Brennan Manning

A native of New York City, Manning grew up in Brooklyn with his brother and sister.  After high school he attended St. John's University but lacked any direction in his life, so he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and headed for the Korean War.  His war duty finished and thinking he would find employment in journalism, Manning studied at the University of Missouri.  Again he left the university setting, and this time he decided to follow the Lord.  Graduating from St. Francis College, Manning continued his advanced studies and then became ordained to the Franciscan priesthood in May 1963.  

As a priest, Manning also worked as an instructor before leaving for Spain to minister to the poor and work hard manual labor.  Trying to lead people back to the Lord and a church setting, Manning found he needed time for his own reflection.  He lived alone in a cave for six months and then returned to the United States, living in Alabama and Florida.  After a bout of alcoholism and his subsequent recovery, Manning took to writing intensively.  He has had numerous books published, including Reflections for Ragamuffins.  Manning continues to preach, write, and speak at religious retreats.

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