Treasure in Earthen Vessels

""In the popular mind, fact and fiction about the Catholic priesthood do not simply exist side by side but feed on each other. We owe Ambrose Mong a debt of gratitude as he disentangles real-life stories and the imaginative world of novels. What emerges from Mong's profound analysis is the figure of the priest as a flesh-and-blood human person who, though a sinner, can become holy through suffering and God's love and mercy. The book is a must-read after the clergy sex abuse scandal."" --Peter C. Phan, Ignacio Ellacuria Chair of Catholic Social Thought, Georgetown University ""Ambrose Mong's tales of priests in these pages never glorify the priesthood in a way that takes away their humanity. Whether in real life or in classic fiction, these are men who are larger than life, but always human, always struggling, always growing in their baptismal identity as sacraments of God's love in our world. In a church wracked with scandals of clerical abuse and continuing clericalism, this is a book of inspiration and hope."" --Stephen B. Bevans, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD, Professor of Mission and Culture, emeritus, Catholic Theological Union ""Priests come in all shapes and sizes. Whether factual or fictional, the priestly lives examined by Ambrose Mong provide a rich tapestry, shedding light on the complexities experienced to some degree by many priests, and the people they serve, as they face the challenges of authentic Christian living."" --Patricia Madigan, Dominican Centre for Interfaith Ministry, Education and Research, Australia ""Saints are not perfect people. They are people who know their need of God. In Ambrose Mong's fine book, modern novelists portray the interior lives of priests who have fought to keep alive the light of Christ in an often-dark world. Mong explores the remarkable commitment of priests and bishops in China, Japan, and San Salvador, using also the insights of fiction from Willa Cather, George Bernanos, and Graham Greene to illuminate the faith and courage of men, not perfect but extraordinary in their faith and love for suffering humanity."" --David Jasper, honorary professorial research fellow, University of Glasgow