Cardinal Virtues

by Andrew M. Greeley

Father Laurence O’Toole (“Lar”) McAuliffe once dreamed of transforming the world—and the Church—through faith and bomb-throwing radicalism. Twenty years later he’s become fussy, weary, and worn out with being a priest at Saint Finian’s parish in Chicago’s Forest Springs. Then Father Lar encounters the unexpected and maybe the miraculous: a new priest, fresh out of seminary and rumored to be trouble. Father Jamie Keenan has a family that’s too powerful and a personality that’s a shade too innocent and unwisely optimistic. And he’s much too good-looking besides… for a parish where an ex-nun is rediscovering her sexuality; a marriage is tragically falling apart; a sensual, radical young Irish woman is challenging Father Lar’s most deeply held beliefs—and where scandal and even danger may ruin a young priest’s life.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Religion, Romance

449 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...

Reviews

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew M. Greeley is one of my favorite Catholic authors, although questioned by some noted theologians as to his portrayal of clerical lifestyles. In The CARDINAL VIRTUES, Father Greeley, depicts the rectory life and daily encounters of a pastor, his staff and a newly Ordained associate. While it is an interesting and somewhat authentic look at pastoral life, some of the interactions with parishioners could be a stretch of the imagination. My summary of CARDINAL VIRTUES is, that while a Priest is a representative of Christ, his human nature is still evident. and susceptible to sin. Father G. does a sensitive, astute job of displaying both characteristics through Father Laurence O'Toole Mc Auliffe. "All we poor Priests do is prepare the way for you, which is why 'YOU' employ us." God Bless

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good story set in a Chicago parish in the late 80's, featuring a faithful priest who is beset by many different problems in his parish. He has a new priest who is a bit too energetic and problem-solving, an ex-nun who can't decide about whether or not to have a relationship, several deeply troubled families, a possibly illegal cook, and superiors who do not have a clue about what life is like for the 'real' people in the church.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was about the running of a Catholic parish. The priest was rather a stinker, but had a realistic way of looking at things. Often didn't agree with the higher ups, and didn't mind pushing his weight around to get his way. Really cared about his parishioners and his employees.

I could feel the frustration and the roll your eye moments. Some were laugh out loud. I did a lot of head shaking, too. If you grew up practicing Catholicism, you will get a real kick out of this novel. If you didn't, I think you will still enjoy it.

[Renee Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Greeley novels. Not a murder mystery, but a character driven story about parish life.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book. It was easy and quick to read, although the first couple chapters took some getting used to. The author's writing style was almost entirely of dialogue and thoughts of the main character, without any additional narration. All of the characters, the good and the bad, were very well developed and incorporated into the story. The author's insight into the life of a Priest and the workings of a Catholic parish are obviously credible, since that is what he is, and I think he does a great job of painting the picture. The message was excellent, both the subtle messages and the ones that blast the reader in the face. I would like to think that most Priests think and act this way, but like any profession or group of people, there are good and bad. The author does a good job of portraying this in a realistic and interesting manner. I look forward to reading every other book that this author has written.

[Shellie Sakai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Greeley brings out the good, the bad and the ugly in this Chicago neighborhood. Every emotion know to mankind is felt, by you the reader, through this story. I can't explain why I loved this book so much. It just made me want to stay friends with these people. To be a part of this parish, this neighborhood. To have the Old Priest and New Priest looking out for me. This is what a Catholic church should be, but, too often is not.

[Joan Schrock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically about the life and personal feelings of an inner city Catholic Priest who has been at it a number of years and has been sent a young, energenic Curate, who he refers to frequently as Mary Poppins. He is feeling his age and feels like he is being replaced but ends up becoming the newbie priest's ally and friend as they face the serious and frivolous problems of the school and church together. Andrew Greeley skillfully puts you in this congregation with it's joys and warts.

[Katrina Roets · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's never been a book by Andrew Greeley that has disappointed me and this book was no exception. I loved how the dear Father dealt with the ongoing drama and excitement that occurred in his parish when Father "New Priest" joined. There was never a dull moment and it kept me turning page after page.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father McAuliffe is tired and worn out and his faith is questioned. A young priest is sent to the parish by the Bishop who expects conflict between the two. But the priests become friends and set out to tackle the problems of the parish.

[Valérie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I haven't finished reading it, I stopped at page 98. Too much blabla and no action. Well written but not my kind of book. And since I don't have a lot of time to read, I decided to take my free time reading a book I actually enjoy.

[Cws]

F Gre

[Nikki Burdick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dont really like his style of writing.

[Rose]

This book was hot, for a Catholic priest writer. Still good!

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

[Mary Frette]

Very good