Eric Doyle OFM: Hidden Architect of the Retrieval of the Franciscan Charism

This monograph on Eric Doyle OFM (1938–1984) takes a comprehensive look at this much loved and gifted Friar of the English province. Often considered to have been ahead of his time, this work takes an in-depth look at his theology and spirituality, totally imbued by the Franciscan charism. His love of the humanity of St Francis, his dispelling of the ‘romantic myth’ surrounding the saint, his retrieval of the Franciscan charism post Vatican II, and particularly his location of that charism as ending with the death of Blessed John Duns Scotus in 1308, assure him of a significant place within the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition. Friar, evangeliser, broadcaster, scholar, ecumenist and mystic, Eric Doyle’s thought has perennial, even urgent, relevance as this book highlights.

‘Few books arrest and liberate in equal measure. Just as St. Francis expressed his theology of creation in song, this scholarly yet lyrical study of Eric Doyle OFM attests to the prophetic-poetic power of both his life and thought. Essential reading for anyone interested in Franciscan thinking, Vatican II and the Ecological turn, Brenda Abbott fathoms the depth of Doyle’s genius and scopes the cosmic reach of his extraordinary intellect.’
Professor Anthony Towey +, St Mary’s University, London.

‘This well written and thoroughly researched biographical study presents for the Franciscan family and the Church the perennial insights of a master historian and theologian, Father Eric Doyle, OFM. Charismatic, scholarly, humble, Doyle’s brief life (1938-1984) sheds a prismatic light on the development and flourishing of the Franciscan intellectual, spiritual, and social tradition in its movement from the constrictions of pre-conciliar Neo-Scholasticism to the wide open vistas of Vatican II and beyond. Here the reader will find not only the life of an exemplary friar minor but also a prophetic and hopeful commitment to issues touching the contemporary life of faith in the 21st century: the centrality of human dignity, the global challenge of becoming brother and sister to all, the rapprochement with a developing and evolving world and universe, the ethical commitment to an ecological vision, and an openness to the presence of God in all things and creatures. Everything is positively united under the Franciscan insight into the absolute primacy of Christ and the Scotistic exposition of individual uniqueness. Deep knowledge of this less common but most important theological tradition in the Church informs the exposition of major themes such as the purpose of theology, ecumenism, the meaning of salvation, the interpretation of suffering, the ministry of women in the Church, the service of the papacy. Scholar, teacher, prophet, mystic, Doyle opens pathways to the future. Brenda Abbott’s extraordinary exposition provides insight and guidance for contemporary Christians and non-believers in an increasingly complex world.’
Joseph P. Chinnici OFM, President Emeritus, Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego, California.