Dipping into Life is the title of a new book by Father Alan Hilliard, a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin. In this new title, published by Messenger Publications, Father Hilliard reflects on how the loss, fear, isolation, and fragmentation that COVID-19 pandemic has caused, has caused many of us to pause and take stock of what really matters in our life. Dipping Into Life is offered as a resource tohelp us see beyond the turmoil to the goodness and simple beauty that can be found in everyday interactions.
Following on from his previous books of reflections on the liturgical seasons, Father Hilliard opens up a space for us to engage with our emotional and spiritual response to what life throws at us. All of life is in the pages of his new book – laughter, grief, forgiveness, gratitude, freedom, pints and play.
This book facilitates the reader as they ‘dip’ into life’s mysteries in a gentle and thought-provoking way. Thoughts ranging from cups of coffee, ancient navigators, cycling and the challenges of technology help us to find the deeply religious in the everyday and enable us to ‘cultivate reverence and recognition for what is already present’.
Easily accessible, uplifting and inspiring the reflections, accompanied by the author’s own beautiful photographs, will suit a busy person who wants to hold onto a contemporary spirituality.
Dipping into Life: 40 Reflections for a Fragile Faith is published in Ireland and the UK by Messenger Publications and is priced at €12.95/£11.95. For more see www.messenger.ie.
Father Alan Hilliard is the Coordinator of the Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy service at TU Dublin and a Board member of the Irish Bishops Councils for Emigrants and Prisoners Overseas. His previous titles with Messenger Publications include Dipping into Lent and Dipping into Advent.
ENDS