Who: James Martin, SJ and Jon Sweeney, author of James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus

What: Conversation focused on Fr. Martin's life as a Catholic, his call to the priesthood – specifically to the Society of Jesus – and his work as a journalist.

Where: St. Francis College

180 Remsen St., Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201

When: Wednesday, February 5, 2020

6 – 8 pm

Free. Tickets Required. Email [email protected] for tickets.

Members of media: contact [email protected] to arrange coverage.

Fr. James Martin, SJ, one of the nation's most recognized Catholic priests, will join writer Jon Sweeney to discuss his young life, his calling to the priesthood after a career as a corporate executive, and his work within the Church and with media.

Sweeney wrote a new, widely-anticipated biography of Fr. Martin, James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus (Liturgical Press, 2020). The evening is one of the first joint appearances for the two men.

Popular today on social media and as a public speaker, Fr. Martin came to national prominence as a frequent guest on The Colbert Report, discussing issues of faith and Catholicism with humor and whimsy. Movie fans recently saw him on-screen as a priest, performing two baptisms, in Martin Scorsese's Oscar-nominated film The Irishman.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr. Martin serves at the Editor-at-Large for America: The Jesuit Review and has written numerous books. In September, Fr. Martin had a private audience with Pope Francis.

Sweeney is an independent scholar and critically-acclaimed author with a loyal following for his books on spirituality, history and biography. He focuses particularly on Catholic themes and the life and teachings of St. Francis, one of the most venerated figures in the Catholic faith.

"It's an absolute honor to welcome back Fr. Martin and Jon Sweeney for this unique opportunity to hear a discussion between

two such thoughtful and reflective individuals," said Dr. Alexandria Egler, Executive Director of St. Francis College's Office of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue. "The evening promises to provide food for thought for students and others to think about what 'vocation' can mean in their lives, and to be highly informative for people of all faith traditions."

Jon Sweeney and Fr. Martin will sign copies of James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus that will be available for purchase after their discussion.

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