FATHER AL’S BIBLIOGRAPHY
Though Father Al left our world in 1992, we are fortunate to count on his writings to remind us of the history of his life-saving mission and to guide us in accessing a life of purpose, dedicated to the poor.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Over the years, Father Schwartz wrote several books, including:
Killing Me Softly: The Inspiring Story of a Champion of the Poor – Aloysius Schwartz
This deeply moving autobiography captures Father Al’s final years as he battled ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) while expanding his mission. He recounts the growth of his Boystowns and Girlstowns in Korea, the Philippines, and Mexico. He also writes about his work caring for orphans, the homeless, and the sick. The book also highlights the founding of two religious congregations: the Sisters of Mary and the Brothers of Christ.
The Starved and the Silent: The Dramatic Encounter of an American Priest With Christ’s Poor in Korea – Aloysius Schwartz
Set amid post-war poverty in Korea, this book recounts Father Al’s decision to become a parish priest in Busan. Through powerful stories, he shares his experience ministering to Korea’s “starved and silent”. He describes his parish work as pastor, economist, social worker, psychologist, and spiritual guide to people enduring unimaginable suffering.
Poverty: Sign of Our Times – Aloysius Schwartz
In this book, Father Al urges the Church to confront poverty as one of the defining issues of our time. He calls all Christians to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with compassion and urgency. He warns that unless the Church becomes truly the Church of the Poor, it cannot hope to speak to modern man.
This disturbing book should shake our complacency. There is urgency and holy anger in its pages.
A Heart for the Poor: The Thought and Spirituality of Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz – Rev. Msgr. Jesus-Romulo C. Ranada
This powerful book explores Father Al’s spirituality and how his deep love for the poor shaped his entire mission. He believed that by loving the least among us, we help them discover their own capacity to love. Through this, they can help fill the world with the same life-changing gift—love.
Priest and Beggar – Kevin Wells
Biographer Kevin Wells tells the story of a different kind of American hero. This ordinary priest stared down corruption, slander, persecution, and death for the sake of God’s poor.