Jesuit Father James Martin, noted speaker, editor and author, will share his special gift for framing all things Catholic with insight, warmth and humor in a free program Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Hamilton.

The free program, entitled “Between Heaven and Mirth: Joy, Humor and Laughter in the Spiritual Life,” is sponsored by Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton.

The title is drawn from the prolific author’s 2011 book, “Between Heaven and Mirth,” in which, according to reviewers, Father Martin assures his readers that God wants us to experience joy, to cultivate a sense of holy humor, and to laugh at life’s absurdities.

Expect Father Martin to share anecdotes of his experiences as a lifelong Catholic, a Jesuit for more than 20 years, a priest for more than 10, and to offer insights and practical advice on how to use humor to show our faith, embrace our humanity and put things in perspective, said Joan Bartolomei, parish coordinator of pastoral outreach, who organized the program.

Bartolomei said that reservations aren’t necessary but those interested in attending might be well advised to arrive on the early side.

“It’s a large church but Father Martin is a very popular speaker,” said Bartolomei, who noted that he was booked for this appearance two years in advance. “He’s very down to earth and a very nice man,” said Bartolomei, who added that Father Martin hails from just outside Philadelphia and is apt to share his observations on everything from soft pretzels to visiting “down the shore.”

The author of several books, his bestselling memoir “My Life with the Saints,” (Loyola, 2006), received a 2007 Christopher Award and was named one of the Best Books of 2006 by Publishers Weekly. The book, which has sold over 100,000 copies, also received a first place award from the Catholic Press Association.

It is widely used in schools, parishes and book clubs around the country.

“A Jesuit Off-Broadway: Center Stage with Jesus, Judas and Life’s Big Questions” (Loyola, 2007), which was named one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2007, also received a first place award from the Catholic Press Association.

According to the biography of Father Martin which appears in America, the National Catholic Weekly, where he is culture editor, he has also written for Commonweal, U.S. Catholic, The (London) Tablet, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer and other national newspapers and websites.

He has commented on religion and spirituality in the national and international media and appeared in venues as diverse as National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” NPR’s “Weekend Edition,” Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report" and Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor,” as well as on all the major television networks and cable channels and Vatican Radio.

Besides his editorial, publishing and media work, Father Martin conducts various seminars and retreats and assists on Sundays in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, New York City.