It is More Than a Book – It is
an Invitation to Adore Our Loving Lord Present Here Among Us!
Father Ignatius John Schweitzer, O.P
gave birth to Godhead Here in Hiding
Whom I Do Adore – Lay Dominicans Reflect on Eucharistic Adoration last year when he invited the Lay
Dominicans of the Province of St. Joseph to share their thoughts on the Eucharist
and Eucharistic Adoration. He did this not knowing how many would respond or in
what genre they would write.
As a result of Father’s invitation, we now have a symphony of
diverse reflections – from the simple to the sublime. Each reflection is a gem
in its own right. Each one an invitation to a greater
belief in, and reverence for, God’s Presence among us. As Father Ignatius states
in his Introduction to the book:
“The
Lay Dominicans in this book have discovered the secret! They have discovered
the all-surpassing treasure and value and meaning we have in our Eucharistic
Lord in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Adoration. Their deep yearnings have
kept them coming back to the Eucharist to touch the human heart’s ultimate
fulfillment, God, and then going out to the world with something to share.
Contemporaries of our holy father St. Dominic repeatedly said that he was
“always speaking either with God or about God.” In this spirit, these Lay
Dominicans have discovered the secret and discovered that it is a secret that
is meant to be shared. The Eucharist is a gift to be shared! And they do that
beautifully in the pages that follow.”
Before I
continue, let me make this full disclosure: I am one of those Lay Dominicans. I
have been working to promote Eucharistic Adoration for more than two decades. I
have been very much involved in the compilation and editing of this book, and also
in contributing a number of reflections.
I understand why you would
question my objectivity. Fair enough. So, I am setting forth below a sampling
of the pre-publication endorsements others have written. You will find them in
the book’s interior and on its back cover. Please use the “Look-Inside” feature on Amazon to read all of them:
***
“The hymn whose first
line forms the title of this book was written in Latin by Thomas Aquinas.
Another line in this hymn addressed to Christ in the Eucharist asks Jesus to
‘feed and feast the mind.’ This little book contains anecdotes and experiences
for doing just that. It is by the laity and though theologically accurate is
not top-heavy with academic theology more suited to the classroom. Such a
source has not been really attempted before and so is very welcome. The result
should be for the person making the Holy Hour to be “lost, all lost in wonder,
at the God thou art.” - (Father Brian Mullady, OP, STL Mission Preacher Holy
Rosary Parish, Portland OR.
***
“The treasures of our
Faith, our God and our life as Catholics are found in the Eucharist because the
Eucharist itself contains the fullness of Jesus who loves us, died for us and
calls us to share His life. During this time of Eucharistic Revival, the
Dominican Laity and members of our Dominican family share reflections to
encourage you to join us in Eucharistic Adoration. Let us pray together for the
conversion and salvation of souls. Don’t miss this opportunity!” – Mrs.
Kathleen Kendrek, OP, Provincial President of the Lay Dominicans of St. Joseph
Province.
***
“Hidden within these
pages, the reader discovers the God who has chosen to dwell within the
Tabernacle of the human heart. Each reflection is its own monstrance, bearing
the shape of its unique human author, while manifesting our heavenly Father's
Spirit of Truth. Here you will find thoughts and events that are ordinary and
surprising, instructive and lyrical, worthy of both cross and crown. The common
life of the early Dominicans was called ‘the holy preaching.’ The sons and
daughters of St. Dominic who have contributed to this volume continue in that
apostolic witness to the divine mercy of our Eucharistic faith.” - Father Bruno M. Shah, OP Assistant Professor
at Providence College, and Religious Assistant to Our Lady of Divine
Providence/St. Thomas Aquinas Fraternity in Providence, RI
***
The Lay
Dominicans of the Province of St. Joseph want the world to take notice of this
simple book–prepared by simple people–not to bring attention to themselves–but
for the Glory of God. They ask Him to use the fruit of their contemplation to
instill an unswerving belief that Jesus is really, truly and substantially
present in the Eucharist, especially in those who either doubt, never believed
or no longer believe this Truth.
Father Ignatius has reminded all those
who read this book that there is much more for us to do than merely buying a
copy and reading it. We have to share it with others. We have to invite them to
Eucharistic Adoration. We have to be bold and share this fundamental Truth of
our Catholic Faith.
Don’t waste
any time. Go buy copies of Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Do Adore – Lay
Dominicans Reflect on Eucharistic Adoration for yourself,
your family and loved ones. Invite them to spend time with you in the Presence
of God who patiently awaits your arrival.
.jpg)
