Popularly known as the “Official Chaplain” for his regular appearances on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” the Rev. James Martin is set to appear at St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison – part of the Diocese of Paterson – for an evening titled “Learning to Pray.”
Father Martin, a Jesuit priest, editor and prolific writer, has made it his mission to remind Catholics that there is no contradiction between faithful and funny. “Everyone desires a more intimate relationship with God and, believe it or not, that also includes humor,” he said.
The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, October 19, at St. Paul Inside the Walls, 205 Madison Ave., Madison. Tickets are $10 a person and can be purchased at InsideTheWalls.com or at the door.
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Father Martin is known for his service last month at Fordham University as moderator of a debate between Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Stephen Colbert in front of 3,000 cheering and stomping students. He first appeared on the television show in September 2007 to comment on Mother Teresa, and then became a reoccurring guest to discuss current religious topics.In February 2009, Colbert promoted Father Martin from "friend of the show" to "The Colbert Report chaplain."
Father Martin has also written countless articles appearing in America, Commonwealth, U.S. Catholic, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Slate.com, The Huffington Post, and O Magazine. He has also appeared on NPR’s "Fresh Air with Terry Gross," and “Weekend Edition,” PBS’s “Newshour,” and Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor," as well as CNN, MSNBC, PBS, The History Channel, the BBC and Vatican Radio.
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Father Martin is the culture editor for America Magazine and authored two books: “Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life” and “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life.”
St. Paul Inside the Walls proactively focuses on deepening Catholic faith, inviting people back to the Church and welcoming all who are searching for the beauty, truth, and goodness of God found in the practice of the Catholic Faith. Learn more at www.insidethewalls.org.
