Remembering Fr Willie Doyle SJ
Willie Doyle SJ was born on 3 March 1873, 151 years ago, to an affluent Catholic family in Dublin, He entered the Society of Jesus in 1891. He taught in two Jesuit schools, Clongowes Wood College and Belvedere College, and was ordained in 1908. He volunteered as a chaplain in WW1.
Bishop Tom Deenihan, the Bishop of Meath, opened the cause for the beatification and canonisation of Fr Willie Doyle SJ at a ceremony in the cathedral of Christ the King on Sunday 20 November 2022.
The Irish Province has been supporting a group (The Fr Willie Doyle SJ Association) led by Mr Pat Kenny who have dedicated themselves to promoting Fr Doyle’s cause. You can join their association, report a favour received or request a relic or prayer card by going to their website »
Fr Doyle was renowned for his heroism as a military chaplain during World War I, and since his death on 16 August 1917, he has developed a reputation for sanctity and intercessory power. He has touched the lives of many people, especially those he ministered to in the hellish trenches of the First World War.
He was renowned for his selfless care of the young soldiers in that war, for his heroism, and his deep penitential spirituality. Many draw attention to his sense of humour, positive attitude, and upbeat disposition which supported the soldiers to whom he was chaplain during dark and dangerous times in the trenches.
He was also known as a practical joker who from an early age displayed tender care for all those he came in contact with, and from an early age. he continues to fascinate people today, one hundred years on from his death in the First World War.
On this week of his birthday, all are asked to continue to pray for his cause
