Radiance of Her Face

A Triptych in Honor of Mary Immaculate

“The longing to gaze upon the Immaculate Virgin,” writes Dom Xavier Perrin, “is not a matter of superficial devotion … but rather a genuine requirement of Christian contemplation.” In this book, he shows us the necessity of Mary in the life of every Christian.

Alive to the role of material beauty in strengthening our perception of the invisible, Dom Perrin uses the visual language of the “Triptych” to assist us in our understanding of Mary’s role in the divine plan. Those who already rejoice in fervent devotion to Mary will find their love for her here nourished, stirred, refreshed, confirmed, given new impetus. For those who have lacked the confidence to turn to Mary, who feel they do not really understand how we can pray to her, or relate to her, these pages may prove truly liberating, inviting entry into a prayer life that is deeper, more confident, and more effective.

A contemplative gaze at Mary Immaculate has the power to change us, to convert us, to soften our hard hearts, to open us up to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Here then is a book to be savored, to be read slowly and repeatedly, to be passed on to others. May it be a blessing for all who encounter it.

About the Author

Dom Xavier Perrin OSB was born in Tours in 1958. He studied French Literature in Rennes, and the History of Art at the Sorbonne. In 1980, he entered the Abbey Sainte Anne de Kergonan in Brittany, where he was ordained in 1989, having studied theology at Solesmes, Fribourg, and Munich. At Ste Anne he served as guestmaster, organist, novice master, and prior, and taught dogmatic theology. He has written books and articles about the history of the Solesmes Congregation, liturgy and spirituality, and has been involved in the promotion of Gregorian chant. He was appointed Prior Administrator of the Abbey of Our Lady of Quarr on the Isle of Wight in April 2013, and elected abbot in May 2016.