"Only the heart touches hearts." - Celebrating Dom. Columba Marmion

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“Only the heart touches hearts. We influence people in proportion to our love for them.” (Blessed Columba Marmion). Today in the Irish Church we remember Blessed Columba Marmion. As a diocesan priest in the Dublin Archdiocese he felt called to the monastic way of life. He served in Holy Cross Church in Dundrum which is just up the road from us here in Blackrock.

He entered the Benedictine Maredsous Abbey in Belgium, several years after being ordained a priest. In 1909 he was elected abbot of Maredsous Abbey and served in that capacity until his death on January 30th, 1923. One of my favourite books is a composition of letters written by him, called "Union with God". He wrote to people who sought his spiritual counsel with questions about prayer, faith, temptation, suffering, and the struggles of daily life. Marmion excelled in the art of letter-writing — his advice was always simple and direct, yet profound. Remembering also the special event of the unveiling of the beautiful icon (the picture in this post) which depicts the life of Blessed Marmion which is in Holy Cross Church, Dundrum. Well worth a visit if you can. Happy feastday!

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