Michael Marsden Collection on Andrew M. Greeley

Andrew Moran Greeley (1928 - 2013) was born in Oak Park, IL, February 5, 1928 to Andrew T. and Grace (McNichols) Greeley. He received a bachelor's degree in 1950 from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and a licentiate in sacred theology from the same institution two years later. The University of Chicago awarded Greeley both an M.A. and Ph.D. in 1961 and 1962, respectively. He held several university posts, including professor of social science, University of Chicago; adjunct professor of sociology, University of Arizona; and professor of sociology of education, University of Illinois at Chicago. The Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education at Loyola University of Chicago is named for him.

Greeley wrote dozens of novels including Nora Maeve and Sebi (1976), The Magic Cup (1979), Death in April (1980), The Cardinal Sins (1981), Thy Brother's Wife (1982), Ascent into Hell (1984), Lord of the Dance (1987), Love Song (1988), All About Women (1989), The Search for Maggie Ward (1991), The Cardinal Virtues (1991), An Occasion of Sin (1992), Wages of Sin (1992), Fall From Grace (1993), Angel Light (1995), and Irish Lace (1996).

Father "Blackie" Ryan Mystery novels include Virgin and Martyr (1985), Happy Are the Meek (1985), Happy Are Those Who Thirst for Justice (1987), Rite of Spring (1987), Happy Are the Clean of Heart (1988), St. Valentine's Night (1989), Happy Are the Merciful (1992), Happy Are the Peacemakers (1993), Happy Are the Poor in Spirit (1994), Happy Are Those Who Mourn (1995), White Smoke (1996), The Bishop at Sea (1997), and The Bishop and the Three Kings (1998).

Father Greeley also wrote four books of Science Fiction: Angels of September (1986), God Game (1986), The Final Planet (1987), and Angel Fire (1988).

In addition to his novels, Father Greeley wrote numerous books and scholarly articles in the fields of sociology, education, and religion. Greeley was considered to be a controversial figure among church hierarchy. When asked about his reasons for writing fiction, Greeley replied in the New York Times Magazine, (May 6, 1984), "Stories have always been the best way to talk about religion because stories appeal to the emotions and the whole personality and not just to the mind."

Father Greeley received many awards for his work through his career, including a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bowling Green State University in 1988.

Andrew Moran Greeley died in 2013.