Description: Have you ever wondered what the difference between the Franciscans and Jesuits is? Have you been curious about how a monk's life differs from a missionary's and about the origins of these traditions? This book explores how four distinct types of spirituality evolved in Christianity over the centuries as a response to various needs in different eras. These all became ""schools"" of spiritual formation. This book introduces monasticism, mendicancy, apostolic ministry, and missionary life as umbrella categories out of which many religious communities formed. It explores thirteen of these different communities, introducing you to the founders and the original fire that moved each of them to create something new. This book provides historical background and explores the rich legacy of the founders of each of these communities. It vibrantly shows how the story of the church as a whole has been enriched and blessed by these feisty, controversial, and saintly sages whose radical choice to follow the Spirit led them into new terrain and resulted in the emergence of a diversity of forms of spiritual lifestyles. From within this treasure house of Christian riches, we can draw support and inspiration to contribute our own stories and pass on this legacy to those who come after. Endorsements: ""The Catholic Church has been blessed with great spiritual men and women who became the initiators of religious movements and the founders of religious orders. Nicki Verploegen brings her wealth of experience and understanding to the task of unfolding the development of these various spiritualities. This book will help each of us on the spiritual journey understand and deepen our own connection with God through the lens of history."" -Paul J. Coury C.Ss.R Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tucson, Arizona ""A lucid presentation of the movements of religious life and spirituality, expressing enthusiasm with and fascination for God in the two thousand years of history of the Catholic Church. The author traces with clarity the change from monastic to mendicant, to ministerial and active apostolic spirituality, finally moving into missionary spirituality. A fascinating account of the journey of religious Orders and Congregations as they evolved, moving with the signs of the times."" -Ferrera Weinzierl, OP Dominican Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Zimbabwe ""In this gem of a book, Nicki Verploegen reveals her rootedness in spirituality, particularly western Christian spirituality. Her introduction to four schools of spirituality, explanation of why each rose to prominence in its religious, social, and political milieu, why each is still relevant to us today, and how we can make full use of each in our lives proved helpful and inspiring. The questions and bibliography at the end of each chapter make the book a useful tool for personal or group discernment. This book should be on the to-read list of every serious contemporary spiritual seeker."" -Thomas Wright Society of African Missions ""This compilation of church history and spirituality is a valuable resource for all those involved in retreat work and spiritual direction as well as for anyone who wishes to deepen his or her prayer life. Drawing on her own experience as a teacher and spiritual mentor on many continents, Nicki Verploegen fills a gap in the religious literature available for those who wish to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the wealth of prayer forms and consecrated ways of life that have developed within Christianity over the centuries. Easy to read yet full of deep insights, this overview of a diverse range of spiritual traditions will appeal to spiritual seekers of all ages, professions, and religious persuasions."" -Janice McLaughlin, MM Maryknoll Sisters About the Contributor(s): Nicki Verploegen is co-founder of TATENDA International, a nonprofit that provides cost-free retreats to caregivers abroad, especially in Africa and Asia. She teaches o