Catholics - Softcover

Moore, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0771060904 ISBN 13: 9780771060908

Publisher: McClelland & Stewart, 1989

Synopsis

On a harsh, barren island off the coast of Ireland stands Muck Abbey, the last spot on earth where the traditional Latin Mass is still celebrated after the reforms of the Fourth Vatican Council. A television special has brought new attention and large crowds to the activities on the island, to the displeasure of church officials. Father James Kinsella is sent to put a stop to things, but his confrontation with the monks, especially the blunt Abbot O'Malley, will reveal unexpected, challenging truths about all of them in this spare, evocative novel of faith--and doubt.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"The story is told with . . . superb grace and wit."--The New Yorker

"If reading it upsets you, do not be surprised. . . . Moore has eliminated our standard escapes from God--a secularized Kingdom or a romanticized past."--America

"A neat and striking story."--Times Literary Supplement

In the not-too-distant future, the Fourth Vatican Council has abolished private confession, clerical dress, and the Latin Mass, and opened discussions about a merger with Buddhism. Authorities in Rome are embarrassed by publicity surrounding a group of monks who stubbornly celebrate the old Mass in their island abbey off the coast of Ireland. The clever, assured Father James Kinsella is dispatched to set things right. At Muck Abbey he meets Abbot Tomas, a man plagued by doubt who nevertheless leads his monks in the old ways. In the hands of the masterly Brian Moore, their confrontation becomes a subtle, provocative parable of doubt and faith.

About the Author:

Brian Moore (1921-1999) was born in Ireland and lived most of his adult life in Canada and the United States. He was the author of many novels, including "Black Robe," "The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne," and "The Color of Bood."

About this edition

• Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0771060904
• ISBN 13: 9780771060908
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback