REVIEWS+

The Monastery of the Heart

An Invitation to a Meaningful Life
by Joan Chittister
The Monastery of the Heart: An Invitation to a Meaningful Life. Bluebridge, dist. by IPG. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9781933346342. $19.95. REL
COPY ISBN
Chittister (executive director, Benetvision; The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully), prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA, is one of the most cherished Catholic writers now living. Her latest work is an invitation to spiritual reflection drawn from her own long experience and emphasizes topics important to her—lectio divina, prayer, service, and sacred art, among others. Her ideas are arrayed in a kind of loose free verse, and while they are indifferent as poetry, the slightly unusual disposition of words on the page slows the reader down, prompting a deeper engagement with the material. This book also provides an introduction to a growing alliance of spiritual seekers (www.monasteriesoftheheart.org) united by an interest in Benedictine life and spirituality.
VERDICT Chittister's new work reflects the creation of a new kind of quasi-monastic spirituality suited for the age of liberalization
Reviewed by Graham Christian , Jul 01, 2011
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?