A calling to love - (The Way of Divine Love)

Sor Josefa Menendez (1890–1923) was a Spanish nun and mystic of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Born in Madrid, she entered religious life at the age of 18, joining the order in 1911. Throughout her time in the convent, Josefa experienced profound mystical visions and intimate encounters with Jesus, which she recorded in her spiritual diaries. These private revelations, filled with deep insights into God's love and mercy, became the foundation for her book known in English speaking countries as “The Way of Divine Love”, which we present here in its original title: “A Calling to Love”.  

One of the most striking aspects of Josefa’s mystical experiences was a vision in which she was shown a terrifying glimpse of Hell. Jesus revealed to her the suffering of souls who had turned away from His love, and this experience profoundly impacted her. In response, she offered herself to share in the sufferings of the damned as a way to save souls. Jesus allowed her to experience some of the torment and anguish endured by those in Hell, which she bore with immense humility and love, as an act of redemptive suffering for the salvation of others.  

Her mystical experiences, including her willing participation in Christ’s sufferings, left a powerful spiritual legacy, inspiring many to embrace the fullness of divine love and the call to intercede for the salvation of souls. Throughout generations of Catholics this book has proven to be a life-changing experience, as generous souls hear, one on one, the voice of the Sacred Heart calling them to share in his redemptive work.