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Leonard, William J. (1908-2000)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1908 - 2000

Biographical Note

William J. Leonard was born in 1908 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Leonard attended Boston College High School. In 1931, Leonard received his AB Degree from Boston College, followed by his Master's Degree in 1932. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1925, and was ordained in 1937. He was a Boston College professor in the English Department (1927-1943, 1946-1952) and the Theology Department (1953-1973). Leonard's military service as a chaplain interrupted his teaching at Boston College from 1944 to 1946. He was very active in the liturgical movement, and initiated a project to collect and preserve the objects of the Catholic experience from 1925-1975. Throughout his life, Leonard remained a prolific writer publishing numerous book reviews, articles, and books. Leonard served as curator of the Liturgy and Life Collection at the John J. Burns Library from 1978 until his death in 2000.

Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:

Boston College Candlemas Lectures director's records

 Collection
Abstract

The records contain correspondence, lectures, ephemera, and photographs documenting the Boston College Candlemas Lecture Series and its participants. Notable correspondents include Daniel Berrigan, SJ; Walter J. Burghardt, SJ; Philip Caraman, SJ; Robert Coles; Gerard Ellard, SJ; Allen Tate; and Bishop John J. Wright.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: approximately 1940-2001; Majority of material found within 1946 - 1963

Thomas J. Carroll papers

 Collection
Abstract

The collection documents the life and work of Reverend Thomas J Carroll. It includes correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, postcards, and published works.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1938-1971 (bulk 1943-1959); Majority of material found within 1943 - 1959

Martin B. Hellriegel papers

 Collection
Abstract

Martin B. Hellriegel papers are comprised of sermons, articles, pamphlets, publications, lectures, diaries, audio tapes and correspondence of Hellriegel, a mid-twentieth century Catholic priest who served in St. Louis, Missouri. The collection primarily concerns the liturgical movement in the Catholic Church, especially in relation to the Liturgical Conference.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research. Audio and video recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.

Dates: 1923 - 1990

Boston College collection of Mary Enda Hughes poems

 Collection
Abstract

The Boston College collection of Mary Enda Hughes poems includes individual and collected poems by Mary Enda Hughes and related correspondence, indexes of poems, a copy and transcript of a newspaper article, and lists of published poetry.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: approximately 1969-2004; Majority of material found within 1995 - 1997

William J. Leonard, SJ papers

 Collection
Abstract

William J. Leonard, SJ was a Jesuit priest, theologian, professor at Boston College, military chaplain during World War II, author, and active participant in the liturgical movement. These papers include a variety of material related to Leonard's priesthood, military service, academic career, liturgical involvement, and writing career.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1906 - 2001; Majority of material found within 1923 - 2001

Liturgical Conference records

 Collection
Abstract

The Liturgical Conference is an organization originally comprised of religious and lay Catholics working towards liturgical reforms and greater lay involvement in the liturgy. The collection consists of organizational records once held by Thomas J. Carroll, SJ, Martin B. Hellriegel, William J. Leonard, SJ, and Shawn Sheehan, and includes correspondence, reports, minutes, and photographs.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research. Audio recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.

Dates: 1927 - 1990; Majority of material found within 1945 - 1969

Liturgy and life collection

 Collection — Box 279
Abstract

This collection documents the liturgical movement in the American Catholic Church from 1925 to the introduction of the Second Vatican Council's reforms. It contains religious pamphlets and artifacts in many forms, including artwork, relics, medals, rosaries, crucifixes, vestments and other textiles, sick call sets, and other items.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research; portions available digitally.

Dates: 1870 - 1975; Majority of material found within 1925 - 1975

Philip J. and Mary Stack McNiff papers

 Collection
Abstract

The Philip J. and Mary Stack McNiff papers contain materials created and collected by Philip J. McNiff and his wife Mary Stack McNiff. Correspondence and related enclosures make up the bulk of the collection; there are also many printed materials. Correspondents are generally members of the Catholic, library, or literary communities, particularly those affiliated with Boston College, Harvard University, and other Boston-area organizations. Materials date from circa 1880-1991.

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open for research.

Dates: circa 1880-1991; Majority of material found within 1946 - 1988

W.W. Meissner, SJ papers

 Collection — Object BC.1994.028
Scope and Contents

Composed of journal reprints, articles manuscripts and video recordings. The majority of articles are concerned with the psychology of religion and include extensive bibliographies and references. The collection also contains video recordings of Meissner's lectures on St. Ignatius of Loyola and psychoanalysis.

Restrictions on access

Collection is closed until processed.

Dates: 1958 - 1987