A New Book Sheds Light on a Little-Known Charism: “The Word of Wisdom”

30 january 2026

On the occasion of the publication of a new book by Domuni Press, Fr. Alain-Marie de Lassus, CSJ, a theologian and a recognized specialist in biblical exegesis and Christian spirituality, invites readers to rediscover a dimension often overlooked in Christian spiritual life: the word of wisdom.

Mentioned at the very beginning of the list of charisms in the First Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, the word of wisdom nevertheless remains one of the least studied gifts of the Holy Spirit. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit,” writes the Apostle Paul in chapter XII of this foundational letter for the theology of charisms. It is from this passage that Fr. Alain-Marie de Lassus undertook an in-depth research project aimed at understanding the nature, scope, and contemporary relevance of this spiritual gift.

The author brings to this work an exceptionally rich academic and spiritual background. A member of the Congregation of Saint John, Fr. Alain-Marie de Lassus was originally trained as an engineer and graduated from the École Polytechnique in 1981 before turning to theology. He earned a doctorate from the University of Strasbourg in 2005 and specialized in biblical exegesis and biblical spirituality. Teaching in several institutes, he also pursues demanding research on the Book of Revelation and divine wisdom. The author of numerous books and scholarly articles, he is also a retreat preacher, placing his erudition at the service of a deep spiritual understanding of Sacred Scripture.

This dual scientific and theological expertise is reflected in the very structure of the book. The Word of Wisdom: A Little-Known Charism unfolds in three major chapters, each addressing the subject from a complementary perspective.

The book opens with a biblical approach, first retracing the place of wisdom in the Old Testament before examining several New Testament texts related to this spiritual gift. A second, more theological section draws on major figures of the Christian tradition, notably Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. Finally, the last chapter adopts a spiritual and pastoral perspective, addressing in concrete terms the interior dispositions required to welcome this charism and to allow oneself to be guided by the Spirit in the proclamation of the Gospel.

Intended for priests and religious as well as for lay people engaged in the transmission of the faith, the book presents itself as a valuable resource for all those who work toward the building up of the Church through the word.

The Word of Wisdom: A Little-Known Charism is now available on the Domuni Press website in both print and digital editions.