The Catholic Book Club discussion

5. Share your review and rating for The Cardinal.

5 stars.

I loved this compelling story of a man's priesthood, from his return to Boston from seminary in Rome early in WWI to a parallel return to the United States from Italy just before WWII. We follow Father Fermoyle from parish to parish, to a position as secretary to his bishop, to his own episcopacy and eventually his red hat. Fermoyle makes mistakes, but usually shows judgment and grace in dealing with parishners, superiors, fellow priests and family.

A beautiful story that foreshadows many of the cultural battles that have been fought and lost in the last fifty years.