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These selections from Father Goergen’s writings comprise a collection of varied articles he has written as well as from his books. There is a bibliography of his writings which are arranged chronologically. The contents of the book are arranged topically: Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Spiritual Life, and Dominican Life. The collection is so arranged that one can easily look for selections representing a particular theme or follow the development of his thought. The preface is a personal reflection by Father Goergen.
‘…Read herein and see how carefully Providence has befriended our Order.’ This was how Humbert of Romans, Master of the Order of Preachers, introduced the book Vitae Fratrum, Lives of the Brethren, a book that the General Chapter of 1256 ordained to be written. Though not requested by a General Chapter, I am happy to recommend this book Befriended by Grace, by our brother, Donald J Goergen, OP. Throughout his 53 years as a Dominican religious, fr Don has written numerous books and articles. This book, published on the eve of the golden jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood, is a collection of his thoughts on Christology, pneumatology, spiritual theology, religious life and Dominican Spirituality. In a sense, one could glimpse in this book vita fratris, the life of a friar who loved and served God through his preaching and teaching ministry.
Someone said: ‘A friend is one who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.’ In this book, Fr Don reminds us that ‘we were created for friendship with God’. Hopefully, this book inspired by that friendship will inspire readers to allow themselves to be befriended by Grace.’
–Br Gerard Francisco Timoner, OP
Master of the Order
Donald J Goergen, OP, is a Dominican priest, author, lecturer, teacher, preacher. He has published ten books, edited others, and written many articles on Christology, spirituality, and religious life. He has given retreats in Asia, Africa, and throughout North America. He was previously Provincial for the Dominican Friars, Central Province, USA, as well as Director of Student Formation. His most recent book was Thomas Aquinas and Teilhard de Chardin: Christian Humanism in an Age of Unbelief
