The Very Reverend Canon John Crean is Dean Emeritus of the Diocese of Western Michigan. He was born and educated on the East coast, and taught at Yale, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the University of Hawaii, and at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. where he taught and was department chair during his last four academic years of 1998-2002. For many years, John has published and presented scholarly papers on the Rule of Saint Benedict. He also served both as a coeditor of MAGISTRA, A JOURNAL OF WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY IN HISTORY. He is currently a “reader” (scholar) at the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA, researching and publishing on ecclesiastical history. An oblate of Saint Boniface Benedictine Abbey in Munich, Germany, John has also been personally involved in twelve-step recovery work since 2003.
“Thanks to John Crean’s keen eye to the connections between the Steps and the Rule, we now have not only a great introduction to Benedict, but also a daily practice that we can add to our program. Incorporating even a few of the great saint’s disciplines will most certainly enrich our recovery.” —Verne Becker, General Editor, Recovery Devotional Bible “There are loads of contemporary commentaries on the Rule of Benedict . . . few do link twelve-step and Benedictine themes, but Rev. John Crean’s book may be one of a kind. He uses the familiar breakdown of the Rule into small segments meant to be read daily over a four-month period, inserting his commentary after each section.” —Joan Ridley, O.S.B., American Benedictine Review “John Crean has done a great service to all those who find themselves unable to change their self- and other-destructive behavior by melding Benedictine and twelve-step spirituality. This book is inviting to anyone who wants to find peace in this deeply disturbing time.” —William A. Barry, S.J. “Rev. Crean’s prayers and reflections are heartfelt, offering both solace and challenge for the reader.” —Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, Benedictine Monastery of Mount St. Scholastica “I think this book should be mandatory reading. I endorse it with my whole heart!” —J. Jon Bruno, retired Bishop of Los Angeles