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A PRESENTATION BYBishop Thomas Deenihan, Diocese of Meath, Ireland
Fr. John Hogan, Postulator for the Cause of Canonization
Pat Kenny, President of the Willie Doyle SJ Association
Join us in the Immaculata Conference Center for a special evening on the captivating journey of this heroic Catholic priest who gave his life for his sheep!
Event is Free. No Registration Required.
The Servant of God, Fr. Willie Doyle was born in Dalkey, Co. Dublin on 3 March 1873. Renowned, even as a child, for his strong faith and charity towards others, he entered the Society of Jesus in 189I at Tullabeg, Co. Offaly. Following a breakdown in response to a fire in the novitiate, from which he recovered, he made a formal spiritual offering of his life to Mary on May 1, 1893. He was ordained a priest on July 28, 1907.
In 1910 he was appointed to the Jesuit Mission team and traveled throughout Ireland and Britain conducting retreats and missions. He spent many hours hearing confessions and guiding souls. He was a pioneer in promoting retreats for working men and was famous for his success in nurturing religious vocations. In 1913 he worked to assist the foundation of a Poor Clare Monastery in Cork.
Personally living an intense life of prayer and self-denial, he offered the sacrifices in his life in reparation for the sins of priests. With the outbreak of World War I he was assigned as chaplain to the 16th (Irish) Division. He served heroically, preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, assisting the dying, burying the dead, and suffering in the trenches with the soldiers.
He ministered to captured German soldiers, advocating peace and reconciliation. On August 16, 1917, during the Battle of Passchendaele, he ran into danger to save injured soldiers and was killed by a shell. His body was never recovered. Since his death he has enjoyed a reputation for sanctity and thousands have reported favors and healings through his intercession.
A huge devotion to Fr. Doyle began following his death, that included several recently canonized saints, such as St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) and St. Josemaria Escriva.
His Cause was opened in the Diocese of Meath in 2022.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1600 W Park Ave, Libertyville, IL, United States, Illinois 60048
