The Evolving Thought Of Michael Novak

For those who have become acquainted with Michael Novak and his work only in the last two decades, it may come as a shock to learn that he first came to New York desiring to “be introduced to the word.” Could such an introduction ever have been necessary?

That, however, is one of my first memories of Michael. While studying for the priesthood at the Gregorian in Rome, he had written some articles for Commonweal, where I was, at the time, an editor. It was in a letter explaining that he had decided to leave these studies that Michael said he hoped to visit our editorial offices and “be introduced to the word.” Before we could decide how best to respond to Michael’s hope, Michael himself appeared: young, quietly energetic, openly inquiring, interested—it seemed—in everything.

JF

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James Finn

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For those who have become acquainted with Michael Novak and his work only in the last two decades, it may come as a shock to learn that he first came to New York desiring to “be introduced to the word.” Could such an introduction ever have been necessary?

That, however, is one of my first memories of Michael. While studying for the priesthood at the Gregorian in Rome, he had written some articles for Commonweal, where I was, at the time, an editor. It was in a letter explaining that he had decided to leave these studies that Michael said he hoped to visit our editorial offices and “be introduced to the word.” Before we could decide how best to respond to Michael’s hope, Michael himself appeared: young, quietly energetic, openly inquiring, interested—it seemed—in everything.