Preachers, Pastors, Prophets
Preachers, Pastors, Prophets draws on a rich collection of archival material and oral interviews to tell the story of the Dominican friars of Aotearoa New Zealand. Heirs to a spiritual tradition dating back to the early thirteenth century, the friars’ lives are shaped by their commitment to the Order’s motto: Veritas (Truth). They have served as university and hospital chaplains, parish priests, liturgists, itinerant retreat leaders and theologians, and in media and justice roles. Never a large group, they have nevertheless reached deep into Catholic life in Aotearoa, working up and down the length of the country and across denominational boundaries. Although no longer involved in active ministry the New Zealand friars continue to fund and facilitate Aaiotanga – the Peace Place – a community space in downtown Auckland focused on peace and social justice issues.
More than the history of a religious organisation, this is the story of a group of dissimilar – often eccentric – individuals who worked in a range of ministries; of the faith that united them as brothers and gave purpose to their mission as preachers; and of their impact on the communities and churches they served in Aotearoa New Zealand. Alongside the many positive achievements of Dominican ministry, this account also addresses previously silenced stories of abuse of power. Preachers, Pastors, Prophets is not a sacred history. It’s a human history.
Like Grant’s previous book, a study of the Dominican sisters, Preachers, Pastors, Prophets offers a window into a particular world and the ways that world has transformed over time.
Reviews and Interviews
Unity Books Auckland Bestseller list for the week ending April 11 Read
‘The book is very well-written and meticously researched, and Otago University Press has done a heck of a good job on the lay-out. Very clear and very nicely illustrated ... This is another brick in the wall of New Zealand history and it’s great to have it there.’
Harry Broad for Nine to Noon, RNZ Listen
‘I got to spend time with fascinating people who have lived in such a different way, in many ways a very counter-cultural way, vowing themselves to chastity, poverty, and obedience, devoting their lives to God and to helping other people. For me personally, the process of research and writing in this field is a chance to think about the bigger questions in life. But it’s also about telling very human stories - acknowledging the good and noble, funny and fickle, sad and sinful, and ordinary stories which make up the broader story of religious life in Aotearoa New Zealand.’
Susannah Grant speaks to Kim Parkinson for the Gisborne Herald Read
About the author
Susannah Grant
Susannah Grant is a historian with a PhD from the University of Otago. In 2017, she published Windows on a Women’s World: The Dominican Sisters of Aotearoa New Zealand (Otago University Press). Susannah lives in Gisborne with her family, on the banks...
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Windows on a Women’s World