I Loved Jesus in the Night: Teresa of Calcutta―A Secret Revealed

Review

“I Loved Jesus in the Night tells of Dominican Father Paul Murray’s encounter with Mother Teresa as well as his reflection on her spirituality which she herself described as a spirituality of darkness. Having been moved by her message when he first heard her give a lecture in Rome in the 1970s, Father Murray became a lifelong student/devotee of Mother Teresa, and found himself particularly moved by her spirituality of profound anguish marked by the sense of God’s seeming absence or abandonment. Drawing parallels between Mother Teresa’s spirituality and that of other saints like John of the Cross or Bernadette of Soubirous, Fr. Murray offers an insightful glimpse into the psychology not only of holiness, but of contemplation as well.” —Carl McColman, A Contemplative Faith Blog “Written to celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa (who was beatified in 2003 by Pope John Paul II), I Loved Jesus in the Night: A Secret Revealed is the testimony of a priest who met with Mother Teresa firsthand. Drawing upon anecdotes, primary testimonies, and Mother Teresa's own correspondence, I Loved Jesus in the Night is emotionally moving, completely candid, and a choice pick for Christian Studies shelves. Highly recommended!” —Midwest Book Review "Mother Teresa suffered this spiritual darkness for most of her life, but kept her faith amidst this suffering. Murray had several personal contacts with Mother Teresa and discusses these and other aspects of the spirituality of the dark night of the soul. She was strong in her faith even in the dark night. She had her moments of doubt and wonder, but she did not give into them. This is a small book which should not be quickly read, but pondered on instead. This book is highly recommended to those interested in Mother Teresa and the dark night of the soul." —Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., Catholic Exchange"I Loved Jesus in the Night was just what I needed. Her approach to simplicity has such depth and richness that I never tire of learning about her. Most of these books are small and look like they could be read in the time it takes to make and drink a cup of tea. Don’t let that take you by surprise. These books are meant to be savored. Reflected upon. Prayed with." —Maria Morera Johnson "After reading this book twice I can say with complete honesty that this book has done more for my spiritual life than any other resource. A beautiful, short, easy read that should be read by everyone. If you experience a lot of spiritual dryness or desolation this is a specifically touching book. Even having read so much on Mother Teresa, the way Fr. Paul writes about her is so personal and genuine you can't help but love her, empathize with her, want to be like her, and be amazed at her strength. Such a beautiful window into her interior life but also into her passion for helping the poor and bringing Jesus to them. I will probably re-read it a hundred more times in my life." —Lydia Wilson

—Carl McColman,

To be in love & yet not to love, to live by faith and yet not to believe. To spend myself and yet to be in total darkness. --Teresa of Calcutta I Loved Jesus in the Night is one priests's compelling account of meeting with the saint of Calcutta. Sharing anecdotes and first-hand experiences, Paul Murray offers a glimpse into why Mother Teresa could declare, in one of her letters, that if ever she were to "become a saint," she would surely be one of "darkness." This very personal yet powerful book is an attempt to come to terms with the dark night experiences endured by Mother Teresa in light of the Gospel and the mystical teachings of St. John of the Cross. And something else as well...revelations of Mother Teresa's sense of humor!