Joy Within His House - by Mary Magdalene of the Immaculate Conception Prewitt (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

You may, like most people, have misconceptions about monastic life, especially the cloister: what nuns do all day, what they are like, why they choose this life, and what they have given up. Perhaps you are not even aware that thousands of women dedicated to praying for you are scattered throughout the world, hidden in many different cloisters.

Joy Within His House offers those who live on the outside of the cloister a glimpse into the experience of those who live within. Dominican Sister Mary Magdalene of the Immaculate Conception Prewitt shares the joy she finds in living the life of a cloistered nun and following Christ. Several dozen captivating photographs from inside the cloister, many by award-winning photographer Jeffrey Bruno, help illustrate the prayer, study, work, and recreation that order the nuns' days.

A life of contemplation is not something esoteric, secretive, or hidden; rather, it is a mystery. Despite facing some different day-to-day realities, you might just find one or more facets of that mystery that will enrich your own life. This book demonstrates that laypeople can also take the principles of Dominican spirituality and monastic life and use them as tools to help them grow in holiness.

Review Quotes

"Joy Within His House illustrates what a blessing we have in the cloistered vocation, a life which Pope Leo XIV recently said 'is good for the Church to know ... because it is a valuable witness.' And that will come through on each page -- perhaps even as a surprise to readers who will undoubtedly see how the contemplative way can shape even the most active of lives." -- Michael R. Heinlein, author of Glorifying Christ: The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.

"Joy Within His House invites readers into the multifaceted vocation of a Dominican contemplative nun. Assisted by Jeffrey Bruno's stunningly candid photos, Sr. Mary Magdalene, OP, shows the reader how each person is called by God to become a saint, living in everlasting joy with God. This book is a foretaste of living forever in the mansions God has prepared for us in heaven." - Sr. Mary Catharine of Jesus Perry, OP, President, North American Association of Dominican Monasteries

"An instant classic. Joy Within His House can't help but bring joy to anyone who reads it. I loved this book -- a clear-eyed, hope-filled, wisdom-saturated look into the life of a wonderfully down-to-earth Dominican nun. Sister Mary Magdalene welcomes us into her world with open arms and an open heart, and we can't help but walk away from this encounter feeling enriched, inspired and profoundly grateful. The gorgeous photographs by Jeffrey Bruno deserve a book all their own! This would make a perfect gift for anyone pondering religious life -- or for anyone simply hungering to feel their own life enriched. There are lessons here for all of us. Take and read, and prepare for something extraordinary." -- Deacon Greg Kandra, journalist and author of The Handy Little Guide to Fasting, A Deacon Prays, and The Busy Person's Guide to Prayer.