Foreword to the Peregrinus series

Fr. Michael Chapman wrote two Peregrinus books, the first entitled, Peregrinus Gasolinus: Wandering Notes on the Liturgy, was published in 1928. The stories intertwine two priests, the Liturgiologist (who provides rubrical commentary) and the Antiquary (who provides historical insights), their passion for automobiles, and a healthy sprinkling of Latin.

 

In 1931, Fr. Chapman sequeled with Peregrinus Goes Abroad. This new set of adventures takes the two priests not only across America, but even to Europe, Rome and an audience with the pope! As to be expected, the stories are never short of useful rubrical critiques, all given (as the author remarks in his preface) to assist those in executing "the sacred ceremonies of the Church in a correct and dignified manner".

 

Due to the time period in which Fr. Chapman wrote his Peregrinus stories, some terms and references commonly used in his time may escape contemporary readers. So explanatory footnotes have been included where deemed necessary to explain these dated terms as well as to provide further explanations about the Liturgiologist’s or Antiquary’s musings.

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Rev. Michael Chapman: a short biography

Michael Andrew Chapman was born in 1884 and served as an Episcopalian minister from 1908 to 1918. He converted to the Catholic Faith and entered the Roman Catholic Church in 1918.

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After priestly studies, he was ordained a priest in 1923, later being elevated to the rank of monsignor, first as a Papal Chamberlain in 1945 and then higher as a Domestic Prelate in 1949.

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In addition to the Peregrinus series, Fr. Chapman also wrote several other books and was the editor of a periodical for priests, The Acolyte (later renamed The Priest, which is still published today).

 

Fr. Chapman served in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indiana, and passed away in 1960. He is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood, Indiana. Please pray for the repose of his soul.