«Leia estas cartas, que nelas verá debuxado seu ferveroso espírito» : sobre algumas cartas espirituais e directivas de religiosos portugueses (séculos XVI e XVII)

Abstract

This study aims to draw attention to some letters written by Father João Cardim (S.J.), especially those that were addressed to his mother, Catarina de Andrada, and his sister, Mother Isabel de São Francisco (O.S.H), as they allow to listen up spiritual ascending, held, in this case, through advice and spiritual guidance, by this religious, despite his youth. Thus, these letters show us some interesting vectors of the guidance of the spiritual life and consciousness direction in the XVIIth century in Portugal: recommended readings, modes of prayer or ascetic and devotional practices.

Keywords

• Father João Cardim (S.J.)
• Epistolography
• Spiritual direction
• XVIIth century