Friendship in the Lord — Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, O.P.
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Friendship in the Lord — A Timeless Catholic Spiritual Classic
⭐ Abiding Together Summer Book Club Pick — Study begins July 6, 2026!
"This book is a friendship telling its story. It is friends telling together their experience of friendship in the Lord."
Friendship isn't just a longing—it's a holy calling. We are made for deep, life-giving connection. Yet in a world overwhelmed by digital noise and surface-level interaction, many of us feel more isolated than ever. Friendship in the Lord offers a timeless, grace-filled response to that ache.
Originally published in 1974 and beloved by Catholics for decades, this spiritual classic by Dominican priest Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, O.P. has been reprinted for a new generation—one that longs for meaningful connection but often doesn't know where to begin. Blending theological depth with heartfelt personal reflection, this book is a moving testament to the real-life beauty of friendship rooted in Christ.
With the wisdom of a teacher, the soul of a mystic, and the voice of a friend, Fr. Hinnebusch reveals how authentic friendship—when founded in the love of Christ—is a pathway to holiness and healing.
Draws on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Church's rich tradition on friendship as an image of our relationship with God.
Explores transformative friendships of the saints—St. Catherine & Bl. Raymond, St. Francis de Sales & St. Jane Frances de Chantal, and more.
A pathway to holiness through mutual encouragement, sacrifice, and prayer—friendship as participation in the life of the Trinity.
A beautiful gift for a cherished friend, a spiritual director, or anyone longing for deeper, Christ-centered connection.
Through rich theological insight and powerful stories, you will:
- Discover how friendship, grounded in the grace of Christ, becomes a participation in the very life of the Trinity
- Learn why the Church—especially St. Thomas Aquinas—has long upheld the love of friendship as one of the most fitting images of our relationship with God
- Reflect on saintly friendships that transformed the Church through mutual encouragement, sacrifice, and prayer
- Reclaim the art of seeing, appreciating, and honoring others in a world that has forgotten how to love as Christ does
"Intimacy is a love which accepts me fully even when it sees that I am far from perfect . . . a love which always sees my potentialities for good and draws them to full blossom by the sun of appreciation."
— Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, O.P.
In a culture of loneliness, Friendship in the Lord is a powerful, poetic invitation to rediscover the gift of holy friendship. Whether you're seeking to deepen a current relationship or wondering where to begin, this book offers the guidance and inspiration to find—and become—a friend in the Lord.
Specifications
| Author | Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, O.P. |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Ave Maria Press |
| Format | Print (Paperback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-87061-328-9 |
| Weight | ~0.43 lbs |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Sold by | Catholic Faith Store |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this book for?
This book is ideal for anyone longing for deeper, Christ-centered friendship—whether you're in a spiritual direction relationship, a faith community, a book club, or simply seeking to understand what holy friendship looks like in daily life.
Is this a good book club selection?
Absolutely. Friendship in the Lord is the Abiding Together Summer 2026 Book Club pick, making it a perfect choice for parish groups, women's circles, or any faith-sharing community. Its reflective chapters invite rich discussion.
What theological tradition does this book draw from?
Fr. Hinnebusch is a Dominican priest, and the book draws deeply from the Thomistic tradition—particularly St. Thomas Aquinas's theology of charity and friendship—as well as the lived witness of the saints.
Is this suitable as a gift?
Yes—it makes a beautiful and meaningful gift for a cherished friend, a spiritual director, a confirmation candidate, or anyone navigating loneliness or seeking deeper community.
Is this a new book?
Originally published in 1974, this is a reprinted edition brought back for a new generation. The content is timeless, and the reprint makes it newly accessible for today's readers.





