WHY THIS REPRINT?!

"Of making many books there is no end..." (Eccl 12, 12 ). And, that said, you may want to ask, "So, why the need for a reprint of To Heaven With Diana?"

First and foremost, it is a book which is beloved to all Dominicans, a precious document not only historically (Bl. Jordan was the second Master of the Order of Preachers and responsible for so much of the Order's phenomenonal growth in attracting candidates) but, even moreso, spiritually. His letters to Diana are a remarkable testament, not only of his deep love and concern for her, but because the letters show, in a very vivid way, how the vocation of the friars and nuns of the Order are meant to complement each other, a very holy collaboration (to use a modern term!) in the "Holy Preaching"! With apologies to the Franciscans, Carmelites, and Benedictines, this close bond of the friars and nuns is the strongest I have witnessed with religious orders which have male and female branches.


"Behold! how good and pleasant it is when brothers
(and sisters!) dwell in unity" (Ps 133,1). Here I am with
my favorite Dominican brother and good friend,
Fr. John Paul Walker.

Primarily this occurs through the intercessions the nuns offer daily for their brethren, that the Lord may prosper their preaching of the Gospel. But, it is also shown in little and more tangible ways. Any friar who has visited a monastery of Dominican nuns feels "at home" right away, encompassed in the affection of his sisters. His "stories from the front," the joys and sorrows of his ministry, are listened to with the most intense interest. As he celebrates Holy Mass, he is watched very intently, and all ears (even the hearing-aided ones!) are keenly attuned to his preaching to this tough but eager audience. He experiences his sisters' solicitude in the small touches, too, especially in the special charism of the nuns: keeping the friars well-fed!

I like to think that we nuns are carrying on the legacy of Diana and her sisters at Bologna, confident that they enjoyed ministering to Jordan just as much as we enjoy "spoiling" our brethren. Having To Heaven With Diana! back in print will recall our heritage, and renew our commitment in keeping this bond between the friars and nuns as fervent, warm, joyful, and strong as our Holy Father St. Dominic wishes it to be!