John O'Donohue was a poet, priest, philosopher and scholar from Conamara,
Ireland. Born and raised in County Clare, he was awarded a PhD in Philosophical
Theology from the German University of Tubingen in 1990. A prolific writer, he
authored Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom (an international bestseller),
Echoes of Memory (a collection of poetry), and Eternal Echoes: Exploring Our
Yearning to Belong, among other books. As a Catholic scholar whose acclaimed
writings revealed an original thinker rooted in an unorthodox blend of Irish
heritage, German philosophy and an intimate relationship with the wild, luminous
landscape of his Conamara home, his writings were particularly helpful to
spiritual directors and those involved in enrichment, formation and training
programs.
Go
raibh maith agaibh go léir agus beannacht.
On the death of the Beloved
Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was live, awake, complete.
We look towards each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.
…
Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.
-- John O’Donohue
Tributes from the Community
I was first introduced to the writing of John O'Donohue but a few weeks ago
in the book "The Invisible Embrace-Beauty". I was, am, deeply stirred by the
depth and breadth of his perceptions, his manner of putting into words many
things I have deeply felt but could not explain. In these times his thoughts and
manner of seeing are vastly needed. I believe they can serve to transcend the
tremendous difficulties of our times: the darkness as seen in: "The End of
America-A letter to a young patriot" by Naomi Wolf; the clearly
possible/probable movements of planetary intervention in "The Allies of
Humanity" by Marshall v. Summers; and the world environmental delimmas in "The
Weather Makers" by Tim Flannery. O'Donohues words and thoughts IF placed into
action as directed by the heart will coalesce with all the forces of Light that
are abundant as well on this planet and can move life and humanity toward its
spiritual destiny. Thank you and Bless you John O'Donohue for the gift of your
insights, clarity, inspiration and pathways to beauty, truth and goodness. I for
one will use your gifts from my heart, for this world.
James Rose-Foreman
A friend had just sent me a beautiful poem titled, "A Blessing," written by
John O' Donohue. I was truly touched by it's spirituality. Only a beautiful soul
could write like John O' Donohue did, and as his spirit lives on, may his works
surround many with his warmth and beauty.
Michelle Rossi
As many of you, probably, reading John O´Donohue´s books I found him to be my
kindest guide. His evocative thoughts, richness of his images and his gift for
sharing the intimate journeys of the soul introduced me into my own inner
landscapes I would not so easily find way to by myself. For these gifts he so
generously transferred to me and in spite of not knowing him in person I
established very close relationship with him. I was moved by his death. I am
deeply grateful for his writings and believe there is much more in his legacy to
be received by next generations in our aching world.Iva Fišerová, Czech
Republic
I did not know John, but he died in my country, I am sharing the hope of those
who believe in the loving and merciful God who opens his arms to John.RIP
Marie-Geneviève Renaud
Spiritual Director, France
