Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz

I have to disagree with other reviewers. I didn't finish the book because I didn't like it. I found myself disliking Father Al. He came across as judgmental.He's so critical of people, for instance, his aunt, a nun, who was influential in his formation and spent countless hours writing to him. And yet he "threw her under the bus," by judging her lifestyle as too opulent, even though she lived plainly in the inner-city and cared for poor children. In seminary, he's critical of the priests because they encourage the seminarians to become priests for the dioceses, not missionaries.Father Al labeled the Maryknoll community, where he went to college, with the same broad strokes of a condescending attitude. They, too, didn't live up to his ideals of total impoverishment. I didn't sense a lot of gratitude or humility in Father Al's attitudes towards those trying to help him.When he became an ordained priest and a missionary, it was vitally important for him to wear thread bare clothes, like the poor, and eat meager food, like the poor, and beg .- and he required the Sisters that were under him to do the same. However, how were they going to lift up the poor to have higher standards than they had? How were they going to offer role models if they were just as bereft as they were?Part of his reasoning is that Christ lived in poverty and among the poor. But is that even true? Christ said bless the poor in spirit. It wasn't about money. The overemphasis on money (either by Father Al or the author or both) reeks of liberation theology: The rich need to give up to the poor, and the poor are idolized, as in a false idol. And the portrait of Christ is erroneous and offensive: Christ ate with poor people and also rich people; He shared the Gospel with all, rich, poor, old, and young. He didn't live in threadbare clothes, starving, and begging. And remember when Mary anointed His feet with expensive oil? Christ didn't rebuke her as did his apostles. He said to allow her to perform this action of sacrifice and love; that the poor would always be with us, but not Christ. This idea that Jesus was just hear to live in squalor and serve the poor -- and that Catholics should too -- is a novel one from the l960s, and especially the l980s when liberation theology was popular, and Pope John Paul II condemned it as a heresy. It is hard to know whether this portrait of Father Al is a skewed one from the author or how Father Al actually was. But, in either case, I found it very offputting.There is something to be said for beauty: for instance, the grandeur of St. Peter's Cathedral; the magnificent churches in Europe; the beautiful statues and the lovely clothing worn to church to honor God. There is nothing wrong with wanting beauty in one's life or to share it with others. Ugliness, poverty, starvation. these are part of the human conditions and shouldn't be venerated.i should also add that the book has graphic stories of terrible poverty, suffering, war, hunger, and just plain horribleness stemming from the Korean War and other tragedies. Personally, I enjoy books that are uplifting, and this one felt depressing. As I said, I didn't make it through the whole book because I didn't like what I was reading.

This book is one in a million, just as Father Al Schwartz was. Before ALS took his life, Father Schwartz — an American — was able to do great things for the poor in post-WWII South Korea.He faced great obstacles, but was an overcomer. As he ministered to the poor, he lived with them in the same poverty, refusing better housing, food and clothing or anything that would separate him from their suffering.It’s also a great tale of American generosity and how it funded his efforts in at least three countries. This is a heartening tale in disheartening times.

This was such a compelling book. I heard an interview on the radio on my way home from work one day with the author shortly after this book came out and realized I really wanted to read it. All that Fr. Schwartz went through in his journey to be just like Jesus. Wanting to be poor and live among the poor and minister to them, wow!. I know I could never do that. I'm sure he will be a saint someday.

this is a marvelous well-written book. The priest is almost unbelievable. Another John Vianney. And Damien.I think every seminarian should have to read this book and discuss it in one of their classes.Fr. Aloysius Schwartz was truly a man who lived for others. He served the poorest of the poor and he lived with them. Read this book; it is terrific.

I don't know why I had never heard of Fr. Al Swartz previously. Here is an authentic American hero who saved thousands of poor children and others in Korea, the Philippines , Mexico and beyond. He has changed their lives and that of their country while sacrificing his own life in imitation of Christ. A wonderful read, well written and inspirational. I have passed it onto to others who are equally impressed.

The book is emotionally and spiritually compelling; it’s immensely inspirational and moving. I hope more people share and spread the word of Fr. Al’s saintly life and works and eventually help support his missions for the poorest of the poor. I also hope that every priest of today could get a copy and emulate his examples of holiness, poverty and service to his brethren.

The book kept the narrative moving right along yet I was able to take my time to read and absorb the imagery of the different scenes. We need more Heroes like Father Al, a real man of God.

One of the best reads ever!

There are few books that ever set me on fire with emotion - this is one of those books. I pray that Fr Al will continue to set me on the path to Jesus through Mary. I loved this book and recommend that it should be read by everyone. Take the challenge and go for it.