University to Host James Martin, S.J. at Landregan Lecture
Jesuit priest, New York Times bestselling author, journalist and culture editor of
America magazine, Fr. James Martin will give the 14th annual Landregan Lecture on
Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Lynch Auditorium. Martin will speak about joy and
humor in spiritual life, which is the topic of his newest book, "Between Heaven and
Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life," published
in October 2011.Martin is the author of several books including a best-selling memoir
"My Life with the Saints", which received a 2007 Christopher Award, was named one
of the "Best Books" of 2006 by Publishers Weekly and also received a first place award
from the Catholic Press Association.
After working for years at the General Electric Co., Martin entered the Society of
Jesus in 1988, and was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1999. During his service with
the Jesuits, he worked in a hospice for the sick and dying with the Missionaries of
Charity in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of an outreach program with street gang members
in inner city Chicago and with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Nairobi, Kenya, where
he helped East African refugees start small businesses.
"We're happy to have Fr. Martin speaking at this year's Landregan Lecture," said Mark
Goodwin, interim dean of the School of Ministry and theology professor. "In the Year
of Faith, his book, 'Between Heaven and Mirth,' is an important reminder that joy
and laughter are a part of the Catholic spiritual life."
The University of Dallas Landregan Lecture honors Steven T. Landregan, an archivist,
author and former editor of The Texas Catholic newspaper.
For more details visit, udallas.edu/landregan.
