Overview

This in-depth, page-turning biography of Father Joseph Fessio, S.J., founder of Ignatius Press and the University of San Francisco's Saint Ignatius Institute, is written by one of Fessio's earliest Jesuit mentors, historian Father Cornelius Buckley, S.J. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area during the golden age after World War II, the bold, often reckless Joe Fessio would suddenly enter the Society of Jesus at age twenty and, by divine providence, find himself studying under three of the greatest theological minds of the twentieth century--Henri de Lubac, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Over the decades, he would transform into one of the most powerful and energetic forces in the American Catholic Church, designing a pioneering Catholic Great Books program at USF and founding perhaps the largest Catholic publishing house in the English-speaking world. With many hysterical glimpses into the engine rooms of Catholic institutions, warts and all, this robust yet unsentimental study of Fessio's unique life, cut with Buckley's trademark wit, shows what effective Christian missionary work can look like in the age of media.

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9781621646174

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""Father Fessio seems to me the kind of Jesuit that St. Ignatius envisioned: a deeply pious, swashbuckling intellectual and evangelical entrepreneur, determined to set the world ablaze with the fire the Lord Jesus sought to kindle on earth. The Church of the twenty-first century owes a great debt of gratitude to Father Fessio for being that kind of Jesuit."" -- George Weigel, from the Foreword ""A delightful and intimate account of a very human and holy life."" -- Peter Kreeft, Professor, Boston College ""The words intrepid, valiant, fearless, protector, and risk-taker leap to the forefront whenever Father Fessio comes to mind. This biography takes the reader on an odyssey-like journey through his unique life."" -- Michael O'Brien, Author, Father Elijah ""As the light of Christian faith flickers across the West, one American priest leads on with inimitable brilliance. Joseph Fessio, S.J., fortifies the Catholic front line with unequaled intellectual firepower."" -- Mary Eberstadt, Author, Adam and Eve after the Pill ""A passionate piece of the story of the Catholic Church in America, through the audacious, uncompromising, devoted personality of Father Fessio."" -- Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect Emeritus, Vatican Dicastery for Bishops ""Many people look at the state of the world and the Church and ask, 'Why don't they . . . ?' Father Fessio asks, 'Why don't we . . . ?' And then he does it! A lively biography."" -- Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco ""No one has impacted the Catholic Church in America and beyond like Father Fessio. This delightful biography is a must-read."" -- Most Rev. James Conley, Bishop of Lincoln "" An unsentimental yet fascinating account of this fearless pioneer. Essential reading to appreciate Father Fessio's undaunted character, sense of mission, and the impact of his work on the global Catholic scene."" -- Scott Hahn, Author, Rome Sweet Home ""Father Fessio is a true giant. He is an inspiration to all who love the Catholic Church. This book is an answer to prayer."" -- Joseph Pearce, Best-selling literary biographer ""Father Fessio is a man completely overwhelmed by the joy of having worked alongside the Lord all day, and is eager to do it all again because he loves the Lord, and his vineyard."" -- Most Rev. Steven Lopes, Bishop of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter ""A breathtaking journey through a tumultuous time in the life of the Church, which Father Fessio navigated superbly, with loyalty, godliness, and boldness."" -- Stephen Ray, Author, Crossing the Tiber ""This story is the exceptional witness of what the two great virtues of courage and fidelity can attain when put selflessly at the service of Truth."" -- Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Author, Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word ""A cracking good story. Father Fessio's former students or colleagues may well be surprised by the fascinating backstories and behind-the-scenes dramas recounted here with insight, warmth, and wit."" -- Margaret Turek, S.T.D., Author, Atonement ""Captures the essence of Father Fessio's unwavering commitment to the Church, his intellectual brilliance, and his tireless dedication. A heartfelt tribute to a remarkable priest whose influence has touched countless lives."" -- Mark Middendorf, President, Ave Maria University

Author Information

Cornelius Michael Buckley, S.J., was born in California in 1925, served in the Navy during World War II, and graduated from the University of Santa Clara in 1950, the same year he joined the Jesuits. After studies, he was a professor of history at the University of San Francisco until his retirement in 1998. In 2004, he became a chaplain at Thomas Aquinas College, a position he held until 2022, when he moved to the ""Jesuit Finishing School"", his term for the Society of Jesus' retirement community in Los Gatos, California. Here, he waits his final assignment.

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