As always, BI. Alberione is clear, concise and completely down-to-earth. This is the best book on the virtues that l have ever read," comments a Jesuit Father at Boston College. " It is extremely practical and should be required reading in every novitiate." The volume is indeed well suited to novices, since it presents traditional religious asceticism in a manner geared to our own swift-paced and out-going era, but it will also prove valuable to retreat masters, novice mistresses and all others involved in the all-important task of formation. In fact, it will be appreciated by all who are striving to realise in their own lives the exhortation of the decree Perfectae Caritatis: " The service of God ought to inspire and foster in religious the exercise of the virtues, especially humility, obedience, fortitude and chastity. In such a way they share in Christ's emptying of himself and his life in the Spirit."