Some days ago right before the morning prayers at Ghajn Dwieli Church where I am presently living an old lady approached me and handed me a little beige card of Father William Doyle. As I started reading it I was immediately captivated by God’s wit in the sayings of this Irish Jesuit priest.

Fr William was born on March 3 1873 at Dalkey, Dublin. on 31 March 1891 he joined the Jesuits. He was ordained in Dublin on July 28 1907.

In the period between 1908 till 1915 Fr Doyle led missions and retreats. In November 1915 he was appointed Chaplain to the Irish soldiers who were serving at the Front. There he proved his heroism and devotedness to the service he was called to accomplish. This Irish Jesuit was killed as he was ministering to the wounded near the Belgian town of Frezenberg in August 16, 1917.  He remains famous in Ireland as a successful missioner and a wise spiritual director. His biography amply shows that he lived a holy life. Many, both within and outside ecclesial circles, confirm that he has been a wonderful inspiration to many people.

Their claim is tenable if one were to taste some of his profound sayings. For Fr Doyle surrendering one’s life to Jesus is central for spiritual growth. He said: “Look upon nothing as too small to offer to Jesus”. Yet one’s truthful adherence to Jesus Christ is gauged by an unrelenting commitment to one’s duty. “To do something great and heroic may never come; but I can make my life heroic by faithfully and daily putting my best effort into each duty as it comes round”.

According to Father Doyle it was of no use being faithful to one’s duty without being guided by the spirit of joy. True holiness is detected in joy! “A soul which is not at peace and happy will never be really holy”. Only joy can motivate a person to give himself/herself to others. Thus he noted: “This worrying over what cannot well be avoided distracts the soul from God. After all, what God wants from you is love; and nothing should distract you from the grand work of love-giving”. Remember that “the devil loves nothing better than a gloomy soul; it is his plaything”.

Holiness is challenging since it means going against what the self desires. That is why Fr Doyle said: “Prayer is easy, works of zeal attractive; but going against self, till grace and perserverance give facility, is cruel work, a hard battle”. The secret for conquering the self is perseverance in what is good and true even if one were to suffer greatly. “Press on bravely and don’t mind the scratches – even when they come from human nails!”

But following Christ on the narrow path does mean that one is exempt from failures either. In fact, the Irish Jesuit observed: “I am convinced from a pretty big experience that sanctity is only won by repeated failures”. What inspires the disciple to resume his ‘sequela Christi’? The unconditional love of his Master Jesus! “The love of Jesus makes the impossible easy and sweet”.

As I delved deeper into Father Doyle’s teachings I encountered an interesting reflection which says much to those who lead busy lives.

To each one of you, dear brothers and sisters, the Irish Jesuit

counsels: “Try to take the days one by one as they come to you. The hard things of yesterday are past, and you are not asked to hear what to-morrow may have in store; so that the cross is really light when you take it bit by bit”.

Am I ready to entrust my life to Jesus joyfully as Father William Doyle teaches me?

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap