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Acknowledgments I am indebted to so many people who have contributed in one way or another to this book either in its development, its subject matter or in my personal or professional development. Just as one’s work is never one’s own, one’s person is never one’s own work. I must begin by thanking two colleagues in particular. Maurice Boutin of McGill University has been a great source of inspiration, contributing significantly to my philosophical formation. Never have I left discussions with him unenlightened by some valuable anecdote or detail of history, philosophy, or theology. He has been a Virgil to me, pointing the way through the often inhospitable and rough terrain of learning with remarkable insight: “chi m’avria tratto su per la montagna?”* Patrick Byrne of Boston College has also been a great support during this and other ventures. Whatever insight I may have into Lonergan is owed in no small measure to Dr. Byrne, whose knowledge of Lonergan is as incisive as it is formidable. For the times he has taken the time to engage me on my ideas, I am truly grateful. Also providing an invaluable service has been the team at the Lonergan Research Institute in Toronto, especially Robert Croken, Michael Shields, and Frederick Crowe. Making sure I promptly received whatever manuscripts and articles I requested and even offering their facilities for research one cold winter weekend in 1998 are only a few of their contributions that spring to mind. The assistance of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada must be duly acknowledged here as well. Others who have not had a direct hand in this study but have nevertheless contributed significantly to my personal and professional life include, most notably, Sean McEvenue, Eric Christianson, Joseph McLelland, Louis Roy, and Todd Blayone. The interest they have taken in the direction of my work has been a source of great encouragement. To Stephen Gaudet I owe a special word of thanks. His editorial skills came to my aid on countless * “Who else but he could take me up the mount?” (Dante, The Divine Comedy, Volume II: Purgatory, trans. Mark Musa [London: Penguin Books, 1985], 29 [iii. 6]). ix occasions in earlier drafts. Whatever clarity I chanced upon in expressing a thought, his input was doubtless behind it. For remaining lapses in style or form I take full responsibility. Also valuable were the comments of anonymous readers of the State University of New York Press, the concrete guidance of whose editorial team is also appreciated. To my family I owe more than words can tell. They alone have borne, without complaint (I’m continually startled by saying), the necessary evils of a long and often agonizing journey. The bloody entry of knowledge Lonergan talks about is, evidently, an enduring event and of a multifaceted nature. Thank you Birgit, Maria, and Sophia, my constant reminders of grace. Finally, I dedicate this work to the memory of two very loving and hardworking individuals, my parents. They supported me in my decisions in both measurable and immeasurable ways. Unfortunately they were unable to see this project finally come to fruition. You are dearly missed. Αιώνια η ’ µνίµη σας. ˘ x ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...

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