Anthony de Mello was a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who gained fame for his books on spirituality. He also hosted many spiritual retreats and was a gifted public speaker. In later life his views were frowned upon by the Catholic Church.
Father de Mello was born in Goa, the former Portuguese trading colony in India. He traveled to many countries to learn and later to teach, most notably Spain and the United States. He was able establish a prayer center in India. Though he died suddenly in 1987, his works remain popular and are studied by many spiritual seekers, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
