About This Issue

] About This Issue I t is so gratifying to publish a Festschrift on David J. O’Brien, a committed historian known for elucidating parallels past and present in the church and society . His former students and colleagues testify to his conscious engagement in the process of making the American Catholic past vitally connected to contemporary social thought and action. He urges his readers and listeners to draw upon American Catholic history, the social teachings of Popes John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II, and of the United States bishops, and as good American citizens take charge in forming public policy on the basis of justice and peace. He is known as a person of faith and a man of great passion in his call for social and religious reform and renewal. We are pleased to honor David J. O’Brien for his many gifts; he is truly a mensch for all seasons. Each of our contributors has a distinctive perspective on O’Brien but also a shared personal appreciation of him. Jay P. Dolan is professor emeritus of History at the University of Notre Dame. Alice Gallin, O.S.U., is former professor of History and Dean of the College of New Rochelle, and a past president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. Philip Gleason is professor emeritus of History at the University of Notre Dame. Paula Kane holds the John C. Jr. and Lucine O’Brien Marous Chair in Contemporary Catholic Studies, and is professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. James McCartin is professor of History at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Joseph McCartin is professor of History at Georgetown University. Tricia Pyne is the archivist of the Associated Archives at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. Rodger Van Allen is professor of Theology at Villanova University and co-editor of American Catholic Studies. Christopher J. Kauffman ...