Joy Within His House: A Cloistered Nun's Reflections on Following Christ

by OP Sister Mary Magdalene of the Immaculate Conception Prewitt

You may, like most people, have misconceptions about monastic life, especially the 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.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025