He lived more than 50 years as a Cistercian monk and priest, called to a life of solitude and silence, prayer and contemplation. During those decades 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 Basil and worked alongside him share their experiences of this simple yet charismatic man of faith and the difference he made in millions of lives. Through their memories, readers will encounter an unforgettable presence whose contribution will live on far beyond his years.

Contributors include Thomas Keating, Laurence Freeman, E. Glenn Hinson, Werner Erhard, members of Basil’s immediate family, and many others. As We Knew Him also includes a previously unpublished autobiographical reflection by Basil Pennington himself.