The Father Willie Doyle Association was publicly launched online today. The Association is a lay group that is formally recognised as a Private Association of the Faithful by Most Reverend Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, the President of the Association Patrick Kenny said: “The Father Willie Doyle Association is a response to the wish of many people, over many decades, who have wanted to see Fr Willie Doyle recognised as a saint in the Catholic Church. Willie Doyle volunteered as a military chaplain in the First World War and served in this role from late 1915 until his death in August 1917. During his years as a chaplain he accompanied his men through the horrors of war, and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery at the Battle of the Somme. He was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele while rescuing two wounded Anglican soldiers from Ulster. His heroism, and the holiness of his life, led to an outpouring of devotion to him in the years after his death. By the early 1930’s over 50,000 letters testifying to devotion to him were received, over 6,000 of which alleged favours and healings through his intercession. Among his devotees are several canonised saints, including Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

“Willie Doyle is a very compelling figure. His attractive personality, and his love for God and for others, shines through all of his writings, especially the diaries and letters he wrote during the war. He is also a tremendously relevant figure for the Church today, especially in Ireland. By offering his life to save wounded Anglican soldiers he became an ecumenical martyr of charity and is an icon of reconciliation and unity in the midst of religious and political division. He explicitly offered his life to God in reparation for the sins of priests; this offering has a greater resonance with us now than it did at the time of his death. Willie Doyle also suffered a breakdown as a novice when he was caught up in a fire in his novitiate building. Yet, 20 years later, he was admired by all who met him as a rock of courage in the trenches of World War 1. His example is one of hope for many.

“The Association will publish materials about Fr Willie Doyle and organise events and talks to spread awareness of him. We want to reach out to as many people as possible, everywhere in the world, and tell them about this remarkable priest’s life, and we need as much spiritual and material help as we can get. Only one native Irish person has been canonised a saint in the last 500 years, we want the heroic Fr Willie Doyle to be among the new Saints of Ireland”, he said.

Ends.