As One Sent, Peter Kennedy SJ 1779-1841: His Mission in Ireland and North America by Thomas Morrissey (RB143)

Published 1996: First Edition / Hardcover / Excellent Condition / Illustrated throughout

Original black cloth with gilt titles on the spine and original pictorial dust jacket. 528 as new very clean and bright pages. Slight shelf wear on dust jacket. (RB143)

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This is a biography of a remarkable Irishman who received his early education in the back streets of Dublin towards the end of the eighteenth century, and went on to study for the priesthood in the re-emerging Society of Jesus in England and Sicily. On returning, he acted as Vice-President of Maynooth College and, in the face of much opposition, founded the two most prestigious Jesuit colleges in Ireland, namely Clongowes and Belvedere, followed by a residence and church in Dublin, and a residence in the midlands. This is the story of Father Peter Kenney--his life and his mission. Kenney's greatest contribution to the Church occurred in the United States where he served as the Jesuits' Official Visitor in 1819-20 and 1830-33. American Jesuit historians have remarked on his courage, ability, and humanity as he covered great distances and sought to bring about harmony where there were national differences, and to focus and motivate the educational apostolate, particularly at Georgetown and St. Louis Universities, while not neglecting the order's commitment to the American Indians nor the attention due to the slaves who worked on Jesuit farms. Kenney became a preeminent Catholic preacher in the English-speaking world, and was considered one of the most influential spiritual directors, confessors, and retreat masters of his time. His work for all ranks of society, from bishops to cabmen, earned him the title "Apostle of Dublin and ... of Ireland at large." The book chronicles Father Kenney's life and spectacular career up to the time of his death in 1841.

Review
“Morrissey’s mastery is confident and communicates assurance - and Kenney’s influential importance and extraordinary spiritual dynamic in an active religious world.” - Patrick O’Farrell, Journal of Religious History

“[Morrissey’s] study is immensely detailed, but the thread of the story never gets lost and the figure of Kenney develops convincingly through a freely flowing narrative.” - Patrick Corish, Irish Theological Quarterly

“This is a gripping book, which will make the reader want to know more about Kenney’s contemporaries and the world in which they lived.” - Finola Kennedy, Irish Independent

“Proper tribute has been paid to Kenney’s greatness at last. The book deserves to be acquired by every self-respecting library in the land, and to be made available to all who show an interest in Irish history and biography.” - Flannan Hogan, Hallel

“Morrissey has written a lengthy and detailed life and times biography of Peter Kenney. His book is an important contribution to 19th-century Irish and American religious history.” - Thomas McGrath, Irish Times

“This is a splendid book, an insight in depth into aspects of Irish, Jesuit, and American history alike. Rush to get it . . .” - Louis McRedmond, Religious Life Review

About the Author
Thomas Morrissey, SJ is a former director of the National College of Industrial Relations and the author of 16 books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peter-Kenney-SJ-1779-1841