Karin Burke — Xlibris Author Spotlight

“More and more, I realize that love is the only thing that truly matters in life – to love and to be kind to one another.” – Karin M. Burke

Just in time for Christmas, a story of heroic love.

Father John P. Wessel was a priest well loved by parishioners of St. Joseph Church, Toms River, New Jersey. He had been serving the parish for only three months when his life was forcefully snatched from him by a gunshot from one distraught member of his flock – a young Vietnam War veteran whom, with priestly concern, he was attempting to assist. The shooting occurred on December 17, 1971. Gravely wounded, Father Wessel died nine days later on December 26, 1971. He was only 32 years old.

Thirty-six years since the fatal shooting of Father Wessel, his memory is still very much alive among those whose lives he has touched. One of these people who fondly remembers him is Karin Burke who considers herself privileged to have known the priest in her student days. She was so inspired by Father Wessel’s work that she felt it necessary to share his life, times, and eventual death to more people. The result is the Xlibris book, No Greater Love: The True Story of Father John P. Wessel.

Karin Burke started writing No Greater Love over 10 years ago but completed it only recently. According to her, it was like a “calling” for her to see the book through. She also recounts her experience during the early days of writing No Greater Love: “When I started writing this book, I thought of it primarily as a biography. Lately I have come to view it as a story about love: the love one man had for Jesus Christ and for his fellow human beings, so much so that he made a very great sacrifice in the name of divine love. Father Wessel offered his own life to help another.”

Father Wessel’s gentle heroism in the face of violence has, in fact, moved both lay people and clergy to propose his canonization to the Vatican. Ms. Burke is quite optimistic that at some time in the future, Father Wessel may indeed become a saint.

Even the book’s title reflects Father Wessel’s devotion to God, to his priestly work, and to his parishioners. Ms. Burke explains that the title, No Greater Love, is derived from biblical scripture – John 15:13: “No greater love is there than that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

“This verse summarizes what this book is all about,” she adds.

Since the release of No Greater Love, Ms. Burke has received very positive feedback from the reading public. Because of this, she is only too happy that she chose Xlibris as her partner in publishing. “I had a very good experience with Xlibris,” she says. “This company has made it possible for me to communicate a very important story to others which otherwise would not have been told.”

The release of No Greater Love also gave Ms. Burke a busier schedule. With the 36 th anniversary of Father Wessel’s death fast approaching, she will be playing a big part in celebrating this man’s service to humanity. The Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey will be overseeing activities for the anniversary, which will include a Mass at St. Joseph Church, Toms River, as well as a talk and a book signing by the author. Ms. Burke adds that activities of the same nature are also being planned in New York City and elsewhere.

Ms. Burke has truly been inspired not only by her faith as a Roman Catholic and her belief in God and Jesus Christ, but also by the life and legacy of Father John Wessel. She has been able to encapsulate this remarkable priest’s exemplary and joyous life through No Greater Love. “It is wonderful, inspirational reading for those of all faiths,” she says.

Father Wessel must be smiling down at Karin Burke right now.

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