When La Croix United Methodist Church youth director Mike Fitzpatrick announced his idea to invite acclaimed author/speaker Brennan Manning to Cape Girardeau, other leaders in the church were skeptical that it would happen.

But thanks to a cancellation in Manning's schedule, it did.

"I've read tons of his books and they're hugely influential in my Christian life," said Fitzpatrick. "I just think his message of grace is so important for everyone to hear, to hear about God's ridiculous and incomprehensible love for us despite our shortcomings."

Manning will speak at the 5:30 p.m. service today and the 9:15 and 11 a.m. services Sunday at La Croix. Fitzpatrick said he will deliver a different message at each service, each focusing on God's grace.

Manning grew up in Brooklyn and, upon his return from serving in the Marines during the Korean War, entered journalism school at the University of Missouri. According to his biography, Manning found he was left searching for something "more" in life. One of his college advisers suggested that something "more" was God, so Manning enrolled in seminary. In 1963, he graduated from St. Francis Seminary and was ordained in the Franciscan priesthood. In succeeding years, his ministry consisted of teaching, serving as campus minister, working with the poor in Europe and the United States, and studying creative writing, scripture and liturgy.

During a two-year leave of absence from the Franciscans, Brennan traveled to Spain, where he joined an order committed to a contemplative life among the poor, as well as a lifestyle of days spent in manual labor and nights wrapped in silence and prayer.

In the 1970s, Brennan resumed campus ministry at Broward Community College; however, his ministry was interrupted when he fell into alcoholism.

After six months of treatment, he began to write in earnest. His books include "The Ragamuffin Gospel," "Abba's Child" and "The Importance of Being Foolish."

At La Croix, Fitzpatrick advised those interested in attending Manning's services to arrive early.

"We've been fielding calls from all over the place from people who found he's coming and are really excited," he said.

cmiller@semissourian.com

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