Following the talk next Wednesday in Gardiner Street Church, for the first time individual blessings with Fr Willie\’s crucifix will be …
Patrick Kenny
We should call a man a fool who wasted his wealth warming himself before a fire made of banknotes. Do we act …
February 16, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Claude de la Colombiere I have gone through a great deal of desolation, discouragement, fear and dread of my proposed …
February 15, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling …
February 14, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
John McGuinness Contrary to popular perception, there was an extraordinary flourishing of holiness in Ireland in the 19th and early 20th …
February 13, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
What I intended to imply was that I thought God had special designs on your soul and very great graces in store …
February 13, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The effect of fervour may be likened to that of fire on water. When cold, water is motionless and chills all that …
February 12, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, …
February 11, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were …
February 10, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Christian abnegation is not composed merely of renunciation: it leads to something tangible and definite. We abandon what is false to cling …
February 9, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
This is my vocation: reparation and penance for the sins of priests; hence the constant urging of our Lord to generosity. COMMENT: …
February 8, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put …
February 8, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Pius IX Then in addition there is the great privilege and joy of carrying our dear Lord next my heart day …
February 7, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Some of Fr Doyle’s favourite aspirations: l. My Crucified Jesus, help me to crucify myself. 2. Lord, teach me how to pray …
February 6, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
To-day while praying in the Chapel, suddenly it seemed to me as if I were standing before a narrow path …
February 5, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Agatha I was meditating on my desire to die a martyr’s death for Jesus, and then asked myself if I …
February 5, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Reading today of how Luisa de Carvajal made herself the slave of her two maids, the old desire for this kind of …
February 4, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I am glad you wrote to me for I, at least, can understand exactly what you are suffering; it is really a …
February 4, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church It seems to me that the best and most practical resolution I can make …
February 3, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Ellen Organ – Little Nellie of Holy God Kneeling there I asked her what God wanted from me, when I heard an …
February 2, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Constant urging of Jesus to do “hard things” for him, things which cost. I shrink from sacrifice, but I know well He …
February 1, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I would like you to note down in a little book the following things. Every day read each item over …
February 1, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John Bosco One month of the new year has passed away, leaving behind it the memory of what has been …
January 31, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A kind word goes far. I stopped to say a few words to a group of men at a street corner in …
January 30, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …
January 29, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Thomas Aquinas As to any practice of piety there is a double danger: recommending it as infallible, or condemning it …
January 28, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Last night I rose at 1am and went down to the church, renewing before the crucifix my desire and promise absolutely to …
January 27, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Each look of love to the Tabernacle causes a beat of grace-laden love in the Sacred Heart. COMMENT: The Lord …
January 27, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The mere saving of their souls should be the last thought of religious who have vowed their lives for God’s …
January 26, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Jesus wants me to work with might and main to acquire the ‘interior union’ so that not for one moment would I …
January 25, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Conversion of St Paul by Caravaggio Every grace we get enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will. When the understanding is …
January 25, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Francis de Sales There is nothing better than the practice of aspirations, steadily growing in number. Keep a little book …
January 24, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I should examine all my actions, taking Jesus as my model and example. What a vast difference between my prayer …
January 23, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Last night I rose at twelve and knelt in the cellar for an hour to suffer from the cold. It was a …
January 22, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My dear loving Jesus, what do you want from me? You never seem to leave me alone – thank you ever so …
January 22, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Life is too short for a truce. COMMENT: How typical is this pithy statement from Fr Doyle! We are here for a …
January 22, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Agnes Even as a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite …
January 21, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Angelo Paoli For the poor people on Dalkey Hill Willie constituted himself into a Conference of St. Vincent de Paul. …
January 20, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I felt Jesus asking me to make a long visit and wishing to speak to me. His message was: To note down …
January 18, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Our Lord wants me to give Him all I can give cheerfully, not repining or regretting any sacrifice; not saying, ‘I wish …
January 17, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The temptation of St Anthony the Abbot Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, …
January 17, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
‘Pork & Beans’ is quite a standing joke, though not a pleasant one, at the Front. A committee of food experts, having …
January 16, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Chiara Luce Badano Jesus knows I have only one wish in this world: to love Him and Him alone. For the …
January 16, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I want you to know what I went through by volunteering for the Front. God made me feel with absolute certainty – …
January 14, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Worries? Of course; and thank God. How else are you going to be a saint? “When thou comest to the service of …
January 14, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
105 years ago tonight Fr Doyle was awoken to absolve some dying soldiers. This is his description of the event, sent home …
January 13, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Each morning at Holy Communion invite Jesus, with all the love and fervour you can, to enter into your heart and dwell …
January 12, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Live for the day, but let it be a generous day. Have you ever tried giving God one day in which you …
January 11, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Paul Ginhac Today is the anniversary of the death of the Servant of God Fr Paul Ginhac SJ who died …
January 10, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Continuing from yesterday’s post about 8 January 1917… Our visitor from the sky was back again today repeating his old trick, with …
January 9, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
It is useful from time to time to pause and ask ourselves if we are, like the child Jesus, growing …
January 9, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Our airmen, very justly, have earned a big reputation for their skill and daring, but the ‘Allyman’ can still give them …
January 8, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Eurosia Fabris Barban It is a mother whose gentle care was ever round you, whose arms were open wide that …
January 8, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
It seems to me I have failed to keep my resolutions because I have not acted from the motive of the …
January 7, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I contrast the obedience of St. Joseph with my obedience. His so prompt, unquestioning, uncomplaining, perfect; mine given so grudgingly; …
January 6, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
During Exposition Jesus asked me if I would give up taking second course at dinner. This would be a very great sacrifice; …
January 5, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Charles of Mount Argus Today is the feast of St Charles of Mount Argus, a Dutch Passionist priest who spent about …
January 5, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I did not get my work finished till rather late tonight and as I had to turn out again shortly it was …
January 4, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Before I thank you for your letter which was doubly welcome in my exile, I want to tell you the New Year’s …
January 4, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Recognise God’s graces to you, and instead of thinking of yourself and your faults, try to do all …
January 4, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Giuseppe Maria Tomasi He seems to me to want a year of great devotedness, intense sympathy and passionate love…Even one year …
January 3, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I can imagine I am a soul in Hell, and God in His mercy is saying to me, “Return to …
January 2, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
How little the expression ‘we were shelled for two hours’ conveys to you. People read in their papers some mornings: ‘The enemy …
January 1, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Feast of Mary, Mother of God A New Year! What visions of almost boundless good, hidden in the fair bosom of …
January 1, 2022
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“All our days are spent.” (Psalm 89. 9). The hour will come for each of us when we shall echo …
December 31, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Every little victory in the matter of food is a real triumph, for this is a real test of generosity. …
December 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Jesus, you know my longing to become a saint. You know how much I thirst to die a martyr. Help …
December 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: I have celebrated Mass in some strange places and …
December 28, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Try to get down low and follow out what He Himself taught: “Unless you become as little children.” This will …
December 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
During midnight Mass at Dalkey Convent I made the oblation of myself as a member of the League of Priestly Sanctity…Our Lord …
December 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I was alone in the drawing-room when Father came in and asked me if I had yet made up my mind as …
December 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
What impressed me most in the meditation on the Nativity was the thought that Jesus could have been born in …
December 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Don’t lose sight of this principle, that true holiness is based on humility. COMMENT: There is only one place in the Gospel …
December 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My genius of an orderly fried meat and pudding together and, with a smile of triumph on his face, brought both on …
December 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I had just finished breakfast when I heard Miss Krupp come singing overhead with that peculiar note which warns of her proximity. …
December 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on 21 December 1913, 108 years ago today. It relates to a recent trip …
December 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
21 December: A day I always like because the turning point of the year and from this on the evenings will be …
December 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
There is no rule for vocations, no age-limit for the call. Innocence attracts the gaze of God, deep-rooted habits of sin, provided …
December 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
During the last three nights of the retreat I slept on the floor without feeling any inconvenience after, though I woke very …
December 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his sister from the trenches on 19th December 1916, 105 years ago today. It gives …
December 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 85. 7). Jesus is our comforter. What burden is there …
December 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A want of will is the chief obstacle to our becoming saints. We are not holy because we do not really wish …
December 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I cannot say i am quite in love with camp life, which in many respects is quite repellent. But even in these …
December 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
On this day in 1917, Major General Hickie paid another tribute to Fr Doyle. Writing to his father, Hugh Doyle, General Hickie …
December 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
God has many gifts to bestow upon us, but none more precious than time. Yet how we abuse this royal gift! How …
December 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church Surely you are not right in trying to keep our Lord away …
December 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Lucy It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life. …
December 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I am sorry to see you suffer and yet glad that the cross is your portion. If I had at this …
December 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Maravillas of Jesus I want to be generous with God and to refuse Him nothing. I do not want to …
December 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Let us love silence and recollection. When we are at home with silence we are at home with God. Silence seems impossible …
December 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
He has been tugging at my heart for so many years, urging me in so many ways to give myself wholly to …
December 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I believe that Our Lord is asking for victims who are willing to suffer much in reparation for sins, especially those of …
December 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
God delights to honour His saints by bestowing upon them special graces which mark them off from the rest of …
December 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
What must have been Mary’s thoughts when first she felt the infant child within her womb, and realised that from …
December 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Towards the end of the retreat a light came to me that, now that I have given Jesus all the sacrifices I …
December 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Death of St Francis Xavier Xavier’s hour has come, the hour of his eternal reward and never-ending bliss. In a little hut, …
December 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent, has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …
December 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Will it be any help to you to learn that I know many who suffer as you do? Hence I can perfectly …
November 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life and even gives …
November 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The saints had ever a childlike confidence and trust in God. Upon Him they cast all their anxieties and cares, under His …
November 28, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John Berchmans The chief thing God wants from me at present is an extraordinary and exquisite perfection in every little thing …
November 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Francis Xavier Vince teipsum (Conquer yourself). This is the secret of the Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my master …
November 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The life of Jesus was a continual prayer. Even during His public life He began, continued and ended everything He …
November 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Even as a child I longed and prayed to be a saint. But somehow it always seemed to me as if that …
November 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Do not try to run till you can walk well. Draw up a list of certain little sacrifices which you feel God …
November 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and God has lost …
November 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We can never sufficiently thank Him for so completely showing us in the Garden that He was a man by praying …
November 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Sir William Bernard Hickie was Major General of the 16th Irish Division and knew Fr Doyle extremely well. He wrote the following …
November 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle struggled to give up butter on his bread at breakfast Your desire for penance is an excellent sign…But have …
November 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact account …
November 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Holiness and perfection depend on yourself, not on the actions of others. COMMENT: How easy it is for us to blame others, …
November 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Soldiers from the 16th Irish Division. Fr Doyle was appointed chaplain 106 years ago today Received my appointment from the War …
November 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You certainly put your finger on the weak spot in most priestly lives – the want of prayer. The connection between prayer …
November 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
At the close of the retreat my soul is full of many emotions. God has been more than good to me, has …
November 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Lord, You know I love You less than any others, but I long and desire to love You more than all …
November 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
103 years ago today the First World War came to an end. It was a dreadful war; the first industrial …
November 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
From the Tabernacle Jesus seems to say, “Stay with Me for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent”. …
November 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We have been asked seek prayers for Carlos Fidalgo (42), married to Jane and father of two young children Lucia and Oscar. …
November 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My offering myself as a war chaplain to the Provincial has had a wonderful effect on me. I long to go and …
November 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The reason I find it so hard to love God, why I have so little affection for Him, is because of my …
November 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
This is a recording of a recent talk on Fr Doyle at the Men for Christ Conference on Radio Maria. This …
November 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Our Lord is displeased only when He sees no attempt made to get rid of imperfections which, when deliberate, clog the soul …
November 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Fruit of the Third Week The thought that Jesus has suffered so much for me to atone for my sins and …
November 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My God, I promise You, kneeling before the image of Your Sacred Heart, that I will do my best to lead a …
November 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was his thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations …
November 6, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today, the Feast of all the Saints of the Society, while praying in the Chapel at Donnybrook (Poor Clares), our Lord seemed …
November 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
During all these long years Jesus has been standing bound at the pillar, while I have cruelly scourged Him by …
November 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I was greatly struck and helped yesterday by these words of the Imitation (of Christ): My child: let me do with you …
November 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
From their cleansing prison of fire the holy souls cry to us for help. With joy indeed they bear the …
November 2, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
To-day the…Feast of All Saints, I made my election about offering myself for the Congo Mission. During the retreat I …
November 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Alphonsus Rodriguez St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is a striking example of one who, though in a lowly station in life, devoid …
October 31, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Dominic Collins Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain …
October 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Sunset at Dalkey Island, a scene which would have been very familiar to Fr Doyle “Time that passeth like a shadow”(Ecclesiastes, 7. …
October 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read …
October 28, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I am slowly learning the lesson Jesus brought me out here to teach me. The first and greatest is that I must …
October 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
What account shall I give of this resolution when I stand before my God for judgement? PRACTICE OF THE THIRD DEGREE. I. …
October 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Following straight on the heels of the meditations on the Two Standards and the Three Classes of Men, we will …
October 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on October 25 1916. It refers to the previous night, in other words, this …
October 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We come now to one of the other great moments of the Spiritual Exercises – the Meditation on the Three Classes of …
October 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We come today to the famous meditation on the Two Standards. This is one of the high points of the Spiritual Exercises. …
October 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My God, this morning I was in despair. After some days of relaxation owing partly to sickness, I resolved to begin my …
October 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John Paul II When it was not some infirmity or other than caused him to experience pain, it was he …
October 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following notes on the “hidden life” of Jesus as a young boy and man in Nazareth. These reflections …
October 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
As part of the Second week, St Ignatius recommends a meditation on the early life of Christ. Here are his …
October 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Feeling very unwell for the past few days, I gave way to self indulgence in food and sleep. Jesus has made it …
October 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
As part of the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, retreatants meditate on the early life of Christ. One of …
October 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Paul of the Cross Today is the feast of St Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist order. He …
October 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Fruit of the First Week: I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, …
October 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would …
October 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Margaret Mary Alacoque Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give …
October 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church The life of St. Teresa teaches us that we should never despair of …
October 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
From the Capuchin Crypt in Rome From the Capuchin Crypt in Rome Death is the end of all things here, the end …
October 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: Lately the desire to be trampled on and become …
October 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We continue with the meditations of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises, and in particular with the meditation on …
October 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today we consider one of the first exercises from the first week – the meditation on sin. The first week …
October 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John XXIII Today is the feast of St John XXIII. Just as many Generation X Catholic have an affection for St …
October 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Ignatius Loyola Fr Doyle began his “Long retreat” – 30 days of the Spiritual Exercises – at this time in 1907. …
October 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today we will start a new series of special quotations from Fr Doyle. This day 114 years ago – 10 October 1907 …
October 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Pray for all, but especially for sinners, and in particular for those whose sins are most painful to His Sacred Heart. With …
October 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Solid virtue is so called because it is formed by amassing together a facility in repeated acts. Hence the practice of any …
October 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
On Saturday afternoon I will speak at the Hail Holy Queen Conference on Radio Maria Ireland about Fr Doyle and Marian …
October 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Our Lady of the Rosary To Mary’s feet in heaven today the angels come in never-ending stream to lay before her …
October 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“Behold I stand at the gate and knock” (Rev. 3. 20) Jesus stands at the door of my heart, patiently, uncomplainingly. …
October 6, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Saint Francis in Meditation In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, since …
October 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I cannot deny that I love Jesus, love Him passionately, love Him with every fibre of my heart. He knows it, too, …
October 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
He hath given His angels charge over us, to guide us, to guard and shelter us from dangers, to lead …
October 2, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church Kneeling at the grave of the Little Flower I gave myself into her hands …
October 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Jerome in the wilderness Don’t dwell on what you have not done, for I think that want of confidence in …
September 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Michael the Archangel Today is the feast of St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael, the archangels. This feast was …
September 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Vincent de Paul For fifteen years has Jesus been waiting for me to return to Him, to return to the …
September 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following very private notes in his diary on 27 September 1915 about his prayer the previous night: Last …
September 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have noticed that every time I have indulged myself, my appetite especially, for no matter what reason, I have always had …
September 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You may make the most complete and absolute offering of yourself to God to bear every pain He may wish to send. …
September 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Life in the army I find is a life of delightful and unexpected surprises. You are told that you are going to …
September 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Pio of Pietrelcina It is indeed easy to condemn oneself to death, to make a generous offering of self-immolation; but to …
September 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You know well that even the smallest cross and happening of your life is part of our Blessed Lord’s plan for your …
September 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I am delighted to have the opportunity once again to appear on Radio Maria Ireland this coming Thursday at 7pm Irish time …
September 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Call of St Matthew by Caravaggio We must love God with our whole heart. Can He be loved otherwise? Is …
September 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than to listen …
September 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Try and remember that sanctification means daily, hourly, hard work, and this unflinchingly, when weariness comes. COMMENT: Fr Doyle engaged in this …
September 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast. The thought of a breakfast …
September 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Without constant union with our Lord there cannot be any real holiness, one reason being that without recollection the inspirations of the …
September 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Our Blessed Lord loves me, with all my faults and failings, and has marked me out for the special graces which will …
September 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may …
September 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Having again indulged my appetite, I made this resolution, that whenever I do so, no matter for what reason (health, feasts etc) …
September 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, the butt for vile jests, a common …
September 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Lieutenant Colonel H. R. Stirke, who commanded the 8th Dublins, had the following praise for Fr Doyle in a note that he …
September 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, that He has a strict right …
September 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have felt strongly urged again to give myself entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to follow His inspirations. …
September 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
If I do not begin to serve God as I ought now, when shall I do so? Shall I ever? This retreat …
September 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …
September 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
It seems to me the best and most practical resolution I can make in this retreat is to determine to perform each …
September 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
On Saturday I have the pleasure of speaking alongside an amazing line up of other speakers at the Men for …
September 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
This is one of my favourite scenes from all of Fr Doyle’s writings – 105 years ago today. By cutting a piece …
September 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Peter Claver SJ St. Peter Claver was one of those generous heroic souls whom God sends upon this earth to serve …
September 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Murillo Don’t you know it is our Lady’s feast, and Mary had her …
September 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Servant of God Frank Duff Today is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Legion of Mary. The Legion …
September 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Ignatius To be indifferent does not mean to desire things which are hard to nature, but a readiness and determination to …
September 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
How little I think of committing venial sin, and how soon I forget I have done so! Yet God hates nothing more …
September 6, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Today is the feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most famous and popular Catholics …
September 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today we continue the narrative and consider the events of September 4, 1916. Next morning there was a short march over the …
September 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The above image was published in an Irish newspaper at the end of 1916. The priest is unidentified, but we …
September 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You must absolutely drive away all despondency or useless pining or regrets about the past. It does not please God and it …
September 2, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The following praise for Fr Doyle appeared in the Glasgow Weekly News on this day in 1917. It was written by a …
September 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Teresa Margaret Redi Reasons why our Communions and Masses do not make us Saints. 1. Want of preparation, through sloth, carelessness, …
September 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
By entering religion and taking my vows I have given myself over absolutely to God and His service. He, therefore, has a …
August 31, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Why are we not saints? Want of courage and want of patience. We give up, we have not the strength of will …
August 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The beheading of St John the Baptist There is one thing we need never be afraid of, namely, that the devil will …
August 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Augustine How many wish to belong entirely to Jesus without reserve or restriction? Most want to serve two masters, to …
August 28, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I am truly glad you are looking to the perfection of your daily actions; it is the simplest, yet perhaps hardest, way …
August 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
All these trials, snubs, unpleasantnesses, etc., do not come to you by chance, they are precious jewels from the hand of God, …
August 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Look upon the grace God gives you as a talent you must work with and increase. The Master in the Gospel gave …
August 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The following was written about Fr Doyle by Sir Percival Phillips, the famous war correspondent, and appeared in the Daily Express on …
August 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
During his time away from the trenches Fr Doyle often stayed in a convent in Locre. If my memory serves me correctly, …
August 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Pius X There are two patron saints to whom I have a tremendous devotion: a sheet of paper and a lead …
August 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
On this day in 1917, 4 days after Fr Doyle’s death, Fr Frank Browne, the famous photographer and Jesuit military chaplain, wrote …
August 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
How many deceive themselves in thinking sanctity consists in the holy follies of the saints! How many look upon holiness as …
August 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John Eudes Two wings by which we can fly to God and become saints: the habit of little tiny acts of …
August 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Alberto Hurtado Today is the feast of St Alberto Hurtado, a Jesuit saint from Chile. He was canonised by Pope Benedict …
August 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Instead of a quote from Fr Doyle, today we present, courtesy of the Irish Messenger, a scanned copy of a booklet published …
August 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The feast of the Assumption was an important date for Fr Doyle. He made his religious vows on this day in …
August 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle’s 104th anniversary is in two days time – August 16. It is an excellent time to tell people about his …
August 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of temperance. 1809 Temperance is the moral virtue …
August 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle\’s last written words I have told you all my escapes, dearest Father, because I think what I have written will …
August 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I am very grateful to Fr Eamonn McCarthy and the team at Radio Maria Ireland for their great welcome and for the …
August 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of fortitude. 1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue …
August 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
While praying for light to know what God wants from me in the matter of mortifying my appetite, a voice seemed to …
August 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of justice. 1807 Justice is the moral virtue …
August 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We will return to our discussion on the last days of the life of Fr Doyle in a few days time when …
August 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Tomorrow I will have the privilege of taking part in a live radio discussion about Fr Doyle’s life and message on Radio …
August 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today we will consider the virtue of prudence in the life of Fr Doyle. We will take a bit more care in …
August 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of charity: 1822 Charity is the theological virtue …
August 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle, like all of us, had to struggle against his defects. We see an especially vivid example of his struggle in …
August 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Ecce Home: Behold the Man We return today to Fr Doyle’s narrative, and get some glimpse of the horror of war, and …
August 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of hope: 1817 Hope is the theological virtue …
August 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Co-Patroness of Europe Fr Doyle does not have a specific record for the events of 9 …
August 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Continuing our narrative today, it is hard not to be struck by the extraordinary good humour of Fr Doyle. The “cathedral” to …
August 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
There is some background technical work underway on this website. Those readers who are signed up to receive daily email updates may …
August 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I recently had the pleasure of appearing on Radio Maria Ireland with Fr Marius O\’Reilly to discuss the rosary in the life …
August 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We once again resume Fr Doyle’s narrative of the events at the Battle of Passchendaele. This is his account of the events …
August 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St John Vianney Today is the feast of St John Vianney. Fr Doyle had a great devotion to him and visited Ars …
August 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Four Dangers to be Feared after a Retreat: 1 . Dissipation: There, it is over; amuse yourself. 2. Toning Down: Too much, …
August 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We have no more reports from Fr Doyle until August 5th, and we shall take up his narrative once again on that …
August 2, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We continue today with Fr Doyle’s narrative of events in the days leading up to his death. Today’s account is somewhat shorter …
August 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My poor orderly has nearly emptied the well, of course leaving the six dead Germans behind, in his efforts to make enough …
July 31, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We continue Fr Doyle’s account of July 31, 1917 directly after he left off yesterday. Again what is most noticeable is Fr …
July 31, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I long to get back to my little room at night, to calm and quiet, and yet I dread it, for He …
July 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle describes the events of July 30, 1917: For the past week we have been moving steadily up to the Front …
July 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
On August 12 1917 Fr Doyle sent his last “budget” home to his father. It was a long account of his involvement …
July 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
28 July 1907, Miltown Park, Dublin. Fr Doyle is marked with an X. My loving Jesus, on this the morning of …
July 28, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Titus Brandsma I assure you that you have my entire sympathy as well as my prayers in the trial you are …
July 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
During a visit our Lord seemed to urge me not to wait till the end of the war, but to begin my …
July 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
In today’s FIFTH post Fr Doyle recounts a touching scene in which a soldier shows him his gratitude. One of my men, …
July 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
In today’s 4th post Fr Doyle presents a “typical” scene to his father. It is unclear if this is an historical record …
July 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
In this excerpt from a long letter written 104 years ago today to his father, Fr Doyle writes about his publications on …
July 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, in an address made on this day in 1923, had the following praise for Fr …
July 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St James You ask how to pray well. The answer is, Pray often, in season and out of season, against yourself, in …
July 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, my dear child, …
July 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Jesus allowed her to wash His feet but knew well what those eyes had looked on. He allowed her lips …
July 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi in battle “I will give thee hidden treasures.” Isaiah 45. 3. Jesus has treasures which He hides from …
July 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle had a tremendous joy and cheerfulness that easily communicated itself to others. He also retained this sense of fun despite …
July 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Believe me, I feel intensely for you, my child, for I know what you have suffered in the past and how violent …
July 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I gave way today to indulgence, with the usual result. Jesus seemed to reproach me bitterly, reminding me that He seeks a …
July 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have come back from the missions with feelings of joy and gratitude, for these last three missions have been blessed in …
July 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle in the pulpit during his last homily, July 1917 Fr Doyle gave his last homily 104 years ago today. …
July 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Camillus de Lellis The object of my life to be close union with and intense love of God. To acquire …
July 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I see more and more each day how different the world would be if we had more really holy priests. With this …
July 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
\”Another day is gone.\” Summer sunset in Sandycove, looking towards Dun Laoghaire. Fr Doyle grew up 2km from this spot The …
July 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
But remember the devil will spoil the work if he can and by every means in his power turn you from your …
July 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Benedict Avoid haste and want of control of bodily movements. The interior man, no matter how burdened with work or pressed …
July 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I awoke in the middle of the night with the feeling that Jesus wanted me. I resisted, but at last got out …
July 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
God wants you to suffer willingly. Many rebel and fight against what God gives them; many more take their cross in a …
July 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Lord, give me grace and strength of character to tear myself away promptly from what, if not bad, is less good, and …
July 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Tomorrow evening I will discuss the role of the rosary in the life of Fr Doyle on Radio Maria Ireland at 7.05pm …
July 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have often wondered what Jesus meant by the ‘work’, but I could never bring myself to ask you what you thought …
July 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Maria Goretti As a boy He gave me something of the kind, so that a passing glance at an immodest …
July 6, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
This morning at Mass, our Blessed Lord gave me grace to see what a fool I am to let my …
July 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today is the memorial of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Amongst other things, Blessed Pier Giorgio was renowned, as a very …
July 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Have you ever reflected on the power of an act of the love of God, when inspired by grace and made with …
July 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The conviction has been growing that nocturnal adoration will be established only if I spend much time myself before the Blessed Sacrament …
July 2, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
As a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small …
July 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Devotion to the Sacred Heart cannot exist without self-denial; the flames and thorns around that Heart, the cross that crowns …
June 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Peter, the favoured one, denies his Master and turns his back on Him who loved him so; and Peter’s heart is …
June 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The misery of the past few days has proved to me that I can be happy only by doing what Jesus wants, …
June 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Josemaria Escriva Today is the feast of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Instead of a message from Fr …
June 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Do nothing without consulting Him in the Tabernacle. But then act fearlessly, if you see it is for His honour and glory, …
June 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the birth of St John the Baptist. The Church only celebrates the birth …
June 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Try to grasp the fact – a very hard thing to do – that in the spiritual life ‘feelings’ count for nothing, …
June 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Thomas More “No evil shall come upon you”, (Jerem. 23. 17). It is a consoling thought that God watches over …
June 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ Jesus told me today that the work of regeneration and sanctification is to be done by leading souls …
June 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Sunday and Monday last were days of wonderful grace for me, as if the Hunter of souls had run His quarry down …
June 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You need not fear whatever He may send you to bear, since His grace will come with it; but you …
June 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read …
June 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I feel also a great longing to love Jesus very, very much, to draw very close to His Sacred Heart, and to …
June 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I felt the presence of Jesus very near to me while praying in the chapel at Ramsgrange. He seemed to want me …
June 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would often wish …
June 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I feel that I could go through fire and water to serve such a man as Napoleon, that no sacrifice …
June 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Slept on the floor. No relief in small sufferings. Put on chain in bad humour. Violent temptations to eat cake and resisted …
June 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The Moment of Benediction. The priest turns and raises aloft the Sacred Host. In loving adoration, in reverent awe, the invisible angels …
June 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote about the following episode in a letter written on this day in 1917. The event happened at some point …
June 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“Most loving Jesus, kneeling before You in the Blessed Sacrament, I solemnly consecrate myself to Your Sacred Heart by vow. …
June 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Lord, You know I love you less than any other, but I long and desire to love You more than all the rest. Take …
June 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
It is such a helpless feeling to be tossed about as it were on the waves of love, to feel the ardent, …
June 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
This blog was launched 11 years ago today. How quickly time goes! At the time, I wasn’t sure how it would develop …
June 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Venerable Matt Talbot I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. …
June 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Today we continue with Fr Doyle’s narrative on the battle for Messines Ridge with the events that occurred on June 7 1917. …
June 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Real devotion to the Blessed Sacrament is only to be gained by hard, grinding work of dry adoration before the …
June 6, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have not told them at home, and do not want them to know but we have had a terrible time for …
June 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I had not the heart to wake up the poor nuns, and after all when one is fast asleep, is not a …
June 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I think it is evident that, in these days of awful sin and hatred of God, our Blessed Lord wants …
June 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Jesus is the most loving of lovable friends there never was a friend like Him before, there never can be …
June 2, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I assert fearlessly that if only we all prayed enough – and I mean by that a constant, steady unflagging stream of …
June 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
To Mary’s feet in heaven today the angels come in never-ending stream to lay before her the offerings of her …
May 31, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We must be intellectually pious, that is, our piety should rest on the bedrock of principle, and not on mood, on sentiment, …
May 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his father on 29 May 1917 – 104 years ago today. In this letter …
May 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You can test your love infallibly and find out how much you have by asking yourself this question: What am I willing …
May 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“One thing is wanting to thee” (Luke 18:22). How many souls there are upon whom Jesus looks would love, souls who are …
May 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our …
May 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Jesus is looking at me as once he did upon blind Bartimaemus: “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” Lord, that …
May 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
One German prisoner, badly wounded in the leg, was brought in. He knew only a few words of English, but spoke French …
May 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than …
May 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The enemy for once did me a good turn. I had arranged to hear the men’s Confessions, shortly before he opened fire …
May 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You will be sorry to hear that I have lost the good nuns and my little Chapel. I call it ‘mine’ as it …
May 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, etc.? I know how violent they can be, …
May 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows sharper with use. COMMENT: How correct Fr Doyle’s assessment is! The more …
May 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
On 20 May 1521 a cannon ball struck the leg of Inigo López de Oñaz y Loyola while he was …
May 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …
May 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
If there is any certain mark of the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost in the soul, if there is any visible …
May 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Do we realise the infinite possibilities of grace which lie hidden in the Tabernacle? Jesus only awaits our coming: and …
May 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Simon Stock Are you weary of the fight already and willing to give in to the enemy? Never mind, come back, …
May 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I feel ashamed at times that I do not profit more by His nearness, but I know that he makes …
May 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
You would throw up your hands in horror were you to see my room at the present moment. It is a scene …
May 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The first ever novena was in the Upper Room, between the moment when Jesus ascended into Heaven and when the …
May 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of …
May 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I find the temptation growing stronger every day to leave aside all work that is not absolutely necessary and to spend the …
May 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I think our Lord wants your whole day to be one continued act of love and union with Him in your heart, …
May 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Damien of Molokai O eternal Lord . . . provided it be for Thy greater service and praise . . …
May 10, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We love our life, cling to it, hug it, study how to prolong it, rebel if God thinks fit to shorten its …
May 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed John Sullivan Today is the feast of Blessed John Sullivan, a contemporary of Fr Doyle. Blessed John had a different personality …
May 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My way is sure. I think I can say now without a shade of doubt or hesitation that the path …
May 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The past few weeks have been weeks of extraordinary grace and light and strength. I see clearly what He wants from me …
May 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Sometimes God seems to leave me to my weakness and I tremble with fear. At other times I have so much trust …
May 6, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Blessed Edmund Rice Having completed his course of philosophy, Willie returned to Clongowes in 1901 for another period of prefecting. Here he …
May 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The more this generous spirit springs up in your heart, the nearer and dearer will you be to Jesus. Love for Love. …
May 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
At the community Mass this morning I again felt an overpowering desire to become a saint. It came suddenly, filling my soul …
May 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
As you know I am very anxious to see these retreats started in Ireland, for I believe they would do …
May 1, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Pius V – the Pope of the Rosary I said my rosary with arms extended. At the third mystery the …
April 30, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel …
April 29, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
We continue today with an excerpt from the original letter detailing some of the work Fr Doyle had to undertake …
April 28, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle sent the letter below to his father one year after the gas attack of April 1916 (see yesterday’s …
April 27, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Fr Doyle had many incredibly close shaves with death during the almost 2 years he spent as a military chaplain. …
April 26, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I do not know if I have told you of a scheme which I have in my mind to help poor boys …
April 25, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Fidelis of Sigmaringen I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and …
April 24, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
My church was a bit of a trench, the altar a pile of sandbags. Though we had to stand deep in mud, …
April 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
God sometimes seems to ask the impossible, a sorrow, a cross. Oh! it would crush me! How can this be? How? Lord, …
April 23, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
A mother puts her little child on its feet, but the child itself must do something, must make an effort if it …
April 22, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
This morning I lay awake powerless to over come myself and to make my promised visit to the chapel. Then I felt …
April 21, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“They forgot God who saved them” (Psalm 105, 21). To how many may not these words be applied today! How many there …
April 20, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Maximilian Kolbe in the concentration camp starvation bunker If I were put in a dungeon, like the martyrs, with nothing to …
April 19, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Sanctity is so precious, it is worth paying any price for it. God sanctified souls in many ways, the path of daily …
April 18, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Bernadette Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, …
April 17, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Sr Clare Crockett Sr Clare Crockett, a religious of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother, died on this day …
April 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
It was a memorable six days for us all, living day and night literally face to face with death at any moment. …
April 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I have just returned from a mission. Before going I made up my mind to give up for the week my mortifications …
April 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Benedict Joseph Labre Second pilgrimage to Amettes from Locre. During the journey I felt our Lord wanted to give me some …
April 16, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
What more insignificant than the ordinary daily duties of religious life! Each succeeding hour brings with it some allotted task, yet in …
April 15, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
All my life my study has been to avoid suffering as much as possible, to make my life a comfortable …
April 14, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
How sweet it is when our day is ended to find the body tired, the head heavy and jaded with work done …
April 13, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Prayers are requested through the intercession of Fr Doyle for a 14 year old girl from Australia called Kateri who is …
April 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Kneeling on the altar steps Jesus told me to devote one day of each week to the work of sanctification and reparation …
April 12, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
St Gemma Galgani O my God, pour out in abundance Thy spirit of sacrifice upon Thy priests. It is both their glory …
April 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
“Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him.” (Psalm 106: 21). Jesus during His mortal life practised many …
April 11, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
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, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
If you are not yet strong enough to seek humiliations, just accept the little reverses that come. When you say or do …
April 9, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
I wish I could write to you at length about grace. It is a fascinating subject. You are quite right in calling …
April 8, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
Whenever there is a question of choice, ask yourself, “Which would please God most?”, then, “Which will come hardest to my nature?”. …
April 7, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
If my resurrection is to be a real one and is to produce fruit, it must be external, so that …
April 5, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
May every Easter blessing be yours, and may our crucified Jesus, Who has certainly drawn you to Him on the …
April 4, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny
The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently the faithful few bear the dead Christ …
April 3, 2021
Posted by Patrick Kenny