John Welch is a member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province of the Carmelite Order. He taught for many years at the Washington Theological Union. He has served in leadership of his province as a Commissary Provincial and Prior Provincial. He now lives in Joliet, Illinois, his hometown, and serves on the Board of Members of Joliet Catholic Academy and contributes articles on spirituality to the local diocesan newspaper. He is the author of several books and a much sought after speaker.