Brendan McManus SJ

Brendan McManus’ love of walking and pilgrimage comes from being raised on a farm in Lisnaskea, in Northern Ireland. After studying psychology and I.T. at university, he worked in the UK’s computer industry as an interface designer with Hewlett Packard. The desolation he felt with the ‘yuppie’ way of life forced him to resign and subsequently join the Jesuits in Dublin.

In addition to his philosophy and theology studies, he also worked with young people leading retreats and pilgrimages. A keen hiker, his love of pilgrimage emerged during his Jesuit training where he and a companion begged their way across northern Spain. Brendan is a fluent Spanish speaker from his time studying theology in Colombia (’98-’02).

Later, as a priest he worked with the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir in Dublin and he then developed his writing skills as editor of ‘Irish Jesuit News’. He was school chaplain and photographer in Coláiste Iognáid, Galway before walking the Camino in 2011 in memory of his brother who had died by suicide.
He currently works in the area of spirituality and spiritual accompaniment in Belfast and has just published the book ‘Redemption Road: Grieving on the Camino’ which deals with healing and recovery in the aftermath of his brother’s death.