The Padre of the Press

Philippine missionary bio with a lot of information on the religious propaganda wars of 1923-1926, when Monahan died. 

Book Review: 

An interesting account of the mission work of Father John J. Monahan, S.J., in the Philippines, has been written by a co-worker of his in that field. The author, Father Thomas Feeney, S.J., editor of "Jesuit Missions," recently conducted the Junior-Sophomore retreat which will not soon be forgotten.

Father Feeney entitles his book "The Padre of the Press," in memory of the name which Father Monahan earned because of his inestimable work in spreading the faith by means of Catholic magazines sent to him by friends in America. After attending college he became a dentist, but his vocation to the priesthood took definite hold upon him and he entered St. Andrew-on-lludson at the age of thirtyone.

His noviceship is an inspiration to all and is effectively treated in the introduction written by Father Joseph P. Merrick, S.J. In the Philippines Father Monahan's campaign against anti-Catho-lic propaganda began with his arrival. It is amazing that so much unfounded prejudice could become so deeprooted in the Filipinos. Father Monahan's offensive consisted chiefly in distributing American Catholic magazines, and organizing religious societies for men and boys. 

Three times during the remainder of his life in the Philippines, Father Monahan changed his base of operations and in each location he was the driving force of the Catholic religion. Father Feeney's account seems almost unbelievable when we read of the boundless energy of this missionary. The book is a worthy memorial to the labors of a tireless worker.