Spiritual Directors International 2009
Listening for the Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality
by J. Philip Newell. This is a fabulous book on the Celtic emphasis on the essential goodness of creation and humanity as made in the image of God. The Celtic roots are found in the gospel of St. John. “It was believed that by looking deeply enough into any human face, not just that of a child, we may glimpse the image of God...”Anam Cara, A Book of Celtic Wisdom
by John O’Donohue. The author has captured the very rare quality of linking human qualities with a divine presence in language that will speak to any heart. His simple words reveal timeless truths. This is a book not to be missed. “Frequently, in a journey of the soul, the most precious moments are the mistakes. They have brought you to a place that you would otherwise have always avoided….Wisdom is the art of living in rhythm with your soul, your life ,and the divine.”Glendalough: A Celtic Pilgrimage
by Michael Rodgers and Marcus Losack. This is a wonderful introduction into the history and stories of this ancient monastic city. Through the use of poems, reflective questions and the underpinnings of Celtic spirituality, the authors transport us into the past. They also bring the ancient stories back to life to integrate into our present daily lives. “When this river flowed some ten thousand years ago, it found its way through a natural fault or weakness in the old rock. It is consoling to know thatGod’s grace often flows through the faults and weaknesses that are part of everybody’s life.”How the Irish Saved Civilization
by Thomas Cahill. With this book we journey through the fall of Rome and through pre-Christian Ireland to the early monastic world. The monasteries became the repository of many treasures during the dark ages in Europe. These treasures, many which were lost on thecontinent, included writings from Homer and Aristotle. “…precious books and metal ware were buried in haste or sent inland to some place though to be – temporarily, at least – more secure. In this way, the
greatest of all surviving Gospel codices, the book of Kells, is thought to have been brought from imperiled Lindisfarne to the inland foundation of Kells.”
The Confession Of St. Patrick
rendered by many different authors some with pictures or Celtic designs.Rekindling the Flame: A Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Brigid of Kildare
by Rita Minehan, CSB published by Solas Bhride Community in Kildare. Probably the single best overall resource.Celtic Spirituality (Classics of Western Spirituality)
published by Paulist Press.Compiled by Regina Roman