Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, and journalist who became a bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction. His novels often explored the lives of Irish-American Catholics, particularly within the Chicago setting. Greeley captivated readers with memorable characters and compelling narratives that frequently blended mystery, humor, and social observation. He brought a distinctive voice to popular fiction, offering insights into the faith and experiences of his characters.
The story follows Father Laurence O'Toole McAuliffe, a disillusioned pastor grappling with the decline of his faith and the burdens of his priesthood. Once a passionate radical, he now faces cynicism and weariness, fully aware of his transformation. Set against the backdrop of his parish in Forest Springs, the narrative explores themes of faith, disillusionment, and the struggles of maintaining conviction in a changing world.
The lives of Paul and Sean Cronin are profoundly influenced by their father's ambitious vision for them, envisioning one son as a future cardinal and the other as the president. This dynamic sets the stage for a compelling exploration of family expectations, personal ambition, and the paths chosen versus those imposed by parental dreams, ultimately shaping their destinies in unexpected ways.
In a heartfelt narrative reminiscent of classic holiday tales, Andrew M. Greeley explores themes of redemption and the transformative power of love and community. The story unfolds with characters facing personal struggles, ultimately leading to moments of reflection and hope. As they navigate their challenges, the spirit of the season brings them together, highlighting the importance of connection and the possibility of change. This poignant tale captures the essence of holiday magic and the enduring impact of kindness.
Exploring the life and teachings of Jesus, the book invites readers to embrace the unexpected aspects of his story. It encourages a fresh perspective on familiar narratives, urging an open-minded approach to understanding his impact and message. By highlighting the surprising elements of Jesus' life, the author aims to deepen the reader's engagement with his teachings and challenge preconceived notions, ultimately fostering a more profound spiritual connection.
When three people are murdered in a church that has long represented a bulwark against change in its venerable Chicago neighborhood, Bishop "Blackie" Ryan enlists a psychic cop and a Sicilian attorney in what he believes is a campaign of terror.
Celebrating the profound virtue of love, this inspirational volume by bestselling author Andrew M. Greeley and his sister, Dr. Mary G. Durkin, explores its significance and impact on human life. Through thoughtful reflections and insights, the authors highlight the transformative power of love, making it a central theme that resonates deeply with readers.
Great Tales of Irish Fantasy
Irish magic comes alive in this collection—“a sheer delight of grand storytelling” —featuring Ray Bradbury, Tanith Lee, Charles de Lint and others (Publishers Weekly). From the great Celtic myths featuring the bard Taliesin, the terrible Morrigan, the heroic Cuchulain, to strange and mysterious tales of today, the storytelling traditions of Ireland hold a strong attraction for many. Emerald Magic brings together some of today’s finest fantasy authors to explore these immortal myths, bringing their own vision to these ancient tales of luck, love, and honor. Edited and with an introduction by bestselling author Father Andrew M. Greeley, Emerald Magic contains fourteen wonderful stories of legend and lore, including: In Ray Bradbury’s “A Woman Is a Fast Moving Picnic”, a group of pub regulars set out to discover the truth behind a local song and answer that age-old question: Just how fast does a person sink in a bog? “The Isle of Women” by Jacqueline Carey tell the tale of a warrior sailing for vengeance who happens upon an island ruled by a woman like no other. And when a woman finds her grandfather’s diary, she unleashes the specter of an old debt in Tanith Lee’s “Speir-Bhan”. These and other fantastic tales capture the stirring drama and unique flavor of Emerald Magic.
Not since his runaway bestseller, "The Cardinal Sins," has Father Andrew M. Greeley written such a searing and topical novel about the state of the Catholic Church. "The Priestly Sins" tells the story of Father Herman Hoffman, a gifted and innocent young man from the distant prairies of the Great Plains. In the first summer of his first parish appointment, Hoffman is swept up in The Crisis after witnessing child abuse in the parish rectory. He tells the pastor, the father of the victim, and the local police but is rebuffed by the archbishop. Soon he is vilified for denouncing a priest who has been "cleared" by the police and learns the harsh fate of the whistle-blower in the contemporary Catholic church: He is locked up in a mental-health center and then sent into exile to do graduate study. In Chicago to study immigrant history, he encounters the local "Vicar for Extern Priests," the legendary Monsignor Blackie Ryan, who helps him regain his confidence. Hoffman returns home to demand a parish of his own from the archbishop. Reluctantly, the church hierarchy assigns him to a dying parish, but by his zeal and charm Hoffman revives the local church. His brief idyll is shattered by a subpoena to testify in a court hearing. If he speaks, he will have to take on the "downtown" establishment that is determined to destroy him and many of his fellow priests who want to be rid of this painful reminder of a sinful past. Hoffman faces exile not only from his parish, but from the priesthood itself. Writing from the author's fifty years of experience as a priest, The Priestly Sins will be criticized by some but embraced by most as an all-too-candid story of all-too-human priests. "The Priestly Sins" is Father Greeley's most electrifying novel in three decades, a novel sure to rise up the bestseller lists.
Set against the backdrop of a chaotic American Christmas, the story follows Jack Flanigan, an Irish-American man navigating family tensions and travel woes. Amidst the holiday turmoil, he finds himself unexpectedly falling for a young Russian woman studying at Harvard, adding a layer of complexity to his festive season. The narrative explores themes of love and cultural differences in a humorous and relatable way.
Exploring the intersection of faith and cinema, this book delves into how films reflect and shape religious thought. It examines various movies that incorporate spiritual themes, characters, and narratives, showcasing the ways filmmakers engage with the divine and moral questions. Through insightful analysis, the author highlights the significance of the religious imagination in contemporary storytelling, demonstrating that cinema remains a powerful medium for exploring and expressing faith.