St. Dominic: The Grace of the Word

by Guy Bedouelle

Written by one of the foremost contemporary authorities on Saint Dominic, this book represents the latest, best, most concise and readable spiritual biography of Saint Dominic. The focus of the biography is the way in which Saint Dominic embodied the role of Christ as preacher and the results that came from this grace. From his earliest youth, Sacred Scripture was the very heart and foundation of Dominic's spiritual life. He never ceased to plunge into the Word of God, to study it, to pray it. Bedouelle thus documents how Saint Dominic's whole life and mission was one continuous proclamation of the power of the Gospel to transform individual lives and society.

Genres: Biography, Theology, Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction

Nook

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Le frère Guy-Thomas Bedouelle est né en 1940 à Lisieux, en Normandie. Après des études de droit et de sciences politiques, il entre dans l’ordre en 1965. Il se consacre alors à la théologie au Centre d’études du Saulchoir, au Couvent Saint-Jacques à Paris, dont il deviendra le président, ainsi qu’à l’histoire religieuse à Paris, Genève et Fribourg. Docteur en théologie, en droit et en histoire, le Père Bedouelle était diplômé de l’Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris et avait été admis à l’École Nationale d’Administration (ENA). Il a été de 1977 à 2007 professeur d’histoire de l’Église à l’Université de Fribourg.

Reviews

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Dominicans, those in formation, and anyone interested in the life of this great saint. It is divided into two sections: Saint Dominic (bio and context) and The Grace of Preaching (the order). Somewhat scholarly but accessible it covers a great deal about Dominic and Dominican spirituality (Chapter Twelve is worth the price of the book) assisting the reader greatly in understanding the man and his charism which he imparted to the order he founded.

[Kuba Łagowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zaskakuje tak bardzo naukowo-historyczna synteza kogoś kto żył 800 lat temu i nie zostawił żadnej spuścizny poza przykładem życia i działaniem. Trudno czyta mi się książki historyczne, mimo to czuć w tej pozycja pewien żar fascynacji, który na szczęście przyciąga do czytania

[Lance Spreacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to an extraordinary Saint!

[Tim Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

masterful

A wonderfull, rich work on not only the life and spirituality of St Dominic but on the events occurring concurrent with the establishment of his order.

[Tim Timberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author effectively showed how St. Dominic and his Order of Preachers fit into religious trends in the early 1200s.

[James Millikan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. This biography of St. Dominic is well-researched, provides a detailed description of the historical context which St. Dominic inhabited, and successfully balances spiritual and historical analysis. That being said, the writing style of the book was rather dry. The author goes to great pains to document the many historical figures from the 12th and 13th centuries that were in some way related to St. Dominic and the early followers of his religious order, the Order of Preachers (commonly referred to as the Dominicans)--attention to detail that at times makes the reading somewhat dull. If you are interested in a painstakingly researched historical account of the life of St. Dominic de Guzman, I recommend this book. If you have a casual interest in St. Dominic, and are looking for a introduction to this influential man, I recommend you try a different book.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was lent to me by a Dominican, but this book has been most enlightening on the Ways and History of St. Dominic and His Order. This book does a very good job providing context on various aspects of the Dominican Order, whether it be in its Pillars, its Activities, or its Prayers. This book does take time also to show how this Order fits in relation to other religious Orders, I am happy to see that this Order is largely compatible to all the Orders in some capacity or another, it was a pleasure to have had the relations between St. Dominic and St. Francis of Assisi - as well as their respective Orders, further elaborated upon. I would recommend this book, for both the breadth and depth of knowledge, as well as a good book to refer to over and again.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best mainstream biography of St. Dominic if getting to be a bit old (35 years) and written in a more formal style, not as engaging as some other introductory books on saints.

That being said the most important things are here: contextualization of the time period, biographical overview (early life, education, early preaching, prouille foundation, languedoc preaching, founding of the order, dispersion of the order, the early general chapters, his death, and canonization), exploration of spirituality and influences, etc. Early documents and biographers are cited which is very appreciated.

[Dawn Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, lots of information written in clear language, without the dry, forensic style often seen in religious non-fiction.

I bought this book, hoping it might shed light on the relationship between St. Dominic and St. Francis. I'd also hoped the book would delve into the divisive claim St. Dominic was the first Inquisitor.

I would've preferred more information in those areas, but the rest of the book is quite enlightening, and paints a very layered and fascinating picture of an extraordinary man.

[Sskous · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent biography of St. Dominic and the order, set in a clear history. very helpful.