Monk's Tale

The Pilgrimage Begins, 1941–1975

Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C.

One of the most respected figures in Catholic higher education, Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., has written a thoroughly engaging first installment of his three-volume memoir. This book covers the years from his birth in 1941 to 1975, when he received his doctorate in Christian ethics from Vanderbilt.

Written in his trademark self-effacing and humorous style, Malloy’s book portrays his childhood growing up in the northeast Washington, D.C., neighborhood of Brookland (the neighborhood’s alias was “Little Rome” because of all the Catholic church-related institutions it encompassed). Malloy describes his family and early education, his growing love of sports, and his years at Archbishop Carroll High School where he played on an extraordinarily successful basketball team. The next five chapters chronicle his undergraduate years at Notre Dame, where he was recruited to play basketball, his decision to become a priest, his seminary experience, the taking of final vows, and his graduate school experience at Vanderbilt University.

Monk’s Tale is a captivating account of growing up Catholic in the 1940s and ‘50s, as well as a revealing reflection of the dramatic changes that occurred in the Catholic Church and in American society during the 1960s. This book is also a loving tribute to Malloy’s parents, sisters, friends, teachers, religious mentors, and colleagues who helped pave his way to the University of Notre Dame and to his profound commitment to service, leadership, and God.

Edward A. “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., served from 1987 to 2005 as the sixteenth president of the University of Notre Dame, where he is currently professor of theology. He serves on the board of directors of a number of universities and national organizations and is the recipient of twenty-five honorary degrees. Father Malloy is the author of five books, including Monk’s Notre Dame, also published by the University of Notre Dame Press.

“Time has taken Monk and me in totally different directions from our high school days together at Archbishop Carroll High School. It was enjoyable getting reacquainted through this book. I found his very accurate description of his shooting ability most amusing!” —John Thompson, Basketball Coach Emeritus, Georgetown University

“As one of the many fans of Father Ed ‘Monk’ Malloy, I was delighted to peruse his new autobiography which he has graciously written. It brings to life many of the highlights of his life and explains many of the great characteristics that have lead him to be much admired in our world. I trust many others will share in this delight. I congratulate Monk on this wonderful account.” — Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

“It’s great to see that basketball should be such an important part of such an important life. I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m sure other people will also.” — Lou Carnesecca, Basketball Coach Emeritus, St. John’s University

“Father Monk gives an insight into his life by sharing success, challenges, and a destiny of response to a call to be a Holy Cross religious-priest. It is a journey of a soul!” — Rev. Thomas E. Chambers, CSC, President Emeritus, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Orleans

“One of the greatest blessings in life is the opportunity to touch people’s lives. Father Malloy has done that as a player, teacher, priest, and President of the University of Notre Dame . . . and he has done it again in this inspiring and motivating book. Be prepared to laugh. Monk can really spin a tale.” — Morgan Wootten, coach Emeritus, DeMatha High School, Basketball Hall of Fame, 2000