Best-Selling Author Speaks about Ignatian Values

           Rev. James Martin, S.J. H’17, the author of the New York Times best-selling book “The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything,” and editor-at-large of America magazine, will present the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture at The University of Scranton Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. The lecture, which is free of charge and open to the public, will take place in the Byron Recreational Complex.

            “The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything,” which gives humorous stories and accounts of the lives of Jesuit saints, priests and brothers, was selected for this year’s Royal Reads Program at the University. Members of the incoming class of 2021 are required to read the book and attend the lecture. The purpose of the Royal Reads Program is to create a shared experience for Scranton’s newest students through the reading of a carefully selected book, which introduces them to the Ignatian values.

Fr. Martin also published award winning books such as “Jesus: A Pilgrimage,” “Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and Laughter are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life,” “My Life with the Saints” and “A Jesuit Off-Broadway: Center Stage with Jesus, Judas and Life’s Big Questions.” Fr. Martin has commented on religion and spirituality on numerous national programs, including NPR’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross” and “Weekend Edition,” Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor” and Vatican Radio. He served as a commentator for ABC News during the 2013 papal conclave and during Pope Francis’s visit to the United States in 2015.

Fr. Martin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was ordained a Catholic priest in June 1999. He recently received an honorary degree from The University of Scranton at the 2017 commencement.

For information call 570-941-7659 or email teresa.grettano@scranton.edu.