By Mary Lou Kownacki Published by Orbis Books, 2024. Reviewed by Kristine Bennett

Everyday Sacred, Everywhere Beauty is a treasure. It won’t be stored on my bookcase. Instead, it will be placed on their bedside table when visitors stay. The book contains short journal entries selected from three distinct times in Kownacki’s life. The first selection had been published previously on her blog “Old Monk’s Journal” (along with the work of her writing partner Joan Chittister), on their Monasteries of the Heart website which explores ancient Benedictine spirituality within the context of issues in our time. The entries encourage action within the community for peace and justice, provide insight into Benedictine community life and encourage and support daily prayer and lectio divina. The third section spans Kownacki’s cancer diagnosis during the covid pandemic to her final writings before her death in January 2023. Joan Chittister provides a very moving love letter as an afterword.

For me, the insights, joy and journey of this book come from Kownacki’s gentle, grateful writings. They give comfort and they call to action. Also, they gave me a springboard into the meditative writings of others she quotes from. I’m delving into these other writers and theologians — they, too, are Kownacki’s gift that will accompany my own journey.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 300 February 2025: 27