This May, Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Mary Nona McGreal, Order of Preachers (OP), releases her book "Journeyman, Preacher, Pastor, Teacher: Samuel Mazzuchelli, American Dominican." Almost 200 years after his birth, the biography of pioneer priest Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, offers a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary man who devoted his life to serving God's people.

The book follows Fr. Mazzuchelli's journey from Italy to the American frontier during the 19th century. It also provides descriptions of the geographical, political, socioeconomic, and religious realities that shaped the life of Fr. Mazzuchelli and the nation. His fidelity to his Dominican vocation as preacher and teacher never wavered despite times of great adversity.

The author, Sister Mary Nona, resides in Chicago, Ill., where she is working on a three-volume history of Dominicans in the U.S. She was born in Waukeegan, Ill. She was President of Edgewood College in Madison, Wis., from 1950-1967. Before that, she was the author of a curriculum for Catholic schools entitled "Guiding Growth in Christian Social Living" at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. "Doing the research on the biography of Fr. Mazzuchelli has been a labor of love," said Sr. Nona. That labor included the study of many original documents in Italy and in the U.S.

Fr. Mazzuchelli is known in the tri-state area for establishing more than 40 parish communities, building at least 24 churches, and founding the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. Fr. Mazzuchelli's life and example continue to have meaning for people today. His commitment to social justice for the oppressed, education, and responsible civic participation are relevant values for our time. In 1993, Fr. Mazzuchelli was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II. This is the first step to canonization, official Catholic Church recognition of his sanctity.

To purchase "Journeyman, Preacher, Pastor, Teacher: Samuel Mazzuchelli, American Dominican," visit the Bookshop Gifts web page and order online.