Greeley, Andrew M., 1928-2013

Contemporary American author of fiction, mystery, science fiction, religion, and screenplays. Also a priest and professor.

Andrew Moran Greeley was born in Oak Park, IL, February 5, 1928 to Andrew T. (corporate executive) and Grace (McNichols) Greeley. He received a bachelor's degree in 1950 from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and a licentiate in sacred theology from the same institution two years later. The University of Chicago awarded Greeley both an M.A. and Ph.D. in 1961 and 1962, respectively. He continues to hold several university posts, including professor of social science, University of Chicago; adjunct professor of sociology, University of Arizona; and professor of sociology of education, University of Illinois at Chicago. As of this writing, Greeley has written 33 novels including Nora Maeve and Sebi (1976), The Magic Cup (1979), Death in April (1980), The Cardinal Sins (1981), Thy Brother's Wife (1982), Ascent into Hell (1984), Lord of the Dance (1987), Love Song (1988), All About Women (1989), The Search for Maggie Ward (1991), The Cardinal Virtues (1991), An Occasion of Sin (1992), Wages of Sin (1992), Fall From Grace (1993), Angel Light (1995), and Irish Lace (1996). Father "Blackie" Ryan Mystery novels include Virgin and Martyr (1985), Happy Are the Meek (1985), Happy Are Those Who Thirst for Justice (1987), Rite of Spring (1987), Happy Are the Clean of Heart (1988), St. Valentine's Night (1989), Happy Are the Merciful (1992), Happy Are the Peacemakers (1993), Happy Are the Poor in Spirit (1994), Happy Are Those Who Mourn (1995), White Smoke (1996), The Bishop at Sea (1997), and The Bishop and the Three Kings (1998). Father Greeley also wrote four books of Science Fiction: Angels of September (1986), God Game (1986), The Final Planet (1987), and Angel Fire (1988). In addition to his novels, Father Greeley has written numerous books and scholarly articles in the fields of sociology, education, and religion. He continues to write a popular newspaper column that is syndicated by the New York Times Religious News Service . Greeley is considered to be a controversial figure among church hierarchy but his novels, many staying on the bestseller lists for months, remain very popular among the laity. When asked about his reasons for writing fiction, Greeley replied in the New York Times Magazine, (May 6, 1984), "Stories have always been the best way to talk about religion because stories appeal to the emotions and the whole personality and not just to the mind." Awards received by Father Greeley include the award for best short story for young people from the Catholic Press Association (1965), the prestigious Freedom to Read Award (1989) and five honorary Doctorates, including Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bowling Green State University in 1988. In 1993 the U.S. Catholic Award for furthering the cause of women in the church and the Illinois Outstanding Citizen Award were conferred on Father Greeley.

Father Andrew Greeley was ordained in the Catholic Church in 1954 and served as associate pastor for Christ the King parish at 9240 South Hoyne in Chicago (Ill.) in 1954-1964. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1962 and went on to become a professor of sociology at the University of Arizona and a Research Associate with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. He has written numerous literary works and a regular column for the Chicago Sun-Times.