I am with you still: Faith reflections from a Covid-19 World
edited with a series of reflections by John Quinn, foreword by Donal Dorr (Veritas, €12.99/£11.70)
In his new book popular writer John Quinn has drawn together some 18 people of all kinds from the corners of Ireland to give thought to the situation we have been passing through. These are a very varied group, with very varied responses. Readers, while engaging with their views, will be able to give some shape to the often even more varied responses in their own minds.
The main question haunting our minds are why, why does God allow this to happen? This has been the question posed by all kinds of events in the past, and there is no easy answer. But though there is pain and anxiety there have also been many positive aspects to the last years.
The positive actions of ordinary people has been unsurpassed and often magnificent in their aid to others, their care for those nearest them, and the way in which things have been kept going.
Reading these insights may be a reassuring experience. We don’t need to ask why God is not here, when we can see we are all here in the place as he would want us to be, and therefore is with us. God cannot be experienced directly but only through others.
Lakeland Lockdown Reflections
by Deacon Martin Donnelly (Shanway Press, £10.00/€11.70)
The married deacons with which many parishes are now familiar present in their views a different view of life, and crisis, as in the present times. Deacon Martin Donnelley ministers among the fields and lakes of Co. Fermanagh, a place where many of us would like to be on these fine summer days. The book is illustrated by his friend Fr Brendan McManus SJ, with some very fine views and vignettes of the region.
Lakeland Lockdown Reflections is published by Shanway Press, Belfast, and can be purchased via the publisher, or through the Parish office at St Michael’s, Enniskillen; telephone 028 (048 from ROI) 6632 2075 (ext. 3), or by emailing parishcentre@st-michaels.net. Copies can also be had directly from appropriate book shops.