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The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness
This lively and compelling book by Paul Murray OP names and celebrates aspects of the Dominican tradition which are at the very core of its spirituality. This tradition has often been described in the past, and for good reason, as scholarly and intellectual. But the lives of the Dominicans whose voices we hear in this book were also, and to an extraordinary degree, apostolic, exuberant, evangelical, risk-taking, mystical, and robust.
One of the things which has characterized the Dominican spirit from the beginning is a sense of openness to the world. Dominicans such as Thomas Aquinas, Jordan of Saxony, and Catherine of Siena, were not only impressive celebrants of grace. They were also defenders of nature. After the example of St Dominic himself, they learned to drink deep from the wine of God's Word, and became witnesses not only of certain great moral and doctrinal truths but witnesses also of an unimaginable joy.
One reason, in society today, why so many feel unfulfilled and are not happy is because the vision of life offered is one that is restricted to a pragmatic, one-dimensional view of the world. The Dominican vision of life we find presented in this book is one that is truly broad and joyous. It is a path of spirituality - a way - open to people of all kinds and conditions.
One of the things which has characterized the Dominican spirit from the beginning is a sense of openness to the world. Dominicans such as Thomas Aquinas, Jordan of Saxony, and Catherine of Siena, were not only impressive celebrants of grace. They were also defenders of nature. After the example of St Dominic himself, they learned to drink deep from the wine of God's Word, and became witnesses not only of certain great moral and doctrinal truths but witnesses also of an unimaginable joy.
One reason, in society today, why so many feel unfulfilled and are not happy is because the vision of life offered is one that is restricted to a pragmatic, one-dimensional view of the world. The Dominican vision of life we find presented in this book is one that is truly broad and joyous. It is a path of spirituality - a way - open to people of all kinds and conditions.
198 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
11 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Paul Murray
32 books14 followersPaul Brendan Murray, O.P. (born 26 November 1947) is an Irish Dominican priest of the Catholic Church, poet, writer, and professor.
Source: Wikipedia
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 29, 2014
Beautifully written with just the right balance of historical and modern day inspirations. Recommended for all in the family of the Order of Preachers - a good reminder of the joy and responsibility to which we're called.
December 2, 2024
It’s a 5/5 if just for making me laugh a good dozen times while reading it.
A good reminder that I need to get drunk on God! :)
A good reminder that I need to get drunk on God! :)
August 17, 2013
A wonderful introduction and exploration of the Dominican Friars, or, the Order of Preachers. Focusing on the writing and preaching of Dominic, Aquinas, Catherine of Sienna, Meister Eckhart, Albertus Magnus, and others, focusing on the image and importance of happiness/joy, study and reading, and wine and drinking in the Dominican tradition. Scholarly, humorous, informative, and thought provoking--in other words, very Dominican!
September 26, 2023
Fr Murray poses the question, what is Dominican Spirituality?
At times we might feel we know who Francis is in relation to the Franciscans, Teresa for the Carmelites or Ignatius for the Jesuits, but who was Dominic and what defines the Dominican tradition? What was Dominic’s special charism?
The orders’ motto is ‘Veritas – truth,’ which goes someway to explaining what life in religion means for Dominicans; that is the pursuit of Truth. Yet this book seeks to go further in deepening our understanding of this rich tradition.
Indeed, the title of this work has the peculiar and suggestive name of, ‘The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality, A Drink Called Happiness,’ this ought certainly to pique our interest to know more.
Wine and the idea of drinking deeply, in Judaeo-Christian tradition, reminds us of the abundant goodness of God; as we think for example of the Wedding Feast at Cana.
Fr Murray seeks to communicate the joy of the discovery of God and to bring out for the reader something of the true spirit of Dominic, not one that focuses solely on a bookish or scholastic concept, being stuck in a library; but the freedom that Dominic found in establishing a Rule that allowed him and his followers to embark on the medieval highways and byways preaching in the smallest of country villages and also the nascent cities as mendicant friars bringing a new vigour to the proclamation of the Word.
Fr Murray explains that the first followers of Dominic were encouraged ‘to be drunk on the Word of God,’ certainly for whomever seeks to follow Christ in the Dominican tradition is to become dedicated to scripture, where we become drawn into the life of God.
When we live in His Word, we can then hand on to others the same life of God. At the heart of the Dominican vocation is the desire to ‘hand on to others the fruit of one’s prayer’, of one’s recollection or contemplation of God.’
Fr Murray explains, ‘the others – are not simply the passive recipients of Dominic’s graced preaching (when Dominic becomes a kind of channel of grace) these people- the afflicted the oppressed – inhabit the inmost core of his spirit.’ For Dominic to be a vessel of grace for others means to be moved to one’s very being, to be aggrieved for the sin of others and therefore moved to compassion.
Prayer in this sense becomes all-consuming of God and our neighbour, to pray means to turn to God for the needs of those with whom we live, and in a pastoral sense for a priest, for those whom we shepherd.
Over the centuries the Church has been blessed with a rich array of Dominican souls, imbued by this spirit, in many different ways have handed on the fruit of their contemplation; we can think of those famed for their lives as religious: Catherine of Siena or Martin de Porres; theologians of the standing of Thomas Aquinas; preachers like Savonarola; spiritual writers; Meister Eckhart; but also artists like Fra Angelico, have all made a huge impact in their time and world bringing forth a rich Dominican tradition.
The book is comprised of four chapters and Fr Murray adeptly paints a description of the origins of the Order in its founder Dominic. He vividly provides many anecdotes and examples of the early days for the followers of Dominic, but it is in the last chapter where he addresses the concept found in the title of the book: ‘Domincans Drinking.’
We are told Jordan of Saxony, the successor to Dominic, Catherine of Siena and Thomas Aquinas all made good use of this metaphor in their writings or preaching.
This good wine puts man at his ease and stops him from feeling his sorrows, it reminds us of the joy that awaits us in heaven.
No doubt this is not a literal call to turn us into drunkards; but rather for us to be possessed by joy and given the hope of heaven. ‘What we preach, then, are not just truths about God. We preach a wine of truth which we have actually tasted ourselves, and have drunk with living faith and joy.’
Fr Murray concludes by drawing us into a contemplation of the Eucharist, where we realise that we have been enriched and renewed in the person of Christ through the depth of this truly transformative meeting.
At times we might feel we know who Francis is in relation to the Franciscans, Teresa for the Carmelites or Ignatius for the Jesuits, but who was Dominic and what defines the Dominican tradition? What was Dominic’s special charism?
The orders’ motto is ‘Veritas – truth,’ which goes someway to explaining what life in religion means for Dominicans; that is the pursuit of Truth. Yet this book seeks to go further in deepening our understanding of this rich tradition.
Indeed, the title of this work has the peculiar and suggestive name of, ‘The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality, A Drink Called Happiness,’ this ought certainly to pique our interest to know more.
Wine and the idea of drinking deeply, in Judaeo-Christian tradition, reminds us of the abundant goodness of God; as we think for example of the Wedding Feast at Cana.
Fr Murray seeks to communicate the joy of the discovery of God and to bring out for the reader something of the true spirit of Dominic, not one that focuses solely on a bookish or scholastic concept, being stuck in a library; but the freedom that Dominic found in establishing a Rule that allowed him and his followers to embark on the medieval highways and byways preaching in the smallest of country villages and also the nascent cities as mendicant friars bringing a new vigour to the proclamation of the Word.
Fr Murray explains that the first followers of Dominic were encouraged ‘to be drunk on the Word of God,’ certainly for whomever seeks to follow Christ in the Dominican tradition is to become dedicated to scripture, where we become drawn into the life of God.
When we live in His Word, we can then hand on to others the same life of God. At the heart of the Dominican vocation is the desire to ‘hand on to others the fruit of one’s prayer’, of one’s recollection or contemplation of God.’
Fr Murray explains, ‘the others – are not simply the passive recipients of Dominic’s graced preaching (when Dominic becomes a kind of channel of grace) these people- the afflicted the oppressed – inhabit the inmost core of his spirit.’ For Dominic to be a vessel of grace for others means to be moved to one’s very being, to be aggrieved for the sin of others and therefore moved to compassion.
Prayer in this sense becomes all-consuming of God and our neighbour, to pray means to turn to God for the needs of those with whom we live, and in a pastoral sense for a priest, for those whom we shepherd.
Over the centuries the Church has been blessed with a rich array of Dominican souls, imbued by this spirit, in many different ways have handed on the fruit of their contemplation; we can think of those famed for their lives as religious: Catherine of Siena or Martin de Porres; theologians of the standing of Thomas Aquinas; preachers like Savonarola; spiritual writers; Meister Eckhart; but also artists like Fra Angelico, have all made a huge impact in their time and world bringing forth a rich Dominican tradition.
The book is comprised of four chapters and Fr Murray adeptly paints a description of the origins of the Order in its founder Dominic. He vividly provides many anecdotes and examples of the early days for the followers of Dominic, but it is in the last chapter where he addresses the concept found in the title of the book: ‘Domincans Drinking.’
We are told Jordan of Saxony, the successor to Dominic, Catherine of Siena and Thomas Aquinas all made good use of this metaphor in their writings or preaching.
This good wine puts man at his ease and stops him from feeling his sorrows, it reminds us of the joy that awaits us in heaven.
No doubt this is not a literal call to turn us into drunkards; but rather for us to be possessed by joy and given the hope of heaven. ‘What we preach, then, are not just truths about God. We preach a wine of truth which we have actually tasted ourselves, and have drunk with living faith and joy.’
Fr Murray concludes by drawing us into a contemplation of the Eucharist, where we realise that we have been enriched and renewed in the person of Christ through the depth of this truly transformative meeting.
September 22, 2019
This is a good introduction to Dominican spirituality and its most illustrious exponents, especially St. Dominic himself, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Catherine of Siena. Those who don’t know the history will be glad they read it.
His major goal seems to be to convince readers that Dominicans were not simply dry academics seeking to instruct minds, but were passionate communicators and pursuers of the love and wisdom of God. He accomplished this goal admirably. My only wish is that he gave more practical wisdom for ordinary Christians to implement some of these spiritual insights in their everyday lives. But it is still well worth the read and the astute reader will discern his or her own ways of practicing what is taught.
His major goal seems to be to convince readers that Dominicans were not simply dry academics seeking to instruct minds, but were passionate communicators and pursuers of the love and wisdom of God. He accomplished this goal admirably. My only wish is that he gave more practical wisdom for ordinary Christians to implement some of these spiritual insights in their everyday lives. But it is still well worth the read and the astute reader will discern his or her own ways of practicing what is taught.
May 27, 2021
I thought the central message of this book was really good and definitely will be more conscious of just how joyful one needs to be if they are in possession of the Gospel. Our joy can be a witness in and of itself.
I give it 4/5 stars because I don't think the author is totally fair to other "spiritualities". I think that most convey the same idea, in slightly different manners, and all form saints. A lot of what he said about the early Dominicans you can see in the spiritualities of later orders too. I will say, though, I do absolutely give him credit for being able to be self critical of his order and identify the sometimes overly scholastic approach that has occurred.
I give it 4/5 stars because I don't think the author is totally fair to other "spiritualities". I think that most convey the same idea, in slightly different manners, and all form saints. A lot of what he said about the early Dominicans you can see in the spiritualities of later orders too. I will say, though, I do absolutely give him credit for being able to be self critical of his order and identify the sometimes overly scholastic approach that has occurred.
June 18, 2020
A delightful, thoughtful, and inspirational book on the somewhat elusive concept of Dominican spirituality. it focuses on three main areas: happiness, study, and drinking. As someone in formation to become a Lay Dominican, I found it helpful and heartening. The importance of: happiness in sharing the Word; study and how it is a form of prayer; and drunkenness in the "new wine" of Christ, all helped to confirm me in pursuit of my religious vocation. In addition, the extensive bibliography opened up new avenues of reading and study. Well done!
August 1, 2025
While the contemporary Dominican order I've encountered doesn't always exude this level of raw grit, fiery zeal, and bleeding-hearted compassion, the approach to the Gospel described here is nothing short of the most intellectually convincing and freeingly heartfelt I've seen. I didn't understand how religious could say they feel specifically drawn towards a certain order's spirituality until reading the apostolic preacher spirit described here, especially in the holy athlete himself, St. Dominic.
January 1, 2023
Wow! That's my one word review.
This book was incredible. I have been drawn to the Dominican friars for years but admittedly only had a surface level understanding of what it meant to be a Dominican. This books lays it all out with amazing sources and even humorous stories of Dominic, Jordan of Saxony, and others. It was a wonderful overview and has me very excited to keep pursuing knowledge of the Dominicans and implementing aspects of their spirituality in my own life.
This book was incredible. I have been drawn to the Dominican friars for years but admittedly only had a surface level understanding of what it meant to be a Dominican. This books lays it all out with amazing sources and even humorous stories of Dominic, Jordan of Saxony, and others. It was a wonderful overview and has me very excited to keep pursuing knowledge of the Dominicans and implementing aspects of their spirituality in my own life.
May 4, 2025
What an incredible book on Dominican Spirituality. The book talks about St Dominic and a handful of Dominican Saints, the likes of St Thomas Aquinas and St Catherine of Siena, and how their joy and love for the Gospel and study is the driving force of the Order.
I was recommended to read this by Dominican Sisters and it was not at all disappointing, I will definitely reread it!
I was recommended to read this by Dominican Sisters and it was not at all disappointing, I will definitely reread it!
February 7, 2022
Paul Murray is able to speak to Dominican spirituality in a very human way. His image of drinking the new wine of the Gospel as an image for the Dominican life of joyful fraternity and contemplation is well researched and valuable as a reminder to live out the Gospel with the mirth of the New Man.
July 3, 2024
Filled with quotes from the early Dominican fathers as well as littered with sources in true Dominican fashion. Great read to learn more about this beautiful Order.
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November 24, 2024I thought it was well written, and it gave an excellent presentation of Dominican Spirituality
July 31, 2014
This book does a fantastic job of summarizing The Dominican Way of Life. After reading the book I agree with Fr. Paul Murray OP the phrase, "Sober Inebriation" is probably the phrase to describe the Dominican Mentality. I read and searched to understand, where Study and where Prayer had their place in Dominican Spirituality and I couldn't seem to find something that would satisfy what I was looking for, but this book brought all the answers together in an easy to read and relatively short manner. I love the book and highly recommend this book for those who are looking into The Dominican Order for whatever reason.
May 27, 2014
This was a quick, entertaining, and very easy read about the Dominican Spirituality.
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November 16, 2014An excellent survey of Dominican spirituality.
September 7, 2020
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews