Br. James Dominic Brent, O.P.
First Profession: August 15, 2005
Home Town: Birmingham, MI
Alma Mater: Central Michigan University
I was born and raised in a Catholic home in the suburbs of Detroit. I attended Catholic schools through high school. In high school I decided that I was going to study Philosophy in college. Studying Philosophy introduced me to a whole worId of ideas that I had never been aware of before, and forced me to rethink my faith at every level. As my study of Philosphy went on, I found myself increasingly compelled by the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas. It was he who first introduced me to the Dominicans.
Later, I came across several contemporary Dominicans who had answers to many of my unresolved philosophical questions. More and more, the writings of Dominicans impressed me. When I arrived at graduate school in Detroit, there happened to be a Dominican Parish two blocks from my office.
The Parish was just what I needed. It had great community of Dominican priests. They were obviously outstanding men and wonderful priests. Sacraments and devotions were available in abundance. The Friars were very welcoming-- even to the point of inviting me to use their library and some of its rare books. I was impressed by their life of common prayer, study, community, and preaching Christ. Their life impressed me so much, in fact, that becoming a Dominican myself became a live option for me.
Nonetheless, I had to think about it for several more years. I had to come to terms with the sacrfices that Dominican life entails. It was not until years later that I could resolve in my heart to do it. The decision was difficult for me.
Yet ever since I became a Dominican, I have known a happiness, a joy, and a peace that is nowhere to be gained from any books of Philosophy. For there is a happiness that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. There is a happiness that comes from living out His call. There is a happiness that comes from having a heart consecrated to Him by vows. And it is a happiness so deep and so profound that all the happiness of this world pales by comparison to it.
Praised be Jesus Christ who calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light! (1 Pet. 2:9)