There is never a shortage of priest characters on our screens. Even Spencer Tracy, Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald won Oscars for playing priests. Robert de Niro has been ordained four times (including a bishop). Many stars have been eager to play priests, as have numerous supporting actors. The question arises: how have been priests portrayed over the decades? There have been kindly priests with their advice, stern priests who laid down the law, heroic priests on mission, in more recent years, priests who have been abusers. And there have been priests who were part of the scenery, especially at funerals. This is something of a comprehensive look at priests on screen, looking at portrayals from the late 19th century, over the decades, for 120 years. The films considered are mainly English-language but quite there are a number from other cultures. The book offers some Church background and developments, the range of films, a highlighting of a key film representing each decade. It also has separate chapters on Irish priests, Australian priests, exorcism priests and a chapter on films and abuse. There also Appendices on historical films, saint priests and popes. While one could read the book from cover to cover, it is mainly a book for reference. There are some detailed appreciations. There are some shorter considerations. Not everyone can see every film, not for want of trying! There are Indexes for exploring: film titles, directors, and actors who have played priests. Screen Priests is a fascinating historical look at films about Roman Catholic priests from the first until Martin Scorseses 2016 religious and cinematic masterpiece Silence. With the scope spanning decades and the breadth embracing films mostly from the United States, Britain, Ireland, Canada and Australia, the researcher will find a treasure trove and the film aficionado will relish Peter Malones encyclopedia knowledge and sometimes trivia of the world of priests on the silver screen.

Foreign-born priests have always played a significant role in America. Only from 1940 to 1960 did the church produce enough native-born priests to serve its parishes. In the past, those priests usually came from Europe, most notably Ireland. In the future, most of the world will be served by priests from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, particularly India and Nigeria. Sixteen percent of the priests serving in the United States since 1985 are foreign-born and the number is rising. But many Americans prefer not to have them in their churches, saying the language and cultural differences are too great, and the screening isn't sufficient. International Priests in Americastudies this phenomenon from the perspective of parishioners, lay ministers, diocesan leaders, and priests. This groundbreaking book is guided by two questions: Should the Catholic Church in the United States bring in more international priests? If so, how should this be done?

Patrick made a tall promise but regretted ever making it after twenty-five years. Something horrible was patiently lying in wait ahead of John few days to come after he will make the vocational vow before the patriarchs. The police team led by Galdwin was totally enmeshed in darkness until the Crucifix brought the light, then the kids were found.

In One Happy Old Priest, Father Thomas Sullivan looks back on his eighty years as a catholic, a life that includes both family and scores of fine seminarians, priests, nuns, and parishioners. With an honest and rollicking writing style, Father Sullivan recreates moments that stand out in his childhood, seminary education, priest training, and life as a foreign missionary and pastor stateside. One Happy Old Priest is one mans look at how the church has cultivated, preserved, and navigated decades of sometimes unwelcome change. The volume includes photographs of family, priests, nuns, and parishioners. An appendix lists Columban Fathers mentioned in the text, a testament of the many who dedicated their lives to the service of the church. The epilogue draws attention to the man Father Sullivan believes represents the best of what the church has to offer, then and now.