The Patience of A Saint Summary
Andrew Greeley

The Patience of A Saint Summary

While the novel is concerned with the social issues of midlife crisis and the stagnation of both a marriage and a career, it is much more concerned with the spiritual intervention in such a life. The theme of the novel is perhaps most potently expressed by Eileen's brother, Fr. Blackie Ryan, a character often used by Greeley to deliver "sermons" to characters who are in need of them. At the height of Red's confusion about his newly resurrected self (and on the brink of letting the comfort of his old self re-emerge), Fr.

Blackie defines sainthood for Red as "excelling in the demands of everyday life," something which Red's reborn self has been doing. Blackie also reminds him that his reawakened passion for Eileen is a part of this same saintly grace. "Husband and wife," expounds Blackie, "are sacraments of God for one another, the best hint each...

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