Peter Kenney, SJ, 1779-1841: The Restoration of the Jesuits in Ireland, England, Sicily, and North America

This is a biography of a remarkable Irishman who received his early education in the back streets of Dublin towards the end of the eighteenth century, and went on to study for the priesthood in the re-emerging Society of Jesus in England and Sicily. On returning, he acted as Vice-President of Maynooth College and, in the face of much opposition, founded the two most prestigious Jesuit colleges in Ireland, namely Clongowes and Belvedere, followed by a residence and church in Dublin, and a residence in the midlands. This is the story of Father Peter Kenney--his life and his mission.

Kenney's greatest contribution to the Church occurred in the United States where he served as the Jesuits' Official Visitor in 1819-20 and 1830-33. American Jesuit historians have remarked on his courage, ability, and humanity as he covered great distances and sought to bring about harmony where there were national differences, and to focus and motivate the educational apostolate, particularly at Georgetown and St. Louis Universities, while not neglecting the order's commitment to the American Indians nor the attention due to the slaves who worked on Jesuit farms.

Kenney became a preeminent Catholic preacher in the English-speaking world, and was considered one of the most influential spiritual directors, confessors, and retreat masters of his time. His work for all ranks of society, from bishops to cabmen, earned him the title "Apostle of Dublin and ... of Ireland at large."

The book chronicles Father Kenney's life and spectacular career up to the time of his death in 1841.