The Apostle of Tennessee: The Indefatigable Life and Ministry of Father Aloysius Orengo,, part of Vanderbilt University Press Truth, Lies and Histories of Nashville series, tells the story of Fr. Aloysius “Luigi/Louis” Orengo, O.P., an Italian immigrant and Dominican missionary priest who served Middle and West Tennessee for 25 years from 1848-1873.
“With thorough research and genuine affection for his subject, Joe Pagetta alternates between documentary reporting of the nascent Catholic Church in nineteenth-century Tennessee and stories of the quick-witted, survival-instinctive Italian priest whose itinerant service entailed much adversity and even danger. Pagetta’s engaging account likewise shifts between past and present, portraying not only the times and people Fr. Orengo served but also the descendants, parishes, and individuals who today continue good works in Tennessee.”
—Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, author of Encountering Christ in the Eucharist: The Paschal Mystery in People, Word, and Sacrament
“The Apostle of Tennessee is compelling, featuring dramatic anecdotes (Orengo leaping into pulpits, evading robbers and soldiers), human interest (his correspondence with the Russell family), and broader historical significance. Orengo emerges as a genuinely fascinating historical figure.”
—Maria Mazzenga, co-editor of American Religious Responses to Kristallnacht
“Beautifully written and well-researched, Pagetta’s work captures the fortitude and vibrant spirit of Father Aloysius Orengo, an immigrant priest serving nineteenth-century Tennessee. The Apostle of Tennessee is compelling narrative starting with an introduction that explains the author’s passion for his project and his growing curiosity at each step of discovery, through an epilogue that explains the continuing influence of Father Orengo’s work on parishes and people today. Pagetta conveys a detailed, colorful, and fast-moving story of individual piety and relentless dedication helping to shape settlement and communal cohesion.”
—John R. Dichtl, author of Frontiers of Faith: Bringing Catholicism to the West in the Early Republic
PURCHASE
The Apostle of Tennessee is available from all of your favorite local and online booksellers. Some recommendations:
Amazon.com (Includes Kindle Edition)
EVENTS
There are several events schedule following the book’s release. Check the EVENTS page for a current calendar.
MEDIA
This is Nashville – WPLN/Nashville Public Radio
Chapter 16 – Q&A with Maggie Gigandet
Local on 2 (WKRN) – Interview with Silvia Castaneda
ORENGO PRAYER CARD AND BOILERPLATE
If you can’t make an in-person event and would like a signed copy of the book, purchase it online and send me a message via the CONTACT page with the date and place you ordered and your physical mailing address. I’ll send you a signed boilerplate to stick on the first page along with a custom Fr. Orengo prayer card.