The Father Willie Doyle Association

Father Willie Doyle Association

Official site for the canonisation cause of the Servant of God Fr Willie Doyle SJ

Official site for the canonisation cause of the Servant of God Fr Willie Doyle SJ

Father Willie Doyle

Association

Rory O'Mara

Rory O'Mara

  The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was His thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations …

April 2, 2021

Pain and privation are only momentary, they quickly pass and become even delightfully sweet, if only borne in the spirit with which …

April 1, 2021

Fr Doyle entered on his career as Jesuit on this day 130 years ago. The following is as letter he wrote from …

March 31, 2021

We left Belgium  a glorious morning, dry under foot, with brilliant sunshine. The Brigade of four regiments made a gallant show, each …

March 31, 2021

I had rather an amusing experience the first night I spent in the trenches. On arriving here I found two officers in …

March 31, 2021
Fr Willie Doyle

On Spy Wednesday evening after Benediction, I told the men I wanted nine volunteers to watch an hour during the following night …

March 31, 2021

  I think He would like you to pay more attention to little things, looking on nothing as small, if connected …

March 31, 2021

  My denial of Jesus has been baser than that of Peter, for I have refused to listen to His voice …

March 30, 2021

  During His Passion our Lord was bound and dragged from place to place. I have hourly opportunities of imitating Him …

March 29, 2021

  In the Passion the light which overshadows all is the thought that our Lord, in spite of His infinite love …

March 28, 2021

The fourteenth station: Jesus is laid in the tomb   The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. …

March 27, 2021

The thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross Mary stands at the foot of the cross to receive in her …

March 26, 2021

  Do you not think that Jesus must have done very much for Mary during the nine months she bore Him …

March 25, 2021

The twelfth station: Jesus dies on the cross   Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all …

March 25, 2021

The Eleventh station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross   Upon His last resting place Jesus lays Himself down. No soft bed, …

March 24, 2021

The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments   At last He stands upon the hill of shame to pay the …

March 23, 2021

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time   The hill of Calvary is almost reached, the hour of the great sacrifice …

March 22, 2021

The Eighth Station: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem   The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful for their …

March 21, 2021

The Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time     Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of His awful …

March 20, 2021

  With great earnestness recommend to His mercy the poor souls who are in their agony. What a dreadful hour, an …

March 19, 2021

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus   As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious …

March 19, 2021

The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected …

March 18, 2021

St Patrick I beg of God whom I love to grant me that I may shed my blood with those strangers and …

March 17, 2021

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother   To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any …

March 17, 2021

The Third Station: Jesus falls the First time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His cross; bravely has He …

March 16, 2021

The Second Station: Jesus takes up His cross   Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces …

March 15, 2021

A few days ago we posted a request for prayers for a 3 day old baby boy who had been experiencing a …

March 14, 2021

We are now over half way through Lent. At this stage it is easy for our dedication to wane somewhat; the early …

March 14, 2021

  If I have resolved to nail myself to the cross, let me bear ever in mind that our Lord is …

March 13, 2021

St Francis Xavier Vince teipsum – conquer yourself. This is the secret of the Spiritual Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from …

March 12, 2021

Please say a prayer for a 3 day old Irish baby called William who has had some health difficulties in the days …

March 9, 2021

Passion of Christ, comfort me! Comfort me, for the day is long and weary; comfort me as I fight my way up …

March 6, 2021

On the way I noticed that heavy firing was going on ahead, but it was only when I reached a bend in …

March 5, 2021

I am suffering much in every way, most of all, perhaps, from sheer fatigue. As regards food and lodging I am not …

March 5, 2021

St John Vianney Press on bravely and don’t mind the scratches, even when they come from human nails! COMMENT: We must always …

March 4, 2021

Melrose in Dalkey, Dublin. Fr Doyle was born here 148 years ago today. Today is Fr Doyle’s birthday – he was born …

March 3, 2021

Sunset at Dalkey Island, a scene which would have been very familiar to Fr Doyle It is useful from time to time …

March 2, 2021

Surely, my child, you are not surprised to find that you have broken your resolution, or rather, that the devil has gained …

March 1, 2021

  I wish I could write to you at length about grace. It is a fascinating subject. You are quite right …

February 28, 2021

Blessed Marie de Jésus Deluil Martiny   Over and over again I asked myself, when reading that book, was it not strange …

February 27, 2021

He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust him, He so longs to be trusted. Be like a faithful dog …

February 26, 2021

A habit of ejaculatory prayer is a sign of nearness to God, for our own holiness will be in proportion to our …

February 25, 2021

How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …

February 24, 2021

When you commit a fault which humbles you and for which you are really sorry, it is a gain instead of a …

February 24, 2021

“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, 2021

As regards confession it would be much better to confine yourself to the accusation of, say, three faults, and turn the whole …

February 22, 2021

  A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast…Jesus urged me to …

February 21, 2021

I am convinced that generally we reach sanctity of life only through a long series of falls from which we get up. …

February 20, 2021

  As the moth is attracted to the light, is drawn ever nearer to the warmth and brightness, until at length …

February 19, 2021

Having set sail to the continent, Fr Doyle describes the crossing.  The moon was surrounded by magnificent halo or crown, which I …

February 18, 2021

I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, for …

February 18, 2021

Fr Doyle left his training camp and headed to the continent 105 years ago today. Here are his sentiments on this occasion, …

February 17, 2021

What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel austerities, …

February 17, 2021

We should call a man a fool who wasted his wealth warming himself before a fire made of banknotes. Do we act …

February 16, 2021

St Claude de la Colombiere   I have gone through a great deal of desolation, discouragement, fear and dread of my proposed …

February 15, 2021

We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling …

February 14, 2021

John McGuinness   Contrary to popular perception, there was an extraordinary flourishing of holiness in Ireland in the 19th and early 20th …

February 13, 2021

What I intended to imply was that I thought God had special designs on your soul and very great graces in store …

February 13, 2021

The effect of fervour may be likened to that of fire on water. When cold, water is motionless and chills all that …

February 12, 2021

  Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, …

February 11, 2021

You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were …

February 10, 2021

Christian abnegation is not composed merely of renunciation: it leads to something tangible and definite. We abandon what is false to cling …

February 9, 2021

This is my vocation: reparation and penance for the sins of priests; hence the constant urging of our Lord to generosity. COMMENT: …

February 8, 2021

  Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put …

February 8, 2021

Blessed Pius IX Then in addition there is the great privilege and joy of carrying our dear Lord next my heart day …

February 7, 2021

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, 2021

To-day while praying in the Chapel, suddenly it seemed to me as if I were standing before a narrow path all …

February 5, 2021

St Agatha I was meditating on my desire to die a martyr’s death for Jesus, and then asked myself if I was …

February 5, 2021

Reading today of how Luisa de Carvajal made herself the slave of her two maids, the old desire for this kind of …

February 4, 2021

I am glad you wrote to me for I, at least, can understand exactly what you are suffering; it is really a …

February 4, 2021

St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church It seems to me that the best and most practical resolution I can make …

February 3, 2021

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, 2021

Ellen Organ – Little Nellie of Holy God Kneeling there I asked her what God wanted from me, when I heard an …

February 2, 2021

Constant urging of Jesus to do “hard things” for him, things which cost. I shrink from sacrifice, but I know well He …

February 1, 2021

  I would like you to note down in a little book the following things. Every day read each item over …

February 1, 2021

St John Bosco One month of the new year has passed away, leaving behind it the memory of what has been done …

January 31, 2021

A kind word goes far. I stopped to say a few words to a group of men at a street corner in …

January 30, 2021

Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …

January 29, 2021

I have recently been made aware of an excellent recent homily featuring Fr Doyle that was delivered in Baltimore Basilica by the …

January 28, 2021

St Thomas Aquinas As to any practice of piety there is a double danger: recommending it as infallible, or condemning it as …

January 28, 2021

Bishop Pádraig O’Donoghue RIP Bishop Pádraig O’Donoghue was born in County Cork in 1934 and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese …

January 27, 2021

Last night I rose at 1am and went down to the church, renewing before the crucifix my desire and promise absolutely to …

January 27, 2021

  Each look of love to the Tabernacle causes a beat of grace-laden love in the Sacred Heart. COMMENT: The Lord …

January 27, 2021

  The mere saving of their souls should be the last thought of religious who have vowed their lives for God’s …

January 26, 2021

Jesus wants me to work with might and main to acquire the ‘interior union’ so that not for one moment would I …

January 25, 2021

The Conversion of St Paul by Caravaggio   Every grace we get enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will. When the understanding …

January 25, 2021

St Francis de Sales There is nothing better than the practice of aspirations, steadily growing in number. Keep a little book and …

January 24, 2021

  I should examine all my actions, taking Jesus as my model and example. What a vast difference between my prayer …

January 23, 2021

Last night I rose at twelve and knelt in the cellar for an hour to suffer from the cold. It was a …

January 22, 2021

My dear loving Jesus, what do you want from me? You never seem to leave me alone – thank you ever so …

January 22, 2021

Life is too short for a truce. COMMENT: How typical is this pithy statement from Fr Doyle! We are here for a …

January 22, 2021

St Agnes Even as a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite …

January 21, 2021

Blessed Angelo Paoli   For the poor people on Dalkey Hill Willie constituted himself into a Conference of St. Vincent de Paul. …

January 20, 2021

I felt Jesus asking me to make a long visit and wishing to speak to me. His message was: To note down …

January 18, 2021

Our Lord wants me to give Him all I can give cheerfully, not repining or regretting any sacrifice; not saying, ‘I wish …

January 17, 2021

The temptation of St Anthony the Abbot   Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, …

January 17, 2021

‘Pork & Beans’ is quite a standing joke, though not a pleasant one, at the Front. A committee of food experts, having …

January 16, 2021

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano Jesus knows I have only one wish in this world: to love Him and Him alone. For the …

January 16, 2021

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, 2021

I want you to know what I went through by volunteering for the Front. God made me feel with absolute certainty – …

January 14, 2021

Worries? Of course; and thank God. How else are you going to be a saint? “When thou comest to the service of …

January 14, 2021

104 years ago tonight Fr Doyle was awoken to absolve some dying soldiers. This is his description of the event, sent home …

January 13, 2021

Each morning at Holy Communion invite Jesus, with all the love and fervour you can, to enter into your heart and dwell …

January 12, 2021

Live for the day, but let it be a generous day. Have you ever tried giving God one day in which you …

January 11, 2021

Fr Paul Ginhac SJ Today is the anniversary of the death of the Servant of God Fr Paul Ginhac SJ who died …

January 10, 2021

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, 2021

How grand it is to be tired in working for Jesus! To lay our head on the pillow at night worn out …

January 9, 2021

Our airmen, very justly, have earned a big reputation for their skill and daring, but the ‘Allyman’ can still give them …

January 8, 2021

Blessed Eurosia Fabris Barban   It is a mother whose gentle care was ever round you, whose arms were open wide that …

January 8, 2021

  It seems to me I have failed to keep my resolutions because I have not acted from the motive of …

January 7, 2021

  I contrast the obedience of St. Joseph with my obedience. His so prompt, unquestioning, uncomplaining, perfect; mine given so grudgingly; …

January 6, 2021

During Exposition Jesus asked me if I would give up taking second course at dinner. This would be a very great sacrifice; …

January 5, 2021

St Charles of Mount Argus Today is the feast of St Charles of Mount Argus, a Dutch Passionist priest who spent about 30 …

January 5, 2021

I did not get my work finished till rather late tonight and as I had to turn out again shortly it was …

January 4, 2021

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, 2021

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, 2021

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, 2021

  I can imagine I am a soul in Hell, and God in His mercy is saying to me, “Return to …

January 2, 2021

Feast of Mary, Mother of God A New Year! What visions of almost boundless good, hidden in the fair bosom of the …

January 1, 2021

  “All our days are spent.” (Psalm 89. 9). The hour will come for each of us when we shall echo …

December 31, 2020

Every little victory in the matter of food is a real triumph, for this is a real test of generosity. You …

December 30, 2020

  Jesus, you know my longing to become a saint. You know how much I thirst to die a martyr. Help …

December 29, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: I have celebrated Mass in some strange places and …

December 28, 2020

  Try to get down low and follow out what He Himself taught: “Unless you become as little children.” This will …

December 27, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

  What impressed me most in the meditation on the Nativity was the thought that Jesus could have been born in …

December 25, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

My genius of an orderly fried meat and pudding together and, with a smile of triumph on his face, brought both on …

December 22, 2020

I had just finished breakfast when I heard Miss Krupp come singing overhead with that peculiar note which warns of her proximity. …

December 21, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on 21 December 1913, 107 years ago today. It relates to a recent trip …

December 21, 2020

21 December: A day I always like because the turning point of the year and from this on the evenings will be …

December 21, 2020

During the last three nights of the retreat I slept on the floor without feeling any inconvenience after, though I woke very …

December 20, 2020

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, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his sister from the trenches on 19th December 1916, 104 years ago today. It gives …

December 19, 2020

“I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 85. 7). Jesus is our comforter. What burden is there …

December 18, 2020

A want of will is the chief obstacle to our becoming saints. We are not holy because we do not really wish …

December 17, 2020

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, 2020

I cannot say i am quite in love with camp life, which in many respects is quite repellent. But even in these …

December 15, 2020

On this day in 1917, Major General Hickie paid another tribute to Fr Doyle. Writing to his father, Hugh Doyle, General Hickie …

December 15, 2020

God has many gifts to bestow upon us, but none more precious than time. Yet how we abuse this royal gift! How …

December 15, 2020

St John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church Surely you are not right in trying to keep our Lord away from …

December 14, 2020

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, 2020

St Lucy It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life. COMMENT: …

December 13, 2020

I am sorry to see you suffer and yet glad that the cross is your portion. If I had at this …

December 12, 2020

St Maravillas of Jesus I want to be generous with God and to refuse Him nothing. I do not want to say, …

December 11, 2020

Let us love silence and recollection. When we are at home with silence we are at home with God. Silence seems impossible …

December 10, 2020

He has been tugging at my heart for so many years, urging me in so many ways to give myself wholly to …

December 9, 2020

I believe that Our Lord is asking for victims who are willing to suffer much in reparation for sins, especially those of …

December 8, 2020

  God delights to honour His saints by bestowing upon them special graces which mark them off from the rest of …

December 8, 2020

I believe strongly in corporal penance as a means to the end. But a denial of your own will often costs more …

December 7, 2020

St Nicholas of Myra I want you to make a greater effort to see the hand of God in everything that happens, …

December 6, 2020

You must trust entirely in our Lord. He alone can help you. Give God His time. Be generous with Him and He …

December 5, 2020

  What must have been Mary’s thoughts when first she felt the infant child within her womb, and realised that from …

December 4, 2020

Towards the end of the retreat a light came to me that, now that I have given Jesus all the sacrifices I …

December 3, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

Will it be any help to you to learn that I know many who suffer as you do? Hence I can perfectly …

November 30, 2020

The saints had ever a childlike confidence and trust in God. Upon Him they cast all their anxieties and cares, under His …

November 29, 2020

It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life and even …

November 28, 2020

Try to take your days one by one as they come to you. The hard things of yesterday are past, and you …

November 27, 2020

St John Berchmans The chief thing God wants from me at present is an extraordinary and exquisite perfection in every little thing …

November 26, 2020

St Francis Xavier Vince teipsum (Conquer yourself). This is the secret of the Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my master …

November 26, 2020

Christmas is only one month away. If you haven’t yet bought Christmas presents, why not consider giving someone a gift relating to …

November 25, 2020

The life of Jesus was a continual prayer. Even during His public life He began, continued and ended everything He did …

November 25, 2020

Even as a child I longed and prayed to be a saint. But somehow it always seemed to me as if that …

November 24, 2020

Do not try to run till you can walk well. Draw up a list of certain little sacrifices which you feel God …

November 23, 2020

I felt strongly urged to rise and make the Holy Hour every night. In the past twelve months I have gone down to …

November 22, 2020

  I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and God has …

November 22, 2020

Remember the devil is a bad spiritual director, and you may always recognise his apparently good suggestions by the disturbances they cause …

November 21, 2020

“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, 2020

Sir William Bernard Hickie was Major General of the 16th Irish Division and knew Fr Doyle extremely well. He wrote the following …

November 18, 2020

Fr Doyle struggled to give up butter on his bread at breakfast Your desire for penance is an excellent sign…But have a …

November 18, 2020

  Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact …

November 17, 2020

Holiness and perfection depend on yourself, not on the actions of others. COMMENT: How easy it is for us to blame others, …

November 16, 2020

Soldiers from the 16th Irish Division. Fr Doyle was appointed chaplain 105 years ago today   Received my appointment from the War …

November 15, 2020

  You certainly put your finger on the weak spot in most priestly lives – the want of prayer. The connection …

November 14, 2020

At the close of the retreat my soul is full of many emotions. God has been more than good to me, has …

November 13, 2020

  Lord, You know I love You less than any others, but I long and desire to love You more than …

November 12, 2020

102 years ago today the First World War came to an end. It was a dreadful war fuelled by stubbornness and …

November 11, 2020

From the Tabernacle Jesus seems to say, “Stay with Me for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent”. …

November 11, 2020

My offering myself as a war chaplain to the Provincial has had a wonderful effect on me. I long to go and …

November 10, 2020

  The reason I find it so hard to love God, why I have so little affection for Him, is because …

November 10, 2020

Our Lord is displeased only when He sees no attempt made to get rid of imperfections which, when deliberate, clog the soul …

November 9, 2020

The Fruit of the Third Week The thought that Jesus has suffered so much for me to atone for my sins and …

November 8, 2020

My God, I promise You, kneeling before the image of Your Sacred Heart, that I will do my best to lead a …

November 7, 2020

The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was his thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations He …

November 6, 2020

Today, the Feast of all the Saints of the Society, while praying in the Chapel at Donnybrook (Poor Clares), our Lord seemed …

November 5, 2020

During all these long years Jesus has been standing bound at the pillar, while I have cruelly scourged Him by my …

November 5, 2020

All my life my study has been to avoid suffering as much as possible, to make my life a comfortable one How …

November 4, 2020

I was greatly struck and helped yesterday by these words of the Imitation (of Christ): My child: let me do with you …

November 3, 2020

  From their cleansing prison of fire the holy souls cry to us for help. With joy indeed they bear the …

November 2, 2020

  To-day the…Feast of All Saints, I made my election about offering myself for the Congo Mission. During the retreat I …

November 1, 2020

St Alphonsus Rodriguez St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is a striking example of one who, though in a lowly station in life, devoid of …

October 31, 2020

Blessed Dominic Collins   Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain …

October 30, 2020

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, 2020

  A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read …

October 28, 2020

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, 2020

I am slowly learning the lesson Jesus brought me out here to teach me. The first and greatest is that I must …

October 26, 2020

What account shall I give of this resolution when I stand before my God for judgement? PRACTICE OF THE THIRD DEGREE. I. …

October 26, 2020

  Following straight on the heels of the meditations on the Two Standards and the Three Classes of Men, we will …

October 25, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on October 25 1916. It refers to the previous night, in other words, this …

October 24, 2020

We come now to one of the other great moments of the Spiritual Exercises – the Meditation on the Three Classes of …

October 24, 2020

We come today to the famous meditation on the Two Standards. This is one of the high points of the Spiritual Exercises. …

October 23, 2020

My God, this morning I was in despair. After some days of relaxation owing partly to sickness, I resolved to begin my …

October 22, 2020

St John Paul II When it was not some infirmity or other than caused him to experience pain, it was he himself …

October 22, 2020

St Joseph the Worker   Fr Doyle wrote the following notes on the “hidden life” of Jesus as a young boy and …

October 22, 2020

As part of the Second week, St Ignatius recommends a meditation on the early life of Christ. Here are his points …

October 21, 2020

Feeling very unwell for the past few days, I gave way to self indulgence in food and sleep. Jesus has made it …

October 20, 2020

  As part of the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, retreatants meditate on the early life of Christ. One of …

October 20, 2020

We have a new prayer request, this time for a 12 year old boy in Canada called Liam (the Irish for William). …

October 19, 2020

We have been asked to seek the intercession of Fr Willie Doyle for a little five-year old Irish girl, Sarah B, who …

October 19, 2020

St Paul of the Cross   Today is the feast of St Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist order. …

October 19, 2020

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, 2020

The Fruit of the First Week: I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, …

October 18, 2020

One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would often …

October 17, 2020

St Margaret Mary Alacoque Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give …

October 16, 2020

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, 2020

St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church The life of St. Teresa teaches us that we should never despair of becoming …

October 15, 2020

From the Capuchin Crypt in Rome   From the Capuchin Crypt in Rome   Death is the end of all things here, …

October 14, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: Lately the desire to be trampled on and become …

October 13, 2020

  We continue with the meditations of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises, and in particular with the meditation on …

October 13, 2020

  Today we consider one of the first exercises from the first week – the meditation on sin. The first week …

October 12, 2020

St John XXIII Today is the feast of St John XXIII. Just as many young Catholic have a great devotion to St …

October 11, 2020

St Ignatius Loyola Fr Doyle began his “Long retreat” – 30 days of the Spiritual Exercises – at this time in …

October 11, 2020

Pray for all, but especially for sinners, and in particular for those whose sins are most painful to His Sacred Heart. …

October 9, 2020

Solid virtue is so called because it is formed by amassing together a facility in repeated acts. Hence the practice of …

October 8, 2020

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, 2020

“Behold I stand at the gate and knock” (Rev. 3. 20) Jesus stands at the door of my heart, patiently, uncomplainingly. …

October 6, 2020

Do I ever say, when an occasion of denying myself comes, “It’s too hard, I am no saint?” Might it not …

October 5, 2020

Saint Francis in Meditation In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, …

October 4, 2020

I cannot deny that I love Jesus, love Him passionately, love Him with every fibre of my heart. He knows it, …

October 3, 2020

  He hath given His angels charge over us, to guide us, to guard and shelter us from dangers, to lead …

October 2, 2020

St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church   Kneeling at the grave of the Little Flower I gave myself into her …

October 1, 2020

St Jerome in the wilderness   Don’t dwell on what you have not done, for I think that want of confidence in …

September 30, 2020

St Michael the Archangel   Today is the feast of St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael, the archangels. This feast was …

September 29, 2020

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, 2020

St Vincent de Paul   For fifteen years has Jesus been waiting for me to return to Him, to return to the …

September 27, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote the following very private notes in his diary on 27 September 1915 about his prayer the previous night: Last …

September 26, 2020

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, 2020

I have noticed that every time I have indulged myself, my appetite especially, for no matter what reason, I have always had …

September 25, 2020

You may make the most complete and absolute offering of yourself to God to bear every pain He may wish to send. …

September 24, 2020

Life in the army I find is a life of delightful and unexpected surprises. You are told that you are going to …

September 23, 2020

St Pio of Pietrelcina   It is indeed easy to condemn oneself to death, to make a generous offering of self-immolation; but …

September 23, 2020

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, 2020

The Call of St Matthew by Caravaggio   We must love God with our whole heart. Can He be loved otherwise? Is …

September 21, 2020

Try and remember that sanctification means daily, hourly, hard work, and this unflinchingly, when weariness comes. COMMENT: Fr Doyle engaged in this …

September 19, 2020

A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast. The thought of a breakfast …

September 18, 2020

Without constant union with our Lord there cannot be any real holiness, one reason being that without recollection the inspirations of the …

September 18, 2020

Our Blessed Lord loves me, with all my faults and failings, and has marked me out for the special graces which will …

September 16, 2020

  To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may …

September 15, 2020

Having again indulged my appetite, I made this resolution, that whenever I do so, no matter for what reason (health, feasts etc) …

September 14, 2020

Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, the butt for vile jests, a common …

September 14, 2020

Lieutenant Colonel H. R. Stirke, who commanded the 8th Dublins, had the following praise for Fr Doyle in a note that he …

September 13, 2020

I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, that He has a strict right …

September 13, 2020

My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …

September 11, 2020

It seems to me the best and most practical resolution I can make in this retreat is to determine to perform each …

September 10, 2020

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, 2020

This is one of my favourite scenes from all of Fr Doyle’s writings – 104 years ago today. By cutting a piece …

September 9, 2020

St Peter Claver SJ   St. Peter Claver was one of those generous heroic souls whom God sends upon this earth to …

September 9, 2020

St Ignatius To be indifferent does not mean to desire things which are hard to nature, but a readiness and determination to …

September 7, 2020

How little I think of committing venial sin, and how soon I forget I have done so! Yet God hates nothing more …

September 6, 2020

Saint Teresa of Calcutta   Today is the feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most famous and popular Catholics …

September 5, 2020

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, 2020

Today we continue the narrative and consider the events of September 4, 1916. Next morning there was a short march over the …

September 4, 2020

  The above image was published in an Irish newspaper at the end of 1916. The priest is unidentified, but we …

September 3, 2020

You must absolutely drive away all despondency or useless pining or regrets about the past. It does not please God and it …

September 2, 2020

The following praise for Fr Doyle appeared in the Glasgow Weekly News on this day in 1917. It was written by a …

September 1, 2020

St Teresa Margaret Redi Reasons why our Communions and Masses do not make us Saints. 1. Want of preparation, through sloth, carelessness, …

September 1, 2020

By entering religion and taking my vows I have given myself over absolutely to God and His service. He, therefore, has a …

August 31, 2020

Why are we not saints? Want of courage and want of patience. We give up, we have not the strength of will …

August 30, 2020

The beheading of St John the Baptist   There is one thing we need never be afraid of, namely, that the devil …

August 29, 2020

St Augustine   How many wish to belong entirely to Jesus without reserve or restriction? Most want to serve two masters, to …

August 28, 2020

Don’t be stingy in giving praise, particularly with the young. If in a community there is some sister not as edifying …

August 27, 2020

I am truly glad you are looking to the perfection of your daily actions; it is the simplest, yet perhaps hardest, way …

August 25, 2020

All these trials, snubs, unpleasantnesses, etc., do not come to you by chance, they are precious jewels from the hand of God, …

August 24, 2020

Look upon the grace God gives you as a talent you must work with and increase. The Master in the Gospel gave …

August 23, 2020

The following was written about Fr Doyle by Sir Percival Phillips, the famous war correspondent, and appeared in the Daily Express on …

August 22, 2020

During his time away from the trenches Fr Doyle often stayed in a convent in Locre. If my memory serves me correctly, …

August 21, 2020

St Pius X There are two patron saints to whom I have a tremendous devotion: a sheet of paper and a lead pencil. …

August 21, 2020

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, 2020

How many deceive themselves in thinking sanctity consists in the holy follies of the saints! How many look upon holiness as something …

August 20, 2020

St John Eudes   Two wings by which we can fly to God and become saints: the habit of little tiny acts of …

August 19, 2020

St Alberto Hurtado Today is the feast of St Alberto Hurtado, a Jesuit saint from Chile. He was canonised by Pope Benedict …

August 18, 2020

Instead of a quote from Fr Doyle, today we present, courtesy of the Irish Messenger, a scanned copy of a booklet published …

August 17, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

  The feast of the Assumption was an important date for Fr Doyle. He made his religious vows on this day …

August 15, 2020

Fr Doyle’s 103rd anniversary is in two days time – August 16. It is an excellent time to tell people about his …

August 14, 2020

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of temperance. 1809 Temperance is the moral virtue …

August 14, 2020

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, 2020

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of fortitude. 1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue …

August 13, 2020

While praying for light to know what God wants from me in the matter of mortifying my appetite, a voice seemed to …

August 13, 2020

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of justice. 1807 Justice is the moral virtue …

August 12, 2020

We will return to our discussion on the last days of the life of Fr Doyle in a few days time when …

August 12, 2020

Today we will consider the virtue of prudence in the life of Fr Doyle. We will take a bit more care in …

August 11, 2020

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, 2020

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of charity: 1822 Charity is the theological virtue …

August 10, 2020

Fr Doyle, like all of us, had to struggle against his defects. We see an especially vivid example of his struggle in …

August 10, 2020

Ecce Home: Behold the Man   We return today to Fr Doyle’s narrative, and get some glimpse of the horror of war, …

August 10, 2020

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Co-Patroness of Europe   Fr Doyle does not have a specific record for the events of …

August 9, 2020

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of hope: 1817 Hope is the theological virtue …

August 9, 2020

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, 2020

Continuing our narrative today, it is hard not to be struck by the extraordinary good humour of Fr Doyle. The “cathedral” to …

August 8, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

St John Vianney Today is the feast of St John Vianney. Fr Doyle had a great devotion to him and visited Ars …

August 4, 2020

Four Dangers to be Feared after a Retreat: 1 . Dissipation: There, it is over; amuse yourself. 2. Toning Down: Too much, …

August 3, 2020

We have no more reports from Fr Doyle until August 5th, and we shall take up his narrative once again on that …

August 2, 2020

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, 2020

My poor orderly has nearly emptied the well, of course leaving the six dead Germans behind, in his efforts to make enough …

July 31, 2020

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, 2020

I long to get back to my little room at night, to calm and quiet, and yet I dread it, for He …

July 30, 2020

Fr Doyle describes the events of July 30, 1917: For the past week we have been moving steadily up to the Front …

July 30, 2020

On August 12 1917 Fr Doyle sent his last “budget” home to his father. It was a long account of his involvement …

July 29, 2020

28 July 1907, Miltown Park, Dublin. Fr Doyle is marked with an X.   My loving Jesus, on this the morning of …

July 28, 2020

Blessed Titus Brandsma   I assure you that you have my entire sympathy as well as my prayers in the trial you …

July 27, 2020

During a visit our Lord seemed to urge me not to wait till the end of the war, but to begin my …

July 26, 2020

In today’s FIFTH post (I think this is a record!) Fr Doyle recounts a touching scene in which a soldier shows him …

July 25, 2020

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, 2020

In this excerpt from a long letter written 103 years ago today to his father, Fr Doyle writes about his publications on …

July 25, 2020

The President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, in an address made on this day in 1923, had the following praise for Fr …

July 25, 2020

St James   You ask how to pray well. The answer is, Pray often, in season and out of season, against yourself, …

July 25, 2020

Do not give up prayer on any account, no matter how dry or rotten you feel; every moment, especially before Him in …

July 24, 2020

I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, my dear child, …

July 23, 2020

  Jesus allowed her to wash His feet but knew well what those eyes had looked on. He allowed her lips …

July 22, 2020

Sat Lawrence of Brindisi in battle   “I will give thee hidden treasures.” Isaiah 45. 3. Jesus has treasures which He hides …

July 21, 2020

Fr Doyle had a tremendous joy and cheerfulness that easily communicated itself to others. He also retained this sense of fun despite …

July 20, 2020

Believe me, I feel intensely for you, my child, for I know what you have suffered in the past and how violent …

July 19, 2020

I gave way today to indulgence, with the usual result. Jesus seemed to reproach me bitterly, reminding me that He seeks a …

July 18, 2020

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, 2020

I have come back from the missions with feelings of joy and gratitude, for these last three missions have been blessed in …

July 16, 2020

Fr Doyle in the pulpit during his last homily, July 1917   Fr Doyle gave his last homily 102 years ago today. …

July 15, 2020

St Camillus de Lellis   The object of my life to be close union with and intense love of God. To acquire …

July 14, 2020

I see more and more each day how different the world would be if we had more really holy priests. With this …

July 13, 2020

“Another day is gone!” This is a summer sunset in Dun Laoghaire, very close to where Fr Doyle grew up.   The …

July 13, 2020

A nun in South Africa wrote the following letter on this day (July 12) in 1922, alleging a favour through Fr Doyle’s …

July 12, 2020

But remember the devil will spoil the work if he can and by every means in his power turn you from your …

July 12, 2020

St Benedict   Avoid haste and want of control of bodily movements. The interior man, no matter how burdened with work or …

July 11, 2020

I awoke in the middle of the night with the feeling that Jesus wanted me. I resisted, but at last got out …

July 11, 2020

God wants you to suffer willingly. Many rebel and fight against what God gives them; many more take their cross in a …

July 9, 2020

Lord, give me grace and strength of character to tear myself away promptly from what, if not bad, is less good, and …

July 8, 2020

I have often wondered what Jesus meant by the ‘work’, but I could never bring myself to ask you what you thought …

July 7, 2020

St Maria Goretti   As a boy He gave me something of the kind, so that a passing glance at an immodest …

July 6, 2020

This morning at Mass, our Blessed Lord gave me grace to see what a fool I am to let my life …

July 5, 2020

  Today is the memorial of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Amongst other things, Blessed Pier Giorgio was renowned, as a very …

July 4, 2020

Have you ever reflected on the power of an act of the love of God, when inspired by grace and made with …

July 3, 2020

The conviction has been growing that nocturnal adoration will be established only if I spend much time myself before the Blessed Sacrament …

July 2, 2020

  As a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small …

July 1, 2020

  Devotion to the Sacred Heart cannot exist without self-denial; the flames and thorns around that Heart, the cross that crowns …

June 30, 2020

    Peter, the favoured one, denies his Master and turns his back on Him who loved him so; and Peter’s …

June 29, 2020

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, 2020

The misery of the past few days has proved to me that I can be happy only by doing what Jesus wants, …

June 27, 2020

St Josemaria Escriva   Today is the feast of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Instead of a message from …

June 26, 2020

Do nothing without consulting Him in the Tabernacle. But then act fearlessly, if you see it is for His honour and glory, …

June 25, 2020

  Today the Church celebrates the feast of the birth of St John the Baptist. The Church only celebrates the birth …

June 24, 2020

Try to grasp the fact – a very hard thing to do – that in the spiritual life ‘feelings’ count for nothing, …

June 23, 2020

St Thomas More   “No evil shall come upon you”, (Jerem. 23. 17). It is a consoling thought that God watches over …

June 22, 2020

St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ Jesus told me today that the work of regeneration and sanctification is to be done by leading souls …

June 21, 2020

Sunday and Monday last were days of wonderful grace for me, as if the Hunter of souls had run His quarry down …

June 20, 2020

  “Most loving Jesus, kneeling before You in the Blessed Sacrament, I solemnly consecrate myself to Your Sacred Heart by vow. …

June 19, 2020

I feel also a great longing to love Jesus very, very much, to draw very close to His Sacred Heart, and to …

June 17, 2020

I felt the presence of Jesus very near to me while praying in the chapel at Ramsgrange. He seemed to want me …

June 16, 2020

One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would often wish …

June 15, 2020

  I feel that I could go through fire and water to serve such a man as Napoleon, that no sacrifice …

June 14, 2020

Slept on the floor. No relief in small sufferings. Put on chain in bad humour. Violent temptations to eat cake and resisted …

June 13, 2020

The Moment of Benediction. The priest turns and raises aloft the Sacred Host. In loving adoration, in reverent awe, the invisible angels …

June 13, 2020

Fr Doyle wrote about the following episode in a letter written on this day in 1917. The event happened at some point …

June 12, 2020

The Third Degree of Humility.  1. Accepto. I will receive with joy all unpleasant things which I must bear : (a) pain, …

June 11, 2020

  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, 2020

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, 2020

It is such a helpless feeling to be tossed about as it were on the waves of love, to feel the ardent, …

June 8, 2020

This website was launched 10 years ago today. How quickly time goes! At the time, I wasn’t sure how it would develop …

June 7, 2020

Venerable Matt Talbot   I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. …

June 7, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

I have not told them at home, and do not want them to know but we have had a terrible time for …

June 5, 2020

I had not the heart to wake up the poor nuns, and after all when one is fast asleep, is not a …

June 4, 2020

  I think it is evident that, in these days of awful sin and hatred of God, our Blessed Lord wants …

June 3, 2020

  Jesus is the most loving of lovable friends there never was a friend like Him before, there never can be …

June 2, 2020

I assert fearlessly that if only we all prayed enough – and I mean by that a constant, steady unflagging stream of …

June 1, 2020

  A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than …

May 31, 2020

We must be intellectually pious, that is, our piety should rest on the bedrock of principle, and not on mood, on sentiment, …

May 30, 2020

3Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his father on 29 May 1917 – 102 years ago today. In this letter …

May 29, 2020

You seem to be a little upset at not being able to feel more that you really love our Lord. The mere …

May 28, 2020

Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our …

May 26, 2020

Jesus is looking at me as once he did upon blind Bartimaemus: “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” Lord, that …

May 25, 2020

The following quote from one of Fr Doyle’s letters recounts some of his war time adventures on 23 May 1917, 103 years …

May 23, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, etc.? I know how violent they can be, …

May 22, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …

May 19, 2020

If there is any certain mark of the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost in the soul, if there is any visible …

May 18, 2020

Do we realise the infinite possibilities of grace which lie hidden in the Tabernacle? Jesus only awaits our coming: and even …

May 17, 2020

St Simon Stock Are you weary of the fight already and willing to give in to the enemy? Never mind, come back, …

May 16, 2020

  I feel ashamed at times that I do not profit more by His nearness, but I know that he makes …

May 15, 2020

You would throw up your hands in horror were you to see my room at the present moment. It is a scene …

May 14, 2020

I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, …

May 13, 2020

I find the temptation growing stronger every day to leave aside all work that is not absolutely necessary and to spend the …

May 12, 2020

I think our Lord wants your whole day to be one continued act of love and union with Him in your heart, …

May 11, 2020

The world is living through an extraordinary crisis due to the Covid-19 viral infection. Quite apart from the morbidity and mortality that …

May 10, 2020

St Damien of Molokai   O eternal Lord . . . provided it be for Thy greater service and praise . . …

May 10, 2020

We love our life, cling to it, hug it, study how to prolong it, rebel if God thinks fit to shorten its …

May 9, 2020

Blessed John Sullivan   Today is the feast of Blessed John Sullivan, a contemporary of Fr Doyle.  Blessed John had a different …

May 8, 2020

  My way is sure. I think I can say now without a shade of doubt or hesitation that the path …

May 8, 2020

The past few weeks have been weeks of extraordinary grace and light and strength. I see clearly what He wants from me …

May 7, 2020

Sometimes God seems to leave me to my weakness and I tremble with fear. At other times I have so much trust …

May 6, 2020

Blessed Edmund Rice   Having completed his course of philosophy, Willie returned to Clongowes in 1901 for another period of prefecting. Here …

May 5, 2020

The more this generous spirit springs up in your heart, the nearer and dearer will you be to Jesus. Love for Love. …

May 4, 2020

I do not know if I have told you of a scheme which I have in my mind to help poor boys …

May 3, 2020

I feel drawn still more to the life of “interior union.” To acquire this I must practise the following: 1 . Constant …

May 2, 2020

As you know I am very anxious to see these retreats started in Ireland, for I believe they would do a …

May 1, 2020

St Pius V – the Pope of the Rosary   I said my rosary with arms extended. At the third mystery the …

April 30, 2020

  What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel …

April 29, 2020

  We continue today with an excerpt from the original letter detailing some of the work Fr Doyle had to undertake …

April 28, 2020

  Fr Doyle sent the letter below to his father one year after the gas attack of April 1916 (see yesterday’s …

April 27, 2020

  Fr Doyle had many incredibly close shaves with death during the almost 2 years he spent as a military chaplain. …

April 26, 2020

I think I can say with truth that I have now no desire or wish except His. I have told Him that …

April 25, 2020

St Fidelis of Sigmaringen   I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse …

April 24, 2020

My church was a bit of a trench, the altar a pile of sandbags. Though we had to stand deep in mud, …

April 23, 2020

This morning I lay awake powerless to over come myself and to make my promised visit to the chapel. Then I felt …

April 21, 2020

“They forgot God who saved them” (Psalm 105, 21). To how many may not these words be applied today! How many there …

April 20, 2020

  “Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him.” (Psalm 106: 21). Jesus during His mortal life practised many …

April 19, 2020

  I have just returned from a mission. Before going I made up my mind to give up for the week …

April 18, 2020

It was a memorable six days for us all, living day and night literally face to face with death at any moment. …

April 16, 2020

I have just returned from a mission. Before going I made up my mind to give up for the week my mortifications …

April 16, 2020

St Benedict Joseph Labre Second pilgrimage to Amettes from Locre. During the journey I felt our Lord wanted to give me some …

April 16, 2020

  All my life my study has been to avoid suffering as much as possible, to make my life a comfortable …

April 14, 2020

  If my resurrection is to be a real one and is to produce fruit, it must be external, so that …

April 13, 2020

  May every Easter blessing be yours, and may our crucified Jesus, Who has certainly drawn you to Him on the …

April 12, 2020

St Gemma Galgani O my God, pour out in abundance Thy spirit of sacrifice upon Thy priests. It is both their glory …

April 11, 2020

  The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently the faithful few bear the dead Christ …

April 11, 2020

  The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was His thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations …

April 10, 2020

  Pain and privation are only momentary, they quickly pass and become even delightfully sweet, if only borne in the spirit …

April 9, 2020

On Spy Wednesday evening after Benediction, I told the men I wanted nine volunteers to watch an hour during the following night …

April 8, 2020

  I think He would like you to pay more attention to little things, looking on nothing as small, if connected …

April 8, 2020

  My denial of Jesus has been baser than that of Peter, for I have refused to listen to His voice …

April 7, 2020

  During His Passion our Lord was bound and dragged from place to place. I have hourly opportunities of imitating Him …

April 6, 2020

  In the Passion the light which overshadows all is the thought that our Lord, in spite of His infinite love …

April 5, 2020

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently …

April 4, 2020

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the arms of His mother   Mary stands at the foot of the cross to …

April 3, 2020

The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross   Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all …

April 2, 2020

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross Upon His last resting place Jesus lays Himself down. No soft bed, no …

April 1, 2020

The Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is stripped of His garments   At last He stands upon the hill of shame …

March 31, 2020

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time The hill of Calvary is almost reached, the hour of the great sacrifice is …

March 30, 2020

The Eighth Station of the Cross: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful …

March 29, 2020

The Seventh Station of the Cross: Jesus falls the second time   Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of …

March 28, 2020

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus   As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious …

March 27, 2020

The Fifth Station: St Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross   When God lays a cross upon us, some …

March 26, 2020

  Do you not think that Jesus must have done very much for Mary during the nine months she bore Him …

March 25, 2020

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings …

March 25, 2020

  Tomorrow, the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord, at noon Archbishop Eamon Martin will join with bishops and priests …

March 24, 2020

The Third Station of the Cross: Jesus falls for the first time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His …

March 24, 2020

The Second Station: Jesus take up His cross Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of …

March 23, 2020

We are now over half way through Lent. At this stage it is easy for our dedication to wane somewhat; the early …

March 22, 2020

I know I can never be happy unless I am heroically generous with Him. This I have proved time after time. A …

March 21, 2020

A. M. D. G. SOLEMN VOW. After much thought and prayer, feeling myself urged strongly by grace and the ceaseless pleading of …

March 21, 2020

Death is the end of all things here, the end of time, of merit, of pain and mortification, of a hard life. …

March 21, 2020

Eloise-Azélie Holt in utero   Please pray NOW for little Eloise-Azélie Holt. Many of us have been praying for her over recent …

March 20, 2020

  Passion of Christ, comfort me! Comfort me, for the day is long and weary. Comfort me as I fight my way up the …

March 20, 2020

  With great earnestness recommend to His mercy the poor souls who are in their agony. What a dreadful hour, an …

March 19, 2020

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, 2020

St Patrick   I beg of God whom I love to grant me that I may shed my blood with those strangers …

March 17, 2020

God sometimes seems to ask the impossible, a sorrow, a cross. Oh! it would crush me! How can this be! How? Lord, …

March 16, 2020

  See that blood-stained crown which our sins have woven for the brows of our King! Mark the gems that glisten …

March 14, 2020

  If I have resolved to nail myself to the cross, let me bear ever in mind that our Lord is …

March 13, 2020

St Francis Xavier Vince teipsum – conquer yourself. This is the secret of the Spiritual Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from …

March 12, 2020

Towards the end of the retreat a light came to me that, now that I have given Jesus all the sacrifices I …

March 11, 2020

This morning during meditation I again felt that mysterious appeal from our Blessed Lord for a life of absolute, complete sacrifice of …

March 10, 2020

The mortification good for you may be measured by your peace of mind. If you find your should troubled by the penance …

March 9, 2020

  I wish I could write to you at length about grace. It is a fascinating subject. You are quite right …

March 8, 2020

He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust Him, He so longs to be trusted. COMMENT: There is something …

March 7, 2020

Passion of Christ, comfort me! Comfort me, for the day is long and weary; comfort me as I fight my way up …

March 6, 2020

On the way I noticed that heavy firing was going on ahead, but it was only when I reached a bend in …

March 5, 2020

I am suffering much in every way, most of all, perhaps, from sheer fatigue. As regards food and lodging I am not …

March 5, 2020

St John Vianney   Press on bravely and don’t mind the scratches, even when they come from human nails! COMMENT: We must …

March 4, 2020

The Miracles of St Francis Xavier by Peter Paul Rubens c. 1617.On the left hand side you can see plague victims being …

March 3, 2020

Melrose in Dalkey, Dublin. Fr Doyle was born here 147 years ago today.   Today is Fr Doyle’s birthday – he was …

March 3, 2020

Sunset at Dalkey Island, a scene which would have been very familiar to Fr Doyle It is useful from time to time …

March 2, 2020

  A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast…Jesus urged me to …

March 1, 2020

Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …

February 29, 2020

The merit of living under religious rule may be gathered from the difficulty of always and faithfully keeping that rule. Holiness and …

February 28, 2020

Blessed Marie de Jésus Deluil Martiny Over and over again I asked myself, when reading that book, was it not strange that …

February 27, 2020

  What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel …

February 26, 2020

A habit of ejaculatory prayer is a sign of nearness to God, for our own holiness will be in proportion to our …

February 25, 2020

How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …

February 24, 2020

When you commit a fault which humbles you and for which you are really sorry, it is a gain instead of a …

February 24, 2020

“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, 2020

As regards confession it would be much better to confine yourself to the accusation of, say, three faults, and turn the whole …

February 22, 2020

The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …

February 21, 2020

I am convinced that generally we reach sanctity of life only through a long series of falls from which we get up. …

February 20, 2020

  As the moth is attracted to the light, is drawn ever nearer to the warmth and brightness, until at length …

February 19, 2020

I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, for …

February 18, 2020

Fr Doyle left his training camp and headed to the continent 104 years ago today. Here are his sentiments on this occasion, …

February 17, 2020

We should call a man a fool who wasted his wealth warming himself before a fire made of banknotes. Do we act …

February 16, 2020

In recent weeks we have published the request for prayers for the unborn baby Eloise Azélie Holt, who is suffering ill health …

February 15, 2020

St Claude de la Colombiere I have gone through a great deal of desolation, discouragement, fear and dread of my proposed vow. …

February 15, 2020

We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling …

February 14, 2020

John McGuinness Contrary to popular perception, there was an extraordinary flourishing of holiness in Ireland in the 19th and early 20th Century. …

February 13, 2020

What I intended to imply was that I thought God had special designs on your soul and very great graces in store …

February 13, 2020

The effect of fervour may be likened to that of fire on water. When cold, water is motionless and chills all that …

February 12, 2020

Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, I …

February 11, 2020

You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were …

February 10, 2020

Christian abnegation is not composed merely of renunciation: it leads to something tangible and definite. We abandon what is false to cling …

February 9, 2020

This is my vocation: reparation and penance for the sins of priests; hence the constant urging of our Lord to generosity. COMMENT: …

February 8, 2020

  Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put …

February 8, 2020

Blessed Pius IX Then in addition there is the great privilege and joy of carrying our dear Lord next my heart day …

February 7, 2020

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, 2020

Eloise-Azélie Holt in utero Recently we asked for prayers through Fr Doyle’s intercession for a miracle for Eloise Azélie Holt, an unborn …

February 5, 2020

  To-day while praying in the Chapel, suddenly it seemed to me as if I were standing before a narrow path …

February 5, 2020

St Agatha I was meditating on my desire to die a martyr’s death for Jesus, and then asked myself if I was …

February 5, 2020

St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church It seems to me that the best and most practical resolution I can make …

February 3, 2020

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, 2020

Little Nellie of Holy God Kneeling there I asked her what God wanted from me, when I heard an interior voice clearly …

February 2, 2020

Constant urging of jesus to do “hard things” for him, things which cost. I shrink from sacrifice, but I know well He …

February 1, 2020

  I would like you to note down in a little book the following things. Every day read each item over …

February 1, 2020

St John Bosco   One month of the new year has passed away, leaving behind it the memory of what has been …

January 31, 2020

A kind word goes far. I stopped to say a few words to a group of men at a street corner in …

January 30, 2020

Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …

January 29, 2020

St Thomas Aquinas As to any practice of piety there is a double danger: recommending it as infallible, or condemning it as …

January 28, 2020

Last night I rose at 1am and went down to the church, renewing before the crucifix my desire and promise absolutely to …

January 27, 2020

  Each look of love to the Tabernacle causes a beat of grace-laden love in the Sacred Heart. COMMENT: The Lord …

January 27, 2020

  The mere saving of their souls should be the last thought of religious who have vowed their lives for God’s …

January 26, 2020

Jesus wants me to work with might and main to acquire the ‘interior union’ so that not for one moment would I …

January 25, 2020

The Conversion of St Paul by Caravaggio   Every grace we get enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will. When the understanding …

January 25, 2020

St Francis de Sales   There is nothing better than the practice of aspirations, steadily growing in number. Keep a little book …

January 24, 2020

  I should examine all my actions, taking Jesus as my model and example. What a vast difference between my prayer …

January 23, 2020

Last night I rose at twelve and knelt in the cellar for an hour to suffer from the cold. It was a …

January 22, 2020

My dear loving Jesus, what do you want from me? You never seem to leave me alone – thank you ever so …

January 22, 2020

Life is too short for a truce. COMMENT: How typical is this pithy statement from Fr Doyle! We are here for a …

January 22, 2020

St Agnes Even as a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite …

January 21, 2020

Blessed Angelo Paoli   For the poor people on Dalkey Hill Willie constituted himself into a Conference of St. Vincent de Paul. …

January 20, 2020

Each morning at Holy Communion invite Jesus, with all the love and fervour you can, to enter into your heart and dwell …

January 19, 2020

I felt Jesus asking me to make a long visit and wishing to speak to me. His message was: To note down …

January 18, 2020

Our Lord wants me to give Him all I can give cheerfully, not repining or regretting any sacrifice; not saying, ‘I wish …

January 17, 2020

The temptation of St Anthony the Abbot Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, etc.? …

January 17, 2020

‘Pork & Beans’ is quite a standing joke, though not a pleasant one, at the Front. A committee of food experts, having …

January 16, 2020

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano   Jesus knows I have only one wish in this world: to love Him and Him alone. For …

January 16, 2020

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, 2020

Eloise Azélie Holt in utero Emily Holt is a young mother in the United States who is 18 weeks pregnant with her …

January 14, 2020

I want you to know what I went through by volunteering for the Front. God made me feel with absolute certainty – …

January 14, 2020

Worries? Of course; and thank God. How else are you going to be a saint? “When thou comest to the service of …

January 14, 2020

103 years ago tonight Fr Doyle was awoken to absolve some dying soldiers. This is his description of the event, sent home …

January 13, 2020

  It is useful from time to time to pause and ask ourselves if we are, like the child Jesus, growing …

January 12, 2020

Live for the day, but let it be a generous day. Have you ever tried giving God one day in which you …

January 11, 2020

I contrast the obedience of St. Joseph with my obedience. His so prompt, unquestioning, uncomplaining, perfect; mine given so grudgingly; perhaps …

January 6, 2020

I did not get my work finished till rather late tonight and as I had to turn out again shortly it was …

January 4, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

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, 2020

  I can imagine I am a soul in Hell, and God in His mercy is saying to me, “Return to …

January 2, 2020

How little the expression ‘we were shelled for two hours’ conveys to you. People read in their papers some mornings: ‘The enemy …

January 1, 2020

How little the expression ‘we were shelled for two hours’ conveys to you. People read in their papers some mornings: ‘The enemy …

January 1, 2020

  “All our days are spent.” (Psalm 89. 9). The hour will come for each of us when we shall echo …

December 31, 2019

  Every little victory in the matter of food is a real triumph, for this is a real test of generosity. …

December 30, 2019

  And you, wives and bread-winners, have you no task within the fold, no little flock to tend and guard? Has …

December 29, 2019

  Jesus, you know my longing to become a saint. You know how much I thirst to die a martyr. Help …

December 29, 2019

I have celebrated Mass in some strange places and under extraordinary conditions but somehow I was more than usually impressed this morning. …

December 28, 2019

Try to get down low and follow out what He Himself taught: “Unless you become as little children.” This will make …

December 27, 2019

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, 2019

A Benedictine monk of St Andrew Abbey in Cleveland Ohio has produced a short video featuring Fr Doyle’s Christmas letter of 1916. …

December 25, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

What impressed me most in the meditation on the Nativity was the thought that Jesus could have been born in wealth …

December 25, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

My genius of an orderly fried meat and pudding together and, with a smile of triumph on his face, brought both on …

December 22, 2019

I had just finished breakfast when I heard Miss Krupp come singing overhead with that peculiar note which warns of her proximity. …

December 21, 2019

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on 21 December 1913, 106 years ago today. It relates to a recent trip …

December 21, 2019

21 December: A day I always like because the turning point of the year and from this on the evenings will be …

December 21, 2019

During the last three nights of the retreat I slept on the floor without feeling any inconvenience after, though I woke very …

December 20, 2019

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, 2019

Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his sister from the trenches on 19th December 1916, 103 years ago today. It gives …

December 19, 2019

“I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 85. 7). Jesus is our comforter. What burden is there …

December 18, 2019

A want of will is the chief obstacle to our becoming saints. We are not holy because we do not really wish …

December 17, 2019

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, 2019

I cannot say i am quite in love with camp life, which in many respects is quite repellent. But even in these …

December 15, 2019

On this day in 1917, Major General Hickie paid another tribute to Fr Doyle. Writing to his father, Hugh Doyle, General Hickie …

December 15, 2019

God has many gifts to bestow upon us, but none more precious than time. Yet how we abuse this royal gift! How …

December 15, 2019

St John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church   Surely you are not right in trying to keep our Lord away …

December 14, 2019

St Lucy It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life. COMMENT: …

December 13, 2019

  I am sorry to see you suffer and yet glad that the cross is your portion. If I had at …

December 12, 2019

St Maravillas of Jesus I want to be generous with God and to refuse Him nothing. I do not want to say, …

December 11, 2019

Let us love silence and recollection. When we are at home with silence we are at home with God. Silence seems impossible …

December 10, 2019

He has been tugging at my heart for so many years, urging me in so many ways to give myself wholly to …

December 9, 2019

I believe that Our Lord is asking for victims who are willing to suffer much in reparation for sins, especially those of …

December 8, 2019

  God delights to honour His saints by bestowing upon them special graces which mark them off from the rest of …

December 8, 2019

I believe strongly in corporal penance as a means to the end. But a denial of your own will often costs more …

December 7, 2019

St Nicholas of Myra I want you to make a greater effort to see the hand of God in everything that happens, …

December 6, 2019

You must trust entirely in our Lord. He alone can help you. Give God His time. Be generous with Him and He …

December 5, 2019

  What must have been Mary’s thoughts when first she felt the infant child within her womb, and realised that from …

December 4, 2019

Towards the end of the retreat a light came to me that, now that I have given Jesus all the sacrifices I …

December 3, 2019

Death of St Francis Xavier   Xavier’s hour has come, the hour of his eternal reward and never-ending bliss. In a little …

December 3, 2019

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, 2019

The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent, has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …

December 1, 2019

The saints had ever a childlike confidence and trust in God. Upon Him they cast all their anxieties and cares, under His …

December 1, 2019

Will it be any help to you to learn that I know many who suffer as you do? Hence I can perfectly …

November 30, 2019

  It is scarcely necessary to state that deliberate sin in any shape or form utterly destroys the interior life and …

November 29, 2019

Thanks a million times, dearest Jesus, for all Your goodness. I will love and serve You now till death. COMMENT: Thanksgiving is …

November 28, 2019

St John Berchmans The chief thing God wants from me at present is an extraordinary and exquisite perfection in every little …

November 26, 2019

St Francis Xavier Vince teipsum (Conquer yourself). This is the secret of the Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from my …

November 26, 2019

I do not receive any money for ads on this site, and I do not have any control over the ads that …

November 26, 2019

Christmas is only one month away. If you haven’t yet bought Christmas presents, why not consider giving someone a gift relating to …

November 25, 2019

The life of Jesus was a continual prayer. Even during His public life He began, continued and ended everything He did …

November 25, 2019

I felt strongly urged to rise and make the Holy Hour every night. In the past twelve months I have gone down to …

November 22, 2019

Do not try to run till you can walk well. Draw up a list of certain little sacrifices which you feel God …

November 22, 2019

Remember the devil is a bad spiritual director, and you may always recognise his apparently good suggestions by the disturbances they cause …

November 21, 2019

“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, 2019

  We can never sufficiently thank Him for so completely showing us in the Garden that He was a man by …

November 19, 2019

Sir William Bernard Hickie was Major General of the 16th Irish Division and knew Fr Doyle extremely well. He wrote the following …

November 18, 2019

Fr Doyle struggled to give up butter on his bread at breakfast Your desire for penance is an excellent sign…But have a …

November 18, 2019

  Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to give an exact …

November 17, 2019

Holiness and perfection depend on yourself, not on the actions of others. COMMENT: How easy it is for us to blame others, …

November 16, 2019

Soldiers from the 16th Irish Division. Fr Doyle was appointed chaplain 101 years ago today   Received my appointment from the War …

November 15, 2019

  You certainly put your finger on the weak spot in most priestly lives – the want of prayer. The connection …

November 14, 2019

At the close of the retreat my soul is full of many emotions. God has been more than good to me, has …

November 13, 2019

  Lord, You know I love You less than any others, but I long and desire to love You more than …

November 12, 2019

101 years ago today the First World War came to an end. It was a dreadful war fuelled by stubbornness and …

November 11, 2019

From the Tabernacle Jesus seems to say, “Stay with Me for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent”. …

November 11, 2019

My offering myself as a war chaplain to the Provincial has had a wonderful effect on me. I long to go and …

November 10, 2019

  The reason I find it so hard to love God, why I have so little affection for Him, is because …

November 10, 2019

  Our Lord is displeased only when He sees no attempt made to get rid of imperfections which, when deliberate, clog …

November 9, 2019

The Fruit of the Third Week The thought that Jesus has suffered so much for me to atone for my sins and …

November 8, 2019

My God, I promise You, kneeling before the image of Your Sacred Heart, that I will do my best to lead a …

November 7, 2019

  The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was his thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations …

November 6, 2019

Today, the Feast of all the Saints of the Society, while praying in the Chapel at Donnybrook (Poor Clares), our Lord …

November 5, 2019

  During all these long years Jesus has been standing bound at the pillar, while I have cruelly scourged Him by …

November 5, 2019

All my life my study has been to avoid suffering as much as possible, to make my life a comfortable one How …

November 4, 2019

I was greatly struck and helped yesterday by these words of the Imitation (of Christ): My child: let me do with you …

November 3, 2019

  From their cleansing prison of fire the holy souls cry to us for help. With joy indeed they bear the …

November 2, 2019

  To-day the…Feast of All Saints, I made my election about offering myself for the Congo Mission. During the retreat I …

November 1, 2019

St Alphonsus Rodriguez   St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is a striking example of one who, though in a lowly station in life, devoid …

October 31, 2019

Blessed Dominic Collins Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain for …

October 30, 2019

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, 2019

  A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read …

October 28, 2019

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, 2019

What account shall I give of this resolution when I stand before my God for judgement? PRACTICE OF THE THIRD DEGREE. I. …

October 26, 2019

  Following straight on the heels of the meditations on the Two Standards and the Three Classes of Men, we will …

October 25, 2019

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on October 25 1916. It refers to the previous night, in other words, this …

October 24, 2019

We come now to one of the other great moments of the Spiritual Exercises – the Meditation on the Three Classes of …

October 24, 2019

We come today to the famous meditation on the Two Standards. This is one of the high points of the Spiritual Exercises. …

October 23, 2019

My God, this morning I was in despair. After some days of relaxation owing partly to sickness, I resolved to begin my …

October 22, 2019

St John Paul II When it was not some infirmity or other than caused him to experience pain, it was he himself …

October 22, 2019

St Joseph the Worker Fr Doyle wrote the following notes on the “hidden life” of Jesus as a young boy and man …

October 22, 2019

Feeling very unwell for the past few days, I gave way to self indulgence in food and sleep. Jesus has made it …

October 20, 2019

  As part of the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, retreatants meditate on the early life of Christ. One of …

October 20, 2019

St Paul of the Cross Today is the feast of St Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist order. He …

October 19, 2019

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, 2019

The Fruit of the First Week: I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, …

October 18, 2019

  One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would …

October 17, 2019

St Margaret Mary Alacoque   Meditating on the Particular Judgement, God gave me great light. I realised that I should have to …

October 16, 2019

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, 2019

St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church A wooden block used as a pillow by St Teresa The life of St. …

October 15, 2019

From the Capuchin Crypt in Rome From the Capuchin Crypt in Rome Death is the end of all things here, the end …

October 14, 2019

Saint John Henry Newman   Today’s canonisation of John Henry Newman is not just important for the Church in England. Newman is …

October 13, 2019

Fr Doyle wrote the following in his diary on this day in 1916: Lately the desire to be trampled on and become …

October 13, 2019

  We continue with the meditations of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises, and in particular with the meditation on …

October 13, 2019

  Today we consider one of the first exercises from the first week – the meditation on sin. The first week …

October 12, 2019

St John XXIII Today is the feast of St John XXIII. Just as many young Catholic have a great devotion to St …

October 11, 2019

St Ignatius The Spiritual Exercises begin with a meditation on the Principle and Foundation of our existence. Any serious Christian should be …

October 11, 2019

Today we will start a new series of special quotations from Fr Doyle. This day 112 years ago – 10 October 1907 …

October 10, 2019

Pray for all, but especially for sinners, and in particular for those whose sins are most painful to His Sacred Heart. With …

October 9, 2019

Solid virtue is so called because it is formed by amassing together a facility in repeated acts. Hence the practice of any …

October 8, 2019

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, 2019

“Behold I stand at the gate and knock” (Rev. 3. 20) Jesus stands at the door of my heart, patiently, uncomplainingly. How …

October 6, 2019

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, 2019

Saint Francis in Meditation   In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, …

October 4, 2019

Blessed Columba Marmion I cannot deny that I love Jesus, love Him passionately, love Him with every fibre of my heart. He …

October 3, 2019

He hath given His angels charge over us, to guide us, to guard and shelter us from dangers, to lead us …

October 2, 2019

St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church   Kneeling at the grave of the Little Flower I gave myself into her …

October 1, 2019

St Jerome in the wilderness   Don’t dwell on what you have not done, for I think that want of confidence in …

September 30, 2019

Meditating on the words of our Lord to Blessed Margaret Mary: “I seek for My Heart a victim willing to sacrifice itself …

September 29, 2019

St Michael the Archangel   Today is the feast of St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael, the archangels, though it is …

September 29, 2019

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, 2019

St Vincent de Paul For fifteen years has Jesus been waiting for me to return to Him, to return to the fervour …

September 27, 2019

Fr Doyle wrote the following very private notes in his diary on 27 September 1915 about his prayer the previous night: Last …

September 26, 2019

I have noticed that every time I have indulged myself, my appetite especially, for no matter what reason, I have always had …

September 25, 2019

You may make the most complete and absolute offering of yourself to God to bear every pain He may wish to send. …

September 24, 2019

Life in the army I find is a life of delightful and unexpected surprises. You are told that you are going to …

September 23, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

The Call of St Matthew by Caravaggio We must love God with our whole heart. Can He be loved otherwise? Is it …

September 21, 2019

A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than to listen …

September 20, 2019

A long time reader and friend of the site, a priest, posted a comment last week seeking prayers for a friend …

September 19, 2019

Try and remember that sanctification means daily, hourly, hard work, and this unflinchingly, when weariness comes. COMMENT: Fr Doyle engaged in this …

September 19, 2019

A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast. The thought of a breakfast …

September 18, 2019

Without constant union with our Lord there cannot be any real holiness, one reason being that without recollection the inspirations of the …

September 18, 2019

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, 2019

Our Blessed Lord loves me, with all my faults and failings, and has marked me out for the special graces which will …

September 16, 2019

To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may have …

September 15, 2019

Having again indulged my appetite, I made this resolution, that whenever I do so, no matter for what reason (health, feasts etc) …

September 14, 2019

  Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all men, the butt for vile jests, a …

September 14, 2019

Lieutenant Colonel H. R. Stirke, who commanded the 8th Dublins, had the following praise for Fr Doyle in a note that he …

September 13, 2019

I realise in a way I never did before that God created me for His service, that He has a strict right …

September 13, 2019

I have felt strongly urged again to give myself entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to follow His inspirations. …

September 12, 2019

If I do not begin to serve God as I ought now, when shall I do so? Shall I ever? This retreat …

September 12, 2019

My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …

September 11, 2019

It seems to me the best and most practical resolution I can make in this retreat is to determine to perform each …

September 10, 2019

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, 2019

This is one of my favourite scenes from all of Fr Doyle’s writings – 103 years ago today. By cutting a piece …

September 9, 2019

St Peter Claver SJ   St. Peter Claver was one of those generous heroic souls whom God sends upon this earth to …

September 9, 2019

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, 2019

St Ignatius To be indifferent does not mean to desire things which are hard to nature, but a readiness and determination to …

September 7, 2019

How little I think of committing venial sin, and how soon I forget I have done so! Yet God hates nothing more …

September 6, 2019

Saint Teresa of Calcutta   Today is the feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, one of the most famous and popular Catholics …

September 5, 2019

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, 2019

Today we continue the narrative and consider the events of September 4, 1916. Next morning there was a short march over the …

September 4, 2019

The above image was published in an Irish newspaper at the end of 1916. The priest is unidentified, but we can …

September 3, 2019

You must absolutely drive away all despondency or useless pining or regrets about the past. It does not please God and it …

September 2, 2019

The following praise for Fr Doyle appeared in the Glasgow Weekly News on this day in 1917. It was written by a …

September 1, 2019

St Teresa Margaret Redi Reasons why our Communions and Masses do not make us Saints. 1. Want of preparation, through sloth, carelessness, …

September 1, 2019

Why are we not saints? Want of courage and want of patience. We give up, we have not the strength of will …

August 30, 2019

St Augustine   How many wish to belong entirely to Jesus without reserve or restriction? Most want to serve two masters, to …

August 29, 2019

The beheading of St John the Baptist   There is one thing we need never be afraid of, namely, that the devil …

August 29, 2019

St Monica Don’t be stingy in giving praise, particularly with the young. If in a community there is some sister not as …

August 27, 2019

I am truly glad you are looking to the perfection of your daily actions; it is the simplest, yet perhaps hardest, way …

August 25, 2019

Transverberation of the heart of St Teresa of Avila Even as a child I longed and prayed to be a saint. But …

August 25, 2019

By entering religion and taking my vows I have given myself over absolutely to God and His service. He, therefore, has a …

August 24, 2019

All these trials, snubs, unpleasantnesses, etc., do not come to you by chance, they are precious jewels from the hand of God, …

August 24, 2019

Look upon the grace God gives you as a talent you must work with and increase. The Master in the Gospel gave …

August 23, 2019

The following was written about Fr Doyle by Sir Percival Phillips, the famous war correspondent, and appeared in the Daily Express on …

August 22, 2019

During his time away from the trenches Fr Doyle often stayed in a convent in Locre. If my memory serves me correctly, …

August 21, 2019

St Pius X There are two patron saints to whom I have a tremendous devotion: a sheet of paper and a lead pencil. …

August 21, 2019

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, 2019

  How many deceive themselves in thinking sanctity consists in the holy follies of the saints! How many look upon holiness as …

August 20, 2019

St John Eudes   Two wings by which we can fly to God and become saints: the habit of little tiny acts of …

August 19, 2019

St Alberto Hurtado Today is the feast of St Alberto Hurtado (though not celebrated as it is a Sunday), a Jesuit saint …

August 18, 2019

Instead of a quote from Fr Doyle, today we present, courtesy of the Irish Messenger, a scanned copy of a booklet published …

August 17, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

Fr Doyle’s 102nd anniversary is tomorrow – August 16. It is an excellent time to tell people about his life and his …

August 15, 2019

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, 2019

  The feast of the Assumption was an important date for Fr Doyle. He made his religious vows on this dayin …

August 15, 2019

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of temperance. 1809 Temperanceis the moral virtue that …

August 15, 2019

Fr Doyle’s last written words   I have told you all my escapes, dearest Father, because I think what I have written will …

August 15, 2019

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of fortitude. 1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue …

August 13, 2019

While praying for light to know what God wants from me in the matter of mortifying my appetite, a voice seemed to …

August 13, 2019

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of justice. 1807 Justice is the moral virtue …

August 12, 2019

We will return to our discussion on the last days of the life of Fr Doyle in a few days time when …

August 12, 2019

Today we will consider the virtue of prudence in the life of Fr Doyle. We will take a bit more care in …

August 11, 2019

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, 2019

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of charity: 1822 Charity is the theological virtue …

August 10, 2019

Fr Doyle, like all of us, had to struggle against his defects. We see an especially vivid example of his struggle in …

August 10, 2019

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, 2019

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has the following to say about the virtue of hope: 1817 Hope is the theological virtue …

August 9, 2019

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Co-Patroness of Europe   Fr Doyle does not have a specific record for the events of …

August 9, 2019

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, 2019

Continuing our narrative today, it is hard not to be struck by the extraordinary good humour of Fr Doyle. The “cathedral” to …

August 8, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

St John Vianney Today is the feast of St John Vianney, though it is not celebrated because it is a Sunday. Fr Doyle …

August 4, 2019

Four Dangers to be Feared after a Retreat: 1 . Dissipation: There, it is over; amuse yourself. 2. Toning Down: Too much, …

August 3, 2019

We have no more reports from Fr Doyle until August 5th, and we shall take up his narrative once again on that …

August 2, 2019

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, 2019

My poor orderly has nearly emptied the well, of course leaving the six dead Germans behind, in his efforts to make enough …

July 31, 2019

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, 2019

I long to get back to my little room at night, to calm and quiet, and yet I dread it, for He …

July 30, 2019

Fr Doyle describes the events of July 30, 1917: For the past week we have been moving steadily up to the Front …

July 30, 2019

On August 12 1917 Fr Doyle sent his last “budget” home to his father. It was a long account of his involvement …

July 29, 2019

28 July 1907, Miltown Park, Dublin. Fr Doyle is marked with an X.   My loving Jesus, on this the morning of …

July 28, 2019

Blessed Titus Brandsma I assure you that you have my entire sympathy as well as my prayers in the trial you are …

July 27, 2019

During a visit our Lord seemed to urge me not to wait till the end of the war, but to begin my …

July 26, 2019

In today’s FIFTH post (I think this is a record!) Fr Doyle recounts a touching scene in which a soldier shows him …

July 25, 2019

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, 2019

In this excerpt from a long letter written 102 years ago today to his father, Fr Doyle writes about his publications on …

July 25, 2019

The President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, in an address made on this day in 1923, had the following praise for Fr …

July 25, 2019

St James   You ask how to pray well. The answer is, Pray often, in season and out of season, against yourself, …

July 25, 2019

Do not give up prayer on any account, no matter how dry or rotten you feel; every moment, especially before Him in …

July 24, 2019

I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, my dear child, …

July 23, 2019

  Jesus allowed her to wash His feet but knew well what those eyes had looked on. He allowed her lips …

July 22, 2019

Sat Lawrence of Brindisi in battle   “I will give thee hidden treasures.” Isaiah 45. 3. Jesus has treasures which He hides …

July 21, 2019

Fr Doyle had a tremendous joy and cheerfulness that easily communicated itself to others. He also retained this sense of fun despite …

July 20, 2019

Believe me, I feel intensely for you, my child, for I know what you have suffered in the past and how violent …

July 19, 2019

I gave way today to indulgence, with the usual result. Jesus seemed to reproach me bitterly, reminding me that He seeks a …

July 18, 2019

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, 2019

I have come back from the missions with feelings of joy and gratitude, for these last three missions have been blessed in …

July 16, 2019

Fr Doyle in the pulpit during his last homily, July 1917   Fr Doyle gave his last homily 102 years ago today. …

July 15, 2019

St Camillus de Lellis The object of my life to be close union with and intense love of God. To acquire this …

July 14, 2019

I see more and more each day how different the world would be if we had more really holy priests. With this …

July 13, 2019

“Another day has past!” This is a summer sunset in Dun Laoghaire, very close to where Fr Doyle grew up.   The …

July 13, 2019

A nun in South Africa wrote the following letter on this day (July 12) in 1922, alleging a favour through Fr Doyle’s …

July 12, 2019

But remember the devil will spoil the work if he can and by every means in his power turn you from your …

July 12, 2019

St Benedict Avoid haste and want of control of bodily movements. The interior man, no matter how burdened with work or pressed …

July 11, 2019

I awoke in the middle of the night with the feeling that Jesus wanted me. I resisted, but at last got out …

July 10, 2019

God wants you to suffer willingly. Many rebel and fight against what God gives them; many more take their cross in a …

July 9, 2019

Lord, give me grace and strength of character to tear myself away promptly from what, if not bad, is less good, and …

July 8, 2019

I have often wondered what Jesus meant by the ‘work’, but I could never bring myself to ask you what you thought …

July 7, 2019

St Maria Goretti As a boy He gave me something of the kind, so that a passing glance at an immodest picture …

July 6, 2019

  This morning at Mass, our Blessed Lord gave me grace to see what a fool I am to let my …

July 5, 2019

Today is the memorial of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Amongst other things, Blessed Pier Giorgio was renowned, as a very young …

July 4, 2019

Have you ever reflected on the power of an act of the love of God, when inspired by grace and made with …

July 3, 2019

The conviction has been growing that nocturnal adoration will be established only if I spend much time myself before the Blessed Sacrament …

July 2, 2019

  As a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small …

July 1, 2019

  Devotion to the Sacred Heart cannot exist without self-denial; the flames and thorns around that Heart, the cross that crowns …

June 30, 2019

  Peter, the favoured one, denies his Master and turns his back on Him who loved him so; and Peter’s heart …

June 29, 2019

  “Most loving Jesus, kneeling before You in the Blessed Sacrament, I solemnly consecrate myself to Your Sacred Heart by vow. …

June 28, 2019

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, 2019

The misery of the past few days has proved to me that I can be happy only by doing what Jesus wants, …

June 27, 2019

St Josemaria Escriva Today is the feast of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Instead of a message from Fr …

June 26, 2019

Do nothing without consulting Him in the Tabernacle. But then act fearlessly, if you see it is for His honour and glory, …

June 25, 2019

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the birth of St John the Baptist. The Church only celebrates the birth of …

June 24, 2019

Try to grasp the fact – a very hard thing to do – that in the spiritual life ‘feelings’ count for nothing, …

June 23, 2019

St Thomas More “No evil shall come upon you”, (Jerem. 23. 17). It is a consoling thought that God watches over us …

June 22, 2019

St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ Jesus told me today that the work of regeneration and sanctification is to be done by leading souls …

June 21, 2019

You need not fear whatever He may send you to bear, since His grace will come with it; but you should …

June 19, 2019

A great desire to know our Lord better, His attractive character, His personal love for me, the resolve to read the …

June 18, 2019

I feel also a great longing to love Jesus very, very much, to draw very close to His Sacred Heart, and to …

June 17, 2019

I felt the presence of Jesus very near to me while praying in the chapel at Ramsgrange. He seemed to want me …

June 16, 2019

One of the obstacles to my leading a fervent life is the thought of what others may think. I would often wish …

June 15, 2019

I feel that I could go through fire and water to serve such a man as Napoleon, that no sacrifice he …

June 14, 2019

Slept on the floor. No relief in small sufferings. Put on chain in bad humour. Violent temptations to eat cake and resisted …

June 13, 2019

The Moment of Benediction. The priest turns and raises aloft the Sacred Host. In loving adoration, in reverent awe, the invisible angels …

June 13, 2019

The Third Degree of Humility.  1. Accepto. I will receive with joy all unpleasant things which I must bear : (a) pain, …

June 11, 2019

  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, 2019

  A devotion which does not consist in any special form of prayer nor in doing anything in particular more than …

June 9, 2019

It is such a helpless feeling to be tossed about as it were on the waves of love, to feel the ardent, …

June 8, 2019

This website was launched 9 years ago today. At the time, I wasn’t sure how it would develop or whether anyone would …

June 7, 2019

Venerable Matt Talbot I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, …

June 7, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

I have not told them at home, and do not want them to know but we have had a terrible time for …

June 5, 2019

I had not the heart to wake up the poor nuns, and after all when one is fast asleep, is not a …

June 4, 2019

I think it is evident that, in these days of awful sin and hatred of God, our Blessed Lord wants to …

June 3, 2019

Jesus is the most loving of lovable friends there never was a friend like Him before, there never can be one …

June 2, 2019

I assert fearlessly that if only we all prayed enough – and I mean by that a constant, steady unflagging stream of …

June 1, 2019

  To Mary’s feet in heaven today the angels come in never-ending stream to lay before her the offerings of her …

May 31, 2019

We must be intellectually pious, that is, our piety should rest on the bedrock of principle, and not on mood, on sentiment, …

May 30, 2019

Fr Doyle wrote the following letter to his father on 29 May 1917 – 102 years ago today. In this letter …

May 29, 2019

You seem to be a little upset at not being able to feel more that you really love our Lord. The mere …

May 28, 2019

Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our …

May 26, 2019

Jesus is looking at me as once he did upon blind Bartimaemus: “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” Lord, that …

May 25, 2019

One German prisoner, badly wounded in the leg, was brought in. He knew only a few words of English, but spoke French …

May 24, 2019

The following quote from one of Fr Doyle’s letters recounts some of his war time adventures on 23 May 1917, 102 years …

May 23, 2019

The enemy for once did me a good turn. I had arranged to hear the men’s Confessions, shortly before he opened …

May 22, 2019

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, 2019

Are you not foolish in wishing to be free from these attacks of impatience, etc.? I know how violent they can be, …

May 22, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2019

How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we look …

May 19, 2019

If there is any certain mark of the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost in the soul, if there is any visible …

May 18, 2019

Do we realise the infinite possibilities of grace which lie hidden in the Tabernacle? Jesus only awaits our coming: and even …

May 17, 2019

St Simon Stock Are you weary of the fight already and willing to give in to the enemy? Never mind, come …

May 16, 2019

I feel ashamed at times that I do not profit more by His nearness, but I know that he makes allowances for …

May 15, 2019

You would throw up your hands in horror were you to see my room at the present moment. It is a scene …

May 14, 2019

I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, …

May 13, 2019

I find the temptation growing stronger every day to leave aside all work that is not absolutely necessary and to spend the …

May 12, 2019

I think our Lord wants your whole day to be one continued act of love and union with Him in your heart, …

May 11, 2019

St Damien of Molokai O eternal Lord . . . provided it be for Thy greater service and praise . . . …

May 10, 2019

We love our life, cling to it, hug it, study how to prolong it, rebel if God thinks fit to shorten its …

May 9, 2019

Blessed John Sullivan Today is the feast of Blessed John Sullivan, a contemporary of Fr Doyle.  Blessed John had a different personality …

May 8, 2019

My way is sure. I think I can say now without a shade of doubt or hesitation that the path by …

May 8, 2019

The past few weeks have been weeks of extraordinary grace and light and strength. I see clearly what He wants from me …

May 7, 2019

Sometimes God seems to leave me to my weakness and I tremble with fear. At other times I have so much trust …

May 6, 2019

Blessed Edmund Rice Having completed his course of philosophy, Willie returned to Clongowes in 1901 for another period of prefecting. Here he …

May 5, 2019

The more this generous spirit springs up in your heart, the nearer and dearer will you be to Jesus. Love for Love. …

May 4, 2019

At the community Mass this morning I again felt an overpowering desire to become a saint. It came suddenly, filling my soul …

May 3, 2019

I feel drawn still more to the life of “interior union.” To acquire this I must practise the following: 1 . Constant …

May 2, 2019

As you know I am very anxious to see these retreats started in Ireland, for I believe they would do a …

May 1, 2019

St Pius V – the Pope of the Rosary I said my rosary with arms extended. At the third mystery the …

April 30, 2019

  What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel …

April 29, 2019

  “Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to Him.” (Psalm 106: 21). Jesus during His mortal life practised many …

April 28, 2019

We continue today with an excerpt from the original letter detailing some of the work Fr Doyle had to undertake towards …

April 28, 2019

Fr Doyle sent the letter below to his father one year after the gas attack of April 1916 (see yesterday’s post). …

April 27, 2019

Fr Doyle had many incredibly close shaves with death during the almost 2 years he spent as a military chaplain. He …

April 26, 2019

I think I can say with truth that I have now no desire or wish except His. I have told Him that …

April 25, 2019

St Fidelis of Sigmaringen I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and …

April 24, 2019

My church was a bit of a trench, the altar a pile of sandbags. Though we had to stand deep in mud, …

April 23, 2019

  If my resurrection is to be a real one and is to produce fruit, it must be external, so that …

April 22, 2019

  May every Easter blessing be yours, and may our crucified Jesus, Who has certainly drawn you to Him on the …

April 21, 2019

  The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently the faithful few bear the dead Christ …

April 20, 2019

  The greatest thirst of Jesus on the Cross was His thirst for souls. He saw then the graces and inspirations …

April 19, 2019

  Pain and privation are only momentary, they quickly pass and become even delightfully sweet, if only borne in the spirit …

April 18, 2019

On Spy Wednesday evening after Benediction, I told the men I wanted nine volunteers to watch an hour during the following night …

April 17, 2019

  I think He would like you to pay more attention to little things, looking on nothing as small, if connected …

April 17, 2019

  My denial of Jesus has been baser than that of Peter, for I have refused to listen to His voice …

April 16, 2019

  During His Passion our Lord was bound and dragged from place to place. I have hourly opportunities of imitating Him …

April 15, 2019

  In the Passion the light which overshadows all is the thought that our Lord, in spite of His infinite love …

April 14, 2019

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb The final scene of the awful tragedy is drawing to a close. Reverently …

April 13, 2019

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the arms of His mother   Mary stands at the foot of the cross to …

April 12, 2019

The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross   Upon the cross He hangs now, the most abject and despised of all …

April 11, 2019

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross Upon His last resting place Jesus lays Himself down. No soft bed, no …

April 10, 2019

The Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is stripped of His garments   At last He stands upon the hill of shame …

April 9, 2019

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time The hill of Calvary is almost reached, the hour of the great sacrifice is …

April 8, 2019

The Eighth Station of the Cross: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful …

April 7, 2019

The Seventh Station of the Cross: Jesus falls the second time   Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of …

April 6, 2019

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus   As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious …

April 5, 2019

The Fifth Station: St Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross   When God lays a cross upon us, some …

April 4, 2019

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings …

April 3, 2019

The Third Station of the Cross: Jesus falls for the first time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His …

April 2, 2019

The Second Station: Jesus take up His cross Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of …

April 1, 2019

We are now over half way through Lent. At this stage it is easy for our dedication to wane somewhat; the early …

March 31, 2019

It is easy for me to test my love for jesus. Do I love what He loved and came down from heaven …

March 30, 2019

We do not mind what God does with us so long as it more or less fits in with our own wishes; …

March 29, 2019

A photo of the Doyle family, taken in 1907, shortly after Fr Doyle’s ordination. The occasion is his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. …

March 28, 2019

Make your prayer simple, as simple as you can; reason little, love much, and you will pray well.

March 27, 2019

The great defect in my character and chief reason why I make so little progress is my want of fidelity. Thus in …

March 26, 2019

  Do you not think that Jesus must have done very much for Mary during the nine months she bore Him …

March 25, 2019

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, 2019

Another interview from a few months back, this time Walking in Faith from Holy Spirit Radio, hosted by Barbara Shinkle. This one …

March 23, 2019

What would the damned not give for one moment of the time which we think so little of! If one of …

March 23, 2019

Over the past few months I have taken part in quite a lot of radio interviews about Fr Doyle. I am slowly …

March 22, 2019

I seemed to have lost all strength and courage, and simply hated the thought of the life. Then I ran to You …

March 22, 2019

I know I can never be happy unless I am heroically generous with Him. This I have proved time after time. A …

March 21, 2019

A. M. D. G. SOLEMN VOW. After much thought and prayer, feeling myself urged strongly by grace and the ceaseless pleading of …

March 21, 2019

Death is the end of all things here, the end of time, of merit, of pain and mortification, of a hard life. …

March 21, 2019

Please share so that others may come to know and love Fr Doyle!

March 20, 2019

  Passion of Christ, comfort me! Comfort me, for the day is long and weary. Comfort me as I fight my way up the …

March 20, 2019

With great earnestness recommend to His mercy the poor souls who are in their agony. What a dreadful hour, an hour …

March 19, 2019

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, 2019
March 17, 2019

St Patrick   I beg of God whom I love to grant me that I may shed my blood with those strangers …

March 17, 2019

  I wish I could write to you at length about grace. It is a fascinating subject. You are quite right …

March 17, 2019

A reminder that there is a discussion of Fr Doyle and To Raise the Fallen on St Patrick’s Day at 9.30am ET …

March 16, 2019

  The path of life is rough and stony. Sharp flints and hidden thorns are thickly strewn upon its surface, wounding …

March 16, 2019

My intense desire and longing is to make others love Jesus and to draw them to His Sacred Heart. Recently at Mass …

March 15, 2019

  See that blood-stained crown which our sins have woven for the brows of our King! Mark the gems that glisten …

March 14, 2019

  If I have resolved to nail myself to the cross, let me bear ever in mind that our Lord is …

March 13, 2019

I will appear on EWTN’s Bookmark with Doug Keck this coming Sunday, St Patrick’s Day at 9.30am ET, to discuss Fr Doyle …

March 12, 2019

St Francis Xavier Vince teipsum – conquer yourself. This is the secret of the Spiritual Exercises. “I learnt no other lesson from …

March 12, 2019

Towards the end of the retreat a light came to me that, now that I have given Jesus all the sacrifices I …

March 11, 2019

This morning during meditation I again felt that mysterious appeal from our Blessed Lord for a life of absolute, complete sacrifice of …

March 10, 2019

A fierce temptation during Mass and thanksgiving to break my resolution and indulge my appetite at breakfast…Jesus urged me to pray …

March 10, 2019

The mortification good for you may be measured by your peace of mind. If you find your should troubled by the penance …

March 9, 2019

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, 2019

  He loves your soul dearly, cling to Him, and trust Him, He so longs to be trusted. COMMENT: There is …

March 7, 2019

  What is it to be a saint? Does it mean that we must macerate this flesh of ours with cruel …

March 6, 2019

On the way I noticed that heavy firing was going on ahead, but it was only when I reached a bend in …

March 5, 2019

I am suffering much in every way, most of all, perhaps, from sheer fatigue. As regards food and lodging I am not …

March 5, 2019

St John Vianney Press on bravely and don’t mind the scratches, even when they come from human nails! COMMENT: We must always …

March 4, 2019

Melrose in Dalkey, Dublin. Fr Doyle was born here 146 years ago today.   Today is Fr Doyle’s birthday – he was …

March 3, 2019

Sunset at Dalkey Island, a scene which would have been very familiar to Fr Doyle It is useful from time to time …

March 2, 2019

Surely, my child, you are not surprised to find that you have broken your resolution, or rather, that the devil has gained …

March 1, 2019

The merit of living under religious rule may be gathered from the difficulty of always and faithfully keeping that rule. Holiness and …

February 28, 2019

Blessed Marie de Jésus Deluil Martiny Over and over again I asked myself, when reading that book, was it not strange that …

February 27, 2019

He loves your should dearly, cling to Him, and trust him, He so longs to be trusted. Be like a faithful dog …

February 26, 2019

A habit of ejaculatory prayer is a sign of nearness to God, for our own holiness will be in proportion to our …

February 25, 2019

How often have we murmured against the good God because He has refused our petitions or frustrated our plans. Can we …

February 24, 2019

When you commit a fault which humbles you and for which you are really sorry, it is a gain instead of a …

February 24, 2019

“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, 2019

Jesus taught me a simple way today of conquering the temptation to break resolutions. When, for example, I want to take sugar …

February 22, 2019

As regards confession it would be much better to confine yourself to the accusation of, say, three faults, and turn the whole …

February 22, 2019

The great light of this retreat, clear and persistent has been that God has chosen me, in His great love and through …

February 21, 2019

Fr Robert McTeigue, the Jesuit priest who interviewed me on radio last week (see here) has published an excellent article on Fr …

February 20, 2019

I am convinced that generally we reach sanctity of life only through a long series of falls from which we get up. …

February 20, 2019

As the moth is attracted to the light, is drawn ever nearer to the warmth and brightness, until at length with …

February 19, 2019

Later this week bishops will meet in Rome to discuss the crisis (it is not too strong a word) of abuse in …

February 18, 2019

I saw many interesting places and things during my weeks of travel. But over all hung a big cloud of sadness, for …

February 18, 2019

Last week I took part in a fantastic 1 hour radio discussion about Fr Doyle with Fr Robert McTeigue SJ on his …

February 17, 2019

Fr Doyle left his training camp and headed to the continent 103 years ago today. Here are his sentiments on this occasion, …

February 17, 2019

We should call a man a fool who wasted his wealth warming himself before a fire made of banknotes. Do we act …

February 16, 2019

Tomorrow I will take part in a TWO HOUR long interview about Fr Doyle and the book To Raise the Fallen on …

February 15, 2019

St Claude de la Colombiere I have gone through a great deal of desolation, discouragement, fear and dread of my proposed vow. …

February 15, 2019

We are having desperate work these days. The good God is simply pouring out His grace on these poor fellows and reconciling …

February 14, 2019

What I intended to imply was that I thought God had special designs on your soul and very great graces in store …

February 13, 2019

I will appear on The Catholic Connection on The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network at 5pm ET tomorrow, Wednesday. I …

February 13, 2019

The effect of fervour may be likened to that of fire on water. When cold, water is motionless and chills all that …

February 12, 2019

Almost the first thing which caught my eye at the grotto was our Lady’s words: “Penitence, penitence, penitence”. On leaving, I …

February 11, 2019

You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were …

February 10, 2019

Christian abnegation is not composed merely of renunciation: it leads to something tangible and definite. We abandon what is false to cling …

February 9, 2019

This is my vocation: reparation and penance for the sins of priests; hence the constant urging of our Lord to generosity. COMMENT: …

February 8, 2019

  Don’t be one of those who give God everything but one little corner of their heart on which they put …

February 8, 2019

Blessed Pius IX Then in addition there is the great privilege and joy of carrying our dear Lord next my heart day …

February 7, 2019

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, 2019

  To-day while praying in the Chapel, suddenly it seemed to me as if I were standing before a narrow path …

February 5, 2019

St Agatha I was meditating on my desire to die a martyr’s death for Jesus, and then asked myself if I was …

February 5, 2019

Reading today of how Luisa de Carvajal made herself the slave of her two maids, the old desire for this kind of …

February 4, 2019

I am glad you wrote to me for I, at least, can understand exactly what you are suffering; it is really a …

February 4, 2019

St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church It seems to me that the best and most practical resolution I can make …

February 3, 2019

Today, however, I was able to offer the Holy Sacrifice in the trenches, my chapel being a dug-out capable of holding …

February 2, 2019

Little Nellie of Holy God   Kneeling there I asked her what God wanted from me, when I heard an interior voice …

February 2, 2019

Constant urging of jesus to do “hard things” for him, things which cost. I shrink from sacrifice, but I know well He …

February 1, 2019

  I would like you to note down in a little book the following things. Every day read each item over …

February 1, 2019

St John Bosco   One month of the new year has passed away, leaving behind it the memory of what has been …

January 31, 2019

A kind word goes far. I stopped to say a few words to a group of men at a street corner in …

January 30, 2019

Abandon yourself completely into the hands of God, and take directly from Him every event of life, agreeable, or disagreeable. Only then …

January 29, 2019

St Thomas Aquinas As to any practice of piety there is a double danger: recommending it as infallible, or condemning it as …

January 28, 2019

Last night I rose at 1am and went down to the church, renewing before the crucifix my desire and promise absolutely to …

January 27, 2019

  Each look of love to the Tabernacle causes a beat of grace-laden love in the Sacred Heart. COMMENT: The Lord …

January 27, 2019

  The mere saving of their souls should be the last thought of religious who have vowed their lives for God’s …

January 26, 2019

The Conversion of St Paul by Caravaggio   Every grace we get enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will. When the understanding …

January 25, 2019

St Francis de Sales There is nothing better than the practice of aspirations, steadily growing in number. Keep a little book and …

January 24, 2019

Dr Jeff Mirus has written a very fine article about Fr Doyle and To Raise the Fallen on catholicculture.org The article can …

January 23, 2019

I should examine all my actions, taking Jesus as my model and example. What a vast difference between my prayer and …

January 23, 2019

Last night I rose at twelve and knelt in the cellar for an hour to suffer from the cold. It was a …

January 22, 2019

My dear loving Jesus, what do you want from me? You never seem to leave me alone – thank you ever …

January 22, 2019

Life is too short for a truce. COMMENT: How typical is this pithy statement from Fr Doyle! We are here for a …

January 22, 2019

St Agnes Even as a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite …

January 21, 2019

Blessed Angelo Paoli   For the poor people on Dalkey Hill Willie constituted himself into a Conference of St. Vincent de Paul. …

January 20, 2019

Each morning at Holy Communion invite Jesus, with all the love and fervour you can, to enter into your heart and dwell …

January 19, 2019