The Rock from Which You Were Hewn: Lives and Legacy of Holy Irish Men and Women

Author: Dr. Patrick Kenny, Fr. John Hogan

This book presents brief biographies of over 40 modern Irish men and women whose causes for canonization are in process, along with others who enjoy a strong reputation for sanctity. Written in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call to the Irish to renew the Church in Ireland by drawing on the legacy of holiness offered by their ancestors, this book details the heroic lives of more recent saintly models to encourage contemporary Catholics to seek holiness in their lives.

Featuring chapters written by various contributors, including the postulators of some of the causes, the book offers moving insights into the subjects themselves and the times and places in which they lived. All are native-born Irish, some lived and died in Ireland, and some were missionaries in other countries as was often the Irish experience for a great part of its modern history.

This is a timely, important work given the decline of Christianity in western society, and the need for the Church in many countries to embrace a process of spiritual renewal and evangelization. While it deals with Irish models and the manifestation of Catholicism which might be considered unique to the Irish, it is a work for the universal Church since the Saints have relevance for all of us, regardless of where they are from.

Among those whose inspiring lives are told include Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J., Father Edward Flanagan, Frank Duff, Sister Clare Crockett, Venerable Patrick Peyton, Venerable Matt Talbot, Venerable Edel Quinn, Blessed John Sullivan, Blessed Columba Marmion, and many more.