By Amanda Murthy
An Australian theologian has last month received two awards from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada at the close of the Catholic Media Conference held in Saint Petersburg, Florida on 21 June.
Dr Michelle Jones’ book The Gospel of Mysticism of Ruth Burrows: Going to God with Empty Hands was published by the Institute of Carmelites Studies Publications in 2018.
She received acknowledgement for “Best first-time author of a book” (third place) and “Best book from a small publisher” (second place).
Dr Jones told The eRecord that her book systematically explores the writings and thoughts of Ruth Burrows – the pen name of Sr Rachel Gregory OCD – a contemplative Carmelite Sister from Quidenham in Norfolk in England who has been one of the most popular, prolific and revered spiritual writers of the past half-century.
In this book, Dr Jones addressed a wide range of readers, firstly to those interested in Burrows’ spirituality, but also anyone who wants to trace the graced unfolding of the Christian spiritual life.
For readers just discovering Burrows, the book is a helpful roadmap to navigate the ideas she develops through her writings. It will have special appeal to anyone interested in exploring Carmelite spirituality.
A former Centre for Faith Enrichment Director and now a contemplative consecrated woman involved in online work, such as lecturing in theology at BBI – The Australian Institute of Theological Education, Dr Jones manages to use interviews with Sr Rachel and include in the book a rich collection of unpublished writings and personal correspondence from Burrows’ Carmelite monastery in the UK.
Acclaimed by reviewers as the most comprehensive, readable introduction to Ruth Burrows presently available, this book is also an important contribution to the field of spirituality and mysticism and will become the textbook for Burrows studies and her spirituality.
Dr Jones said that the book, which took her three years to write, was intended to convey the profound wisdom of Sr Burrows.
“Sr Burrows has a deep living knowledge of life in union with the living God. She isn’t speculating, she knows,” Dr Jones explained.
“Sr Burrows very graciously allowed me to interview her several times over the years at her monastery in Quidenham.
“She has been supportive of the book throughout every stage of the process, and has said of the finished product: ‘I have no doubt whatsoever that you have faithfully and discerningly represented my spiritual insights’,” she concluded.
The book is available for purchase at www.icspublications.org .
A compilation of Ruth Burrows: Essential Writings. It is available at https://www.orbisbooks.com/ruth-burrows.html