Conversion is a lifelong process, requiring us to put away idols, surrender the false self and allow the real self to emerge by accepting weakness, owning up to our sins and failings, and working to overcome them. Grace is experienced in prayer, in reading, in solitude and in spiritual companionship, in life's good experiences and in times of trial. Attuning ourselves to God's grace and responding to it in body, mind, and soul is the work of a lifetime.
André Louf, OCSO, (1929-2010), served as abbot of the Cistercian Abbey of Mont-des-Cats for thirty-five years until his retirement in 1997. His books in English include The Cistercian Way, Tuning in to Grace, Mercy in Weakness, Grace Can Do More, and The Way of Humility, all published by Cistercian Publications.