Father Martin McAlinden was a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Dromore and Director of Pastoral Theology at St Patrick’s College Maynooth. Martin was studying for a doctorate at the University of Chester when, in 2016, he sadly died. His research had focussed on the spiritual malaise experienced by many priests in the Catholic Church in Ireland. In response, he developed a theology rooted in the ancient notion of acedia and he used this as a way of talking about the spiritual crises many priests experience. The ancient response to acedia, the command to stay in one’s cell and pray, provided Martin with a way of speaking about how this spiritual malaise might be transformed. This book brings together a major article that has emerged out of Martin’s research, together with a series of responses from many who accompanied him during his studies. It is offered to Martin’s brother priests, and to the whole Church, as a gift of love that might, it is hoped, contribute to the spiritual renewal of the Church.
Recommendations
‘It is well over 200 years since William Wordsworth – in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads – referred to poetry as ‘emotion recollected in tranquillity’. For him, memories of daffodils could ‘flash upon the inner eye, which is the bliss of solitude’. Our current activist culture is inimical to introspection and that has affected how everyone – including clergy – experiences the world. But when tranquillity, solitude and the inner eye have been relegated to the category of ‘special interests’, it becomes much more difficult ‘with joy to draw waters from the wells of salvation’. (Isaiah 12:3). This series of reflections on acedia is both a welcome tribute to Dr Martin McAlinden and a timely examination of how we can name and tackle the spiritual malaise which so saps the energy of many who began their spiritual journey with great enthusiasm.’
Most Revd Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry
‘This book captures well two aspects of theological research: that of presenting thoughtful comment and then the corresponding attentive listening and response. Martin’s work on acedia is indeed a helpful lens through which to consider ministry across Ireland and as the subsequent papers contained in this book illustrate, his work also acts as a stimulating conversation partner, to aid reflection on various contemporary issues. I trust you will be thoughtfully challenged as you read this book, just as I have been by Martin’s presentations, papers, his conversations and indeed his life.’
Helen Warnock, Principal of Belfast Bible College and fellow DProf. student with Martin.
Bibliographic information
Wayne Morris (Editor), Acedia and the Transformation of Spiritual Malaise: Essays in Honour of Martin McAlinden, 2019, ISBN 9781908258-02-1, £13.99.
Copies can be purchased directly from the publisher using this ordering system and through booksellers and distributors. This ordering system is for print books only and these are despatched through the postal system. Other means of payment for the print version are institutional purchase orders and cheques made payable to the University of Chester. Please email any ordering queries or call +44(0)1244 513305. There is no charge for postage and packing in the UK for paperback books, but postal charges are applicable for overseas orders. Please note that for books sent overseas, there may be local taxes applied in the country of destination and customs delays. The e-book version (in PDF format) is currently available through Google Play and library collections such as EBSCO, Ebook Central and Gardners.
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