Cathal BarryVeteran broadcaster George Hook has announced that he “re-converted” to Catholicism during a brief stint in hospital, adding that he found “peace” while receiving daily Communion there.
The popular rugby pundit, who underwent surgery on his knee recently, also insisted his return to the Faith was “not a flirtation”.
Acknowledging that it is “a lot easier to have daily Communion when it is brought to your bed”, the broadcaster revealed he found it a “peaceful” experience.
“It’s a bit easier than getting up in the cold weather and heading off to your local church but I found a strange peace I must say,” he told Newstalk radio.
“I found it peaceful. I felt good about it. This has been coming. This was the opportunity and I’m glad,” he said.
Hook, who grew up in Corkand attended Presentation Brothers Collegethere, also spoke of his encounter with a priest in the Blackrock Clinic who heard his Confession. “I went into hospital on Monday night and I called for the priest,” Hook recalled.
‘Bad boy’
“He arrived up and I said I want to make Confession and it might take a while. After being told “You don’t have to be detailed”, Hook responded: “Look, I’ve been a bad boy. I can’t tell you how many weeks it’s been since my last Confession”.”
After reciting the Act of Contrition and confessing his sins, Hook said he received a “remarkably light” penance from the priest and began receiving the Eucharist daily.
“I got my penance which was remarkably light I must say, probably on the basis I promised to amend. Then I became a daily communicant.”
In 2010, as part of the Church’s ‘Year for Priests’ celebration, Hook contributed to a DVD, In Praise of Priests, featuring interviews with various people expressing admiration for their favourite priest.