“Reflections of a Servant of God” is a fascinating compilation of writings by Domitilla Rota Hyams, joint founder of the LITTLE EDEN Society. Just published, it is available from our offices as well as the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg chancery, at a cost of R200.

Co-inciding with the launch of the new book, is the quarterly Hyams Cause newsletter, which offers insight into the early lives of the Servants of God, Maria Domitilla Hyams (nee Rota) and Daniel George Hyams. Owing to financial hardship and living in a rural environment lacking in facilities, life was challenging for the young Domitilla. She left school at the age of 10 to help her family survive by looking after their lifestock in the meadows, collecting wood and chestnuts in the forest, and working in the fields.

Despite her rudimentary education, Domitilla’s passion for the intellect remained strong, as witnessed by her self-studies in music, the Italian language and mathematics. Above all, she had a keen desire for her own spiritual development, which shines through in the new book.