William May, born on May 27, 1928 in Missouri, was a prominent Roman Catholic theologian known for his work on marriage and family. He was a longtime professor at The Catholic University of America's Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, where he made significant contributions to the field of Catholic moral theology.
Before gaining recognition as a theologian, May had ambitions of becoming a Catholic priest. At the age of nine, he made the decision to pursue this vocation. However, while studying theology and philosophy at The Catholic University of America, he developed a condition similar to epilepsy. May interpreted this as a sign that he should not continue on the path to priesthood.
Despite this setback, May continued his studies and eventually found his calling in academic research and teaching. He went on to publish several notable works, including "Catholic Sexual Ethics" in 1998, "Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life" in 2000, and "Marriage: The Rock on Which the Family Is Built" in 1995. These works established May as a leading authority in the field of Catholic moral theology.
Throughout his career, May received recognition for his scholarship and contributions to the field. He was awarded the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars' 1979 Cardinal Wright Award and the Center for Bioethics and Culture's 2007 Paul Ramsey Award. These accolades reflected the impact of his research and writing on contemporary ethical issues within the Catholic Church.
In addition to his academic pursuits, May also led a fulfilling family life. He was one of three children born to parents of different religious backgrounds - his mother was Catholic, while his father was Presbyterian. May was raised in his mother's faith and maintained a strong connection to the Catholic Church throughout his life.
In 1958, May married Patricia Ann Keck, with whom he shared a loving partnership that lasted for decades. The couple had seven children together, and May often cited his family as a source of inspiration and support in his academic endeavors.
May's influence extended beyond academia, as he was a prolific writer and speaker on matters of faith and ethics. Alongside fellow theologians like Scott Hahn, May sought to deepen the understanding of Roman Catholic teachings and traditions. His work continues to be studied and referenced by scholars and practitioners in the field of moral theology.
In summary, William May was a respected theologian whose contributions to the study of Catholic moral theology have left a lasting impact. Through his writing, teaching, and public engagement, May helped shape contemporary discussions on marriage, family, and ethical issues within the Catholic Church. His legacy lives on through his scholarly work and the generations of students and readers who have been influenced by his teachings.