Saints, scholars and heroes in new book by Fr Eamon
EAMON FLANAGAN, a priest originally from Killaraght in south Sligo and who has connections to Easkey, has released a new book. Fr Flanagan’s ‘Saints, Scholars, Heroes: Poems, Commentary, Prose Reflections’ is a collection of poetry – with many references to Sligo. Fr Flanagan, pictured below, is member of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentians, and he works in Dublin. He was ordained a priest in 1964. He is the author of 12 books of poetry and prose. At college he studied the ancient classics and Spanish. Later he specialised in the Carmelite mystics of Spain. His ministries in life included parish and seminary work, teaching, religious formation and spiritual direction.
The new book’s cover says: “This book looks at themes such as faith and culture. There is recognition of a certain decline in recent times, but the prospect of a renewed landscape is portrayed. The pervasive pandemic is taken into account against the background of life, work, prayer, pilgrimage and sanctity.
“Specific events, locations and people give a sense of place and community within the totality and influence of Catholic faith and way of living. “Destructive tendencies are faced and assessed with vigour and truth. Inspiration comes through conviction and courage associated with the heritage derived from our saints, scholars and Church heroes (with resonance of the proverbial title so long attributed to Ireland). The beauty, grace and divine gifts (sometimes unrecognised) of our Catholic Church are brought into real perspective.
“This book is like a picture of today’s world, a picture of light with darkness too, threaded through with a profound note of hope. It has a meaning for all, while Catholic readers will find an invitation to rethink life in the light of faith and an enduring Catholic inheritance. Through the work there is a clear tone of lyricism running along with story and reflection.” Fr Flanagan, a weekly Sligo Weekender reader, kindly gave permission for us to reproduce some of the verses from his new book, which is available from Veritas and from Kolbe Publications in Cork.