Pastoral Dynamo

Imagined in the first person and interwoven with excerpts from the letters of Saint John Neumann, this narrative follows the journey of a young, poor immigrant whose vocation draws him far beyond his Bohemian homeland. From childhood he sensed a calling to missionary work in North America, a conviction that shaped every step of his life.

Within twenty years of arriving in the United States as a Redemptorist priest, he served the North American Province, became Bishop of Philadelphia, and laid the essential groundwork for what would become the Catholic school system in the United States. As the population of the northeastern states expanded rapidly, Bishop Neumann oversaw the creation of new parishes, churches, and schools, ensuring that the sacramental and educational needs of Catholic immigrants were met.

During his tenure, the first Sisters of St. Francis professed their vows before him, initiating medical and educational ministries that continue to serve communities today. His life reflects the truth expressed by Pope Benedict XV: “The merits of an active man are measured not so much in the number of deeds performed, as in their thoroughness and stability.”

About the Author

Fr. Richard Boever, CSsR, has served in Catholic ministry since 1974. Over the course of his vocation, he has worked as a parish priest and pastor in St. Louis and Chicago, taught theology at Newman University and Saint Louis University, served as a university chaplain, and directed Redemptorist formation for the pre-novitiate program. His experience also includes leadership roles at Liguori Publications, where he served as president and publisher, as well as retreat director in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

In addition to writing this work on Saint John Neumann, Fr. Boever served as a research expert at the Neumann Shrine in Philadelphia. He currently serves as Executive Director at the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans.