ROMAN is a tale set in the often neglected and complicated era of
American history during the 1840s where a xenophobic public finds
itself at odds with the increasing numbers of Irish and German
Catholic immigrants washing ashore. Meanwhile, in the frontier town
of Evansville, Indiana, an Alsatian missionary priest, the Rev. Roman
Weinzoepfel, is charged with the rape of one of his parishioners
while hearing her confession. The year: 1842.
"Here is a remarkable tale of crime, prejudice, and faith in frontier
Indiana – all the more remarkable for its basis in a real event and a
real priest whose convictions were tested in the most extraordinary
way. ROMAN will appeal not only to those who care about the early
history of the Church in America, but to anyone who appreciates
people of principle."
- Thomas Kunkel, Dean, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and
author of Enormous Prayers: A Journey into the Priesthood,
(Westview/HarperCollins, 1998), and Genius in Disguise: Harold Ross
of the New Yorker (Random House, 1995).
"McMullen's account of a missionary priest, a lonely married woman, a
jealous husband, an ambitious newspaper editor, an autocratic bishop,
the venerable Sister of Providence, Mother Theodore Guérin, the
politically-savvy First Lady, Sarah Childress Polk, and a host of
others, makes for a monumental American story."
- Judy Lyden, Columnist, Scripps Howard News Service.
"McMullen adroitly takes us back in time to the antebellum American
frontier and won't let us return until he has staggered us with the
tale of a Catholic priest charged with a heinous crime. Throughout
ROMAN we are reminded that it is still possible to write page-turning
drama without gratuitous sex or violence. The way McMullen uses
fascinating characters, gripping dialogue and detailed description to
bring an earlier America back to life reminds me of the works of John
Jakes. A heart-rending tale of betrayal, ROMANis an important work. "
- Mike Whicker, author of Invitation to Valhalla (iuniverse, 2001).
"ROMAN is a highly instructive novel about a turbulent period in
American history. Told through the eyes of a Catholic priest, the
story is not limited to the Indiana frontier, but ultimately touches
upon the Presidency. A must read for History buffs and anyone of
faith, Catholic or otherwise."
- Guerin A. Bernardin, Jr., KHS, Parish Administrator of Our Lady of
the Holy Rosary Parish, Evansville, Indiana.
John W. McMullen, a native of Vincennes, Indiana, holds a Master's
Degree in Theological Studies from Saint Meinrad School of Theology
in Indiana. He is a Third Order Benedictine Oblate affiliated with
Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana and is a member of the Thomas More
Society of Southwestern Indiana. He is a Theology Instructor at Mater
Dei High School in Evansville, Indiana, and has authored articles,
short stories, and is currently working on another novel. He resides
in Evansville with his wife, Mary Grace, and their two sons, Andrew
and Theodore.
When Fr. Roman and Martin Schmoll arrived at the Schmoll home, Anna
Maria was lying in bed, whimpering. She was facing the wall and did
not turn around when Roman and Martin entered the bedroom.
"Anna Maria, the good priest, Father Roman is here and would like to
ask you something."
She didn't move, but instead remained in a child-like position,
clutching her blankets about herself.
"Anna Maria, he wants to ask you about what you told me yesterday."
She buried her head in her pillow.
"Mrs. Schmoll, your husband came to church this morning and presented
me with a terrible accusation that I hurt you, physically, in some
way. Please tell your husband that it's not true."
She said nothing, crumpled in her blanket.
Roman paused, thinking of something else to say. Meanwhile she had
yet to make a response.
"Your husband says I...your husband says I violated you." He closed
his eyes and continued. "He says I forced myself upon you." The words
were repugnant, and he could barely utter them aloud, let alone think
what they implied.
"Dear," Martin sweetly addressed his wife, breaking the silencey. "Is
it true? Did he drag you from the confessional and force himself upon
you? Answer 'yes' or 'no.'"
"Yes." Her voice was barely audible, no more than a whisper.
"Mrs. Schmoll, if ever I had done such a thing, then I would be the
worst man in the world!"
Still facing the wall, she said nothing more, but covered her head
with the blankets, and curled into a ball underneath.
Roman continued, "Mrs. Schmoll, the confessional is under a sacred
seal, but in the Name of God, please tell the truth."
There was a long pause. Roman reached for his rosary in an attempt to
pray, but he put the beads back before he had even removed them all
from his pocket. He spoke up, with great emotion. "I could not –
would not – even think of such a thing. And if I ever did, then you
may rightly consign me to the very fires of Hell."
Her whimpering returned, but only louder.
"Again, he does not deny the charge." Mr. Schmoll gloated in apparent
victory. "I suggest you get your affairs in order, Mr. Weinzoepfel.
By sundown, there will no longer be a Catholic priest in this town."