Saturday, January 03, 2009

Remembering John O'Donahue


May you be blessed with good friends.
May you learn to be a good friend to yourself.
May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where
there is great love, warmth, feeling, and forgiveness.
May this change you.
May it transfigure that which is negative, distant, or cold in you.
May you be brought in to the real passion, kinship, and affinity of belonging.
May you treasure your friends.
May you be good to them and may you be there for them:
may they bring you all the blessings, challenges, truth
and light that you need for your journey.
May you never be isolated.
May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your
anam cara.
John O'Donahue, Anam Cara.

I never met John O'Donahue and it was only a year and a half ago when I was introduced to his writing. But, the moment I first read a quote, I was struck by his poetic light touch beauty and hungered for more.....and hoped I would have a chance to hear him speak with the same lyrical timbre as his written words sung out to me. What I had read of Father O'Donahue intrigued me.....he seemed like a man who encompassed both an outward exhuberance and an inward reverence to life. Introspectively comfortable living in his beloved Connemara, I also got the sense that he thrived surrounded by the love and belonging of a circle of friends sipping on gold. His sudden death a year ago brought these friends as well as everyone who had been touched by his writing, his seminars, his interviews, his presence to their knees. Grief wept....


If I was asked to identify one person who made the most impact on me spiritually in 2008, it would most definately be this gentle man. His untimely death prompted me to re-evaluate my personal goals. The lessons I have gleaned reading his books have strengthened my acuity, my awareness of the many layers of faith we have the opportunity to travel to.

His words are never far away from my fingertips....the books already frayed and dog-eared from frequent dipping into the drink of his beautiful voice, travel with me as companions. Every time I randomly open one of them, I feel like I've journeyed into a place where thinness and eternity are possiblities....



Inspiring, thought provoking, lovingly holy..... a gift to many. Today on the anniversary of his death, I stop and recognize a man who continues to smile down on us all...... Shine on Father, shine on.....


A 2004 interview with John O'Donahue from the CBC radio show, Tapestry rebroadcasted last winter. I encourage you to sit back and have a listen.......

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

couldn't have said it any better dana... anyone dropping by here should pour a large glass of wine, light some candles and listen to this.... you will enjoy a sacramental moment...

ps, he would have loved you!

awareness said...

paul...thank you....you've made me cry. x

Anonymous said...

I remember so well you introducing me to this man and I can't believe it has already been a year since his passing. I still recall listening to that interview too. I will be sure to take Paul's advice and pour a nice glass of wine and light some candles at the same time. They just happen to be two of my favourite things.

much2ponder said...

I was unable to open the link, not sure why. But...I did go to his website and read some of his writings. Amazing how his words seemed to so easily speak of what my soul has been yearning to be recognized. I have ordered a couple of his book so I can take some time to digest his writings. Thanks so much for sharing this with us:) You continue to give me food for thought and I love that!

swilek said...

I will sit and have a listen but with a cup of tea-I'm not a wine drinker! A beautiful tribute Dana. I'm so glad you introduced me to his writings too!! I was sooo excited to get your email and have sooo much to say to you!! We do need an afternoon together! Keep on writing, I'm not bored at all and don't find you overbearing at all. It's funny you said that and about Gerald because when I've gone on a few blind dates in the past, the guys said I was nice but too outgoing for them!!!:):) Anyways, I am in the process of writing you back. I so need to read your article on Rick Warren..I saw that CNN forum and it stirred some things up in me.I wondered why would he host something like this. I was not impressed to say the least. He does need to watch it..yikes. I was never one to get on the bandwagon with his book Purpose Driven Life-I did read it though. I also had to read Purpose Driven Youth Ministry as well for a youth course. Anyways, I saw him on the cover of Time and read the article. I was not impressed. I now know why he had the forum-to serve his own purpose...anyways, I will email you more...it will be a long one, so pour another glass of wine!!:):)

swilek said...

PS Have you read anything by Calvin Miller? I was introduced to him at a worship conference in October. He was a beautiful speaker and reminds me of what Father John would be like. Calvin recently has published works on "The path of Celtic Prayer" and "A Celtic Devotion." ( It is a beautiful devotional book) He has done a great deal of research on how the Celts worshipped God...very interesting!

awareness said...

Gypsy...enjoy....Father O'Donahue's voice pulls you right into a very thin lovely place.

m2p...It used to be that this link was an easy access. I think you may need realplayer installed or upload/download (whatever you do to load) it as a podcast, which I don't have flipping clue how to do. Let me know what you think and how you feel about his writings once you have had a chance to read one of his books. I'm thrilled you ordered them right away. I have a feeling you're going to enjoy them very much.

karyne...:) I was a bit of a blatherer last night. I blame the Baileys I was sipping.....er gulping. Will let you know the dates we'll be in S. Ontario. Our March Break is the week before the Ont. kids one.

I'll drum up that draft on Rick Warren and send it off to you. I should send it to Layla too. She knew I was writing it.

I have never heard of Calvin Miller but will look into his writings..I'm intrigued and interested.....I think of late I must be channelling my irish side more so than my lassie scot side.

Bar L. said...

Thank you, Dana, for introducing me to John. I remember hearing this news a year ago. Seems like only yesterday. Very sad.

swilek said...

In the words of Paul, it was a "sacramental moment" listening to this interview. What a gift. I can't believe I had never heard of him before. I will definitely listen to this interview again as there is so much wisdom and insight to take in...what a soothing soul. Thanks for posting it!

much2ponder said...

I did get to listen after uploading Real Player. I cannot wait to get the books I ordered. This was truly wonderful. Thank you so much

awareness said...

Karyne and M2P....as Paul said, a truly sacremental moment. When I first listened to the interview, I thought the same thing as you Karyne....how had I missed knowing about this man. I'm really pleased you both enjoyed it.