Dominican Spirituality: Principles and Practice

by William A. Hinnebusch

Father Hinnebusch received his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oxford where he studied prior to his assignment as professor of history at Providence College. He subsequently spent three years doing research at the Historical Institute of the Dominican Order in Rome where he published The Early English Friars Preachers. For many years he taught Church History at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. A contributor to the Encyclopedia Brittanica, the Catholic Youth Encyclopedia and the New Catholic Encyclopedia, Fr. Hinnebusch was also the author of Renewal in the Spirit of St. Dominic (1968).

Genres: Catholic, Christianity, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of the Third Order who is yet to make Final Promises, but is under the last of the 3 years Temporary Promises status, I have wondered what exactly is supposed to be the core of Dominican Life, I think this book expresses perfectly. I have also wondered just who St. Dominic was because unlike St. Francis, when it comes to St. Dominic there is not as much written about St. Dominic and very few of his own words, yet in the midst of it I believe this book illuminates on the person of St. Dominic through describing the spirituality and mentality of the Order. Undergirding the 6 Principles described in this book, is both a yearning for Authentic Truth and Love of the Divine, not only for the persons own sake, but the sake of all around to have them share in that Light and Love which God alone gives.

[Joe A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and concise understanding of the undertaking that exists for those who wish to follow the life as led by those who practice the Dominican "way" as held through their rule and constitutions.

It is equal parts intellectual as well as spiritual formation for the soul who wishes to gain a further understanding of the life led by these "Intellectual Monks" and the fruit by which they gain their apostolate to preach, namely their love of God through love of neighbor and a deep, rich contemplative life of prayer and service to others.

An outstanding book that gives great insight into the formation of the Dominican life. For only being 144 pages, it is certainly a very dense volume, but still has the benefit of being a source of great spiritual wealth.

[Jeffrey Kahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an essentialized presentation of the principles and practices of the Dominican order. The author provides key insights from the life of St. Dominic, quotes from many of its most illustrious saints, and references to the order’s own Constitutions. Because the Dominicans consider themselves to be both contemplative and active, their spirituality is a holistic combination of liturgy, study, community, and service. The book is intended primarily for those interested in pursuing the full vocation of a Dominican friar or nun, yet its basic principles and practices can easily be adapted into the life of any committed believer.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of talks given in outline of the Dominican religious order. It is very simple in its approach, heavy in quotations from founding Saints and with brief asides about modern life. Sort of a niche topic then but I found it very useful in explaining the charism of the order. The lectures discuss each dimension of Dominican life in a straightforward pep-talk / party line / faithful truth sort of way, which is a weakness only insofar as it doesn't grapple with many big problems directly. As an introduction though it was a good place to start I think.

[Alonso Perez-Lona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful little book. The bibliography is much appreciated.

[Kristiina Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books gives wonderful historical background on the order of preachers - their establishment and progress up until the present day. It also discusses the different facets of a Dominican life, mainly concentrating on the friar but also discussing nuns, sisters and tertiaries. The spirituality is presented in a wonderfully clear manner making it easy to think about how to implement it in one's life - regardless of one's state in life (whether a layman or religious). The many passages describing the life of the founder, St.Dominic and one of the most well known members of the Third Order, St.Catherine of Siena are inspiring and relate clearly to aspects of the Dominican life put into practice.

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fairly recently become very interested in Dominican spirituality so in doing a bit of research I quickly picked up this volume. So glad I did. Excellent intro to the subject. written about fifty years ago by a brilliant Dominican priest. Not strictly a "nuts and bolts" overview but practical advice for priests, religious, or laymen. Much food for thought and meditation.

If a person wants to get a good sense of Dominican spirituality, particularly if one is discerning a possible call to this order, this book is just the ticket.

[Sam Eccleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the Dominican rule of life as practiced in Catholic Priories all over the world. It suffers from occasional spelling mistakes and grammatical errors which may well have arisen in translation. A weakness of the text is that it focuses on the observance of the first and second orders to the almost complete exclusion of the third order, despite the third order having produced some of the greatest Dominican saints.

[Friar Dismas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary of Dominican spirituality!

[Roy Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in Dominican Spirituality.