Andrea Oliva Florendo's latest book, “Romance of the Enclosed Garden: Song of Songs,” offers readers a meditative exploration of sublime love as expressed in Scripture. A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from the Philippines and a Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies from St. John's University, Florendo has also been a Research Fellow at Yale University's Institute of Sacred Music, Yale Divinity School. Her background as an artist, harpist, curator, and educator uniquely positions her to bring biblical poetry to life through a fusion of art, music, and prayer.
In this work, Florendo draws from Solomon's Song of Songs to reflect on love's beauty, mystery, and divine presence. The book invites readers to step into the enclosed garden, a sacred space symbolizing intimacy with God, separation from worldly distractions, and renewal of the soul. Through reflections, meditations, and images, Florendo reveals how the interplay of poetry, flowers, and spiritual silence can open the heart to encounter God's transforming love.
Florendo's lifelong devotion to the arts and her spiritual calling inspired this book. She previously authored “Liturgy of Flowers in a Mary Garden” and served as Director of Art Education and Curator at the National Museum of Catholic Art and History, New York, where she curated notable exhibits, including The Papacy during the Jubilee Year 2000. As a harpist and practitioner of Harp Therapy, she integrates music, prayer, and meditation, underscoring her mission of guiding others toward healing and divine communion.
“Andrea shows years of prayerful appreciation of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In this book, we are led to reflect with her and with Mary's role in God's plan of salvation,” writes Rev. Fr. Victor Hoagland, CP, of the Congregation of the Passion, Immaculate Conception Monastery.
Reader John J. Fitzgerald, J.D., Ph.D., specializing in Christian Ethics and Moral Theology, also commented that the book is “a passionate meditation, rich in symbolism, on the romantic and religious significance of flora. Readers will benefit from the detailed exploration of one of the most underrated books, the Song of Songs, and music lovers in particular will be surprised by the concluding chapter.”
“Romance of the Enclosed Garden: Song of Songs” motivates readers to find refuge in the biblical garden and embrace a deeper intimacy with God through prayer, silence, and love. An engaging and spiritually enriching read, this book is now available for purchase on Amazon and other major online book retailers.
For more information about the author and her work, visit www.andreaolivaflorendogardens.com.
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