Allow me to inform readers about spiritual writer and theologian Fr John Brenninger, a prominent person in the Carmelite order whose books were studied by the novices.

He was born in Freising, Bavaria on April 16, 1890, to very humble parents. Still a child, he was struck by paralysis of the lower limbs but an extraordinary healing took place after he went on a pilgrimage to the Marian sanctuary of Altotting, in Bavaria. He joined the Carmelite Order when he was 19, professed his vows on October 26, 1910 and was ordained priest on July 26, 1914. He held various posts in the province and in the Order.

It was in October 1946 that the illness he had been suffering for some time took a turn for the worse and, on November 25, he passed away, by which time he had already become known for his sanctity. The following year, the General Chapter of the Order decided to initiate the process for his beatification.

It was thanks to him that two fundamental works were created that left their mark on the formation of new entrants to the Carmelite Order prior to Vatican Council II. These highlighted the spiritual heritage of the Order and its development.

His first work was Vita Carmelitana (Carmelite Life), published in 1933, and the other was Directorium Carmelitanum vitae spiritualis (The Carmelite directory of spiritual life), published in Latin in 1940. The Directory was intended for novices, but soon became a classic compendium for the spiritual journey. Out of modesty, he signed both works only as ‘Compilator’. Fr Brenninger also published various articles about personalities who stood out for their sanctity.

He bequeathed many manuscripts, among which was the remarkable collection of the instructions he collected in the Conventual Chapter while serving as prior of the Carmelite International College. These instructions were intended to comment on the Carmeliterule, the constitutions and spiritual life.