Dominus Illuminatio Mea: Denis the Carthusian's Commentary on the Psalms (Vol. 2—Psalms 26

Dominus Illuminatio Mea is the second of six planned volumes translating Denis the Carthusian’s (1402-1471) extensive Commentary on the Psalms. This second volume contains Denis’s Commentary of Psalms 26 through 50. This translation is the first ever translation of the work into English since Denis wrote it in the 1430s. Of more than mere historical or scholarly interest, this translation is aimed at a larger Catholic audience. It is accompanied by footnotes designed to supplement Denis’s text and explain or amplify on biblical, dogmatic, Thomistic, scholastic, catechetical, or historical matters raised in Denis’s text with which the ordinary reader may not be familiar. Reading Denis’s Commentary will expose the reader to that which Pope Benedict XVI called for in the post-synodal Exhortation Verbum Domini, namely, that the faithful rediscover the unity of Scripture and its different senses—the literal, the allegorical, the moral, and the anagogical. Reading Denis’s Commentary on the Psalms with its use of the “analogy of Scripture” and its extensive application of the different senses of the Psalms is a perfect way to rediscover this richness of interpretation that has been largely lost. It will allow the reader to “re-read the Scriptures” in the light of Scripture’s unity and its spiritual, plenary sense as Pope Benedict XVI urged. — From the Introduction

Praise for the book: 

Volume Two of Andrew Greenwell’s English translation of Denis the Carthusian’s Commentary on the Psalms is a remarkable achievement, offering wide access to a text of great importance. Denis’ erudition, insight and originality, as well as his refined ability to keep various interlocutors in view are robustly displayed. Readers will find his attention to the relationship between the letter of history and the spiritual senses particularly engaging. The wealth of helpful notes in this edition will help us all gain a deeper appreciation for the workings of one of the late medieval world’s most respected voices. A translator has to share something of the spirit of the original author, and this translation is the work of one who certainly does. — ✠ Most Rev. Daniel E. Flores, Bishop of Brownsville, TX

In this impeccably well-done translation from Latin of the beautiful commentary on Psalms 26–50 of Denis the Carthusian, Andrew Greenwell has demonstrated that he is precisely the kind of layman Pope St. John Paul II called for in his 1988 post-synodal apostolic exhortation to the lay faithful. He is in love with the Lord Jesus Christ and totally given over to the service of His Mystical Body, the Church. I highly recommend this beautiful work. I am deeply grateful to Andrew for offering it to all of us as a resource. — Deacon Keith Fournier, J.D., M.T.S., M.Phil., Dean of Catholic Identity Director of Deacon Formation General Counsel Catholic, Diocese of Tyler, Texas

Greenwell's welcome translation of Denis the Carthusian's first major work is a gift to those who seek primarily to understand the Psalms in the context of revelation and faith above the narrower priorities of modern academia. Denis' richly Christological exposition of each psalm, applying the four senses of scripture, is witness to Carthusian life faithfully and fruitfully lived. — Fr. Hugh Somerville Knapman, OSB, Monk of Douai; author of Ecumenism of Blood: Heavenly Hope for Earthly Communion

We can find no better prayers than the ones God Himself has given us. The Psalms are the heart of Holy Scripture, the summary of all its treasures, the daily bread of Christ’s faithful. The mysteries contained in the Psalms are simple, and yet so sublime, that we need a guide to open up the Scriptures to us. Denis the Carthusian, a fine connoisseur of the Psalms, is an exemplary guide. This English translation is a remarkable accomplishment, for which we are all indebted to Andrew Greenwell. — Dom Pius Mary Noonan, OSB, Notre Dame Priory, Tasmania

Now here is a treasure that those who take their lectio divina seriously appreciate beyond telling: Denis the Carthusian's commentary on the Psalms—no less! — Abbot Philip Anderson, OSB, Clear Creek Abbey

This Commentary is an important aid in studying, indeed in praying, the psalms —which form so much of the very fibre of the Sacred Liturgy— according to the medieval mind. The translator and publisher are to be congratulated for making available this jewel of our tradition in the English language and in such an elegant edition.

If lectio divina is nothing other than listening to the voice of God through the words of His friends, amongst whom Denis the Carthusian must surely be counted, this fruit of the lifetime of faith, seeking and understanding of the Doctor ecstaticus is a most beautiful gift for those who would hear His voice speaking through the psalms today. — Dom Alcuin Reid, Prior, Monastère Saint-Benoît, Brignoles, France

* * * * * 

About the Translator

Andrew M. Greenwell is a Catholic layman, with three children and four grandchildren. He is a civil trial and appellate lawyer based in Corpus Christi, Texas, who has written articles for Catholic Online and for a number of years wrote a blog on the natural moral law called Lex Christianorum. He has translated works from German, Latin, French, and Italian into English. He is a member of the Latin Mass Community at St. John the Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. Angelico Press is publishing his translations of all of Denis the Carthusian’s works on the Mass and the Eucharist.