A Key to the Doctrine of the Eucharist (2003) by Abbot Anscar Vonier
This classic book on sacramental theology is not just on the sacrament of the Eucharist, for the introductory chapters cover all seven sacraments. In the 200 pages of this book, Abbot Vonier has 200 references to explain his thinking: 100 from Sacred Scripture and 100 from St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica. It is a perfect book to read and study within the Logos system. (My review)
Note: This book was originally published in 1925.
Other Reviews
“This is a beautiful book — one of the great treasures of the Catholic renewal of the last century.”
—Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, Editor, Catechism of the Catholic Church
“Utterly lucid, penetrating, and humble... a jewel of a book.”
—Peter Kreeft, writing in the Preface
“Profound insights… I recommend this excellent book to all Catholics who desire a better understanding of the Mass.”
—Father Kenneth Baker, S.J.
Editor, Homiletic & Pastoral Review
“A classic example of the best twentieth-century Eucharistic theology.”
—Aidan Nichols, O.P., writing in The Holy Eucharist: from the New Testament to John Paul II
“One could wish most earnestly that every Catholic — and every Protestant for that matter — would read Abbot Vonier’s book. Both the mystery and the richness of the Eucharist are here: but the book is splendidly readable — no small achievement.”
—Thomas Howard
“One could spend a lifetime contemplating the many dimensions of the Eucharist, and it would be a life well spent. Father Vonier’s lucid and compelling account will put into his debt Catholics who would spend their lives well.”
—Richard John Neuhaus
“Abbot Vonier explains the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence with clarity and precision by focusing on the sacramental element in the Eucharist. Chapters 20, 21 and 22 are especially compelling, and could stand alone as independent essays.”
–Oswald Sobrino, Catholic Analysis weblog
“I think it is not only the best modern book out on the Eucharist, it is also the best Thomistic book I have read (of those written in the last 200 years)! Abbot Vonier gives a very good account of the Eucharist and also explains St. Thomas’ Sacramental theology in general.
His discussion of the real presence is superb! It is a must read for all modern Thomists.”
–Reginaldus
