Coronal by Paul Claudel, translated by Sister Mary David, SSND, 128 pages
Coronal is a translation of Claudel's Corona Benignitatis Anni Dei,
a collection of religious poems and reflections on the liturgical
year. Whether a result of the translation or the unconventional style
of the original, most of the poems are unmemorable, but occasionally a
striking image bursts out, like the crucified St Peter looking "down at
the heaven to which he holds the keys" or St Francis Xavier investing
the continent of Asia as if for a siege. The climax, a poetic Way of
the Cross, stands out as a searingly personal examination of conscience.
The original French is presented with the English translation on the facing page.
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