Maxims of Perfection

MAXIMS OF PERFECTION: WISDOM SAYINGS OF JEAN-PIERRE MÉDAILLE, S. J.These 128 MAXIMS OF PERFECTION proclaim the ageless teachings of Christ in a literary form popular in 17th Century France. In 1657, a Jesuit missionary priest, Father Jean-Pierre Médaille, wrote these wisdom sayings under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, for all persons who aspire to holiness of life. Quickly, after its first publication, this spiritual document rose to public acclaim among religious and laity. Many savoured the wisdom of these maxims, profited from their practice and grew spiritually mature under their carefully balanced guidance. Then, the book, MAXIMS OF PERFECTION seemed to lie dormant and hidden for several years. Its spirit kept alive primarily within the many congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph around the world. As this millennium dawns upon us, the Spirit of God is awakening the richness and uniqueness of this spiritual treasure in a resurging cry that comes from the laity: “Sisters, give this book to the public again."

These 128 well-formulated maxim sayings state important general principles that are foundational for every person’s spiritual life. They describe Gospel truths and rules of conduct that will be beneficial for the sincere lover of God seeking enlightenment. The Maxims present a clear synthesis of Father Médaille’s whole spirituality. He presents the Christian ideal: we are all called to holiness of life. At the same time, Father Médaille calls us to some existential, specific behavioural responses. There is a practical Christian reality: we are all responsible for contributing to the betterment of life around us.

This contemporary presentation of the MAXIMS OF PERFECTION (2020) invites readers to ponder prayerfully the words and meaning of each maxim. They speak in straight-forward language, requiring very little explanation or commentary, just a willingness to listen and learn, and be converted by them. The sacred words of this mystic have the power to purify, transform, and give life to our inner spirit. Then, they must be lived out repeatedly in the concrete reality of our day-to-day living before they become home to us. The words must become flesh in our way of life, in our way of relating, and in our way of being-in-the-world. We let God be done in us and through us.

This book is a companion text to Book One in the WORDS FOR LIFE series. You are invited to come and sit in quiet leisure, from time to time, with this warm and loving pastor of souls. Dialogue with this mystic, listen to our beloved Jean-Pierre speak with you. Read slowly his inspired wisdom sayings and let one phrase, one word, please you, attract you, challenge you, invite you, and move you into the “something more.” Come before these maxims with a ready heart and an openness to be transformed. You will not be disappointed.


ROSEMARY O’TOOLE is a Sister of St. Joseph in Canada. For the past thirty-six years she has been co-director with Evelyn McGovern, CSJ at The Upper Room Home of Prayer in Ottawa, Canada, offering spiritual direction, contemplative retreats and programs in spirituality. These MAXIMS OF PERFECTION offer a timeless wisdom that can nourish the spiritual quest of many sincere seekers today.