Fr. Ed Dowling is a Jesuit priest you might never have heard of before. After hearing his story, you might find yourself wondering how this holy man isn’t more renowned. Thanks to a new book by Dawn Eden Goldstein, Fr. Ed is finally getting his due.

Goldstein is the author of “Father Ed: The Story of Bill W’s Spiritual Sponsor,” which is the first biography of Father Edward Dowling, SJ, a Jesuit from St. Louis who became a close friend and spiritual mentor to Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Although not an alcoholic himself, Fr. Ed had a deep understanding of the twelve-step program and its spiritual principles. He helped Bill Wilson overcome his depression and deepen his relationship with God. He also devoted his ministry to helping people in recovery from various addictions and afflictions, as well as promoting social justice and ecumenism.

The book is based on extensive research and interviews Dawn conducted with people who knew Fr. Ed and Bill Wilson. It reveals the remarkable story of how these two men from different backgrounds and faiths forged a bond that changed their lives and the lives of millions of others. It also shows how Fr. Ed’s Jesuit spirituality influenced the development of AA and its legacy.

Father Ed is an essential read for anyone interested in the history and spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous, the role of Jesuits in American culture, and the power of friendship and grace in overcoming personal struggles. Host Mike Jordan Laskey asked Dawn to share some of the most fascinating things she learned about Fr. Ed, and how his ministry might inform the church’s work with those in recovery today.

Read an exclusive excerpt from the book about the time Bill W. met the St. Louis Jesuits at Jesuits.org/dowling.

Dawn’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Father-Ed-Story-Spiritual-Sponsor/dp/1626984867

Follow Dawn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DawnofMercy

AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

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