M. Basil Pennington lived more than fifty years as a Cistercian monk and priest, called to a life of solitude and silence, prayer and contemplation. During that half century, he also traveled the world teaching, wrote dozens of books, and was a founder of the Centering Prayer movement and several national and international organizations. Who was this dynamic and deeply spiritual man?

As We Knew Him is the compelling story of one of the great spiritual leaders of the last century. Family, friends, and colleagues who knew M. Basil Pennington and worked alongside him share their experiences of a simple yet charismatic man of faith and the difference he made in millions of lives. Through their memories, you will encounter an unforgettable presence whose contributions will live on far beyond his years.

Michael Moran is a board member of the Mastery Foundation and assistant superior general of the Sons of St. Francis de Sales. He lives in London, England.

Ann Overton is the executive director and a founder of the Mastery Foundation, one of several organizations Basil Pennington was instrumental in creating. She lives in San Francisco.