To Heaven With Diana!: A Study of Jordan of Saxony and Diana D'Andalò With a Translation of the Letters of Jordan

Description

First published in 1960, this study and translation (from the original Latin) of the letters of Jordan of Saxony (c. 1190-1237), a Dominican friar, to Diana d'Andalò (1200-1236), a cloistered Dominican nun, brings to life an extraordinary friendship, forged in their shared love of God.

cf. the older translation by Georges, Norbert, O.P., S.T.Lr.

From the Publisher

Beyond being welcomed by those in religious life, this book will be appealing to readers interested in medieval spirituality, history, and culture. This new edition includes a new foreward by Fr. Carlos Azpiroz Costa, O.P, Master of the Dominican Order, and an editor's afterword on the vocation of the Dominican Nuns.

From the Back Cover

What Reviewers are Saying

"Some may wonder whether it is prudent to publish today the private letters of a Dominican Master of the Order, who would address his correspondent with the words carissima mea. That which is true, however, should never be feared. These letters that are a pearl of Dominican spirituality together with the magnificent introduction of the late Gerald Vann, O.P. show how it is possible for divine charity to transform human hearts with a warm and fraternal love. If religious life were not to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, what would be its value? We have taken up the adventure of the Lord's call so as to love more and not less, and so as to have the abundant life that the Lord has promised us. Consecrated life can only be a valid proposition and a way of life, if it is lived out within a true faith and true divine and human charity." --Fr. Carlos A. Azpiroz Costa, O.P. (from the foreward)

"These letters of Jordan to Diana are as fresh today as when they were written, filled with a deep and human love that is fully integrated into their relationship with God. Vann's introduction is brilliantly perceptive." --Timothy Radcliffe O.P., author of What is the Point of Being a Christian?

"Sensitive and robust, playful and profound, these letters provide a privileged glimpse into a remarkable friendship, and reveal also the shared passion for God and for the 'Holy Preaching' of two quite outstanding early Dominicans." --Paul Murray, O.P., author of The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness

"Firmly rooted in their consecration to God, Diana and Jordan are free to receive the gift of tender friendship. This loving communion draws them deeply into the heart of the Trinity, while affirming them in their different missions." --Sr. Claire Marie Rolf, first prioress of the International Community of Prouilhe.

"Jordan's letters to Diana rank among the most significant and formative documents of the Dominican Order, especially for the Nuns. May they continue to inspire a zeal for the 'Holy Preaching' initiated by St. Dominic." --Sr. Mary John, O.P., President, Conference of the Nuns of the Order of Preachers, U.S.A.

"As choice wine matures with age, so might these 13th century letters of intimacy and rich human love ring with greater clarity, depth, and spiritual challenge in our world of the new millennium. Perhaps the question all of us should ask ourselves, upon reading the secrets of hearts as great as these Dominicans,' Jordan and Diana, is: 'am I free enough to love with such authentic holiness?'"--Sr. Joseph Andrew, O.P., Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

About the Author

Gerald Vann (1906-1963), English Dominican Friar (Order of Preachers) was the author of several classic books on spirituality, including The Heart of Man (1944) and The Divine Pity (1945). A longtime college professor, he combined his teaching with writing, preaching, and broadcasting. His books are still being republished.