interest. In this respect, the book is much like a reference
book. The reader who gets bogged down in the early exegetical details
can skip ahead to the middle of the book for an inspiring vista of where
the disciplined exegesis is heading. If anyone has wondered why Thérèse
has been declared a doctor of the Church, this book demonstrates how her
'little doctrine' is 'a theological teaching solidly grounded in the
nature of God.' De Meester makes Thérèse's teaching more accessible to
modern readers by explaining the contexts in which her vocabulary and
spiritual doctrine developed. Most interesting is his patient tracking
down of the exact timing of the crystallization and articulation of her
doctrine of 'the little way' of spiritual childhood. De Meester's point is that
confidence is the dynamic core of Thérèse's life and teaching. It is a
real energy and dynamo for her in her progress toward her goal. He shows
how confidence became the heart of her doctrine, and how she was finally
able to articulate it for others at the end of her life. We read
hundreds of books in a lifetime, but only a few are milestones that we
never forget. This is one of those few books that can change one's life."
--Monica Burt, OCSO, Mt. St. Mary's Abbey in
Cistercian Studies Quarterly, 35.2 (2000)
"In many cases, it would be considered a dubious recommendation to say that a book of spiritual
reading was originally published as a doctoral dissertation. In this case, however, that assumption
would be dead wrong. As one might expect, this examination of St. Thérèse's idea of "spiritual
childhood" is unusually thorough and detailed, offering information for even the most knowledgeable
reader of Thérèse. Careful footnotes give further help in situating and elaborating on the text.
The Power of Confidence, however, is no dry, dusty tome. Conrad De Meester immerses himself
not only in the mind, but in the heart, of St. Thérèse, and his delight in the subject matter shines
through his engaging writing style. Anyone who has come to admire Thérèse will be enlightened and
inspired by this thoughtful exploration of her work and its context in her life. This volume would
be a great asset to the library of any congregation, church, or school." --
Spiritual Book News, March 1999
"In his study of the 'little way,' originally a doctoral dissertation that has been revised, updated,
and finely translated into English under the title of The Power of Confidence, we have the
masterpiece of one who is a renowned authority on the youngest Doctor of the Church. Discalced Carmelite
Father Conrad de Meester traces the genesis and structure of Thérèse's way of spiritual childhood
with the precision, delicacy, patience, wonder, and delight of a botanist, all transferred to the
theological plane.... It is the charm and freshness of this very little flower that Father
de Meester has recreated in his study. It delights, it invites our emulation." --
Sr. Mary Thomas Noble, O.P. in the National Catholic Register,
February 28 - March 6, 1999
"Help in traveling saintly pathways: The Power of Confidence: Genesis and Structure of the "Way
of Spiritual Childhood", by Belgian Carmelite scholar, Fr. Conrad De Meester, OCD (Louvain,
Belgium), translated by Susan Conroy; with Preface by New York Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Ahern. The
book is a revised and updated edition of Fr. De Meester's doctoral dissertation (called a "masterpiece"
by Bishop Ahern), with careful annotated commentary. Among concepts covered: Little Flower's
experience and teaching on life's ups and downs as a springboard to sanctity; and the relationship
between confidence in God and love of God. A scholarly work." --Crux of the
News, March 22, 1999
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Father Conrad De Meester, OCD, a Carmelite priest from Louvain,
Belgium, is the author of numerous works on the spiritual masters of Carmel: Thérèse of Lisieux,
Laurent of the Resurrection, and Elizabeth of the Trinity. In particular, it was he who compiled
the critical edition of the Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity for Les Editions du Cerf.
He has two titles to his name published in English: With Empty Hands: The Message of Thérèse
of Lisieux (St Paul Publications Australia, 1982) and St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Her Life,
Times and Teachings (ICS Publications, Washington, DC, 1997). The Power of Confidence
is a revised and updated edition of the masterpiece which won him his well-deserved reputation
when it was first published as a doctoral dissertation twenty-seven years ago.