What is Quomnia? Discovering a Way to the Supreme Source

Ex quo omnia

Quomnia is a term derived from ex quo omnia, meaning "from whom are all things." I came across this phrase for the first time in the early 2000s as a seminarian at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX, during Vespers on Holy Trinity Sunday. It seems fitting that it would stick with me all these years later.

The complete antiphon of the Holy Trinity Sunday Vespers is ex quo omnia, per quem omnia, in quo omnia: ipsi gloria in sæcula: which translates to: “From whom are all things, through whom are all things; and in whom are all things: to him be glory for evermore.”

This antiphon is taken from St. Augustine's Confessions (I.2.2), discussing the Supreme Source of all things, echoing 1 Corinthians 8:6 and Romans 11:36. It is also the basis of the Doxology of the Catholic Mass - through him, with him, in him... you know the rest.

Considering the Eucharist, for Catholics, is the source and summit of our faith, purchased through the cross and in hopes of joining the resurrected Christ in life everlasting, this seems like a good place to start contemplating aspects of our current life.

After leaving the seminary, I spent a decade and a half in ministry, including nearly half of that time as a certified spiritual director. I eventually found my true calling: fatherhood and working as a psychotherapist.

A Gap in Practice

After working in various settings and maintaining a private practice, the Mental Well, I recognized a gap in my approach to work. Perhaps not a gap in the healing that occurred in people, because healing can occur despite the wounded healer who accompanies those who heal, but a discrepancy between my clinical approach and my daily attempts to lead a devout life.

After a decade-and-a-half of clinical work, working primarily with many faithful Catholics, especially as the director of the University of Dallas Counseling Center. I started to meld the two parts of myself together to create a better way to work with my Catholic Christian patients.

Many patients have asked me to document my frameworks or provide information on where they can find out more about the topics. I find it difficult to say, "Well, start with Augustine's Confessions, then move to Aquinas' Summa, then catch up with St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Saint Pope John Paul the Great, liturgical living..."

That doesn't address the psychological aspect of things, some of which I'd not suggest everyone read.

Quomnia - A Source of Healing and Hope

Quomnia is an attempt to integrate the work of psychology (the Integration of the Person) and the spiritual (the Authentic Disposition of the Intentional Heart) in a frame that is easy to understand at any level. But, more on this later.

I began writing the Quomnia book a while ago and have gained many insights and discoveries (ancient and new), and I am excited to share them with you.

Mark Twain once quipped, "I would have written a shorter letter, but I hadn't the time." I plan to bring the book to near completion, which may be published. However, I intend to self-publish a shorter book, to be released for free, that describes the practical and pastoral aspects of the Quomnia Way.

But before I do that, I need to draw on your experience. Rather than going on a book signing tour like some proper professional author, which I am not, I'd prefer to start with a tour of conversations to field questions first, then fill in the rest of the book.

While I have decades of experience in both the spiritual and clinical spaces, my efforts have not been as focused on developing a framework for a mass audience who may not come across my ministries or therapist's couch.

There have also been numerous changes in the world around us... a lot! It's prudent to add as much consideration as possible to an undertaking like this.

Call to Action

Through these conversations, we will further shape the perspective of the Quomnia Way. If you're interested in being part of these discussions or want to be among the first to receive updates on Quomnia's free book, sign up for updates below. Your questions and insights are invaluable as we light the path to a life of ultimate purpose, healing, and hope. God Bless.