DOMINIC BARBERI - LIFE: MS notebook containing an English translation of "The Divine Paraninfa" written by Blessed Dominic but published only after his death ( In Italian. This version has not been published) There is no clue as to the translator. Alfred Wilson, C.P., in his biography, "Blessed Dominic Barberi" (see 34/1/15) in pp 165-166 writes as follows. "Significantly, all the spiritual writings of this period are predominantly mystical. The first of the predominantly mystical books was 'The Divine Paranymph', which was posthumously published in Italian and French editions. Like most of his spiritual writings it is in dialogue form, corresponding to his conception of prayer as a friendly discussion with Christ or Our Lady, in which the soul seeks understanding and reinvigoration. In this lively and extremely practical little book, Our Lady is represented as discussing the various offices of the convent with the nuns employed in them. Each office can be used as a means of attaining mystical union with God. Some very shrewd remarks are made to a deposed abbess, who fears that her assertions that she is glad to be relieved of responsibility are only humbug. The Reader's final comment on this book is significant. 'In this tract, the author not only shows himself a consuammte master of ascetics, but also gives evidence that he had been raised by God to sublime mystical contemplaton, characterized by sanity and prudence' (Pos., II. 53)"
