Andrew Greeley
Andrew Greeley
Full Name and Common Aliases
Andrew M. Greeley was a renowned American Catholic priest, sociologist, and author, often referred to as "Father Andy" by his fans.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 13, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, Father Greeley passed away on May 30, 2013, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Greeley was a naturalized U.S. citizen and held multiple professions: Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, author, columnist, and professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Chicago's Institute for Policy Research.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a devoutly Catholic family, Greeley's faith played a significant role in shaping his life's work. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary (now known as the Mundelein Seminary) in 1950 and was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Major Accomplishments
Father Greeley's impressive career spanned over six decades, marked by numerous accomplishments:
Published more than 100 books on topics ranging from sociology to spirituality
Authored columns for major publications like _The New York Times_ and _Chicago Tribune_
Collaborated with notable authors, including Dan Brown and Stephen King
Held teaching positions at prestigious institutions, such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University
Notable Works or Actions
Some of his most iconic works include:
The Cardinal Virtues: A series of novels that explore the intersection of faith and humanity
The Archbishop Ryan Mysteries: A collection of mystery novels featuring a Catholic priest turned detective
His influential book, _Catholic Schools in Action_, which shed light on the importance of education in shaping societyImpact and Legacy
Greeley's impact extends far beyond his written works:
He was an advocate for social justice, frequently addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights
His research and writings helped bridge the gap between academia and the general public, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience
Through his columns and books, he provided guidance on matters of faith and spirituality in everyday life
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Father Greeley's enduring popularity stems from his unique blend of:
Intellectual rigor: His extensive research and academic background made him an authority on various subjects
Spiritual depth: His unwavering commitment to Catholicism and his exploration of faith in everyday life resonated with readers
* Storytelling ability: His novels and columns often featured engaging narratives that captured the imagination of audiences
Quotes by Andrew Greeley
The Church just has not been able to cope with the demands for fairness and equality from women, so they're very angry.
(The Catholic Church must) clean out the pedophiles, break up the gay cliques, tighten up the seminary, and restore the good name of the priesthood
The Catholic imagination is metaphorical or sacramental. It sees God as present in the world. The Protestant imagination, the dialectical imagination, wants to preserve God from the possibility of idolatry by identifying with His creatures. Catholicism has no problem with that.
Alonzo has never fought anyone of my caliber. His over confidence is going to find him tasting the canvas early and often. His prospect days are over.
I mean, I'm a Chicago Irishman, I know how to finesse things. So at least, working with the young people I was able to accomplish pretty much what I wanted to.
Thirty years ago, before the Vatican Council, Catholics didn't know what liturgy was.
One could say at a dinner party that most Americans are faithful to their spouses, and a loud mouth, semi-inebriated jerk can respond that the conclusion cannot be true because look at all the academics who sleep around at professional meetings.
The storyteller is like God, the storyteller creates these characters. Falls in love with them, and then they won't act right.
Why does God permit us whom he loves to die? And you know what I say, where was God at the World Trade Center? He was there weeping for his fractured children. That's not a direct answer to the question but it's the best I could do. God suffers with us.