Sr. Mary Baruch is not a “millennial.” But like all of us she passed through the doors of the new millennium. Unlike most of us, her passage was in a cloistered monastery in Brooklyn Heights, New York. We first met her in “The Early Years” and accompanied her through her “Middle Ages.” In this third volume, we enter with her into the evening years, the “Vespers,” of her cloistered life. From her Jewish childhood, the Passover, fulfilled in Christ, becomes her way of life.
We enter with her into this awesome and transforming Mystery in the ordinary and extraordinary events of her life. Meet her again, with her family and sisters in community, and especially with the Lord.
Fr. Jacob Restrick, O.P., is a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph. He served for over a decade as chaplain to communities of contemplative Dominican nuns.
When I started Sister Mary Baruch I didn't know what to expect, but I couldn't put it down, and I couldn't wait to get back to it when I did. It is an endearing tale, lovingly and artfully told.
--Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.
Sister Mary Baruch shows how ordinary struggles become the stuff of a divine life of grace. Through the imaginative eyes of Sr. Mary Baruch, Fr. Jacob has given us a look into the mystery of the Dominican cloistered nun and captured the intersection of the human with the divine.
--Fr. Basil Cole, O.P., Professor of Moral Theology, Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C.
I would thoroughly encourage anyone to read this book. It is truly an abundant presentation of monastic life yesterday and today. We had the opportunity of having Fr. Jacob as our chaplain for six years, and during his homilies at Mass we heard many of the stories that make up the foundation of this book. Once you start reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down, believe me!
--Sr. Theresa Marie, O.P., Monastery of the Mother of God, West Springfield, MA
Such a blessing, this book. Fr. Jacob is a gifted storyteller who can be hilariously funny and yet pierce the heart. His years of experience as a monastery chaplain give him authentic insights into the trials and the profundity of cloistered life, and he skillfully balances a story of delightful simplicity with profound insights into human nature and the mystery of the monastic life.
--Sr. Mary Dominic, O.P., Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, Buffalo, NY