Tuesday, August 16, 2011

August 16, 1917: Death of Fr. William Doyle, S.J.

I hope one of these days, August 16th will become the feast of St. William Doyle, the "Trench Priest" who died in the midst of his ministry to the dying at the Battle of Ypres 96 years ago today, a martyr of charity.  But for now, it is simply the anniversary of the death of Servant of God Willie Doyle.  Fr. Willie has appeared several times in this space (e.g., here, here, and here).  An entire blog is dedicated to his memory: for the ether's best compendium of Fr. Doyle commentary and biographical material, as well as Fr. Doyle's writings, visit Remembering Fr William Doyle SJ.

Fr. Doyle does have a cause for canonization, but it has been in the deep freeze for decades.  Let us hope and pray for the rekindling of devotion to him, so that he may once more step into the trenches to the rescue of his beloved Ireland and Society of Jesus.

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