"As a Missionary of the Holy Spirit who has lived much of his adult life in the United States, I am delighted to share a few thoughts on a book that introduces to the English-speaking world one of the figures I treasure and know the most: Blessed Concepción Cabrera de Armida, better known throughout the world as Conchita. Conchita is a treasure to be known-especially now that she has joined the ranks of the saints recognized by the Church-and this book by Kathleen Beckman does a great job of introducing readers to her life, teachings, and spirituality. As a member of one of the institutions that were established thanks to her apostolic zeal and one who has read her Diary cover to cover on several occasions, I recognize in Beautiful Holiness some- thing very similar to what I have experienced in my relationship with God and Conchita over the years: a journey. On the one hand, this book presents us with the journey that Conchita experienced from her years as a young girl-thirsty "for something very big which would fill (her) poor soul" and full embrace of the spirituality of the Cross at the moment of her death. This journey took Conchita from an ever-growing desire for God (which we all have, even if we have not recognized that that is what it is) to the increasing knowledge of Him that turned her life into the love story you will find in these pages. Her transformation was not exempt from material and spiritual difficulties, and this makes Conchita someone we can all relate to. Just like you and me, Conchita had to go through a conversion experience-resulting, in her case, from the tragic, unexpected death of her brother-that left in her a deeper desire for God and for the salvation of the souls. Kathleen Beckman's introduction to Conchita presents the multiple facets that made Conchita who she was and is today: a daughter, a wife, the mother of nine children, a widow, a mystic, an apostle, the most prolific writer of contemporary mystical literature, an active intercessor-as we read in the narration of the miracle that led to her beatification-and the first Mexican laywoman to be beatified. Beckman's book also provides an accessible approximation to some of the most important aspects of Conchita's experience of the Christian faith: in her family life, in her prayer life, in her encounter with the Cross and her self-surrendering love, in her union with Mary, in her Eucharistic life, in her love of priests, in her obedience to her spiritual directors, and in her ability to love with the Holy Spirit. These are all important elements connected to one of the many gifts she received from God-namely, a Christocentric, Trinitarian, and Marian spirituality that was entrusted to her for the salvation of souls and is known as the Spirituality of the Cross. Through all of this, Conchita is presented to us as a spiritual mother, one who allowed God's love to transform the whole of her existence and who wanted nothing but to guide others to the center and source of that love: Christ. Beautiful Holiness describes the effects that the active and com- mitted love of this woman had in the life of her family and in the lives of the many priests, prelates, and religious sisters and brothers she encountered throughout her life as well as a multitude of laypeople who, through her writings, her example, and the institutions she inspired, have discovered their own calls to holiness. The descriptions of many of these effects and aspects of Conchita's life come from the testimonies of people who have studied her over the years, including Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, whose insights about Conchita are deeply valued by all of us. On the other hand, this book is also a step in our own journey. From this perspective, I invite you to use it not only to learn more about an outstanding woman but to take advantage of all that Christ taught her to learn more about yourself and what He has in store for you. Read this book in a spirit of prayerfulness. Pause to reflect on the questions the author shares at the end of each chapter. Allow God to use the time you spend reading and reflecting on this book to make Himself present in your life and to transform you. If you do, I am sure that the author, Conchita, and our Father in Heaven will all be very, very happy. "As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy for I am holy' " (1 Pet. 1:15-16)"--