I have learned that such a sapiential theology cannot be developed without an intimate union between doctrine and life, because-as in the person of Fr. Anselm-it is precisely the ascetical practice of the imitation of Christ which creates that spiritual sensitivity without which one cannot succeed in fully grasping the depth of the mystery of Christ. - Fr. Gellert Bekes, OSB (1915-1999), professor at Sant'Anselmo and the Gregoriana, co-founder of the inter-congregational Sapientia College of Theology in Budapest. Stolz argued for a transformation of man, in his ontological depths, on his sacramental and ascetic journey. Ascesi christiana is the final stage of Stolz's journey towards the perfection which lies deep within man, which is at the same time beyond his capabilities. - Fr. Elmar Salmann, OSB, Professor of Philosophy and Systematic Theology at the Pontifical University St. Anselm (Rome), Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome) and at the Hochschule fur Philosophie (Munchen) The Benedictine scholar Anselm Stolz is well known for establishing the biblical, patristic, sacramental, and monastic roots of Christian mysticism. The present book-spiritual conferences Fr. Stolz delivered at the threshold of the Second World War-completes his task. Christian Asceticism is an essential document in the history of ascetic and mystical theology and a landmark in the twentieth-century renewal of Catholic and monastic thought. - Carol Zaleski, Professor of World Religions, Smith College