Brennan Manning (1934–2013) was a Franciscan priest, theology professor, and spiritual director. He studied at St. John’s University, the University of Missouri, St. Francis Seminary, Columbia University, and Catholic University of America.

Brennan’s ministry responsibilities over the years took him from the hallways of academia to the byways of the poor. In the mid-seventies Brennan resumed campus ministry at Broward Community College. His successful ministry was harshly interrupted, however, when he suffered a precipitate collapse into alcoholism. Six months of treatment restored his health and placed him on the road to recovery. It was at this point in his life that Brennan began writing in earnest.

Brennan traveled widely as he continued to write and preach, encouraging men and women everywhere to accept and embrace the good news of God’s unconditional love in Jesus Christ. He wrote many books, including All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir, Patched Together, and Abba’s Child.