A Priest Forever: The Life of Father Eugene Hamilton

by Benedict J. Groeschel

This is the true story of Eugene Hamilton, a young man who dreamed of becoming a priest; a young man stricked with terminal cancer as his life was just beginning; a man who was ordained, by papal dispensation, just hours before he died.

Genres: Biography, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, History, Spirituality

206 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R. (July 23, 1933 – October 3, 2014) was an American Franciscan friar, Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and television host. He hosted the television talk program Sunday Night Prime broadcast on the Eternal Word Television Network as well as several serial religious specials. He founded the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. He was Associate Director of the Trinity Retreat House for clergy and executive director of St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. He was one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and among his close friends were Mother Teresa, Mother Angelica and Alice von Hildebrand.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if my rating is a reflection of the actual writing or the faith of the priest in question and I suppose it doesn’t matter. The point is, it’s an incredibly inspiring book about a young man with the faith and trust in God of a modern day saint. I was in awe of his courage in the face of incredible suffering, early death and the premature end of all his dreams of becoming a priest. Yet he persisted in loving God, inspiring others, and encouraging those facing similar trials.

A treasure of a book—read it!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn’t always written in the clearest way and the timeline jumps around a bit, but the point of this book is to share the life and final moments of Fr. Eugene Hamilton, which it does very well. I am sure that Fr. Benedict was very busy, but the time that he took to share this story reflects his opinion that Fr. Gene’s story is significant and meaningful for the modern world. This book reflects a sense of urgency that Fr. Gene’s story be shared with the Church on the cusp of the 21st century and to combat erroneous ideas floating around after Vatican II. Fr. Gene’s story shows that a priest is not a job or position, it’s a way of BEING.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the life of a young seminarian who has a strong call to the Catholic priesthood but who develops cancer, which ultimately takes his life. An extraordinary story. Sometimes I found the style of writing a little confusing.

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. Needs some editing, but still a touching story about Fr. Eugene and the beating heart of the priesthood.

[Jason Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only wish more people in the Catholic Church had the unwavering faith of Fr. Eugene Hamilton...including myself.

As for the book itself, it was decently well composed and full of tearful insights into the nature of unshakable faith pitted against merciless adversity. Fr. Hamilton ' s ability to look to faith at the darkest of times should be an inspiration to all who face similar circumstances. He never turned his back to God and as a result he remains a priest forever.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! I saw it a couple of my friends' to-read lists and remembered to add it. I read it many years ago and even bought it for a couple of priests. I do not remember most of the details but Fr. Groeschel accomplishes what (I think)he set out to do: illustrate the eternal nature of the Sacrament of Holy Orders and show God's power to do what He wills for those who cooperate.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an inspiration! It's a real lesson on the priesthood as well as teaching us how to endure an illness for the glory of God and ultimately--how to die. The beginning is a little slow--get past that and it is well worth reading!

[Fr. Ryan Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, if tragic, read about a deep understanding of the mystery of the priesthood. Well worth your time!

[Shaun Wheat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Beautiful and inspiring story.