Skip to main content

Edward S. Stanton, SJ papers

 Collection
Collection BC-2002-071: Edward S. Stanton, SJ papers

Dates

  • Creation: 1923-1983

Scope and Contents

These papers cover the personal life and scholarly work of Edward S. Stanton, SJ (1916-1983), a faculty member in Boston College’s Theology Department. Much of the collection deals with Stanton’s relationship and scholarship relating to John La Farge, SJ (1880-1963), who was an advocate for interracial justice. Materials include Stanton's manuscripts, photographs, publications, retreat notes, speeches, and sermons, as well as some of La Farge’s writings.

Creator

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research.

Restrictions on use

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.

Biographical note

Edward S. Stanton was born to Mary Elizabeth (Sullivan) and Dr. Joseph Stanton in 1916. He grew up with four brothers and five sisters in Brookline and Newton, Massachusetts.

Stanton graduated from Boston College High School. In 1935, he entered the Society of Jesus at Lenox, Massachusetts. Stanton received from Boston College both his Bachelor of Arts and his Masters of Arts in 1941 and 1942, respectively. Upon college graduation, Stanton taught high school in Fairfield, Connecticut from 1942 to 1945.

In 1948, he was ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Church. He received his Licentiate in Theology, with honors, from Weston College in 1949. After studying in both Ireland and France, Stanton taught theology at Holy Cross College from 1951 to 1957. He was the New England Promoter of Sodalities, directing retreats, organizing conventions, and counseling from 1957 to 1967.

While serving as the summer editor of America in 1963, Stanton met John La Farge, SJ. Impressed by La Farge’s character and work, Stanton began to study his life. Stanton participated in the Third World Congress for the Lay Apostolate in Rome in 1967. In the early 1970s, Stanton began work on his doctorate at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. He chose La Farge as the subject of his doctoral dissertation. After completion of his doctorate in philosophy, Stanton returned to teaching. He was a member of Boston College’s Theology Department and conducted numerous student retreats.

Over his long career, Stanton published a number of articles in journals such as America, Christian Action, and The Pilot. Among his work was a chapter about La Farge for a book titled Saints Are Now. Between 1963 and 1976, Stanton wrote over three hundred and thirty-three book reviews for America. He also prepared manuscripts on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the life of John LaFarge.

Stanton died on March 13, 1983.

Extent

5.5 Linear Feet (13 containers)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

These papers cover the personal life and scholarly work of Edward S. Stanton, SJ (1916-1983), a faculty member in Boston College’s Theology Department. Much of the collection deals with Stanton’s relationship and scholarship relating to John La Farge, SJ (1880-1963), who was an advocate for interracial justice. Materials include Stanton's manuscripts, photographs, publications, retreat notes, speeches, and sermons, as well as some of La Farge’s writings.

Arrangement

Arranged into nine series. I: Correspondence; II: Manuscripts; III: Sermons and speeches; IV: Interviews; V: Research and retreat notes; VI: Diaries and personal notes; VII: Publications; VIII: Course materials; and IX: Photographs.

Correspondence is arranged chronologically. All other series are arranged alphabetically.

Provenance

Because the current accessioning system was not used until January 1986, it is not possible to know exactly the dates of acquisition of materials received before that time.

Title
Edward S. Stanton, SJ Papers
Status
Completed
Subtitle
1923-1983
Author
archives staff
Date
2002
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository

Contact:
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861