For its 5,000th issue, America magazine underwent several changes, including the introduction of new columnists to provide a fresh voice to the weekly Catholic magazine. One of those writers is Daniel Horan, OFM.
“It was quite a surprise when Fr. Matt Malone, SJ, editor-in-chief, contacted me on behalf of the editorial board of America magazine to invite me to be one of the new regular columnists,” Daniel, a graduate student at Boston College, said. “He explained that he and the editors had been longtime followers of my work and, when they were considering who to invite to fill the new positions, were excited to extend an invitation to me.”
Dan will focus his writing on “the rather broad theme of culture and religion.” His first column, “A Fool in the ‘Reign,’” ties together St. Francis of Assisi and April Fools’ Day.
“I’m honored and humbled by the invitation and look forward to contributing to such an outstanding publication,” said the friar, who was ordained a priest just last May. “America is not just an important magazine in the Catholic world, but in the broader journalism, religious, and political worlds too.
“I’m not sure if I’m the first Franciscan who is a regular columnist, but it is pretty neat to see the America masthead each week include someone on staff with the suffix ‘OFM,’” Dan added.
Dan’s work is scheduled to appear in the Jesuit magazine roughly every five weeks. In the meantime, he continues to update his blog Dating God as well as write for other publications, including The Huffington Post. His latest book, Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith: Exploring Franciscan Spirituality and Theology in the Modern World, was released in November 2012.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.