Judith Valente

Judith Valente, the distinguished author of "How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community," crafts her literary opus with the finesse of a master weaver, intertwining threads of profound spirituality and human introspection. In this bio, one discerns an author whose writings are not merely books but gateways into realms of deep contemplation and enduring truths. Her intellectual journey, rooted in an education steeped in English and classical languages from St. Peter's University, further honed by an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, reveals a mind perpetually in dialogue with the past and present. Valente's narrative compass is guided by her affiliation with the Benedictine monastery Mount St. Scholastica, a spiritual anchor that permeates her prose with the solemnity and serenity of monastic wisdom. Her work is a confluence of journalism and poetic insight, evidenced by a notable career at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, where her pen earned her the honor of Pulitzer Prize nominations. In "How to Live," Valente doesn't merely instruct; she invites readers into a sacred dance of reflection and renewal. This book, alongside her memoir "Atchison Blue," serves as an invitation to embark on pilgrimages of the soul, exploring themes of silence, community, and faith. Her collaborations with Brother Paul Quenon further delve into the mysteries of existence, transforming dialogues into meditative art. Valente's prose is a symphony of lyrical beauty and philosophical depth, offering a balm for those seeking solace in the chaos of modernity. Through poetry collections like "Inventing An Alphabet," chosen by Mary Oliver for the Aldrich Poetry Prize, she captures life's ephemeral beauty. Her literary pursuits are complemented by her ecological advocacy and leadership within the International Thomas Merton Society, marking her as a beacon in contemporary spiritual discourse.