By Mary Beth Bracy, Catholic 365, February 12, 2022.
[CCI Editor’s Note: Our May 13 Catholic Citizens of Illinois Forum Luncheon featured speaker is Leila Lawler, the author of the book this article is discussing. Lawler’s topic: “Exposing the 7 Deadly Lies of Feminism.”]
March 8 is International Women’s Day. Although this day may evoke images of famous or powerful women, it is also a celebration of those who live “ordinary” lives with extraordinary love every day.
Leila M. Lawler, popular blogger and author of the new exquisite three-volume set The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life radiates this authentic femininity.
Originally from a very secular background, Lawler converted to the Catholic faith in 1978. She spent years discovering the meaning of true Christian feminism, which affirms the dignity of women, and how to live a domestic life.
Drawing from her extensive experience and education, Lawler shares the fruits of this search. In the first volume, women will learn about the importance of and practical aspects in developing a home culture. Next, volume two lays out how to educate children to navigate our world. Finally, volume three provides essential practical tips for managing domestic responsibilities.
In the recent National Review interview about the book, Lawler reflects that she wrote The Summa Domestica to pass on “the actual skills and routines and thoughts you need to be at home and to do a good job of it. To use your spirited, intelligent mind to attack all the problems. But the other aim of the book is: Why is the home important to make and keep? And why is it the woman who does it?”
Fans of her blog Like Mother, Like Daughter will be delighted to find a collection of Lawler’s advice at their fingertips. Her down to earth, “kitchen sink philosophy,” is refreshing and relational. Timely topics are laid out for quick referencing and will help women who yearn for help in developing an organized and tranquil home life.
- Answers to commonly asked questions by young women, new brides, and mothers
- What keeping a house really entails
- How to teach children about the faith throughout the year
- How to design your own homeschool curriculum and educate children of various ages
- Lists of recommended books and resources
- How to handle money and much more
Lawler concludes that “really educating your children is the vocation of family life and has to be set in this larger context of creating the environment of the home, nurturing the home.”
In these pages, women will save time in learning how to cultivate a strong family, tips on raising children, and how to maintain their identity. As she imparts her wisdom, Lawler shares the “collective memory” of women.
Searching for the perfect gift for the women in your life? Women will cherish this beautiful keepsake book set. Check out The Summa Domestica.
This article first appeared HERE.