Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. (1893–1953), born Adrian (or Hadrian) de Vos in Bevere-Audenaerde, Belgium, was a Discalced Carmelite priest, theologian, spiritual director, and prolific author renowned for his expertise in Carmelite mysticism. He is best known for his deep insights into the spiritual doctrines of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, which he drew upon to guide souls toward holiness and union with God. His writings emphasize the interior life, contemplative prayer, and the soul's ascent to "divine intimacy"—a transforming union with the Divine—while balancing profound theological depth with accessible, practical guidance.

Early Life and Vocation

Born on January 24, 1893, into a devout family, Adrian lost his father at a young age but was raised by a supportive mother and stepfather. From childhood, he was drawn to the Carmelite nuns near his home, fostering an early attraction to the contemplative life. In 1910, at age 17, he entered the Discalced Carmelites in Flanders, Belgium, taking the religious name Brother Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen upon his profession on September 8, 1911. His studies in humanities, philosophy (at Courtrai, Belgium), and theology (in Dublin) were interrupted by World War I. Mobilized into the Belgian army's sanitation corps, he served in France, caring for the wounded under heavy fire. He was twice wounded and awarded the Military Cross of Honor for his bravery, all while providing spiritual leadership to fellow soldiers.

Ordained a priest on December 20, 1920 (or 1919, per some sources), he resumed his studies at the Catholic University of Louvain and the Angelicum in Rome. He taught philosophy and theology in his Belgian province from 1920 to 1926, and later became a professor of spiritual theology at the International College of the Discalced Carmelites in Rome (1926–1936), where he served as vice-rector and master of students. He also contributed to the Young Christian Workers movement in Belgium and founded the magazine Vita Carmelitana (later Rivista di Vita Spirituale) in 1944.

Spiritual Direction and Later Years

In the final decade of his life (1943–1953), Fr. Gabriel served as confessor and spiritual director to the Discalced Carmelite nuns at the Monastery of St. Joseph in Rome. Under his guidance, the nuns helped compile and organize his extensive manuscripts, lectures, and writings into structured works aligned with the liturgical year. A man of tireless zeal, he lectured widely, mentored young people, and exhausted himself in service to the Church, even during a bout of influenza. He died peacefully on March 15, 1953, in Rome, alone but surrounded by the fruits of his contemplative life. Contemporary accounts describe him as a placid, spectacled mystic with a warm, kind depth, likely experiencing mystical union himself.

Key Works and Legacy

Fr. Gabriel's writings, translated into multiple languages, remain influential in Carmelite spirituality and Christian meditation. They focus on discernment, the role of faith over extraordinary phenomena (like visions), and the Holy Spirit's work in sanctification. His method of mental prayer—presence of God, reading, reflection, and colloquy—draws from Teresian tradition to foster heart-to-heart encounters with God.

• Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year (original Italian: Intimità Divina, 1938; English trans. 1963): His masterpiece, a year-long cycle of daily meditations (two per day) based on the pre-Vatican II calendar. It guides the soul through purification, illumination, and union, incorporating Scripture and quotes from Carmelite saints. Often called a "classic of Carmelite spirituality," it has sold widely and inspired countless souls, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux's approach to ordinary holiness.
• Visions and Revelations in the Spiritual Life (recent edition, 2023): Explains Catholic mysticism, emphasizing discernment and prioritizing faith over ecstasies or raptures, with references to St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross.
• The Way of Prayer (or Little Catechism of the Life of Prayer): A practical guide to vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer, centered on the Our Father as taught by St. Teresa.
• Other works include The Holy Spirit in the Soul, Carmelite Mysticism: Historical Sketches, and volumes on the Incarnation and Redemption.

Journeys of Faith Divine Intimacy Guild Meets once per month on First Friday at 11 am to discuss the past month's meditations from Divine Intimacy

You can join in on this meeting via our Zoom Room.

Only requirement is that you have a Divine Intimacy book.

If you are interested simply fill out the form below and we will send you the zoom link and remind you of the next meeting just before the First Friday.

Anyone can join FREE!   You do not have to be near us. We use a Zoom Meeting hosted by us and we send you a link to join in. Remember the meetings are held on each First Friday at 11am.