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Company Man: My Jesuit Life, 1950-1968
1950-68 personal history as Jesuit novice, seminarian, student, teacher, priest: anecdotal, narrative, with scattered commentary.
226 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 1, 2013
This book answers in intimate and honest detail what many Catholics today ask: What motivates a man to enter the priesthood and why does he leave it?
Bowman shines a light on what it takes to become and stay a member of this admired/maligned community of priests. His detailed description of the dedication, perseverance, smarts and faith required in preparation for ordination into this Catholic religious order is fascinating and insightful, making my Navy basic training seem like a breeze. Bowman spares no detail in describing the conflicts--both of personality and conscience--in the preparation, and in his own second-guessing as he moved toward his final vows. Bowman gets an "A" for courage and storyteller (he's an accomplished author already) as he reveals what led to his decision to leave, to eventually marry and raise a family.
While the book admittedly will interest Catholics more, it should also appeal to the curious and open-minded non-Catholics who wish to know more about the men who take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in Christ's name.
Bowman shines a light on what it takes to become and stay a member of this admired/maligned community of priests. His detailed description of the dedication, perseverance, smarts and faith required in preparation for ordination into this Catholic religious order is fascinating and insightful, making my Navy basic training seem like a breeze. Bowman spares no detail in describing the conflicts--both of personality and conscience--in the preparation, and in his own second-guessing as he moved toward his final vows. Bowman gets an "A" for courage and storyteller (he's an accomplished author already) as he reveals what led to his decision to leave, to eventually marry and raise a family.
While the book admittedly will interest Catholics more, it should also appeal to the curious and open-minded non-Catholics who wish to know more about the men who take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in Christ's name.
May 4, 2025
A really fascinating read.
As a Loyola Academy graduate, it was interesting to find out what a Jesuit faculty member thought of us.
The author's bias for St. Ignatius is evident.
As a Loyola Academy graduate, it was interesting to find out what a Jesuit faculty member thought of us.
The author's bias for St. Ignatius is evident.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews