Book notices

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 36, 3 September 1924, Page 26

Book notices

Hymns of the Liturgy. By Rev. John Fitzpatrick, 0.M.1., Burns, Oates, Washbourne, London. Price, 3/6. This work will be a boon to many priests and .students who have a difficulty in translating some of the beautiful Latin hymns of the Sacred Liturgy. The hymns of the Divine Office and the sequences of the Mass are anions the noblest examples of poetry we have, and it is always" a pity if any of their meaning should he lost to readers through want of skill in rendering the Latin into English capable of fully expressing/ the thoughts of the authors. Father Fitzpatrick's volume is admirable for its faithful rendering of the meaning and even of the spirit of the original; and what is rare in such works, his verses flow freely and naturally. The Forgotten Paraclete, translated from the French of Mgr. Landrieux, by E. Leahy. Burns, Oates, Washbourne, London. Price, 3/6. Every day. we repeat in the Creed the article: I believe in the Holy Ghost! Yet how very lew Christians know even. the rudiments of the Catholic teaching about the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, and how fewer still practise devotion to Him or live in "active communion with him. He is the animating spirit of the Church; He is the sanctificr of souls; the inspiration of fervor and light and grace; and yet He is neglected. While numerous books are written by pious people to promr+.e far less- important devotions, works on the Holy Ghost are few and far between. • Hence this translation of Mgr. Landrieux's sound and edifying book is most timely and ought to have a wide circulation. We recommend it warmly for spiritual reading. Spiritual books of this kind, based on sound theology, are the most profitable for all Christians. Fidelis, by Jane Abbott. From Robertson and Mullens, Ltd., Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Price, $1.75. X Mrs. Jane Abbott has a great reputation in America for her girl's stories. She has the gift of entering into the girl-mind, and of telling an interesting tale in which she depicts lovable characters that have the ring of reality

about them. Ficlelis is a charming novel written by a woman who understands girls and loves to offer them clean, and entertaining reading for their hours of recreation. Rieka is one of the most delightful of the author’s heroines.

The Ecclesiastical Review.y Linehan, Melbourne. Price 20/- yearly.

The July number of the Ttevicw maintains the high standard of this important periodical for the clergy. The first article, by Father Le Taille, in answer to his critics is particularly interesting to students. As usual it is full of stimulating ideas, and the latest Roman documents and decisions are given.