Thank you for this story. I happen to have our latest order from these Dominican Nuns ( at The Cloister Shoppe) and have to confess that I passed by the book mention on last visit. But now I will surely get several copies. And we wondered what happened to their happy dog, Siena (he was pictured in their group photo). This goes it all together.
Beautiful project and great rendering of it coming to fruition! Splendid intersection of text and visual elements of cloistered life — book ordered and looking forward to its arrival. Congratulations to all involved for making this happen, and we’re blessed to ponder the words of joyful wisdom shared within it.
What a wonderful coming together of the nun’s work and yours, Jeff, assisted by Elizabeth Scalia. I wish I had had the wisdom to get you to write for us when I was at Aleteia—you are superb at it!
Your article reminded me of a retreat I went on many years ago at a cloistered nuns’ monastery in Crozet, Virginia, Our Lady of the Angels. The joy I felt and experienced while interacting with the nuns there was unique and unexpected. When it was time to go back to the “real” world, I felt like I was leaving heaven.
Thank you for this article, Jeffrey. I’ve followed you on social media and have always appreciated your work. This time, it especially warms my heart; I am beyond blessed to be a Lay Dominican postulant at this very monastery. I can’t express home much love, commitment and dedication resides there in these wonderful brides of Christ. I’m looking forward to reading Joy Within His House.
This reminds me of a book from I think the early 90’s called “A Cloister Walk” by Kathleen Norris.
She was a Methodist-seeker that frequently went to a men’s monastery on retreats. The sacred beauty struck me as I was a militant ex Catholic Evangelical at the time and softened me to the Church I eventually returned to.
As I read it I could feel the presence of God on my skin and I’m guessing this book will be the same.
Thank you for this article, Jeffrey. I’ve followed you on social media and have always appreciated your work. This time, it especially warms my heart; I am beyond blessed to be a Lay Dominican postulant at this very monastery. I can’t express home much love, commitment and dedication resides there in these wonderful brides of Christ. I’m looking forward to reading Joy Within His House.
There’s something really moving about the way you brought her world forward with such gentleness. Joy Within His House feels like a real doorway—your conversation with her and the images you captured let the rest of us step inside a life we’d never otherwise see. The quiet routines, the light in the chapel, the humanity behind the grille… it all shines through. Thank you for opening that door a little wider for everyone who picks up the book.
Thank you for this. As a secular portrait photographer who has walked away from my career or rather my idol— it gives me hope that one day it can serve a larger purpose again. As a convert I’ll come into full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter. Maybe it can be paired with my own writings or tell another story of faith thru my lens.
Purchased it based on this article alone. My whole family is from NJ (minus myself)… even had a parish priest in West Orange in the family… and I never knew about this Cloister! Can’t wait to read it!
Update: The book came in earlier this week and it has been staring at me… like I should skip the rest of my current read… Willpower prevailed so far, but it’s a long weekend… I might just read the whole thing…
Thank you for this story. I happen to have our latest order from these Dominican Nuns ( at The Cloister Shoppe) and have to confess that I passed by the book mention on last visit. But now I will surely get several copies. And we wondered what happened to their happy dog, Siena (he was pictured in their group photo). This goes it all together.
Thank you for this
Beautiful project and great rendering of it coming to fruition! Splendid intersection of text and visual elements of cloistered life — book ordered and looking forward to its arrival. Congratulations to all involved for making this happen, and we’re blessed to ponder the words of joyful wisdom shared within it.
What a wonderful coming together of the nun’s work and yours, Jeff, assisted by Elizabeth Scalia. I wish I had had the wisdom to get you to write for us when I was at Aleteia—you are superb at it!
Your article reminded me of a retreat I went on many years ago at a cloistered nuns’ monastery in Crozet, Virginia, Our Lady of the Angels. The joy I felt and experienced while interacting with the nuns there was unique and unexpected. When it was time to go back to the “real” world, I felt like I was leaving heaven.
Thank you for this article, Jeffrey. I’ve followed you on social media and have always appreciated your work. This time, it especially warms my heart; I am beyond blessed to be a Lay Dominican postulant at this very monastery. I can’t express home much love, commitment and dedication resides there in these wonderful brides of Christ. I’m looking forward to reading Joy Within His House.
Wonderful
I should like to read this book.
It seems to me the struggle for love, for holiness and joy are all deeply intertwined.
Anything worthwhile in life involves effort .
This reminds me of a book from I think the early 90’s called “A Cloister Walk” by Kathleen Norris.
She was a Methodist-seeker that frequently went to a men’s monastery on retreats. The sacred beauty struck me as I was a militant ex Catholic Evangelical at the time and softened me to the Church I eventually returned to.
As I read it I could feel the presence of God on my skin and I’m guessing this book will be the same.
Thank you
I can’t wait to buy a copy of this book. Thank you.
These are gorgeous pictures and such a wonderful story to read! Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you for this article, Jeffrey. I’ve followed you on social media and have always appreciated your work. This time, it especially warms my heart; I am beyond blessed to be a Lay Dominican postulant at this very monastery. I can’t express home much love, commitment and dedication resides there in these wonderful brides of Christ. I’m looking forward to reading Joy Within His House.
This is beautiful. Purchasing the book now.
There’s something really moving about the way you brought her world forward with such gentleness. Joy Within His House feels like a real doorway—your conversation with her and the images you captured let the rest of us step inside a life we’d never otherwise see. The quiet routines, the light in the chapel, the humanity behind the grille… it all shines through. Thank you for opening that door a little wider for everyone who picks up the book.
Thank you for this. As a secular portrait photographer who has walked away from my career or rather my idol— it gives me hope that one day it can serve a larger purpose again. As a convert I’ll come into full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter. Maybe it can be paired with my own writings or tell another story of faith thru my lens.
Purchased it based on this article alone. My whole family is from NJ (minus myself)… even had a parish priest in West Orange in the family… and I never knew about this Cloister! Can’t wait to read it!
Update: The book came in earlier this week and it has been staring at me… like I should skip the rest of my current read… Willpower prevailed so far, but it’s a long weekend… I might just read the whole thing…