Faith, Love, and Mercy

Faith, Love, and Mercy is a selection from the weekly homilies of noted moral theologian and pastor Fr. Richard Roach SJ, who retired from university teaching to lead a small island parish in his last decade. His theologically rigorous yet accessible writing reflects decades-long contemplation on the significance of Catholic identity in our modern era. Combining deep-rooted wisdom with vigorous prose, the homilies prompt the reader's own reflection on what it is to live the faith daily in a distracting and uncomprehending world. Prominent themes include God's merciful love, differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, spiritual temptations in the contemporary culture, the sources of authority, faith and reason, the Real Presence, secular ideologies and anti-Catholicism, humility, redemptive suffering, the true meaning of repentance, perseverance, and providence.

Over a long ministry devoted to the Jesuit ideal, Fr. Roach strengthened or awakened the faith of many. It is also hoped that this book--combining theological vision with pastoral concern--occasions serious meditation on one's own journey with God. Recommended as a helpful source for students, scholars, clergy, and laypersons interested in Catholic doctrine, homiletics, and liturgy.


""Richard could be described by three passions: his Catholic Faith, Jesuit vocation, and role as a teacher. These homilies are a wonderful synthesis of those passions expressed in his love for the people of St. John Vianney Parish on Vashon Island as a pastor, a father.""
--Rees W. Doughty, Pastor, St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

""Father Roach's Homilies for Catholic Life are much more than that. They are startlingly expressed, scripturally focused, doctrinally sound theological essays on the mysteries of the Catholic faith. They engage the mind and elicit wonder. I tried to read quickly but was quite simply unable, for I repeatedly found myself far too intrigued to skim. Profound but accessible, these reflections offer a signal service to priests searching for something substantive to help them prepare their own homilies.""
--Peter F. Ryan, S.J., Executive Director, Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops



Richard R. Roach, SJ (1934-2008), taught Moral Theology at Marquette University for many years. He retired to his native Seattle in his last decade as Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish.

Peter Weigel is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Washington College in Maryland. He is the author of Aquinas on Divine Simplicity (2008) and editor of other works.