The 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

10 Promises of Jesus

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This book is a solid dose of hope. Through her own stories and the stories of others who have faced adversity and suffering, Marge Fenelon reminds us that, no matter what, Jesus is always there for us. Jesus understands adversity and suffering because he experienced them himself. And he promised not once, but repeatedly that he will turn our sorrow into joy if we but trust and follow him. No matter what situation you are facing, and how frail your sense of hope has become, this comforting, inspiring book will reassure you that Jesus is waiting to lift you up. ~margefenelon.com

Marge Fenelon is an award-winning Catholic author and journalist, speaker and blogger whose writing has appeared in dozens of secular and Catholic media outlets. She is a columnist for the Milwaukee Catholic Herald. She was a guest speaker for one of our Lenten Mission nights in 2019.