Richard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning, was an American author, Franciscan Friar of the Third Order Regular (T.O.R.), priest, contemplative, and speaker who lead spiritual retreats for people of all ages and backgrounds. Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, New York, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest. In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and, after confronting his alcoholism, began writing. He is the author of more than ten books, including *Abba's Child*, *Ruthless Trust*, *The Ragamuffin Gospel*, and *Posers, Fakers, and Wannabes*. He travelled extensively in the U.S. and abroad to share the good news of the unconditional love of God. Sources: [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/173517) and [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Revolutionaries-brennan-manning/dp/0871930129)