New article and video interview on Father Twomey
Plus an update on my Kickstarter
Cross-posted from Kickstarter:
Father Twomey in the media
I'm delighted to announce that this week two new media items on my Father Twomey research are available: (1) my video interview on Father Twomey and on my own personal journey for Thomas Howes and James McGill Patterson's podcast Why Postliberalism failed, and (2) in the Vital Center journal (edited by Howes), a preview of my Father Twomey research: "Mater Si, Buckley No: The Jesuit Who Took on National Review's 'Compartmentalized Catholics."
It was a great pleasure speaking with Dr. Howes and Dr. Patterson, whose work promoting democratic principles and countering harmful ideologies is in many ways a modern-day continuation of Father Twomey's mission. They not only gave me the opportunity to speak about Twomey's work but also asked me about my personal journey. Because I felt comfortable with them and appreciated their own openness, I ended up sharing more of my inner life than I normally share in interviews. So, even if you've heard me speak about my life and views before, I don't think you've ever heard the exact things I share in this interview.
The "Mater Si, Buckley No" article gives a good idea of how, in A Priest of Good Trouble, I'll be tracing Father Twomey's participation in the public discussions of his time, many of which are echoed in today's discourse.
A new stretch goal and a new add-on reward
Again, I want to thank all of you who pledged for enabling me to achieve full funding for writing A Priest in Good Trouble. It is thanks to your support that, after a year of research, I am now able to fulfill my dream of writing Father Twomey's story.
With ten days left until the end of this Kickstarter campaign, I've decided to set a stretch goal, adding $1,500 to the original goal of $15,000, for a total goal of $16,500. The additional $1,500 would cover my hiring a professional to create the index for A Priest in Good Trouble.
Publishers normally require authors to create their own index or hire a professional to do so, and my publisher, the University of Notre Dame Press, is no exception. The cost of hiring a professional to create the index for Father Ed came out of my royalties, but it was worth it, because readers and professional reviewers alike remarked that the index was particularly well done. So I want A Priest in Good Trouble likewise to have a professionally created index, because I see the difference it makes in people's appreciation of the book.
If you've already pledged, you might be interested to know that I've added an add-on reward, which is an additional reward that you can request if you pledge a bit extra. It's an inscribed copy of my book The Sacred Heart: A Love for All Times, which is due out in March 2025 from Loyola Press.
A capital day
My friend Stefan Gigacz of Cardijn Research, who was passing through Washington on his way to the Peter Maurin Conference in Chicago, snapped this photo of me today, which happens to be my 56th birthday. Earlier today, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and my spiritual director, I renewed my dedication of my celibacy to the Sacred Heart, which is like a renewal of marriage vows, only to God. All of my backers were in my prayers.
I enter my 57th year full of hope and gratitude for being able to tell the story of Father Twomey's life and achievements. Thank you for your part in that. God bless you!