To Raise the Fallen, a collection of Fr Doyle’s writings and prayers that I have compiled and edited in advance of the 100th anniversary of his death next month, will be launched in Hodges Figgis bookstore, Dublin, on August 10th at 5.30pm. Obviously there are many readers of this site in other countries and other parts of Ireland for home this notice is not relevant. However, readers in Dublin are …
Ireland
July 27, 2017
The Jesuit archives are holding an exhibition on Fr Doyle in Dalkey Library starting next week. It is good to see Fr Willie recognised once again in his own home town. Readers who live in the area may want to attend. The exhibition lasts until 18 August. Details below. Other interesting news to follow soon…
July 12, 2017
As a child I was convinced that one day God would give me the grace of martyrdom. When quite small I read and re-read every martyr’s life in the twelve volumes of Butler’s Lives of the Saints, and longed and prayed to be a martyr, and I have often done so ever since. As years went on, the desire grew in intensity, and even now the sufferings of the …
July 1, 2017
Blessed Margaret Ball, one of the Irish martyrs whose feast we remember today Sunday and Monday last were days of wonderful grace for me, as if the Hunter of souls had run His quarry down and so surrounded it with the coils of His love that all escape was impossible. Alas! Does he not well know how that foolish hare will break loose and escape again so soon, spoiling all …
June 20, 2017
Venerable Matt Talbot I do not want, in fact I forbid you, to be imprudent in the matter of corporal penances. But, my dear child, if you let a whole fortnight go by without any self-inflicted pain, can you honestly look Jesus in the face and say, “I am like to Him”? COMMENT: The idea of self-inflicted pain is not popular in contemporary spirituality. Oddly enough though, it seems wildly …
June 7, 2017
The following article about Fr Doyle appeared on The Journal on Sunday. The Journal is an Irish online “newspaper”. It tends to be somewhat “left of centre” politically. The fairly positive comments about Fr Doyle from the readers are interesting – almost invariably comments on The Journal tend to be somewhat hostile to religion and anything connected with it. Fr Doyle’s humanity and heroism have a way of reaching people …
June 6, 2017
Collins Barracks in Dublin is currently running an exhibit about the Battle of Messiness Ridge, featuring some items owned by Fr Doyle. These items include part of his military uniform (which has been cut up over the years to provide relics), his military gloves (the right index finger also looks like it was cut to provide relics), a copy of the letter from General Hickie to Hugh Doyle testifying to …
June 6, 2017
Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our troops,’ but no one ever seems to think that the souls of those who have fallen in battle may possibly be in need of much greater comfort than the bodies of their comrades who survive. With all the spiritual help now at their disposal, even in the very …
May 26, 2017
Blessed John Sullivan Blessed John Sullivan was beatified in Dublin today. This is big news and it is joyous news for every Catholic in Ireland. In addition to the unveiling of the portrait of the new blessed early in the ceremony, one of the highlights of today’s event was a really excellent homily by Cardinal Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints (what a great job …
May 13, 2017
Venerable Fr John Sullivan SJ, who will be beatified on Saturday Today we conclude our reflections on the life and spirit of Fr John Sullivan ahead of his beatification tomorrow. We continue with some excerpts from his prayers and sayings. You’ll never have to fight alone in this world, although we leave our Divine Lord to fight alone constantly. The Holy Ghost will write in invisible ink on our hearts. …
May 12, 2017