Foreword by Dr Tony Bates

Using the format of his earlier books Dipping into Lent and Dipping into Advent, Alan Hilliard again opens up a space for us to engage with our emotional and spiritual response to what life throws at us. The loss, fear, isolation, and fragmentation of 2020 causes us all to pause and take stock of what really matters in our lives, so Dipping into Life comes at the perfect time to help us do this. All of life is in these pages - absence and presence, loss, grief, laughter, believing, forgiveness, enchantment, distraction, gratitude, cousins, freedom, pints and play.

Alan has the rare gift of opening out our everyday lives and considering these in light of the wisdom of the religions, of literature, poetry, music, sociology and common sense. As we dip into this book, opening a page at random, Alan helps us to find the deeply religious in the everyday and take time to 'cultivate reverence and recognition for what is already present'. There is an honesty in these pages that this is not always easy to do. Dipping into Life invites us to be enchanted by the complexity and beauty of our own lives as it is here that we encounter God.

About the Author
Alan Hilliard is a former director of the Irish Bishop's Commission for Emigrants and the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas. He has led campaigns to highlight the plight of the undocumented Irish in Britain and the USA, largely forgotten by modern Irish society. He is co-ordinator of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Service at TU Dublin. Previous titles with Messenger Publications include Dipping into Lent, Dipping into advent and Dipping into Life.

Reviews

"truly life-giving and life-enhancing...full of memorable phrases and heart-warming words. This serene volume is a "must" on anyone's shelf who wishes to delve deeper into the golden threads of our lives."

Catholic South West

-- Denis Blackledge SJ * Catholic South West *

'This book facilitates the reader as they 'dip' into life's mysteries in a gentle and thought-provoking way. Dipping into Life is an accessible, uplifting and inspiring book.'

The Irish News

-- William Scholes * The Irish News *

'...relevant for everyday reading and a source of encouragement for individuals and groups'

The Irish Catholic

-- Peter Costello * The Irish Catholic *

Alan Hilliard has perfected a format he has previously and very successfully used for the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent...40 incisive and sometimes profound reflections...colourful and attractive presentation...'

Intercom

-- Fr Paul Clayton-Lea * Intercom *

'An accessible book that invites readers to become more aware of the divine at work in the world and in their lives.'

The Furrow

-- Luke MacNamara * The Furrow *



Book Information
ISBN 9781788123471
Author Alan Hilliard
Format Paperback
Page Count 88
Imprint Messenger Publications
Publisher Messenger Publications