We continue today with an excerpt from the original letter detailing some of the work Fr Willie had to undertake towards the …
Patrick Kenny
Fr Willie sent the letter below to his father one year after the gas attack of April 1916 (see yesterday’s post). In …
April 27, 2024
Posted by pat
Fr Willie had many incredibly close shaves with death during the almost 2 years he spent as a military chaplain. He has …
April 26, 2024
Posted by pat
I think I can say with truth that I have now no desire or wish except His. I have told Him that …
April 25, 2024
Posted by pat
I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and God has lost His …
April 24, 2024
Posted by pat
God sometimes seems to ask the impossible, a sorrow, a cross. Oh! it would crush me! How can this be? How? Lord, …
April 23, 2024
Posted by pat
Work for Jesus! Yes, though the weary head may ache and the tired brain refuse to act. Work on, work on; the …
April 22, 2024
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This morning I lay awake powerless to over come myself and to make my promised visit to the chapel. Then I felt …
April 21, 2024
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Second pilgrimage to Amettes from Locre. During the journey I felt our Lord wanted to give me some message through St. Benedict …
April 16, 2024
Posted by pat
What more insignificant than the ordinary daily duties of religious life! Each succeeding hour brings with it some allotted task, yet in …
April 15, 2024
Posted by pat
There will be a talk about Fr Willie in the Parish Centre, Christ the King Cathedral Mullingar on Thursday April 25th at …
April 13, 2024
Posted by pat
How sweet it is when our day is ended to find the body tired, the head heavy and jaded with work done …
April 13, 2024
Posted by pat
Kneeling on the altar steps Jesus told me to devote one day of each week to the work of sanctification and reparation …
April 12, 2024
Posted by pat
Took Gemma for my patroness and protector…I have already felt her powerful help. COMMENT: April 11 is the feast of St Gemma …
April 11, 2024
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I want you to stick to two things: the aspirations and the tiny acts of self-conquest. Count them and mark them daily. You …
April 10, 2024
Posted by pat
If you are not yet strong enough to seek humiliations, just accept the little reverses that come. When you say or do …
April 9, 2024
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Do you not think that Jesus must have done very much for Mary during the nine months she bore Him within her? …
April 8, 2024
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Jesus during His mortal life practised many virtues; but none is more conspicuous, none appeals more strongly to us, than His infinite …
April 7, 2024
Posted by pat
No one is holy who is not fervent. But the fervour of the holy is not an impetuous, noviciate first-fervour, which does …
April 6, 2024
Posted by pat
If one of two has to suffer, why shouldn’t you be the one? Always choose the worst and hardest. Do not try …
April 4, 2024
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I had an opportunity, a rare one, thanks to the fog, of examining closely in daylight one of the wonders of the …
April 3, 2024
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Today we review some of Fr Doyle’s war narrative from early April 1916. Taking a short-cut across to our lines I found …
April 2, 2024
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If my resurrection is to be a real one and is to produce fruit, it must be external, so that all may …
April 1, 2024
Posted by pat
May every Easter blessing be yours, and may our crucified Jesus, Who has certainly drawn you to Him on the cross, raise …
March 31, 2024
Posted by pat
The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently the faithful few bear the dead Christ down the …
March 30, 2024
Posted by pat
The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was His thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations He would …
March 29, 2024
Posted by pat
Pain and privation are only momentary, they quickly pass and become even delightfully sweet, if only borne in the spirit with which …
March 28, 2024
Posted by pat
On Spy Wednesday evening after Benediction, I told the men I wanted nine volunteers to watch an hour during the following night …
March 27, 2024
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My denial of Jesus has been baser than that of Peter, for I have refused to listen to His voice calling me …
March 26, 2024
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During His Passion our Lord was bound and dragged from place to place. I have hourly opportunities of imitating Him by going …
March 25, 2024
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The fourteenth station: Jesus is laid in the tomb The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently …
March 24, 2024
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The Thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross Mary stands at the foot of the cross to receive in her …
March 23, 2024
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The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the Cross Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, …
March 22, 2024
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The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross Upon His last resting place Jesus lays Himself down. No soft bed, no …
March 21, 2024
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The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments At last He stands upon the hill of shame to pay the price …
March 20, 2024
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The ninth station: Jesus falls the third time The hill of Calvary is almost reached, the hour of the great sacrifice is …
March 19, 2024
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The Eighth Station: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful for their own …
March 18, 2024
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With great earnestness recommend to His mercy the poor souls who are in their agony. What a dreadful hour, an hour tremendously …
March 18, 2024
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I was struck today by the fact that St Patrick was above all a man of continuous prayer and felt inspired to …
March 17, 2024
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The Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of His awful sufferings which …
March 17, 2024
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The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious gaze …
March 16, 2024
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The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected …
March 15, 2024
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The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings …
March 14, 2024
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The Third Station: Jesus falls the First time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His cross; bravely has He …
March 13, 2024
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The Second Station: Jesus takes up His cross Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of …
March 12, 2024
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The prolific author and novelist Fiorella de Maria has written a wonderful new historical novel about Fr Willie for young people. Entitled …
March 12, 2024
Posted by pat
Around the judgement seat are grouped a motley crowd. Men and women of every rank, the high-born Jewish maiden, the rough Samaritan …
March 11, 2024
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Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put up a …
March 8, 2024
Posted by pat
Fr John Hogan, Diocesan Postulator for the Fr Willie’s Cause, had a very nice interview recently with Fr Edward Looney. The video …
March 7, 2024
Posted by pat
He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust Him, He so longs to be trusted. COMMENT: Many of us have …
March 7, 2024
Posted by pat
Passion of Christ, comfort me! Comfort me, for the day is long and weary; comfort me as I fight my way up …
March 6, 2024
Posted by pat
Press on bravely and don’t mind the scratches, even when they come from human nails! COMMENT: We must always push on in …
March 4, 2024
Posted by pat
A special request from Patrick Kenny, President, Father Willie Doyle Association and Fr. John S. Hogan, Postulator. Today is Fr Willie’s …
March 3, 2024
Posted by pat
It is useful from time to time to pause and ask ourselves if we are, like the child Jesus, growing in wisdom …
March 2, 2024
Posted by pat
Surely, my child, you are not surprised to find that you have broken your resolution, or rather, that the devil has gained …
March 1, 2024
Posted by pat
Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …
February 29, 2024
Posted by pat
The merit of living under religious rule may be gathered from the difficulty of always and faithfully keeping that rule. Holiness and …
February 28, 2024
Posted by pat
Over and over again I asked myself, when reading that book, was it not strange that I should come across the very …
February 27, 2024
Posted by pat
He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust him, He so longs to be trusted. Be like a faithful dog …
February 26, 2024
Posted by pat
A habit of ejaculatory prayer is a sign of nearness to God, for our own holiness will be in proportion to our …
February 25, 2024
Posted by pat
How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …
February 24, 2024
Posted by pat
The world’s first Fr Willie Doyle Prayer Group was inaugurated on Thursday 22 February in Holy Family Church, Ballsgrove, Drogheda. It meets …
February 23, 2024
Posted by pat
“The power of the Most High shall overshadow thee” (Luke, 1:35). Light comes with this blessed over-shadowing,. and before God’s power difficulties …
February 23, 2024
Posted by pat
As regards confession it would be much better to confine yourself to the accusation of, say, three faults, and turn the whole …
February 22, 2024
Posted by pat
The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …
February 21, 2024
Posted by pat
I am convinced that generally we reach sanctity of life only through a long series of falls from which we get up. …
February 20, 2024
Posted by pat
As the moth is attracted to the light, is drawn ever nearer to the warmth and brightness, until at length with irresistible …
February 19, 2024
Posted by pat
A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast…Jesus urged me to pray for …
February 18, 2024
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle left his training camp and headed to the continent 108 years ago today. Here are his sentiments on this occasion, …
February 17, 2024
Posted by pat
We should call a man a fool who wasted his wealth warming himself before a fire made of banknotes. Do we act …
February 16, 2024
Posted by pat
I have gone through a great deal of desolation, discouragement, fear and dread of my proposed vow. When I make it — …
February 15, 2024
Posted by pat
We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling …
February 14, 2024
Posted by pat
What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel austerities, such …
February 14, 2024
Posted by pat
What I intended to imply was that I thought God had special designs on your soul and very great graces in store …
February 13, 2024
Posted by pat
The effect of fervour may be likened to that of fire on water. When cold, water is motionless and chills all that …
February 12, 2024
Posted by pat
Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, I asked …
February 10, 2024
Posted by pat
You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were …
February 10, 2024
Posted by pat
While praying at the shrine of St Apollonia I felt urged to ask her to help me to gain a complete mastery …
February 9, 2024
Posted by pat
Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put up a …
February 8, 2024
Posted by pat
This is my vocation: reparation and penance for the sins of priests; hence the constant urging of our Lord to generosity. COMMENT: …
February 8, 2024
Posted by pat
Then in addition there is the great privilege and joy of carrying our dear Lord next my heart day and night. Long …
February 7, 2024
Posted by pat
Some of Fr Willie’s favourite aspirations: l. My Crucified Jesus, help me to crucify myself. 2. Lord, teach me how to pray …
February 6, 2024
Posted by pat
To-day while praying in the Chapel, suddenly it seemed to me as if I were standing before a narrow path all choked …
February 5, 2024
Posted by pat
I was meditating on my desire to die a martyr’s death for Jesus, and then asked myself if I was really in …
February 5, 2024
Posted by pat
Reading today of how Luisa de Carvajal made herself the slave of her two maids, the old desire for this kind of …
February 4, 2024
Posted by pat
It seems to me that the best and most practical resolution I can make is to determine to perform each action with …
February 3, 2024
Posted by pat
Kneeling there I asked her what God wanted from me, when I heard an interior voice clearly repeating, “Love Him, love Him.” …
February 2, 2024
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Constant urging of Jesus to do “hard things” for him, things which cost. I shrink from sacrifice, but I know well He …
February 1, 2024
Posted by pat
One month of the new year has passed away, leaving behind it the memory of what has been done for God and …
January 31, 2024
Posted by pat
A kind word goes far. I stopped to say a few words to a group of men at a street corner in …
January 30, 2024
Posted by pat
Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …
January 29, 2024
Posted by pat
As to any practice of piety there is a double danger: recommending it as infallible, or condemning it as useless. I always …
January 28, 2024
Posted by pat
The Father Willie Doyle Association has now opened an Instagram account and can be found on the account @frwilliedoyle. https://www.instagram.com/frwilliedoyle/ If you …
January 27, 2024
Posted by pat
Last night I rose at 1am and went down to the church, renewing before the crucifix my desire and promise absolutely to …
January 27, 2024
Posted by pat
The mere saving of their souls should be the last thought of religious who have vowed their lives for God’s glory. COMMENT: …
January 26, 2024
Posted by pat
Every grace we get enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will. When the understanding is enlightened, we have the awful alternative of …
January 25, 2024
Posted by pat
There is nothing better than the practice of aspirations, steadily growing in number. Keep a little book and enter them once a …
January 24, 2024
Posted by pat
I should examine all my actions, taking Jesus as my model and example. What a vast difference between my prayer and His; …
January 23, 2024
Posted by pat
22 January 1911 My dear loving Jesus, what do you want from me? You never seem to leave me alone – thank …
January 22, 2024
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Even as a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small I …
January 21, 2024
Posted by pat
Worries? Of course; and thank God. How else are you going to be a saint? “When thou comest to the service of …
January 19, 2024
Posted by pat
I felt Jesus asking me to make a long visit and wishing to speak to me. His message was: To note down …
January 18, 2024
Posted by pat
Our Lord wants me to give Him all I can give cheerfully, not repining or regretting any sacrifice; not saying, ‘I wish …
January 17, 2024
Posted by pat
Jesus knows I have only one wish in this world: to love Him and Him alone. For the rest He has carte …
January 16, 2024
Posted by pat
I see more and more that self-indulgence even in lawful things brings only unhappiness; and I realise I can never be truly …
January 15, 2024
Posted by pat
I want you to know what I went through by volunteering for the Front. God made me feel with absolute certainty – …
January 14, 2024
Posted by pat
107 years ago tonight Fr Doyle was awoken to absolve some dying soldiers. This is his description of the event, sent home …
January 13, 2024
Posted by pat
Each morning at Holy Communion invite Jesus, with all the love and fervour you can, to enter into your heart and dwell …
January 12, 2024
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Live for the day, but let it be a generous day. Have you ever tried giving God one day in which you …
January 11, 2024
Posted by pat
Today is the anniversary of the death of the Servant of God Fr Paul Ginhac SJ who died on this day in …
January 10, 2024
Posted by pat
It is a mother whose gentle care was ever round you, whose arms were open wide that you might nestle on her …
January 8, 2024
Posted by pat
It seems to me I have failed to keep my resolutions because I have not acted from the motive of the love …
January 7, 2024
Posted by pat
I contrast the obedience of St. Joseph with my obedience. His so prompt, unquestioning, uncomplaining, perfect; mine given so grudgingly; perhaps exterior …
January 6, 2024
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Today is the feast of St Charles of Mount Argus, a Dutch Passionist priest who spent about 30 years of his life …
January 5, 2024
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4 January 1916 Before I thank you for your letter which was doubly welcome in my exile, I want to tell you …
January 4, 2024
Posted by pat
He seems to me to want a year of great devotedness, intense sympathy and passionate love…Even one year of such a life …
January 3, 2024
Posted by pat
I can imagine I am a soul in Hell, and God in His mercy is saying to me, “Return to the world …
January 2, 2024
Posted by pat
How little the expression ‘we were shelled for two hours’ conveys to you. People read in their papers some mornings: ‘The enemy …
January 1, 2024
Posted by pat
A New Year! What visions of almost boundless good, hidden in the fair bosom of the new-born year, rise up before me. …
January 1, 2024
Posted by pat
“All our days are spent.” (Psalm 89. 9). The hour will come for each of us when we shall echo these words …
December 31, 2023
Posted by pat
Every little victory in the matter of food is a real triumph, for this is a real test of generosity. You will …
December 30, 2023
Posted by pat
Jesus, you know my longing to become a saint. You know how much I thirst to die a martyr. Help me to …
December 29, 2023
Posted by pat
I have celebrated Mass in some strange places and under extraordinary conditions but somehow I was more than usually impressed this morning. …
December 28, 2023
Posted by pat
Try to get down low and follow out what He Himself taught: “Unless you become as little children.” This will make you …
December 27, 2023
Posted by pat
The following two excerpts from a letter written by Fr Doyle recount two incidents that happened on St Stephen’s Day, 1916. They …
December 26, 2023
Posted by pat
O’Rahilly’s biography of Fr Doyle is a remarkable source of information about Fr Doyle’s life and spirituality. However, there is another book …
December 25, 2023
Posted by pat
What impressed me most in the meditation on the Nativity was the thought that Jesus could have been born in wealth and …
December 25, 2023
Posted by pat
The following excerpt from O’Rahilly’s biography of Fr Doyle recalls Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass during the war in 1916… Christmas itself …
December 24, 2023
Posted by pat
I was very much annoyed because someone burnt the floor of my dug-out and also on finding my candles had been taken. …
December 23, 2023
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My genius of an orderly fried meat and pudding together and, with a smile of triumph on his face, brought both on …
December 22, 2023
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Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on 21 December 1913, 110 years ago today. It relates to a recent trip …
December 21, 2023
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21 December: A day I always like because the turning point of the year and from this on the evenings will be …
December 21, 2023
Posted by pat
During the last three nights of the retreat I slept on the floor without feeling any inconvenience after, though I woke very …
December 20, 2023
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Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his sister from the trenches on 19th December 1916, 107 years ago today. It gives …
December 19, 2023
Posted by pat
“I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 85. 7). Jesus is our comforter. What burden is there …
December 18, 2023
Posted by pat
A want of will is the chief obstacle to our becoming saints. We are not holy because we do not really wish …
December 17, 2023
Posted by pat
Avoid worry, anxiety, uneasiness about anything. “The devil’s boiling pot” expresses this state of mind; one trouble ended, another crops up to …
December 16, 2023
Posted by pat
I cannot say i am quite in love with camp life, which in many respects is quite repellent. But even in these …
December 15, 2023
Posted by pat
On this day in 1917, Major General Hickie paid another tribute to Fr Doyle. Writing to his father, Hugh Doyle, General Hickie …
December 15, 2023
Posted by pat
Surely you are not right in trying to keep our Lord away from you, or in thinking that He looks upon you …
December 14, 2023
Posted by pat
Since I became chaplain I’ve grown very lazy and unmortified, the cause of much unhappiness and remorse to me. My excuse is …
December 13, 2023
Posted by pat
It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life. COMMENT: It is …
December 13, 2023
Posted by pat
I am sorry to see you suffer and yet glad that the cross is your portion. If I had at this moment …
December 12, 2023
Posted by pat
I want to be generous with God and to refuse Him nothing. I do not want to say, “I will go just …
December 11, 2023
Posted by pat
Let us love silence and recollection. When we are at home with silence we are at home with God. Silence seems impossible …
December 10, 2023
Posted by pat
He has been tugging at my heart for so many years, urging me in so many ways to give myself wholly to …
December 9, 2023
Posted by pat
I believe that Our Lord is asking for victims who are willing to suffer much in reparation for sins, especially those of …
December 8, 2023
Posted by pat
God delights to honour His saints by bestowing upon them special graces which mark them off from the rest of mankind. To …
December 8, 2023
Posted by pat
I believe strongly in corporal penance as a means to the end. But a denial of your own will often costs more …
December 7, 2023
Posted by pat
I want you to make a greater effort to see the hand of God in everything that happens, and then to force …
December 6, 2023
Posted by pat
You must trust entirely in our Lord. He alone can help you. Give God His time. Be generous with Him and He …
December 5, 2023
Posted by pat
What must have been Mary’s thoughts when first she felt the infant child within her womb, and realised that from her pure …
December 4, 2023
Posted by pat
Xavier’s hour has come, the hour of his eternal reward and never-ending bliss. In a little hut, open on all sides to …
December 3, 2023
Posted by pat
The saints had ever a childlike confidence and trust in God. Upon Him they cast all their anxieties and cares, under His …
December 3, 2023
Posted by pat
Use your faults as stepping stones to better things. Don’t bemoan your faults and falls, but quietly take it out of yourself …
December 2, 2023
Posted by pat
The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent, has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …
December 1, 2023
Posted by pat
Will it be any help to you to learn that I know many who suffer as you do? Hence I can perfectly …
November 30, 2023
Posted by pat
It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life and even gives …
November 29, 2023
Posted by pat
Vince teipsum (Conquer yourself). This is the secret of the Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my master Ignatius,” said St. …
November 28, 2023
Posted by pat
Try to take your days one by one as they come to you. The hard things of yesterday are past, and you …
November 27, 2023
Posted by pat
The chief thing God wants from me at present is an extraordinary and exquisite perfection in every little thing I do, even …
November 26, 2023
Posted by pat
The Practice of Humility I will strive to get a great contempt for myself, and to pray and desire that others may …
November 25, 2023
Posted by pat
Even as a child I longed and prayed to be a saint. But somehow it always seemed to me as if that …
November 24, 2023
Posted by pat
Do not try to run till you can walk well. Draw up a list of certain little sacrifices which you feel God …
November 23, 2023
Posted by pat
I felt strongly urged to rise and make the Holy Hour every night. In the past twelve months I have gone down to the …
November 22, 2023
Posted by pat
Remember the devil is a bad spiritual director, and you may always recognise his apparently good suggestions by the disturbances they cause …
November 21, 2023
Posted by pat
“My yoke is sweet” (Matthew 11. 30). The service of God, the whole-hearted generous service of God, is full of a sweetness …
November 20, 2023
Posted by pat
We can never sufficiently thank Him for so completely showing us in the Garden that He was a man by praying to …
November 19, 2023
Posted by pat
Sir William Bernard Hickie was Major General of the 16th Irish Division and knew Fr Doyle extremely well. He wrote the following …
November 18, 2023
Posted by pat
Your desire for penance is an excellent sign…But have a fixed amount to be done each day and do not be doing …
November 18, 2023
Posted by pat
Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact account of …
November 17, 2023
Posted by pat
Holiness and perfection depend on yourself, not on the actions of others. COMMENT: How easy it is for us to blame others, …
November 16, 2023
Posted by pat
Received my appointment from the War Office as chaplain to the 16th Division. Fiat voluntas tua. What the future has in store …
November 15, 2023
Posted by pat
Here is a link to Patrick Kenny’s talk in Fr Doyle’s native parish of Dalkey on 6 November 2023. On that evening …
November 14, 2023
Posted by pat
You certainly put your finger on the weak spot in most priestly lives – the want of prayer. The connection between prayer …
November 14, 2023
Posted by pat
Bravery Under Fire will be screened in Mucklagh Community Centre, Tullamore, County Offaly this coming Friday at 8pm. It will be followed …
November 13, 2023
Posted by pat
At the close of the retreat my soul is full of many emotions. God has been more than good to me, has …
November 13, 2023
Posted by pat
Lord, You know I love You less than any others, but I long and desire to love You more than all the …
November 12, 2023
Posted by pat
105 years ago today the First World War came to an end. It was a dreadful war; the first industrial war in …
November 11, 2023
Posted by pat
From the Tabernacle Jesus seems to say, “Stay with Me for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent”. …
November 11, 2023
Posted by pat
My offering myself as a war chaplain to the Provincial has had a wonderful effect on me. I long to go and …
November 10, 2023
Posted by pat
The reason I find it so hard to love God, why I have so little affection for Him, is because of my …
November 10, 2023
Posted by pat
Our Lord is displeased only when He sees no attempt made to get rid of imperfections which, when deliberate, clog the soul …
November 9, 2023
Posted by pat
Patrick Kenny of the Father Willie Doyle Association, will speak about Fr Willie’s heroic life of sacrifice on 11th November at 11.30am …
November 8, 2023
Posted by pat
The Fruit of the Third Week The thought that Jesus has suffered so much for me to atone for my sins and …
November 8, 2023
Posted by pat
My God, I promise You, kneeling before the image of Your Sacred Heart, that I will do my best to lead a …
November 7, 2023
Posted by pat
The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was his thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations He …
November 6, 2023
Posted by pat
At this evening’s event in Dalkey Church at 7.30pm we will have Fr Willie’s boyhood shirt on display. This is the first …
November 6, 2023
Posted by pat
Today, the Feast of all the Saints of the Society, while praying in the Chapel at Donnybrook (Poor Clares), our Lord seemed …
November 5, 2023
Posted by pat
During all these long years Jesus has been standing bound at the pillar, while I have cruelly scourged Him by my ingratitude …
November 5, 2023
Posted by pat
All my life my study has been to avoid suffering as much as possible, to make my life a comfortable one How …
November 4, 2023
Posted by pat
I was greatly struck and helped yesterday by these words of the Imitation (of Christ): My child: let me do with you …
November 3, 2023
Posted by pat
From their cleansing prison of fire the holy souls cry to us for help. With joy indeed they bear the pain which …
November 2, 2023
Posted by pat
This evening I had a dispute with Father B. Instead of giving in to his wishes and allowing him to remain in …
November 1, 2023
Posted by pat
To-day the…Feast of All Saints, I made my election about offering myself for the Congo Mission. During the retreat I have been …
November 1, 2023
Posted by pat
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is a striking example of one who, though in a lowly station in life, devoid of all that in …
October 31, 2023
Posted by pat
Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain for me, I, …
October 30, 2023
Posted by pat
“Time that passeth like a shadow”(Ecclesiastes, 7. 1). Watch the shadow of the sun’s rays creep silently across the dial’s face. Slowly, …
October 29, 2023
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A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read the life …
October 28, 2023
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Today we continue with some of Fr Doyle’s reflections on the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises and his resolutions aimed at …
October 27, 2023
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I am slowly learning the lesson Jesus brought me out here to teach me. The first and greatest is that I must …
October 26, 2023
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What account shall I give of this resolution when I stand before my God for judgement? PRACTICE OF THE THIRD DEGREE. I. …
October 26, 2023
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November 6 is the feast of all the saints of Ireland. On this day Fr Willie will be remembered in his native …
October 25, 2023
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Following straight on the heels of the meditations on the Two Standards and the Three Classes of Men, we will today consider …
October 25, 2023
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Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on October 25 1916. It refers to the previous night, in other words, this …
October 24, 2023
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We come now to one of the other great moments of the Spiritual Exercises – the Meditation on the Three Classes of …
October 24, 2023
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Patrick Kenny will present on the priestly witness and courage of Fr Willie as part of the “Inspiring priests of the past, …
October 23, 2023
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We come today to the famous meditation on the Two Standards. This is one of the high points of the Spiritual Exercises. …
October 23, 2023
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My God, this morning I was in despair. After some days of relaxation owing partly to sickness, I resolved to begin my …
October 22, 2023
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Fr Doyle wrote the following notes on the “hidden life” of Jesus as a young boy and man in Nazareth. These reflections …
October 22, 2023
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As part of the Second week, St Ignatius recommends a meditation on the early life of Christ. Here are his points for …
October 21, 2023
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Feeling very unwell for the past few days, I gave way to self indulgence in food and sleep. Jesus has made it …
October 20, 2023
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As part of the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, retreatants meditate on the early life of Christ. One of these meditations …
October 20, 2023
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Today is the feast of St Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist order. He lived in the 1700’s, and …
October 19, 2023
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Today we start Fr Doyle’s reflections on the second week of the Spiritual Exercises. This part of the Exercises begins with a …
October 19, 2023
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A cope of this beautiful new image of Fr Willie will be installed in Dalkey parish church, Dublin, on Monday November 6 …
October 18, 2023
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The Fruit of the First Week: I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, …
October 18, 2023
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One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would often wish …
October 17, 2023
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Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact account of …
October 16, 2023
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Last night I rose at one a.m. and walked two miles barefooted in reparation for the sins of priests to the chapel …
October 15, 2023
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The life of St. Teresa teaches us that we should never despair of becoming saints. As a child she was filled with …
October 15, 2023
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Death is the end of all things here, the end of time, of merit, of pain and mortification, of a hard life. …
October 14, 2023
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Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: Lately the desire to be trampled on and become …
October 13, 2023
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We continue with the meditations of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises, and in particular with the meditation on Hell. Here …
October 13, 2023
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Patrick Kenny, President of the Father Willie Doyle Association, talks about Fr Willie on A Catholic Take with Joe McClane on Station …
October 12, 2023
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Today we consider one of the first exercises from the first week of the Spiritual Exercises – the meditation on sin. The …
October 12, 2023
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Today is the feast of St John XXIII. At first glance there does not seem to be much in common between Fr Doyle …
October 11, 2023
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Fr Doyle began his “Long retreat” – 30 days of the Spiritual Exercises – at this time in 1907. It was a …
October 11, 2023
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Today we will start a new series of special quotations from Fr Doyle. This day 116 years ago – 10 October 1907 …
October 10, 2023
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Pray for all, but especially for sinners, and in particular for those whose sins are most painful to His Sacred Heart. With …
October 9, 2023
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To Mary’s feet in heaven today the angels come in never-ending stream to lay before her the offerings of her loving earthly …
October 7, 2023
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“Behold I stand at the gate and knock” (Rev. 3. 20) Jesus stands at the door of my heart, patiently, uncomplainingly. …
October 6, 2023
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Do I ever say, when an occasion of denying myself comes, “It’s too hard, I am no saint?” Might it not be …
October 5, 2023
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In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, since we have realised how …
October 4, 2023
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I cannot deny that I love Jesus, love Him passionately, love Him with every fibre of my heart. He knows it, too, …
October 3, 2023
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Starting at 7pm on Wednesday, there will be a screening of EWTN’s Bravery Under Fire, followed by a short talk about Fr …
October 2, 2023
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He hath given His angels charge over us, to guide us, to guard and shelter us from dangers, to lead us safely …
October 2, 2023
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Kneeling at the grave of the Little Flower I gave myself into her hands to guide and to make me a saint. …
October 1, 2023
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Don’t dwell on what you have not done, for I think that want of confidence in His willingness to forgive our shortcomings …
September 30, 2023
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Today is the feast of the archangels, though in Fr Willie’s time 29 September was primarily the feast St Michael. St Michael …
September 29, 2023
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Don’t let the devil spoil the work by making you fret and worry. COMMENT: This line from Fr Doyle is taken from …
September 28, 2023
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For fifteen years has Jesus been waiting for me to return to Him, to return to the fervour of my first year …
September 27, 2023
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Fr Doyle wrote the following very private notes in his diary on 27 September 1915 about his prayer the previous night: Last …
September 26, 2023
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I was very much annoyed because because someone burnt the floor of my dug-out and also on finding my candles had been …
September 25, 2023
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I have noticed that every time I have indulged myself, my appetite especially, for no matter what reason, I have always had …
September 25, 2023
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We must love God with our whole heart. Can He be loved otherwise? Is it too much that a finite heart should …
September 21, 2023
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A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than to listen …
September 20, 2023
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Without constant union with our Lord there cannot be any real holiness, one reason being that without recollection the inspirations of the …
September 18, 2023
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A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast. The thought of a breakfast …
September 18, 2023
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A deadly pitfall lies hidden in the desire of some to pour themselves out in works of zeal for God’s glory, to …
September 17, 2023
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Our Blessed Lord loves me, with all my faults and failings, and has marked me out for the special graces which will …
September 16, 2023
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To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may have much …
September 15, 2023
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Oh Jesus, guard me now under the standard of Thy cross. May it be not only before my eyes, in my hands and on …
September 14, 2023
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Lieutenant Colonel H. R. Stirke, who commanded the 8th Dublins, had the following praise for Fr Doyle in a note that he …
September 13, 2023
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I have felt strongly urged again to give myself entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to follow His inspirations. …
September 12, 2023
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My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …
September 11, 2023
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Today the Church, in an historic move, beatified an entire family who were killed by the Nazis for sheltering Jews. The Ulma …
September 10, 2023
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For fifteen months Fr Doyle and I worked together out here, generally sharing the same dug-outs and billets, we became fast friends. …
September 9, 2023
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By cutting a piece out of the side of the trench I was just able to stand in front of my tiny …
September 9, 2023
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St. Peter Claver was one of those generous heroic souls whom God sends upon this earth to serve as a stimulus to …
September 9, 2023
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Don’t you know it is our Lady’s feast, and Mary had her mantle spread over us to save us from all harm? …
September 8, 2023
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To be indifferent does not mean to desire things which are hard to nature, but a readiness and determination to embrace them …
September 7, 2023
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How little I think of committing venial sin, and how soon I forget I have done so! Yet God hates nothing more …
September 6, 2023
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Today is the feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most famous and popular Catholics of recent times. Saint Teresa …
September 5, 2023
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We continue the narrative from O’Rahilly’s biography which recounts the events of September 5, 1916. Please note: this excerpt reveals the true …
September 5, 2023
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Today we continue the narrative and consider the events of September 4, 1916. Next morning there was a short march over the …
September 4, 2023
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The above image was published in an Irish newspaper at the end of 1916. The priest is unidentified, but we can well …
September 3, 2023
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The following praise for Fr Willie appeared in the Glasgow Weekly News on 1 September 1917. It was written by a Belfast …
September 2, 2023
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Reasons why our Communions and Masses do not make us Saints. 1. Want of preparation, through sloth, carelessness, or absorption in other …
September 1, 2023
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Deacon Don Devaney interviews Patrick Kenny, President of the Father Willie Doyle Association, on Radio Maria Ireland. .player19952 .plyr__controls, .player19952 .StampAudioPlayerSkin{ border-radius: …
August 31, 2023
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By entering religion and taking my vows I have given myself over absolutely to God and His service. He, therefore, has a …
August 31, 2023
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Why are we not saints? Want of courage and want of patience. We give up, we have not the strength of will …
August 30, 2023
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There is one thing we need never be afraid of, namely, that the devil will ever tempt us to be humble. He …
August 29, 2023
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Don’t be stingy in giving praise, particularly with the young. If in a community there is some sister not as edifying as …
August 27, 2023
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If only one could grasp this fact: every tiny thing (aspiration, self-denial etc) makes us holier than we were. Just think of …
August 26, 2023
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I am truly glad you are looking to the perfection of your daily actions; it is the simplest, yet perhaps hardest, way …
August 25, 2023
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All these trials, snubs, unpleasantnesses, etc., do not come to you by chance, they are precious jewels from the hand of God, …
August 24, 2023
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Look upon the grace God gives you as a talent you must work with and increase. The Master in the Gospel gave …
August 23, 2023
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The following was written about Fr Doyle by Sir Percival Phillips, the famous war correspondent, and appeared in the Daily Express on …
August 22, 2023
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To Raise the Fallen, edited by Patrick Kenny, is now available in braille format, courtesy of the Xavier Society for the Blind. …
August 21, 2023
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There are two patron saints to whom I have a tremendous devotion: a sheet of paper and a lead pencil. Mark down at …
August 21, 2023
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On this day in 1917, 4 days after Fr Willie’s death, Fr Frank Browne, the famous photographer and Jesuit military chaplain, wrote …
August 20, 2023
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How many deceive themselves in thinking sanctity consists in the holy follies of the saints! How many look upon holiness as something beyond …
August 20, 2023
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Fr John Hogan, diocesan postulator for Fr Willie’s cause, is interviewed about Fr Willie by Dave Fortin on the Along the Way …
August 19, 2023
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Two wings by which we can fly to God and become saints: the habit of little tiny acts of self-denial and the habit …
August 19, 2023
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Today is the feast of St Alberto Hurtado, a Jesuit saint from Chile. He was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, …
August 18, 2023
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Interview with Diocesan Postulator Fr John Hogan on Gript Media https://gript.ie/why-fr-willie-doyle-may-be-the-next-irish-saint/
August 17, 2023
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Article about Fr Willie in America magazine by Patrick Corkery SJ, author of “Much in the Presence of God” https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/08/16/willie-doyle-jesuit-ireland-canonization-245877
August 17, 2023
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Instead of a quote from Fr Doyle, today we present, courtesy of the Irish Messenger, a scanned copy of a booklet published …
August 17, 2023
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The following homily was delivered this morning by Fr Ryan Brady, Archdiocese of Chicago, on the occasion of Fr Willie’s anniversary .player19857 …
August 16, 2023
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My Martyrdom for Mary’s Sake. Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain …
August 16, 2023
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Today, the anniversary of Fr Doyle’s heroic death, we shall consider the role of serenity and peace in Fr Doyle’s life. One …
August 16, 2023
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The feast of the Assumption was an important date for Fr Willie. He made his religious vows on this day in 1893, …
August 15, 2023
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the fruits of the Holy Spirit: 1832 The fruits of the …
August 15, 2023
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A new 20 minute podcast about Fr Willie by Fr Gabriel Burke, diocese of Cloyne, Ireland, is available here: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80ZjdhNWViNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/YjU2MWJiY2YtMDkxMS00NDIyLWI2NTctNjNmOGFkYjIzZjNh?ep=14
August 14, 2023
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I have told you all my escapes, dearest Father, because I think what I have written will give you the same confidence which …
August 14, 2023
Posted by pat
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of temperance. 1809 Temperance is the moral virtue …
August 14, 2023
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of fortitude. 1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue …
August 13, 2023
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of justice. 1807 Justice is the moral virtue …
August 12, 2023
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Today we will consider the virtue of prudence in the life of Fr Willie. We will take a bit more care in …
August 11, 2023
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Today we have the last of Fr Doyle’s narratives from his letters home to his father in August 1917, less than a …
August 11, 2023
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of charity: 1822 Charity is the theological virtue …
August 10, 2023
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We return today to Fr Willie’s narrative, and get some glimpse of the horror of war, and the comfort that the presence …
August 10, 2023
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Fr Willie, like all of us, had to struggle against his defects. We see an especially vivid example of his struggle in …
August 9, 2023
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of hope: 1817 Hope is the theological virtue …
August 9, 2023
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Fr Willie does not have a specific record for the events of 9 August 1917, so we will instead have one of …
August 9, 2023
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Counting today, Fr Doyle’s anniversary is 9 days away. It is traditional for Catholics to reflect on specific themes, or to pray …
August 8, 2023
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Continuing our narrative today, it is hard not to be struck by the extraordinary good humour of Fr Willie. The “cathedral” to …
August 8, 2023
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August 16th is Fr Willie’s anniversary. It is the first time that we have commemorated the anniversary of the sacrifice of his …
August 7, 2023
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Today’s account, from 7 August 1917, gives us some small insight into the horrors of the war, especially when it involved the …
August 7, 2023
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The events of August 6 1917 in Fr Doyle’s own words. In particular today we note Fr Doyle’s devotion to the Mass. …
August 6, 2023
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We once again resume Fr Willie’s narrative of the events at the Battle of Passchendaele. This is his account of the events …
August 5, 2023
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Today is the feast of St John Vianney. Fr Willie had a great devotion to him and visited Ars in 1907. From …
August 4, 2023
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Four Dangers to be Feared after a Retreat: 1 . Dissipation: There, it is over; amuse yourself. 2. Toning Down: Too much, …
August 2, 2023
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We continue today with Fr Willie’s narrative of events in the days leading up to his death. Today’s account is somewhat shorter …
August 1, 2023
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My poor orderly has nearly emptied the well, of course leaving the six dead Germans behind, in his efforts to make enough …
July 31, 2023
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We continue Fr Willie’s account of July 31, 1917 directly after he left off yesterday. Again what is most noticeable is his …
July 31, 2023
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Fr Willie describes the events of July 30, 1917: For the past week we have been moving steadily up to the Front …
July 30, 2023
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My loving Jesus, on this the morning of my Ordination to the priesthood, I wish to place in Your Sacred Heart, in …
July 28, 2023
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I assure you that you have my entire sympathy as well as my prayers in the trial you are going through. There …
July 27, 2023
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You ask how to pray well. The answer is, Pray often, in season and out of season, against yourself, in spite of …
July 25, 2023
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Do not give up prayer on any account, no matter how dry or rotten you feel; every moment, especially before Him in …
July 24, 2023
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I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, my dear child, …
July 23, 2023
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Jesus allowed her to wash His feet but knew well what those eyes had looked on. He allowed her lips to kiss …
July 22, 2023
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“I will give thee hidden treasures.” Isaiah 45. 3. Jesus has treasures which He hides from those who love Him not and …
July 21, 2023
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I gave way today to indulgence, with the usual result. Jesus seemed to reproach me bitterly, reminding me that He seeks a …
July 18, 2023
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The reformation of one’s life must be the work of every day. I should take each rule and duty, think how Jesus …
July 17, 2023
Posted by pat
I have come back from the missions with feelings of joy and gratitude, for these last three missions have been blessed in …
July 15, 2023
Posted by pat
Fr Willie gave his last homily 106 years ago today. Here is Alfred O’Rahilly’s account of this last sermon, complete with valuable …
July 15, 2023
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The object of my life to be close union with and intense love of God. To acquire this I will (a) fly …
July 14, 2023
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I see more and more each day how different the world would be if we had more really holy priests. With this …
July 13, 2023
Posted by pat
But remember the devil will spoil the work if he can and by every means in his power turn you from your …
July 12, 2023
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Avoid haste and want of control of bodily movements. The interior man, no matter how burdened with work or pressed for time, …
July 11, 2023
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I awoke in the middle of the night with the feeling that Jesus wanted me. I resisted, but at last got out …
July 10, 2023
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God wants you to suffer willingly. Many rebel and fight against what God gives them; many more take their cross in a …
July 9, 2023
Posted by pat
Lord, give me grace and strength of character to tear myself away promptly from what, if not bad, is less good, and …
July 8, 2023
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I have often wondered what Jesus meant by the ‘work’, but I could never bring myself to ask you what you thought …
July 7, 2023
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As a boy He gave me something of the kind, so that a passing glance at an immodest picture used to make …
July 6, 2023
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This morning at Mass, our Blessed Lord gave me grace to see what a fool I am to let my life slip …
July 5, 2023
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Today is the memorial of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Amongst other things, Blessed Pier Giorgio was renowned, as a very young man, …
July 4, 2023
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Have you ever reflected on the power of an act of the love of God, when inspired by grace and made with …
July 3, 2023
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The conviction has been growing that nocturnal adoration will be established only if I spend much time myself before the Blessed Sacrament …
July 2, 2023
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Devotion to the Sacred Heart cannot exist without self-denial; the flames and thorns around that Heart, the cross that crowns It, point …
June 30, 2023
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Peter, the favoured one, denies his Master and turns his back on Him who loved him so; and Peter’s heart is won, …
June 29, 2023
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If an aspiration, on the authority of the Blessed Cure d’Ars, often saved a soul, what must you not do each day …
June 28, 2023
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The misery of the past few days has proved to me that I can be happy only by doing what Jesus wants, …
June 27, 2023
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Today is the feast of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Instead of a message from Fr Willie, we have …
June 26, 2023
Posted by pat
Do nothing without consulting Him in the Tabernacle. But then act fearlessly, if you see it is for His honour and glory, …
June 25, 2023
Posted by pat
Jesus told me today that the work of regeneration and sanctification is to be done by leading souls to Him in the …
June 21, 2023
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You need not fear whatever He may send you to bear, since His grace will come with it; but you should always …
June 19, 2023
Posted by pat
A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read the life …
June 18, 2023
Posted by pat
I feel also a great longing to love Jesus very, very much, to draw very close to His Sacred Heart, and to …
June 17, 2023
Posted by pat
“Most loving Jesus, kneeling before You in the Blessed Sacrament, I solemnly consecrate myself to Your Sacred Heart by vow. I vow …
June 16, 2023
Posted by pat
I felt the presence of Jesus very near to me while praying in the chapel at Ramsgrange. He seemed to want me …
June 15, 2023
Posted by pat
The Moment of Benediction… The priest turns and raises aloft the Sacred Host. In loving adoration, in reverent awe, the invisible angels …
June 13, 2023
Posted by pat
Just as one tiny grain (of wheat) will bring forth an ear filled with many new grains, and each of these, if …
June 12, 2023
Posted by pat
Lord, You know I love you less than any other, but I long and desire to love You more than all the rest. Take my …
June 10, 2023
Posted by pat
I will strive ever to perform each action as perfectly as possible, paying special attention to small duties e.g. saying grace, odd …
June 9, 2023
Posted by pat
It is such a helpless feeling to be tossed about as it were on the waves of love, to feel the ardent, …
June 8, 2023
Posted by pat
Today we continue with Fr Willie’s narrative on the battle for Messines Ridge with the events that occurred on June 7 1917. …
June 7, 2023
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A personal message from Patrick Kenny, President of the Father Willie Doyle Association. On 7 June 2010 I published the first post …
June 7, 2023
Posted by pat
Today we have a small excerpt from one of Fr Doyle’s letters which describes his preparations for the Battle of Messines. It …
June 6, 2023
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I have not told them at home, and do not want them to know but we have had a terrible time for …
June 5, 2023
Posted by pat
I had not the heart to wake up the poor nuns, and after all when one is fast asleep, is not a …
June 4, 2023
Posted by pat
I think it is evident that, in these days of awful sin and hatred of God, our Blessed Lord wants to gather …
June 3, 2023
Posted by pat
Jesus is the most loving of lovable friends there never was a friend like Him before, there never can be one to …
June 2, 2023
Posted by pat
I assert fearlessly that if only we all prayed enough – and I mean by that a constant, steady unflagging stream of …
June 1, 2023
Posted by pat
We must be intellectually pious, that is, our piety should rest on the bedrock of principle, and not on mood, on sentiment, …
May 30, 2023
Posted by pat
As you might like to know how the ‘game of raiding your neighbour’ is played, a sort of novelty for your next …
May 29, 2023
Posted by pat
A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than to listen …
May 28, 2023
Posted by pat
You can test your love infallibly and find out how much you have by asking yourself this question: What am I willing …
May 27, 2023
Posted by pat
Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our …
May 26, 2023
Posted by pat
Jesus is looking at me as once he did upon blind Bartimaemus: “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” Lord, that …
May 25, 2023
Posted by pat
I had been along the front line as usual to give the men a General Absolution which they are almost as anxious …
May 23, 2023
Posted by pat
Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, etc.? I know how violent they can be, …
May 22, 2023
Posted by pat
A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows sharper with use. COMMENT: How correct Fr Willie’s assessment is! The more …
May 21, 2023
Posted by pat
We have here an astonishing little old Father; little by name and little by stature. He is 85; but is active as …
May 20, 2023
Posted by pat
(Top image: Fr Philip Sainter, Ratcliffe College; Dr. Patrick Kenny, President, Father Willie Doyle Association; Mrs Sam Spillane, Chair of Governors, Ratcliffe …
May 19, 2023
Posted by pat
If there is any certain mark of the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost in the soul, if there is any visible …
May 18, 2023
Posted by pat
Do we realise the infinite possibilities of grace which lie hidden in the Tabernacle? Jesus only awaits our coming: and even before …
May 17, 2023
Posted by pat
Are you weary of the fight already and willing to give in to the enemy? Never mind, come back, begin again, …
May 16, 2023
Posted by pat
I feel ashamed at times that I do not profit more by His nearness, but I know that he makes allowances for …
May 15, 2023
Posted by pat
I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, for …
May 13, 2023
Posted by pat
I find the temptation growing stronger every day to leave aside all work that is not absolutely necessary and to spend the …
May 12, 2023
Posted by pat
I think our Lord wants your whole day to be one continued act of love and union with Him in your heart, …
May 11, 2023
Posted by pat
O eternal Lord . . . provided it be for Thy greater service and praise . . . and if Thy most …
May 10, 2023
Posted by pat
The past few weeks have been weeks of extraordinary grace and light and strength. I see clearly what He wants from me …
May 7, 2023
Posted by pat
Sometimes God seems to leave me to my weakness and I tremble with fear. At other times I have so much trust …
May 6, 2023
Posted by pat
Having completed his course of philosophy, Willie returned to Clongowes in 1901 for another period of prefecting. Here he remained for two …
May 5, 2023
Posted by pat
At the community Mass this morning I again felt an overpowering desire to become a saint. It came suddenly, filling my soul …
May 4, 2023
Posted by pat
The more this generous spirit springs up in your heart, the nearer and dearer will you be to Jesus. Love for Love. …
May 3, 2023
Posted by pat
I feel drawn still more to the life of “interior union.” To acquire this I must practise the following: 1 . Constant …
May 2, 2023
Posted by pat
My Martyrdom for Mary’s Sake. Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain …
May 1, 2023
Posted by pat
As you know I am very anxious to see these retreats started in Ireland, for I believe they would do a world …
May 1, 2023
Posted by pat
What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel austerities, such …
April 29, 2023
Posted by pat
We continue today with an excerpt from the original letter detailing some of the work Fr Willie had to undertake towards the …
April 28, 2023
Posted by pat
Fr Willie sent the letter below to his father one year after the gas attack of April 1916 (see yesterday’s post). In …
April 27, 2023
Posted by pat
Fr Willie had many incredibly close shaves with death during the almost 2 years he spent as a military chaplain. He has …
April 26, 2023
Posted by pat
I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and God has lost His …
April 24, 2023
Posted by pat
God sometimes seems to ask the impossible, a sorrow, a cross. Oh! it would crush me! How can this be? How? Lord, …
April 23, 2023
Posted by pat
This morning I lay awake powerless to over come myself and to make my promised visit to the chapel. Then I felt …
April 21, 2023
Posted by pat
“They forgot God who saved them” (Psalm 105, 21). To how many may not these words be applied today! How many there …
April 20, 2023
Posted by pat
If I were put in a dungeon, like the martyrs, with nothing to lie on but the bare stone floor, with …
April 19, 2023
Posted by pat
Sanctity is so precious, it is worth paying any price for it. God sanctified souls in many ways, the path of daily …
April 18, 2023
Posted by pat
Jesus during His mortal life practised many virtues; but none is more conspicuous, none appeals more strongly to us, than His infinite …
April 16, 2023
Posted by pat
What more insignificant than the ordinary daily duties of religious life! Each succeeding hour brings with it some allotted task, yet in …
April 15, 2023
Posted by pat
How sweet it is when our day is ended to find the body tired, the head heavy and jaded with work done …
April 13, 2023
Posted by pat
Kneeling on the altar steps Jesus told me to devote one day of each week to the work of sanctification and reparation …
April 12, 2023
Posted by pat
O my God, pour out in abundance Thy spirit of sacrifice upon Thy priests. It is both their glory and their duty …
April 11, 2023
Posted by pat
If my resurrection is to be a real one and is to produce fruit, it must be external, so that all may …
April 10, 2023
Posted by pat
May every Easter blessing be yours, and may our crucified Jesus, Who has certainly drawn you to Him on the cross, raise …
April 9, 2023
Posted by pat
The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently the faithful few bear the dead Christ down the …
April 8, 2023
Posted by pat
The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was His thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations He would …
April 7, 2023
Posted by pat
Pain and privation are only momentary, they quickly pass and become even delightfully sweet, if only borne in the spirit with which …
April 6, 2023
Posted by pat
On Spy Wednesday evening after Benediction, I told the men I wanted nine volunteers to watch an hour during the following night …
April 5, 2023
Posted by pat
My denial of Jesus has been baser than that of Peter, for I have refused to listen to His voice calling me …
April 4, 2023
Posted by pat
During His Passion our Lord was bound and dragged from place to place. I have hourly opportunities of imitating Him by going …
April 3, 2023
Posted by pat
The fourteenth station: Jesus is laid in the tomb The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently …
April 2, 2023
Posted by pat
The thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross Mary stands at the foot of the cross to receive in her …
April 1, 2023
Posted by pat
The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the Cross Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, …
March 31, 2023
Posted by pat
The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross Upon His last resting place Jesus lays Himself down. No soft bed, no …
March 30, 2023
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The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments At last He stands upon the hill of shame to pay the price …
March 29, 2023
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The ninth station: Jesus falls the third time The hill of Calvary is almost reached, the hour of the great sacrifice is …
March 28, 2023
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The Eighth Station: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful for their own …
March 27, 2023
Posted by pat
The Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of His awful sufferings which …
March 26, 2023
Posted by pat
The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious gaze …
March 25, 2023
Posted by pat
The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected …
March 24, 2023
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The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings …
March 23, 2023
Posted by pat
The Third Station: Jesus falls the First time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His cross; bravely has He …
March 22, 2023
Posted by pat
The Second Station: Jesus takes up His cross Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of …
March 21, 2023
Posted by pat
Around the judgement seat are grouped a motley crowd. Men and women of every rank, the high-born Jewish maiden, the rough Samaritan …
March 20, 2023
Posted by pat
I was struck today by the fact that St Patrick was above all a man of continuous prayer and felt inspired to …
March 17, 2023
Posted by pat
The path of life is rough and stony. Sharp flints and hidden thorns are thickly strewn upon its surface, wounding our weary …
March 16, 2023
Posted by pat
My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …
March 14, 2023
Posted by pat
If I have resolved to nail myself to the cross, let me bear ever in mind that our Lord is on the …
March 13, 2023
Posted by pat
Vince teipsum – conquer yourself. This is the secret of the Spiritual Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my master Ignatius,” …
March 12, 2023
Posted by pat
The mortification good for you may be measured by your peace of mind. If you find your should troubled by the penance …
March 9, 2023
Posted by pat
Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put up a …
March 8, 2023
Posted by pat
He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust Him, He so longs to be trusted. COMMENT: Many of us have …
March 7, 2023
Posted by pat
A special request from Patrick Kenny, President, Father Willie Doyle Association and Fr. John S. Hogan, Postulator. Friday March 3 is Fr …
March 2, 2023
Posted by pat
It is useful from time to time to pause and ask ourselves if we are, like the child Jesus, growing in wisdom …
March 2, 2023
Posted by pat
Surely, my child, you are not surprised to find that you have broken your resolution, or rather, that the devil has gained …
March 1, 2023
Posted by pat
We are very happy to announce that relics of Fr Willie – cloth blessed and then touched to his crucifix and hair …
March 1, 2023
Posted by pat
The merit of living under religious rule may be gathered from the difficulty of always and faithfully keeping that rule. Holiness and …
February 28, 2023
Posted by pat
Over and over again I asked myself, when reading that book, was it not strange that I should come across the very …
February 27, 2023
Posted by pat
Come & pray on Fr Willie’s 150th birthday! WHAT: Mass, blessing with Fr Willie’s crucifix, Holy Hour with reflections from Fr Willie’s …
February 26, 2023
Posted by pat
A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast…Jesus urged me to pray for …
February 26, 2023
Posted by pat
A habit of ejaculatory prayer is a sign of nearness to God, for our own holiness will be in proportion to our …
February 25, 2023
Posted by pat
How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …
February 24, 2023
Posted by pat
“The power of the Most High shall overshadow thee” (Luke, 1:35). Light comes with this blessed over-shadowing,. and before God’s power difficulties …
February 23, 2023
Posted by pat
What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel austerities, such …
February 22, 2023
Posted by pat
The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …
February 21, 2023
Posted by pat
I am convinced that generally we reach sanctity of life only through a long series of falls from which we get up. …
February 20, 2023
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle left his training camp and headed to the continent 105 years ago today. Here are his sentiments on this occasion, …
February 17, 2023
Posted by pat
We should call a man a fool who wasted his wealth warming himself before a fire made of banknotes. Do we act …
February 16, 2023
Posted by pat
I have gone through a great deal of desolation, discouragement, fear and dread of my proposed vow. When I make it — …
February 15, 2023
Posted by pat
We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling …
February 14, 2023
Posted by pat
What I intended to imply was that I thought God had special designs on your soul and very great graces in store …
February 13, 2023
Posted by pat
The effect of fervour may be likened to that of fire on water. When cold, water is motionless and chills all that …
February 12, 2023
Posted by pat
Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, I asked …
February 11, 2023
Posted by pat
You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were …
February 10, 2023
Posted by pat
While praying at the shrine of St Apollonia I felt urged to ask her to help me to gain a complete mastery …
February 9, 2023
Posted by pat
Then in addition there is the great privilege and joy of carrying our dear Lord next my heart day and night. Long …
February 7, 2023
Posted by pat
Some of Fr Willie’s favourite aspirations: l. My Crucified Jesus, help me to crucify myself. 2. Lord, teach me how to pray …
February 6, 2023
Posted by pat
To-day while praying in the Chapel, suddenly it seemed to me as if I were standing before a narrow path all choked …
February 5, 2023
Posted by pat
I was meditating on my desire to die a martyr’s death for Jesus, and then asked myself if I was really in …
February 5, 2023
Posted by pat
Reading today of how Luisa de Carvajal made herself the slave of her two maids, the old desire for this kind of …
February 4, 2023
Posted by pat
It seems to me that the best and most practical resolution I can make is to determine to perform each action with …
February 3, 2023
Posted by pat
Today, however, I was able to offer the Holy Sacrifice in the trenches, my chapel being a dug-out capable of holding ten …
February 2, 2023
Posted by pat
Kneeling there I asked her what God wanted from me, when I heard an interior voice clearly repeating, “Love Him, love Him.” …
February 2, 2023
Posted by pat
Constant urging of Jesus to do “hard things” for him, things which cost. I shrink from sacrifice, but I know well He …
February 1, 2023
Posted by pat
One month of the new year has passed away, leaving behind it the memory of what has been done for God and …
January 31, 2023
Posted by pat
A kind word goes far. I stopped to say a few words to a group of men at a street corner in …
January 30, 2023
Posted by pat
Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …
January 29, 2023
Posted by pat
As to any practice of piety there is a double danger: recommending it as infallible, or condemning it as useless. I always …
January 28, 2023
Posted by pat
Last night I rose at 1am and went down to the church, renewing before the crucifix my desire and promise absolutely to …
January 27, 2023
Posted by pat
The mere saving of their souls should be the last thought of religious who have vowed their lives for God’s glory. COMMENT: …
January 26, 2023
Posted by pat
Every grace we get enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will. When the understanding is enlightened, we have the awful alternative of …
January 25, 2023
Posted by pat
There is nothing better than the practice of aspirations, steadily growing in number. Keep a little book and enter them once a …
January 24, 2023
Posted by pat
I should examine all my actions, taking Jesus as my model and example. What a vast difference between my prayer and His; …
January 23, 2023
Posted by pat
22 January 1911 My dear loving Jesus, what do you want from me? You never seem to leave me alone – thank …
January 22, 2023
Posted by pat
Even as a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small I …
January 21, 2023
Posted by pat
Worries? Of course; and thank God. How else are you going to be a saint? “When thou comest to the service of …
January 19, 2023
Posted by pat
I felt Jesus asking me to make a long visit and wishing to speak to me. His message was: To note down …
January 18, 2023
Posted by pat
Our Lord wants me to give Him all I can give cheerfully, not repining or regretting any sacrifice; not saying, ‘I wish …
January 17, 2023
Posted by pat
Jesus knows I have only one wish in this world: to love Him and Him alone. For the rest He has carte …
January 16, 2023
Posted by pat
I see more and more that self-indulgence even in lawful things brings only unhappiness; and I realise I can never be truly …
January 15, 2023
Posted by pat
I want you to know what I went through by volunteering for the Front. God made me feel with absolute certainty – …
January 14, 2023
Posted by pat
106 years ago tonight Fr Doyle was awoken to absolve some dying soldiers. This is his description of the event, sent home …
January 13, 2023
Posted by pat
Each morning at Holy Communion invite Jesus, with all the love and fervour you can, to enter into your heart and dwell …
January 12, 2023
Posted by pat
The following article by Fr John Hogan, Postulator for the cause of Fr Willie, appeared in Simply Catholic. Three Things Father Willie …
January 11, 2023
Posted by pat
Live for the day, but let it be a generous day. Have you ever tried giving God one day in which you …
January 11, 2023
Posted by pat
Today is the anniversary of the death of the Servant of God Fr Paul Ginhac SJ who died on this day in …
January 10, 2023
Posted by pat
It is a mother whose gentle care was ever round you, whose arms were open wide that you might nestle on her …
January 8, 2023
Posted by pat
It seems to me I have failed to keep my resolutions because I have not acted from the motive of the love …
January 7, 2023
Posted by pat
I contrast the obedience of St. Joseph with my obedience. His so prompt, unquestioning, uncomplaining, perfect; mine given so grudgingly; perhaps exterior …
January 6, 2023
Posted by pat
As you take up the challenges of this hour, I ask you to remember “the rock from which you were hewn” (Is …
January 5, 2023
Posted by pat
4 January 1916 Before I thank you for your letter which was doubly welcome in my exile, I want to tell you …
January 4, 2023
Posted by pat
He seems to me to want a year of great devotedness, intense sympathy and passionate love…Even one year of such a life …
January 3, 2023
Posted by pat
I can imagine I am a soul in Hell, and God in His mercy is saying to me, “Return to the world …
January 2, 2023
Posted by pat
How little the expression ‘we were shelled for two hours’ conveys to you. People read in their papers some mornings: ‘The enemy …
January 1, 2023
Posted by pat
A New Year! What visions of almost boundless good, hidden in the fair bosom of the new-born year, rise up before me. …
January 1, 2023
Posted by pat
Today as we mourn the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict, we also give thanks to God for this rich papacy and pray …
December 31, 2022
Posted by pat
“All our days are spent.” (Psalm 89. 9). The hour will come for each of us when we shall echo these words …
December 31, 2022
Posted by pat
Every little victory in the matter of food is a real triumph, for this is a real test of generosity. You will …
December 30, 2022
Posted by pat
Jesus, you know my longing to become a saint. You know how much I thirst to die a martyr. Help me to …
December 29, 2022
Posted by pat
I have celebrated Mass in some strange places and under extraordinary conditions but somehow I was more than usually impressed this morning. …
December 28, 2022
Posted by pat
Try to get down low and follow out what He Himself taught: “Unless you become as little children.” This will make you …
December 27, 2022
Posted by pat
The following two excerpts from a letter written by Fr Doyle recount two incidents that happened on St Stephen’s Day, 1916. They …
December 26, 2022
Posted by pat
The following excerpt from O’Rahilly’s biography of Fr Doyle recalls Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass during the war in 1916… Christmas itself …
December 24, 2022
Posted by pat
I was very much annoyed because someone burnt the floor of my dug-out and also on finding my candles had been taken. …
December 23, 2022
Posted by pat
My genius of an orderly fried meat and pudding together and, with a smile of triumph on his face, brought both on …
December 22, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on 21 December 1913, 109 years ago today. It relates to a recent trip …
December 21, 2022
Posted by pat
21 December: A day I always like because the turning point of the year and from this on the evenings will be …
December 21, 2022
Posted by pat
During the last three nights of the retreat I slept on the floor without feeling any inconvenience after, though I woke very …
December 20, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his sister from the trenches on 19th December 1916, 106 years ago today. It gives …
December 19, 2022
Posted by pat
“I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 85. 7). Jesus is our comforter. What burden is there …
December 18, 2022
Posted by pat
A want of will is the chief obstacle to our becoming saints. We are not holy because we do not really wish …
December 17, 2022
Posted by pat
Avoid worry, anxiety, uneasiness about anything. “The devil’s boiling pot” expresses this state of mind; one trouble ended, another crops up to …
December 16, 2022
Posted by pat
I cannot say i am quite in love with camp life, which in many respects is quite repellent. But even in these …
December 15, 2022
Posted by pat
On this day in 1917, Major General Hickie paid another tribute to Fr Doyle. Writing to his father, Hugh Doyle, General Hickie …
December 15, 2022
Posted by pat
God has many gifts to bestow upon us, but none more precious than time. Yet how we abuse this royal gift! How …
December 15, 2022
Posted by pat
Surely you are not right in trying to keep our Lord away from you, or in thinking that He looks upon you …
December 14, 2022
Posted by pat
Since I became chaplain I’ve grown very lazy and on mortified, the cause of much unhappiness and remorse to me. My excuse …
December 13, 2022
Posted by pat
It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life. COMMENT: It is …
December 13, 2022
Posted by pat
I am sorry to see you suffer and yet glad that the cross is your portion. If I had at this moment …
December 12, 2022
Posted by pat
I want to be generous with God and to refuse Him nothing. I do not want to say, “I will go just …
December 11, 2022
Posted by pat
Let us love silence and recollection. When we are at home with silence we are at home with God. Silence seems impossible …
December 10, 2022
Posted by pat
He has been tugging at my heart for so many years, urging me in so many ways to give myself wholly to …
December 9, 2022
Posted by pat
I believe that Our Lord is asking for victims who are willing to suffer much in reparation for sins, especially those of …
December 8, 2022
Posted by pat
God delights to honour His saints by bestowing upon them special graces which mark them off from the rest of mankind. To …
December 8, 2022
Posted by pat
I want you to make a greater effort to see the hand of God in everything that happens, and then to force …
December 6, 2022
Posted by pat
What must have been Mary’s thoughts when first she felt the infant child within her womb, and realised that from her pure …
December 4, 2022
Posted by pat
Xavier’s hour has come, the hour of his eternal reward and never-ending bliss. In a little hut, open on all sides to …
December 3, 2022
Posted by pat
Use your faults as stepping stones to better things. Don’t bemoan your faults and falls, but quietly take it out of yourself …
December 2, 2022
Posted by pat
The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent, has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …
December 1, 2022
Posted by pat
It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life and even gives …
November 29, 2022
Posted by pat
Vince teipsum (Conquer yourself). This is the secret of the Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my master Ignatius,” said St. …
November 28, 2022
Posted by pat
The saints had ever a childlike confidence and trust in God. Upon Him they cast all their anxieties and cares, under His …
November 27, 2022
Posted by pat
The chief thing God wants from me at present is an extraordinary and exquisite perfection in every little thing I do, even …
November 26, 2022
Posted by pat
A strong light in prayer that since souls are so very dear to God, no sacrifice should be too much to save …
November 25, 2022
Posted by pat
The life of Jesus was a continual prayer. Even during His public life He began, continued and ended everything He did by …
November 25, 2022
Posted by pat
The Practice of Humility I will strive to get a great contempt for myself, and to pray and desire that others may …
November 24, 2022
Posted by pat
Even as a child I longed and prayed to be a saint. But somehow it always seemed to me as if that …
November 24, 2022
Posted by pat
Do not try to run till you can walk well. Draw up a list of certain little sacrifices which you feel God …
November 23, 2022
Posted by pat
For those who cannot attend the opening session of Fr Willie’s cause, the live stream can be found here: https://www.mullingarparish.ie/livestream …
November 20, 2022
Posted by pat
Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact account of …
November 17, 2022
Posted by pat
Holiness and perfection depend on yourself, not on the actions of others. COMMENT: How easy it is for us to blame others, …
November 16, 2022
Posted by pat
Received my appointment from the War Office as chaplain to the 16th Division. Fiat voluntas tua. What the future has in store …
November 15, 2022
Posted by pat
You certainly put your finger on the weak spot in most priestly lives – the want of prayer. The connection between prayer …
November 14, 2022
Posted by pat
At the close of the retreat my soul is full of many emotions. God has been more than good to me, has …
November 13, 2022
Posted by pat
Lord, You know I love You less than any others, but I long and desire to love You more than all the …
November 12, 2022
Posted by pat
104 years ago today the First World War came to an end. It was a dreadful war; the first industrial war in …
November 11, 2022
Posted by pat
From the Tabernacle Jesus seems to say, “Stay with Me for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent”. …
November 11, 2022
Posted by pat
My offering myself as a war chaplain to the Provincial has had a wonderful effect on me. I long to go and …
November 10, 2022
Posted by pat
The reason I find it so hard to love God, why I have so little affection for Him, is because of my …
November 10, 2022
Posted by pat
The Fruit of the Third Week The thought that Jesus has suffered so much for me to atone for my sins and …
November 8, 2022
Posted by pat
Reminder that the opening session of the diocesan inquiry into Fr Willie will be held after Vespers on Sunday 20th November at …
November 7, 2022
Posted by pat
My God, I promise You, kneeling before the image of Your Sacred Heart, that I will do my best to lead a …
November 7, 2022
Posted by pat
All my life my study has been to avoid suffering as much as possible, to make my life a comfortable one How …
November 4, 2022
Posted by pat
The Irish Catholic Cause for WWI hero Fr Willie Doyle’s canonisation opened The Irish Catholic Fr Willie Doyle SJ: ‘In the shoes …
November 4, 2022
Posted by pat
I was greatly struck and helped yesterday by these words of the Imitation (of Christ): My child: let me do with you …
November 3, 2022
Posted by pat
From their cleansing prison of fire the holy souls cry to us for help. With joy indeed they bear the pain which …
November 2, 2022
Posted by pat
This evening I had a dispute with Father B. Instead of giving in to his wishes and allowing him to remain in …
November 1, 2022
Posted by pat
To-day the…Feast of All Saints, I made my election about offering myself for the Congo Mission. During the retreat I have been …
November 1, 2022
Posted by pat
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is a striking example of one who, though in a lowly station in life, devoid of all that in …
October 31, 2022
Posted by pat
As we look forward to the opening of Fr Willie’s canonisation cause next month, it is interesting to look back through history …
October 28, 2022
Posted by pat
It is with great joy that we welcome today’s announcement from Bishop Tom Deenihan of the Diocese of Meath that he intends …
October 27, 2022
Posted by pat
I am slowly learning the lesson Jesus brought me out here to teach me. The first and greatest is that I must …
October 26, 2022
Posted by pat
What account shall I give of this resolution when I stand before my God for judgement? PRACTICE OF THE THIRD DEGREE. I. …
October 26, 2022
Posted by pat
Following straight on the heels of the meditations on the Two Standards and the Three Classes of Men, we will today consider …
October 25, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on October 25 1916. It refers to the previous night, in other words, this …
October 24, 2022
Posted by pat
We come now to one of the other great moments of the Spiritual Exercises – the Meditation on the Three Classes of …
October 24, 2022
Posted by pat
We come today to the famous meditation on the Two Standards. This is one of the high points of the Spiritual Exercises. …
October 23, 2022
Posted by pat
My God, this morning I was in despair. After some days of relaxation owing partly to sickness, I resolved to begin my …
October 22, 2022
Posted by pat
When it was not some infirmity or other than caused him to experience pain, it was he himself who inflicted discomfort and …
October 22, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle wrote the following notes on the “hidden life” of Jesus as a young boy and man in Nazareth. These reflections …
October 22, 2022
Posted by pat
As part of the Second week, St Ignatius recommends a meditation on the early life of Christ. Here are his points for …
October 21, 2022
Posted by pat
Feeling very unwell for the past few days, I gave way to self indulgence in food and sleep. Jesus has made it …
October 20, 2022
Posted by pat
As part of the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, retreatants meditate on the early life of Christ. One of these meditations …
October 20, 2022
Posted by pat
Today is the feast of St Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist order. He lived in the 1700’s, and …
October 19, 2022
Posted by pat
Today we start Fr Doyle’s reflections on the second week of the Spiritual Exercises. This part of the Exercises begins with a …
October 19, 2022
Posted by pat
The Fruit of the First Week: I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, …
October 18, 2022
Posted by pat
One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would often wish …
October 17, 2022
Posted by pat
Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact account of …
October 16, 2022
Posted by pat
Last night I rose at one a.m. and walked two miles barefooted in reparation for the sins of priests to the chapel …
October 15, 2022
Posted by pat
The life of St. Teresa teaches us that we should never despair of becoming saints. As a child she was filled with …
October 15, 2022
Posted by pat
Death is the end of all things here, the end of time, of merit, of pain and mortification, of a hard life. …
October 14, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: Lately the desire to be trampled on and become …
October 14, 2022
Posted by pat
We continue with the meditations of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises, and in particular with the meditation on Hell. Here …
October 13, 2022
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Today we consider one of the first exercises from the first week of the Spiritual Exercises – the meditation on sin. The …
October 12, 2022
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Today is the feast of St John XXIII. Just as many Generation X Catholic have an affection for St John Paul II …
October 11, 2022
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Fr Doyle began his “Long retreat” – 30 days of the Spiritual Exercises – at this time in 1907. It was a …
October 11, 2022
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Today we will start a new series of special quotations from Fr Doyle. This day 115 years ago – 10 October 1907 …
October 11, 2022
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Pray for all, but especially for sinners, and in particular for those whose sins are most painful to His Sacred Heart. With …
October 9, 2022
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Solid virtue is so called because it is formed by amassing together a facility in repeated acts. Hence the practice of any …
October 8, 2022
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To Mary’s feet in heaven today the angels come in never-ending stream to lay before her the offerings of her loving earthly …
October 7, 2022
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“Behold I stand at the gate and knock” (Rev. 3. 20) Jesus stands at the door of my heart, patiently, uncomplainingly. …
October 6, 2022
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Do I ever say, when an occasion of denying myself comes, “It’s too hard, I am no saint?” Might it not be …
October 5, 2022
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In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, since we have realised how …
October 4, 2022
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I cannot deny that I love Jesus, love Him passionately, love Him with every fibre of my heart. He knows it, too, …
October 3, 2022
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He hath given His angels charge over us, to guide us, to guard and shelter us from dangers, to lead us safely …
October 2, 2022
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Kneeling at the grave of the Little Flower I gave myself into her hands to guide and to make me a saint. …
October 1, 2022
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Don’t dwell on what you have not done, for I think that want of confidence in His willingness to forgive our shortcomings …
September 30, 2022
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Today is the feast of St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael, the archangels. This feast was significant in Fr Doyle’s spiritual …
September 29, 2022
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For fifteen years has Jesus been waiting for me to return to Him, to return to the fervour of my first year …
September 27, 2022
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Fr Doyle wrote the following very private notes in his diary on 27 September 1915 about his prayer the previous night: Last …
September 26, 2022
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I was very much annoyed because because someone burnt the floor of my dug-out and also on finding my candles had been …
September 25, 2022
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I have noticed that every time I have indulged myself, my appetite especially, for no matter what reason, I have always had …
September 25, 2022
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It is indeed easy to condemn oneself to death, to make a generous offering of self-immolation; but to carry out the execution …
September 23, 2022
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Having again indulged my appetite, I made this resolution, that whenever I do so, no matter for what reason (health, feasts etc) …
September 14, 2022
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Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, the butt for vile jests, a common mark …
September 14, 2022
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Lieutenant Colonel H. R. Stirke, who commanded the 8th Dublins, had the following praise for Fr Doyle in a note that he …
September 13, 2022
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I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, that He has a strict right …
September 13, 2022
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If I do not begin to serve God as I ought now, when shall I do so? Shall I ever? This retreat …
September 12, 2022
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I have felt strongly urged again to give myself entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to follow His inspirations. …
September 12, 2022
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My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …
September 11, 2022
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It seems to me the best and most practical resolution I can make in this retreat is to determine to perform each …
September 10, 2022
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For fifteen months Fr Doyle and I worked together out here, generally sharing the same dug-outs and billets, we became fast friends. …
September 9, 2022
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By cutting a piece out of the side of the trench I was just able to stand in front of my tiny …
September 9, 2022
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St. Peter Claver was one of those generous heroic souls whom God sends upon this earth to serve as a stimulus to …
September 9, 2022
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Don’t you know it is our Lady’s feast, and Mary had her mantle spread over us to save us from all harm? …
September 8, 2022
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To be indifferent does not mean to desire things which are hard to nature, but a readiness and determination to embrace them …
September 7, 2022
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How little I think of committing venial sin, and how soon I forget I have done so! Yet God hates nothing more …
September 6, 2022
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Today is the feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most famous and popular Catholics of recent times. Saint Teresa …
September 5, 2022
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We continue the narrative from O’Rahilly’s biography which recounts the events of September 5, 1916. Please note: this excerpt reveals the true …
September 4, 2022
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Today we continue the narrative and consider the events of September 4, 1916. Next morning there was a short march over the …
September 4, 2022
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The above image was published in an Irish newspaper at the end of 1916. The priest is unidentified, but we can well …
September 3, 2022
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The following praise for Fr Willie appeared in the Glasgow Weekly News on this day in 1917. It was written by a …
September 1, 2022
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Reasons why our Communions and Masses do not make us Saints. 1. Want of preparation, through sloth, carelessness, or absorption in other …
September 1, 2022
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By entering religion and taking my vows I have given myself over absolutely to God and His service. He, therefore, has a …
August 31, 2022
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Why are we not saints? Want of courage and want of patience. We give up, we have not the strength of will …
August 30, 2022
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There is one thing we need never be afraid of, namely, that the devil will ever tempt us to be humble. He …
August 29, 2022
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How many wish to belong entirely to Jesus without reserve or restriction? Most want to serve two masters, to be under two …
August 28, 2022
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Don’t be stingy in giving praise, particularly with the young. If in a community there is some sister not as edifying as …
August 27, 2022
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If only one could grasp this fact: every tiny thing (aspiration, self-denial etc) makes us holier than we were. Just thunk of …
August 26, 2022
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I am truly glad you are looking to the perfection of your daily actions; it is the simplest, yet perhaps hardest, way …
August 25, 2022
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All these trials, snubs, unpleasantnesses, etc., do not come to you by chance, they are precious jewels from the hand of God, …
August 24, 2022
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Look upon the grace God gives you as a talent you must work with and increase. The Master in the Gospel gave …
August 23, 2022
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The following was written about Fr Doyle by Sir Percival Phillips, the famous war correspondent, and appeared in the Daily Express on …
August 22, 2022
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There are two patron saints to whom I have a tremendous devotion: a sheet of paper and a lead pencil. Mark down at …
August 21, 2022
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During his time away from the trenches Fr Doyle often stayed in a convent in Locre. If my memory serves me correctly, …
August 21, 2022
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On this day in 1917, 4 days after Fr Willie’s death, Fr Frank Browne, the famous photographer and Jesuit military chaplain, wrote …
August 20, 2022
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How many deceive themselves in thinking sanctity consists in the holy follies of the saints! How many look upon holiness as something beyond …
August 20, 2022
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Two wings by which we can fly to God and become saints: the habit of little tiny acts of self-denial and the habit …
August 19, 2022
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Today is the feast of St Alberto Hurtado, a Jesuit saint from Chile. He was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, …
August 18, 2022
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Instead of a quote from Fr Doyle, today we present, courtesy of the Irish Messenger, a scanned copy of a booklet published …
August 17, 2022
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My Martyrdom for Mary’s Sake. Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain …
August 16, 2022
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Today, the anniversary of Fr Doyle’s heroic death, we shall consider the role of serenity and peace in Fr Doyle’s life. One …
August 16, 2022
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the fruits of the Holy Spirit: 1832 The fruits of the …
August 15, 2022
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The feast of the Assumption was an important date for Fr Willie. He made his religious vows on this day in 1893, …
August 15, 2022
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of temperance. 1809 Temperance is the moral virtue …
August 14, 2022
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I have told you all my escapes, dearest Father, because I think what I have written will give you the same confidence which …
August 14, 2022
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of fortitude. 1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue …
August 13, 2022
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While praying for light to know what God wants from me in the matter of mortifying my appetite, a voice seemed to …
August 13, 2022
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of justice. 1807 Justice is the moral virtue …
August 12, 2022
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We will return to our discussion on the last days of the life of Fr Willie in a few days time when …
August 12, 2022
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Today we will consider the virtue of prudence in the life of Fr Willie. We will take a bit more care in …
August 11, 2022
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Today we have the last of Fr Doyle’s narratives from his letters home to his father in August 1917, less than a …
August 11, 2022
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of charity: 1822 Charity is the theological virtue …
August 10, 2022
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Fr Willie, like all of us, had to struggle against his defects. We see an especially vivid example of his struggle in …
August 10, 2022
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We return today to Fr Willie’s narrative, and get some glimpse of the horror of war, and the comfort that the presence …
August 10, 2022
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of hope: 1817 Hope is the theological virtue …
August 9, 2022
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Fr Willie does not have a specific record for the events of 9 August 1917, so we will instead have one of …
August 9, 2022
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Continuing our narrative today, it is hard not to be struck by the extraordinary good humour of Fr Willie. The “cathedral” to …
August 8, 2022
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Counting today, Fr Doyle’s anniversary is 9 days away. It is traditional for Catholics to reflect on specific themes, or to pray …
August 7, 2022
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Today’s account, from 7 August 1917, gives us some small insight into the horrors of the war, especially when it involved the …
August 7, 2022
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The events of August 6 1917 in Fr Doyle’s own words. In particular today we note Fr Doyle’s devotion to the Mass. …
August 6, 2022
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We once again resume Fr Willie’s narrative of the events at the Battle of Passchendaele. This is his account of the events …
August 5, 2022
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Today is the feast of St John Vianney. Fr Willie had a great devotion to him and visited Ars in 1907. From …
August 4, 2022
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Four Dangers to be Feared after a Retreat: 1 . Dissipation: There, it is over; amuse yourself. 2. Toning Down: Too much, …
August 3, 2022
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We have no more reports from Fr Willie until August 5th, and we shall take up his narrative once again on that …
August 2, 2022
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We continue today with Fr Willie’s narrative of events in the days leading up to his death. Today’s account is somewhat shorter …
August 1, 2022
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My poor orderly has nearly emptied the well, of course leaving the six dead Germans behind, in his efforts to make enough …
July 31, 2022
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We continue Fr Willie’s account of July 31, 1917 directly after he left off yesterday. Again what is most noticeable is his …
July 31, 2022
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I long to get back to my little room at night, to calm and quiet, and yet I dread it, for He …
July 30, 2022
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Fr Willie describes the events of July 30, 1917: For the past week we have been moving steadily up to the Front …
July 30, 2022
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On August 12 1917 Fr Willie sent his last “budget” home to his father. It was a long account of his involvement …
July 29, 2022
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My loving Jesus, on this the morning of my Ordination to the priesthood, I wish to place in Your Sacred Heart, in …
July 28, 2022
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I assure you that you have my entire sympathy as well as my prayers in the trial you are going through. There …
July 27, 2022
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During a visit our Lord seemed to urge me not to wait till the end of the war, but to begin my …
July 26, 2022
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In today’s fifth post Fr Willie recounts a touching scene in which a soldier shows him his gratitude. One of my men, …
July 25, 2022
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In today’s 4th post Fr Willie presents a “typical” scene to his father. It is unclear if this is an historical record …
July 25, 2022
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In this excerpt from a long letter written 105 years ago today to his father, Fr Willie writes about his publications on …
July 25, 2022
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The President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, in an address made on this day in 1923, had the following praise for Fr …
July 25, 2022
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You ask how to pray well. The answer is, Pray often, in season and out of season, against yourself, in spite of …
July 25, 2022
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Jesus allowed her to wash His feet but knew well what those eyes had looked on. He allowed her lips to kiss …
July 22, 2022
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“I will give thee hidden treasures.” Isaiah 45. 3. Jesus has treasures which He hides from those who love Him not and …
July 21, 2022
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The reformation of one’s life must be the work of every day. I should take each rule and duty, think how Jesus …
July 17, 2022
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I have come back from the missions with feelings of joy and gratitude, for these last three missions have been blessed in …
July 16, 2022
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Fr Willie gave his last homily 104 years ago today. Here is Alfred O’Rahilly’s account of this last sermon, complete with valuable …
July 15, 2022
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The object of my life to be close union with and intense love of God. To acquire this I will (a) fly …
July 14, 2022
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I see more and more each day how different the world would be if we had more really holy priests. With this …
July 13, 2022
Posted by pat
The soft chimes of the angelus bell mark the fall of evening. Another day is gone. Another precious day, our measurement of …
July 13, 2022
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But remember the devil will spoil the work if he can and by every means in his power turn you from your …
July 12, 2022
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I awoke in the middle of the night with the feeling that Jesus wanted me. I resisted, but at last got out …
July 10, 2022
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God wants you to suffer willingly. Many rebel and fight against what God gives them; many more take their cross in a …
July 9, 2022
Posted by pat
Lord, give me grace and strength of character to tear myself away promptly from what, if not bad, is less good, and …
July 8, 2022
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I have often wondered what Jesus meant by the ‘work’, but I could never bring myself to ask you what you thought …
July 7, 2022
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As a boy He gave me something of the kind, so that a passing glance at an immodest picture used to make …
July 6, 2022
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This morning at Mass, our Blessed Lord gave me grace to see what a fool I am to let my life slip …
July 5, 2022
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Today is the memorial of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Amongst other things, Blessed Pier Giorgio was renowned, as a very young man, …
July 4, 2022
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Have you ever reflected on the power of an act of the love of God, when inspired by grace and made with …
July 3, 2022
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The conviction has been growing that nocturnal adoration will be established only if I spend much time myself before the Blessed Sacrament …
July 2, 2022
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As a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small I read …
July 1, 2022
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Devotion to the Sacred Heart cannot exist without self-denial; the flames and thorns around that Heart, the cross that crowns It, point …
June 30, 2022
Posted by pat
Peter, the favoured one, denies his Master and turns his back on Him who loved him so; and Peter’s heart is won, …
June 29, 2022
Posted by pat
If an aspiration, on the authority of the Blessed Cure d’Ars, often saved a soul, what must you not do each day …
June 28, 2022
Posted by pat
The misery of the past few days has proved to me that I can be happy only by doing what Jesus wants, …
June 27, 2022
Posted by pat
“Come in before His presence with exceeding great joy” (Ps 100:2). Yes, come before Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist with a joyous …
June 27, 2022
Posted by pat
Today is the feast of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Instead of a message from Fr Willie, we have …
June 26, 2022
Posted by pat
Do nothing without consulting Him in the Tabernacle. But then act fearlessly, if you see it is for His honour and glory, …
June 25, 2022
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“Most loving Jesus, kneeling before You in the Blessed Sacrament, I solemnly consecrate myself to Your Sacred Heart by vow. I vow …
June 24, 2022
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“No evil shall come upon you”, (Jerem. 23. 17). It is a consoling thought that God watches over us with unceasing care; …
June 22, 2022
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Jesus told me today that the work of regeneration and sanctification is to be done by leading souls to Him in the …
June 21, 2022
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Sunday and Monday last were days of wonderful grace for me, as if the Hunter of souls had run His quarry down …
June 20, 2022
Posted by pat
Real devotion to the Blessed Sacrament is only to be gained by hard, grinding work of dry adoration before the Hidden God. …
June 19, 2022
Posted by pat
I feel also a great longing to love Jesus very, very much, to draw very close to His Sacred Heart, and to …
June 17, 2022
Posted by pat
I felt the presence of Jesus very near to me while praying in the chapel at Ramsgrange. He seemed to want me …
June 16, 2022
Posted by pat
I feel that I could go through fire and water to serve such a man as Napoleon, that no sacrifice he could …
June 14, 2022
Posted by pat
The Moment of Benediction… The priest turns and raises aloft the Sacred Host. In loving adoration, in reverent awe, the invisible angels …
June 13, 2022
Posted by pat
Just as one tiny grain (of wheat) will bring forth an ear filled with many new grains, and each of these, if …
June 12, 2022
Posted by pat
The Third Degree of Humility. 1. Accepto. I will receive with joy all unpleasant things which I must bear : (a) pain, …
June 11, 2022
Posted by pat
Lord, You know I love you less than any other, but I long and desire to love You more than all the rest. Take my heart, …
June 10, 2022
Posted by pat
I will strive ever to perform each action as perfectly as possible, paying special attention to small duties e.g. saying grace, odd …
June 9, 2022
Posted by pat
It is such a helpless feeling to be tossed about as it were on the waves of love, to feel the ardent, …
June 8, 2022
Posted by pat
The first post on the original fatherdoyle.com website appeared 12 years ago today. How much has changed since then! At the time …
June 7, 2022
Posted by pat
While making the Holy Hour today I felt inspired to make this resolution: Sweet Jesus, as a first step towards my becoming …
June 7, 2022
Posted by pat
I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, my dear child, …
June 7, 2022
Posted by pat
Today we continue with Fr Willie’s narrative on the battle for Messines Ridge with the events that occurred on June 7 1917. …
June 7, 2022
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Today we have a small excerpt from one of Fr Doyle’s letters which describes his preparations for the Battle of Messines. It …
June 6, 2022
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A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than to listen …
June 5, 2022
Posted by pat
I had not the heart to wake up the poor nuns, and after all when one is fast asleep, is not a …
June 4, 2022
Posted by pat
I think it is evident that, in these days of awful sin and hatred of God, our Blessed Lord wants to gather …
June 3, 2022
Posted by pat
Jesus is the most loving of lovable friends there never was a friend like Him before, there never can be one to …
June 2, 2022
Posted by pat
To Mary’s feet in heaven today the angels come in never-ending stream to lay before her the offerings of her loving earthly …
May 31, 2022
Posted by pat
We must be intellectually pious, that is, our piety should rest on the bedrock of principle, and not on mood, on sentiment, …
May 30, 2022
Posted by pat
As you might like to know how the ‘game of raiding your neighbour’ is played, a sort of novelty for your next …
May 29, 2022
Posted by pat
You can test your love infallibly and find out how much you have by asking yourself this question: What am I willing …
May 27, 2022
Posted by pat
Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our …
May 26, 2022
Posted by pat
Patrick Corkery SJ’s newest book – Fr Willie: Much in the Presence of God – is an excellent introduction to the life …
May 25, 2022
Posted by pat
Jesus is looking at me as once he did upon blind Bartimaemus: “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” Lord, that …
May 25, 2022
Posted by pat
One German prisoner, badly wounded in the leg, was brought in. He knew only a few words of English, but spoke French …
May 24, 2022
Posted by pat
The following quote from one of Fr Willie’s letters recounts some of his war time adventures on 23 May 1917. What shines …
May 23, 2022
Posted by pat
Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, etc.? I know how violent they can be, …
May 22, 2022
Posted by pat
A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows sharper with use. COMMENT: How correct Fr Willie’s assessment is! The more …
May 21, 2022
Posted by pat
I did not write because I had nothing but disappointment, opposition, cold shower-baths and crosses to chronicle…Your news about the success in …
May 20, 2022
Posted by pat
How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we …
May 19, 2022
Posted by pat
If there is any certain mark of the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost in the soul, if there is any visible …
May 18, 2022
Posted by pat
Do we realise the infinite possibilities of grace which lie hidden in the Tabernacle? Jesus only awaits our coming: and even before …
May 17, 2022
Posted by pat
Are you weary of the fight already and willing to give in to the enemy? Never mind, come back, begin again, …
May 16, 2022
Posted by pat
I feel ashamed at times that I do not profit more by His nearness, but I know that he makes allowances for …
May 15, 2022
Posted by pat
You would throw up your hands in horror were you to see my room at the present moment. It is a scene …
May 14, 2022
Posted by pat
I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, for …
May 13, 2022
Posted by pat
I find the temptation growing stronger every day to leave aside all work that is not absolutely necessary and to spend the …
May 12, 2022
Posted by pat
I think our Lord wants your whole day to be one continued act of love and union with Him in your heart, …
May 11, 2022
Posted by pat
O eternal Lord . . . provided it be for Thy greater service and praise . . . and if Thy most …
May 10, 2022
Posted by pat
We love our life, cling to it, hug it, study how to prolong it, rebel if God thinks fit to shorten its …
May 9, 2022
Posted by pat
My way is sure. I think I can say now without a shade of doubt or hesitation that the path by which …
May 8, 2022
Posted by pat
The past few weeks have been weeks of extraordinary grace and light and strength. I see clearly what He wants from me …
May 7, 2022
Posted by pat
Having completed his course of philosophy, Willie returned to Clongowes in 1901 for another period of prefecting. Here he remained for two …
May 5, 2022
Posted by pat
The more this generous spirit springs up in your heart, the nearer and dearer will you be to Jesus. Love for Love. …
May 4, 2022
Posted by pat
At the community Mass this morning I again felt an overpowering desire to become a saint. It came suddenly, filling my soul …
May 3, 2022
Posted by pat
I feel drawn still more to the life of “interior union.” To acquire this I must practise the following: 1 . Constant …
May 2, 2022
Posted by pat
May 1, 2022
Posted by pat
As you know I am very anxious to see these retreats started in Ireland, for I believe they would do a world …
May 1, 2022
Posted by pat
I said my rosary with arms extended. At the third mystery the pain was so great that I felt I could not …
April 30, 2022
Posted by pat
What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel austerities, such …
April 29, 2022
Posted by pat
We continue today with an excerpt from the original letter detailing some of the work Fr Willie had to undertake towards the …
April 28, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Willie sent the letter below to his father one year after the gas attack of April 1916 (see yesterday’s post). In …
April 27, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Willie had many incredibly close shaves with death during the almost 2 years he spent as a military chaplain. He has …
April 26, 2022
Posted by pat
I think I can say with truth that I have now no desire or wish except His. I have told Him that …
April 25, 2022
Posted by pat
“Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him.” (Psalm 106: 21). Jesus during His mortal life practised many virtues; but …
April 24, 2022
Posted by pat
God sometimes seems to ask the impossible, a sorrow, a cross. Oh! it would crush me! How can this be? How? Lord, …
April 23, 2022
Posted by pat
Work for Jesus! Yes, though the weary head may ache and the tired brain refuse to act. Work on, work on; the …
April 22, 2022
Posted by pat
A mother puts her little child on its feet, but the child itself must do something, must make an effort if it …
April 22, 2022
Posted by pat
This morning I lay awake powerless to over come myself and to make my promised visit to the chapel. Then I felt …
April 21, 2022
Posted by pat
“They forgot God who saved them” (Psalm 105, 21). To how many may not these words be applied today! How many there …
April 20, 2022
Posted by pat
If I were put in a dungeon, like the martyrs, with nothing to lie on but the bare stone floor, with …
April 19, 2022
Posted by pat
We have received multiple new prayer requests in recent days. We are happy to recommend these requests to Fr Willie’s intercession. For …
April 18, 2022
Posted by pat
If my resurrection is to be a real one and is to produce fruit, it must be external, so that all may …
April 18, 2022
Posted by pat
May every Easter blessing be yours, and may our crucified Jesus, Who has certainly drawn you to Him on the cross, raise …
April 17, 2022
Posted by pat
Second pilgrimage to Amettes from Locre. During the journey I felt our Lord wanted to give me some message through St. Benedict …
April 16, 2022
Posted by pat
The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently the faithful few bear the dead Christ down the …
April 16, 2022
Posted by pat
The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was His thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations He would …
April 15, 2022
Posted by pat
Pain and privation are only momentary, they quickly pass and become even delightfully sweet, if only borne in the spirit with which …
April 14, 2022
Posted by pat
On Spy Wednesday evening after Benediction, I told the men I wanted nine volunteers to watch an hour during the following night …
April 13, 2022
Posted by pat
I think He would like you to pay more attention to little things, looking on nothing as small, if connected with His …
April 13, 2022
Posted by pat
My denial of Jesus has been baser than that of Peter, for I have refused to listen to His voice calling me …
April 12, 2022
Posted by pat
O my God, pour out in abundance Thy spirit of sacrifice upon Thy priests. It is both their glory and their duty …
April 11, 2022
Posted by pat
During His Passion our Lord was bound and dragged from place to place. I have hourly opportunities of imitating Him by going …
April 11, 2022
Posted by pat
Patrick Corkery SJ of the Irish Jesuit Province gave a excellent interview about Fr Willie on Radio Maria Ireland recently. He also …
April 10, 2022
Posted by pat
The fourteenth station: Jesus is laid in the tomb The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently …
April 10, 2022
Posted by pat
The thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross Mary stands at the foot of the cross to receive in her …
April 9, 2022
Posted by pat
Broadcaster and writer Fiorella Nash hosted an excellent interview today with Fr John Hogan of the Father Willie Doyle Association. Listen in, …
April 8, 2022
Posted by pat
The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the Cross Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, …
April 8, 2022
Posted by pat
The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross Upon His last resting place Jesus lays Himself down. No soft bed, no …
April 7, 2022
Posted by pat
The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments At last He stands upon the hill of shame to pay the price …
April 6, 2022
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The ninth station: Jesus falls the third time The hill of Calvary is almost reached, the hour of the great sacrifice is …
April 5, 2022
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The Eighth Station: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful for their own …
April 4, 2022
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The Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of His awful sufferings which …
April 3, 2022
Posted by pat
We have received multiple new prayer requests in recent days. We are happy to recommend these requests to Fr Willie’s intercession. There …
April 2, 2022
Posted by pat
The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious gaze …
April 2, 2022
Posted by pat
The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected …
April 1, 2022
Posted by pat
We left Belgium a glorious morning, dry under foot, with brilliant sunshine. The Brigade of four regiments made a gallant show, each …
March 31, 2022
Posted by pat
Fr Willie entered on his career as Jesuit on this day 130 years ago. The following is as letter he wrote from …
March 31, 2022
Posted by pat
I had rather an amusing experience the first night I spent in the trenches. On arriving here I found two officers in …
March 31, 2022
Posted by pat
The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings …
March 31, 2022
Posted by pat
Many thanks to Todd Sylvester and Ellen Taylor for hosting an interview about Fr Willie on LA Catholic Morning on Archangel Radio …
March 30, 2022
Posted by pat
We have received a request to pray for J McK She is terminally ill and we are asked to pray through Fr …
March 30, 2022
Posted by pat
The Third Station: Jesus falls the First time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His cross; bravely has He …
March 30, 2022
Posted by pat
The Second Station: Jesus takes up His cross Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of …
March 29, 2022
Posted by pat
Around the judgement seat are grouped a motley crowd. Men and women of every rank, the high-born Jewish maiden, the rough Samaritan …
March 28, 2022
Posted by pat
Today is the anniversary of Fr Doyle’s father’s death. Hugh Doyle died on this day in 1924, just three months short of …
March 28, 2022
Posted by pat
We do not mind what God does with us so long as it more or less fits in with our own wishes; …
March 26, 2022
Posted by pat
Do you not think that Jesus must have done very much for Mary during the nine months she bore Him within her? …
March 25, 2022
Posted by pat
Many thanks to the Irish Catholic for their coverage of the Father Willie Doyle Association New group to push cause for a …
March 24, 2022
Posted by pat
It was a beautiful clear morning, such a morning as would tempt the laziest aviator to have a sail, so many eyes were …
March 24, 2022
Posted by pat
The great defect in my character and chief reason why I make so little progress is my want of fidelity. Thus in …
March 24, 2022
Posted by pat
As the moth is attracted to the light, is drawn ever nearer to the warmth and brightness, until at length with irresistible …
March 23, 2022
Posted by pat
I seemed to have lost all strength and courage, and simply hated the thought of the life. Then I ran to You …
March 22, 2022
Posted by pat
We have received a request to pray for Regina, from Texas in the United States. Regina has cancer; please pray for her …
March 21, 2022
Posted by pat
I know I can never be happy unless I am heroically generous with Him. This I have proved time after time. A …
March 21, 2022
Posted by pat
Death is the end of all things here, the end of time, of merit, of pain and mortification, of a hard life. …
March 21, 2022
Posted by pat
Passion of Christ, comfort me! Comfort me, for the day is long and weary. Comfort me as I fight my way up the path of …
March 20, 2022
Posted by pat
With great earnestness recommend to His mercy the poor souls who are in their agony. What a dreadful hour, an hour tremendously …
March 19, 2022
Posted by pat
Journalist and writer Kevin Turley gave an interview about Fr Willie on the Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio yesterday. The interview …
March 18, 2022
Posted by pat
The events described in Fr Doyle’s letter below occurred on 18 March 1917 (Passion Sunday in that year). The statue Fr Doyle …
March 18, 2022
Posted by pat
I beg of God, whom I love, to grant me that I may shed my blood with those strangers and captives …
March 17, 2022
Posted by pat
We have received a request to pray for Antonia, from Cologne in Germany. Antonia is the mother of 2 small children and …
March 16, 2022
Posted by pat
We have received a request to pray for Paul, from County Meath in Ireland, a father of 3 small children. Paul …
March 16, 2022
Posted by pat
The path of life is rough and stony. Sharp flints and hidden thorns are thickly strewn upon its surface, wounding our weary …
March 16, 2022
Posted by pat
There is an interview in the National Catholic Register about the Father Willie Doyle Association, the relevance of Fr Willie’s life and …
March 15, 2022
Posted by pat
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250668/father-willie-doyle-world-war-i-military-chaplain-deserves-sainthood-cause-irish-group-says
March 15, 2022
Posted by pat
My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …
March 15, 2022
Posted by pat
See that blood-stained crown which our sins have woven for the brows of our King! Mark the gems that glisten and gleam …
March 14, 2022
Posted by pat
I wish I could write to you at length about grace. It is a fascinating subject. You are quite right in calling …
March 13, 2022
Posted by pat
400 years ago today, Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier were canonised as saints. Teresa of Avila, Philip Neri and Isidore the …
March 12, 2022
Posted by pat
Vince teipsum – conquer yourself. This is the secret of the Spiritual Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my master Ignatius,” …
March 12, 2022
Posted by pat
The Father Willie Doyle Association was publicly launched online today. The Association is a lay group that is formally recognised as a …
March 11, 2022
Posted by pat
Tune in to listen to Patrick Corkery SJ discuss aspects of the life of Fr Willie next Friday morning at 10.45am Irish …
March 11, 2022
Posted by pat
There will be a discussion about Fr Willie on Monday evening at 8.15pm Irish time on YouTube. Please log on and spread …
March 11, 2022
Posted by pat
Towards the end of the retreat a light came to me that, now that I have given Jesus all the sacrifices I …
March 11, 2022
Posted by pat
This morning during meditation I again felt that mysterious appeal from our Blessed Lord for a life of absolute, complete sacrifice of …
March 10, 2022
Posted by pat
The mortification good for you may be measured by your peace of mind. If you find your should troubled by the penance …
March 9, 2022
Posted by pat
Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put up a …
March 8, 2022
Posted by pat
He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust Him, He so longs to be trusted. COMMENT: There is something of …
March 7, 2022
Posted by pat
A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast…Jesus urged me to pray for …
March 6, 2022
Posted by pat
Today is Fr Willie’s birthday – he was born on this day in 1873. It is the start of his 150th year. …
March 3, 2022
Posted by pat