Catholic Review of: Cosmas or the Love of God

I first came across this book while on retreat at the Trappist monastery in northern California about 25 years ago. The book was being read aloud, by one of the monks, to all the others while they were gathered in the refectory for the evening meal. Since I was on a short retreat, I only heard about 2 chapters of the book and I was intrigued.

Over the years I searched for the book and all I could find were expensive out-of-print hardcover copies, never anywhere near where I lived at the time. Just those two chapters that I had heard made such an impression on me for so many years!

I was excited to find out that Loyola Press reprinted the book in paperback, as part of their impressive Loyola Classics series, three years ago. In the first year of its reprint I bought a copy and spent a few memorable evenings reading this gem that I had sought after for so many years.

Like all great stories, it is fairly simple - at least on the surface. The story is set in pre-war France. A young man, Cosmas, believes he has a religious vocation to the Trappist monastery of La Trappe de Soligny. The abbot, prior and novice master of the Abbey are not so sure. Cosmas, an enigmatic figure, is certain of his vocation. A terribly idealistic and naive young man, he has his share of difficulties adjusting to both monastic life and life in general. Will young Cosmas ever be able to find his way?

Cosmas enters and leaves the monastery life at La Trappe a few times. Each time convincing the superiors that "this time" he will persevere and remain a monk. But it is not to be so. The abbot and prior have an ongoing discussion of what it means to answer God's call, what it means to be a monk and, in a more general sense, what it means to be a Christian. Cosmas is always the catalyst for their thoughtful and penetrating discussions which we, the readers, are so fortunate to be able to "listen in on."

How do we know God's will for us? How do we know God loves us? How do we make our way through this often times, difficult, sad, and confusing earthly life? These are some of the questions that the book sets out to answer and I think it does a fine job of doing just that.

I you haven't read a "Catholic novel" lately, or ever, I really recommend this one. Its a mystery story, and much more. With its classic twist near the end of the story, it will stay with you for a long time. This was the only book that Pierre de Calan, a French banker and father of a large family, ever wrote. Many say that, at most, the novelist has one great story to tell. De Calan certainly had one!