From the faters of the desert to st. Basil and st. Benedict.........22 The apostolic orders in the thirteenth century................37 The clerks regular of the sixteenth century.......50 The theology of religious obedience.............60 Obedince, the touchstone of theological life..............89 The obedience of Women..............108 Religious obedience in the code of canon law..........123 Obedience leads to maturity........130 Psychology of the beginning of the novitiate ..140 Woman`s psychological maturity..........167 Spiritual childhood...................173 Training in Obedience....188 Initiative and obedience in religious life ..232 Obedience of active and contemplative sisters......240 Superiors and the sisters difficulties in Obedience......245 Obedience in te formation of a novice ......255 Active methods with missionary sisters...........265