1867

Small 8vo. Pp. (278). Text in Arabic, title and dedication in French. Contemporary blindpressed cloth, calf spine, gilt, rubbed. Internally fine. First edition.Rare, posthumous work that explores the theology, foundations, and exaltation of consecrated virginity in the Christian tradition. It was printed by the Jesuits' Arabic printing press, Imprimerie Catholique, which was established in 1848. The press was subsequently renamed Dar El Machreq and became affiliated with Saint Joseph University of Beirut. Paul Riccadonna, born in Broni (Italy), was among the first Jesuit priests to arrive in Beirut in 1831. He travelled and worked throughout the region until his death in 1863. Dalfi, Viaggio Biblico in oriente, p. 314.The title page and the dedication to P. Valerga are printed in French. Contemporary half leather. Rare devotional edition printed in Beirut at the Imprimerie Catholique. Father Riccadonna, a native of Broni, near Voghera, settled in Lebanon in 1831, re-establishing the presence of the Jesuits in this part of Asia after the re-establishment of the order. Here he gained a reputation for sanctity. Known as Bouna Boulos, he fulfilled his mission for 32 years and was called the Redeemer of Lebanon. He traveled preaching throughout Armenia, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Kurdistan, Anatolia, and Palestine, and died in 1863. It was precisely the work of the French Jesuits and the establishment of the printing press (which began in 1841) that contributed to the strong political influence that France would later have in Syria and Lebanon. Throughout the 1800s, the Catholic Church?Äîincluding the Jesuit order?Äîpromoted the glories of virginity and chastity as a spiritual response to secularization, the Enlightenment, and the industrialization of society. Consecrated celibacy was heavily exalted as the highest state of Christian perfectionThe Glories of Virginity is a religious work written by the Jesuit priest Paul Riccadonna. Published in Beirut in 1867 by the Catholic Press, this spiritual and edifying text explores the theology, foundations, and elevation of consecrated virginity in the Christian tradition. It is one of the first significant publications of this publishing house, which would later become the renowned Catholic Press of Beirut.Three Jesuits?Äîone Italian, Paul Riccadonna, one Frenchman, Beno?Æt Planchet, and one German doctor, Henri Henze?Äîsallied forth. They were armed with instructions from their superior general, Jean Roothaan in Rome, to maintain at all costs their humility and chastity ?Äúamong a people whose morals may be licentious.?Äù.…