Bookshelf

The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality

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The book, "The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness," by Paul Murray, OP is another great book to delve deeper into the life and spirituality of our parish patron. 

This lively and compelling book by Paul Murray OP names and celebrates aspects of the Dominican tradition which are at the very core of its spirituality. This tradition has often been described in the past, and for good reason, as scholarly and intellectual. But the lives of the Dominicans whose voices we hear in this book were also, and to an extraordinary degree, apostolic, exuberant, evangelical, risk-taking, mystical, and robust.

One of the things which has characterized the Dominican spirit from the beginning is a sense of openness to the world. Dominicans such as Thomas Aquinas, Jordan of Saxony, and Catherine of Siena, were not only impressive celebrants of grace. They were also defenders of nature. After the example of St Dominic himself, they learned to drink deep from the wine of God's Word, and became witnesses not only of certain great moral and doctrinal truths but witnesses also of an unimaginable joy.

One reason, in society today, why so many feel unfulfilled and are not happy is because the vision of life offered is one that is restricted to a pragmatic, one-dimensional view of the world. The Dominican vision of life we find presented in this book is one that is truly broad and joyous. It is a path of spirituality - a way - open to people of all kinds and conditions.

Bloomsbury.com

St. Dominic: The Story of a Preaching Friar

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As we continue to explore and learn more about our parish patron, St. Dominic, in this year of the 800th anniversary of his death, we offer a second fascinating book to add to your reading list. St. Dominic:  The Story of a Preaching Friar, by Donald J. Goergen, OP., tells the history of St. Dominic's life, mission, and spirituality. It is presented in a way that is approachable for the contemporary reader.

St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers, better known as the Dominicans, but for Dominic, preaching did not mean being a good homilist. For St. Dominic, it was about sharing the Truth of Christ's death and resurrection, in being an evangelist like the apostles. His friars were to leave the monastery and go out into the world. They were to be humble, but boldly engage others in the quest for the Truth by sharing God's Word in human, understandable words, such as love, mercy, and compassion.  

We don't hear St. Dominic often mentioned when the great saints are named, but that is due more to St. Dominic's mission, which was to  always point to the Gospel, to point to Jesus. Like St. John the Baptist, he felt he must decrease and Christ increase. Yet, Blessed Jordan of Saxony, who became the successor Master of the Order of Preachers, wrote that St. Dominic was loved by everyone, because he loved everyone. He was full of grace and compassion. St. Dominic reflected the love of Christ through his life. His  spirituality was also tied very much into community, into listening to, living with, loving, and forgiving one another. 

We have much to learn and be inspired by the story of St. Dominic and this book provides a way to journey through his life.

Saint Dominic's Way of LIfe

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As part of our celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the death of our parish patron, St. Dominic, we encourage you to learn more about him by reading the book, “Saint Dominic’s Way of Life: A Path to Knowing and Loving God,” by Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP and Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP.

Pope Francis said, "St Dominic’s great call was to preach the Gospel of God’s merciful love in all its saving truth and redemptive power, showing the inseparability of faith and charity.”  There is much we can learn from St. Dominic's spirituality.

The best selling author and retreat master, Fr. Jacques Philippe said, “This beautiful book allows us to get to know Saint Dominic better, who was so close to God and so full of compassion for all the sufferings of his time. He is a shining example of what we are called to do today: seek God with all our heart to pour out the balm of his merciful love on all the plagues of our world.” 

We will take online orders with payment of $15 through November 1, 2021

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Posted by Meg Picciolo

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