Guardian of the Light: Denis Hurley: Renewing the Church, Opposing Apartheid

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"Denis Hurley was not born in a lighthouse as some people imagine. His father was the keeper of the lighthouse at Cape Point, the guardian of the light that warns the sailors of dangers and guides them away from destruction. Now the son did not follow in his father's footsteps. But he became a lighthouse keeper too; the guardian of the light that warns of dangers and saves us from destruction. The lighthouse has become a symbol of light and hope and our Archbishop has been doing this work of warning and guiding for the greater part of his [life]. And he has done it with great faithfulness for which today we give thanks." - Alan Paton, author of Cry the Beloved Country (Vintage, 2002) Born in Cape Town in 1915 of Irish parents, Dennis Hurley became the youngest Catholic bishop in the world in 1947 at 31 and would later come to be regarded, along with Desmond Tutu, as one of the South African state's "most wanted" political opponents. His inspiring life as a courageous opponent of South Africa's apartheid regime for over 50 years and as a champion of the reforms and spirit of Vatican II is chronicled in this indispensable work.

Paddy Kearney was a long-time confederate and colleague of Denis Hurley.

"Denis Hurley was not born in a lighthouse as some people imagine. His father was the keeper of the lighthouse at Cape Point, the guardian of the light that warns the sailors of dangers and guides them away from destruction. Now the son did not follow in his father's footsteps. But he became a lighthouse keeper too; the guardian of the light that warns of dangers and saves us from destruction. The lighthouse has become a symbol of light and hope and our Archbishop has been doing this work of warning and guiding for the greater part of his [life]. And he has done it with great faithfulness for which today we give thanks." Tribute on the occasion of Archbishop Hurley's 70th birthday, by Alan Paton, author of "Cry the Beloved Country". "Magisterial work... written with loving care by Paddy Kearney." Robert Blair Kaiser, National Catholic Reporter. Long article on Kearney at http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&&global[_id]=26738 "...a meticulously researched and important biography of a peace-loving, humble and prophetic church leader." The Tablet, October 2009 "This book should be compulsory reading." Thinking Faith, The Online Journal of the British Jesuits - For the full review see http://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/BOOK_20091112_1.htm "All in all, a biogrpahy well worth reading." Church Times, January 2010 'Read this timely book, this summer, and relish the battles fought by Archbishop Hurley on at least two fronts: against the sinfulness of apartheid, and for the implementation of Vatican II.'The Tablet, 24th July 2010