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March, 2006

Angela Merici’s Journey of the Heart
The Rule, the Way
by
Mary-Cabrini Durkin

Published by WovenWord Press

            This new work opens up a recently rediscovered sixteenth-century manuscript with profound implications for the twenty-first century--lay spirituality within a troubled Church, solidarity with the oppressed, the sacred dimension of the world and, most especially, the primacy of love.

            Angela Merici (1474-1540) created for women an alternative way of life that has endured to this day. Her "Rule of the Company of St. Ursula" grew from her experience as a lay woman living her consecration to God in the ordinary settings of work, family and society.

            Mary-Cabrini Durkin places the Rule in the context of women's history and reveals its deep penetration of the human heart .

*****

            A jewel . . . . most remarkable for the author's scholarship, for her deep knowledge of the sixteenth century as well as of contemporary society, and especially for her original and clear commentary.            
- Jacqueline Morin, Company of St. Ursula in Canada

*****

            Mary-Cabrini Durkin has entered into a dialog with the text of Angela Merici's Rule . . . exploring the depths of spirituality and the core elements of Gospel living. Angela Merici's Journey of the Heart has led me to a new encounter with Angela , with a broader, refined vision, a new thrust, a creative approach.

            This rich, comprehensive interpretation is an invitation to go deeper into the waters of life, into a river of grace flowing from God's Spirit into the spirit of Angela and on into the hearts of her daughters, her friends and the people of God in our times.  
- Anne Curry, OSU

*****

            . . . sympathetic and perceptive reading . . . . This study will interest students of church history, women's movements, and Renaissance history, as well as Christians seeking subjects for reflection.    
- Heather Arden, Ph.D.

*****

Excerpts from the book:

Art speaks to the spirit. A meditation on a work of art appears in each section.

            One hand touches the book on her lap. The other points to the monogram symbol for Christ, an IHS. This woman is Angela Merici. The book is the Rule of the Company of Saint Ursula. Its central meaning lies in that gesture. Like Angela herself, the Rule points always to Christ.

History is the context of life. Relevant historical background situates each topic in its significant context in Angela Merici's world.

            Why does Angela single out sleeves? Sleeves were a major fashion item in late fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century Italy. Many women had a basic dress with several sets of detachable sleeves, one more elaborate than the next. They competed with one another by means of flounces or braid. Extravagances like these separate people by envy or by economic layers.

Angela Merici's vision shaped the Rule. Each section combines explanation of and reflection on the Rule.

            Angela speaks often about the heart. It stands for emotions, shifting though they are. It is also much deeper and fuller: the vessel of love. The love she talks of is her own experience, and ours, of Jesus as the One who reaches into the heart's core. He sees our truth. He touches it lovingly with the touch of God, and we become more alive.

Personal integration makes the message meaningful. Ideas for application conclude each section.

            Have you experienced that approach to the center of yourself where your gifts and attributes have been stripped? Have you approached that center and found the gift in it?

338 pages; full-color illustrations throughout;
hard-cover & soft-cover versions

To place an order, download and print an order form and send payment to:

Mary-Cabrini Durkin
2538 Woodburn Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45206
USA

*Order form requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you are unable to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, contact us.

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