“I've decided that if I had my life to live over again, I would not only climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets; I wouldn't only jettison my hot water bottle, raincoat, umbrella, parachute, and raft; I would not only go barefoot earlier in the spring and stay out later in the fall; but I would devote not one more minute to monitoring my spiritual growth. No, not one.”

American author, laicized Catholic priest, and public speaker

Brennan Manning was an American author, laicized Catholic priest, and public speaker. He is best known for the bestselling book The Ragamuffin Gospel. His work reached many readers through religious writing and speaking. Manning is especially associated with a message of grace, and The Ragamuffin Gospel remains the title most closely linked with his name.