I like to be in America—and Rome too!
Twomey articles to appear in US and Europe
(Note: I began writing the following post before Christmas, but was prevented from finishing it until now, due to holiday travels and the writing assignments mentioned below.)
On December 18th, I returned from a weeklong trip to Rome, where I spent three days researching Father Louis J. Twomey, S.J., in the Archive of the House of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus (ARSI).
The entire trip was a beautiful experience. I enjoyed visiting old friends and making new ones, including Jesuits at the Society’s General Curia and editors at the Vatican news organization. All of them encouraged me in my work on Father Twomey’s biography. At ARSI, I was delighted to discover documents that helped me gain a more complete picture of Father Twomey’s life and work, particularly his advocacy for African-Americans in the segregated South.
Shortly before I departed for my Roman visit, I received exciting news from America magazine. The Jesuit monthly assigned me to write a feature on Father Twomey, which is set to debut online on the birthday of Twomey’s friend Martin Luther King, Jr. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to share Twomey’s story with America readers, and am hopeful that the article will lead to my finding a publisher for my biography of him.
Proving that when it rains, it pours, I received a second writing assignment on Father Twomey during my stay in the Eternal City, from a certain Italian-language newspaper. For now, I’d like to keep the name of the publication a surprise. But if all goes well, it won’t be a surprise for long. I’ve just submitted that article—which is less than 1,000 words, in contrast with the 3,000-word piece planned for America—and it should appear in a few weeks.
I ask your prayers now as I work to complete the America feature in time for my deadline during the first week of the New Year. Thanks for your support—and a special thank-you to the paid subscribers who have helped make my research trips possible. Wishing you every blessing of this Christmas season, and a happy New Year.