John J. O Riordain

Early Irish Saints is a collection of essays on the lives of individual early Irish saints from Patrick to Columbanus of Bobbio. Each essays covers what we know about that particular saint as well as some of the legends and stories passed down about him. It is not only male saints; there are several women featured as well. What is particularly nice is that the author uses recent sources, but still manages to remain fairly orthodox in his works—i.e. he never claims that St. Bridget is actually a Celtic deity re-purposed by the Church. Overall, a solid collection and definitely a book to be read by anyone with an interest in the saints of Ireland or medieval Irish culture. Highly recommended.… (altro)

Celtic spirituality is often spoken of as something ancient, remote and in need of re-discovery. This volume presents it as a lived experience even in modern Ireland. Reading some of the literary legacy of Ireland leads one to ask "from where does all this spiritual richness spring?" The questions leads to an investigation of the Celtic world as it emerged on Continental Europe around 1000 BC, to the Celts' eventual absorption of the Christian message in the Ireland of the 5th century, the blossoming of what is now called "Celtic spirituality" during the early-middle ages, and its survival down to the present day. Father O'Riordain speaks of one of the key characteristics of both Christian and pre-Christian Celtic spirituality as being its communal emphasis. For Christians, this community life is further enhanced by a keen awareness of being part of a greater community of saints gathered around the throne of Goodness, ever united in praising and thanking the creator God who is revealed in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.… (altro)