Journeys of a Mystic Soul in Poetry and Prose by Cecilia del Nacimento (review)

Abstract

Journeys of a Mystic Soul in Poetry and Prose. By Cecilia del Nacimento. Edited and Translated by Kevin Donnelly and Sandra Sider. [The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe:The Toronto Series, 18.] (Toronto: Iter, Inc., and Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies. 2012. Pp. xii, 548. $37.00 paperback. ISBN 978-0-7727-2118-1.)One of the most fascinating literary currents of the Spanish Renaissance and Golden Age is that provided by mystical writers. Inspired by the long- standing spiritual tradition of the Middle Ages and energized by the socio-his- torical milieu of the time and the religious zeal promulgated by the Counter- Reformation, figures such as Ss.Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross became living examples of what it means to love God with one's whole heart and mind and soul and to love one's neighbor as oneself. The articulation of inti- macy with God through poetry and prose makes mystical writings a center- piece of humanistic letters. Partaking in this mysterious itinerarium of faith with God is a little-known Carmelite nun, Cecilia del Nacimento (1570-1646), whose work remained in obscurity until the twentieth century when her manuscripts were first subjected to close critical scrutiny, culminating with this most informative book at hand.This edition provides a bilingual selection of poetry and selected prose into English by the nun-author Cecilia. The edi- torial work is done by Kevin Donnelly, a specialist in colonial Spanish American studies, and Sandra Sider, whose superb skills as translator have already been manifested in her insightful rendition of the sonnets of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz and the poetry of Sappho.The translation of Mother Cecilia's prose texts include the Treatise on the Transformation of the Soul in God, one of the earliest expositions of personal spiritual experiences and ideas regarding mysticism, and the Treatise on the Union of the Soul in God, the earliest extant prose piece written by her. As the editors note, this treatise provides the most explicit details of how Mother Cecilia's love imitated a rela- tionship with God that transcended prayer, meditation, fasting, and works of charity.The present edition also contains the skillful translation of Cecilia's First Account of God's Favors, which departs from the description of the soul's spousal relationship with God and focuses on the revelations experienced by the nun through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, as well as the effects of her spiritual experiences on several aspects of her life with the sisters in the convent and the difficulties she faced during the founding of the Discalced Carmelite convent in Calahorra. …