I can get the gist as well. There is an author (Yvonne de Bremond D'Ars) whose works I enjoy a great deal but only 4 have been translated into English. I am currently, and SLOWLY, reading the 5th with the aid of a very old French English dictionary. Rather enjoyable to be forced to slow down and pay attention.
Completely off topic alert - underneath one of the words I looked up was something translated into the English word "crapulous" meaning intemperate. What a wonderful sounding word when you want a good insult!!