Douai Abbey publishes first full biography of Bishop Christopher Butler OSB
Douai Abbey in Berkshire has announced that it is to release the first full biography of Bishop Christopher Butler OSB under its publishing imprint, Weldon Press.
Born in Reading in 1902 Bishop Butler one of the leading and most influential anglophone voices at the Second Vatican Council.
He was elected Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation on the eve of the Council and as a result was summoned to the sacred synod as one of the Council Fathers.
He became a leading progressive voice on the Council floor.
Yet, like most people, he was not a monochrome figure, and his ‘career’ as monk, abbot, abbot president and, after the Council, bishop sheds light on the Council and the conciliar period more generally.
His impact on the Church in England and Wales especially was significant, though his influence spread as far as North America.
Until now there has been no published full biography of Bishop Butler, a lacuna now filled by Fr Peter Phillips, author of the biography of the eminent 19th-century English priest-historian, John Lingard.
Weldon Press says it is “proud to make this work available in a limited edition of 250 copies, hardbound with dust jacket”.
Orders received before the official publication date of 8 December will receive a 10% discount on the retail price of £30, with free postage (for UK orders only).