CV NEWS FEED // The Napa Institute has highlighted California Blackrobe, a compelling new biography of Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ, as an essential read for Catholics seeking inspiration and insight into faith-driven entrepreneurship and evangelization.
In a Dec. 9 press release, the California-based Napa Institute shared that the book chronicles Fr. Fessio’s journey from his rigorous Jesuit formation to his prominent role as a leading Catholic publisher, entrepreneur, and cultural influencer.
Fr. Fessio is well-known for founding Ignatius Press, a publishing house that has significantly shaped Catholic thought by distributing works from theologians, saints, and contemporary writers. Ignatius Press was the first publishing house in the United States to introduce the then-little-known German theologian Joseph Ratzinger.
“Fr. Fessio’s life exemplifies the Church’s call to engage culture with faith and reason,” the press release said. “His work preserves the richness of Catholic thought while empowering modern disciples to confront today’s challenges.”
Notably, Fr. Fessio was also the student of three of the most significant theological thinkers of the twentieth century: Henri de Lubac, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI).
“Through the power of remarkable storytelling,” the press release continued, “California Blackrobe portrays Fr. Fessio as a model of faith in action—a priest who answers God’s call with courage, intellect, and a tireless drive to evangelize.”
California Blackrobe can be purchased here.
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