This book is a popular biography of Fr Gerry Reynolds.
When Limerick-born Redemptorist priest Fr Gerry Reynolds first arrived in Belfast in August 1983, it was to a city starkly divided by conflict and violence. His instinct to reach out to those who were suffering, on both sides of the community, would develop into a lifelong devotion to the cause of peace and Christian unity.
Through the friendships of the Cornerstone Community and the Clonard-Fitzroy Fellowship, his involvement in secret talks with republican and loyalist paramilitary groups, and the setting up of the ‘Unity Pilgrims’, Gerry would play a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He believed the church could be ‘God’s peace process in human history’, and that dialogue and friendship would open hearts to the mutual understanding and trust that are the foundations of true peace.
Above all, Gerry was a pilgrim, struggling in his faith, journeying with his sisters and brothers, and always striving towards the goal of Christian unity, one small step at a time. This book draws on Gerry’s own words and writings, and the recollections of his family and friends, to uncover the story of this gentle priest, pilgrim and peacemaker.
Order via Redemptorist Communications.
Watch my interview about the book with Redemptorist Communications:
Unity Pilgrim The Life of Fr Gerry Reynolds CSsR
Author Dr Gladys Ganiel talks about why she wrote Unity Pilgrim.#Redemptorists #UnityPilgrim
Posted by Redemptorist Communications on Thursday, 30 May 2019
Comments about the Book:
‘My strongest impression was that Fr Gerry’s courageous and reconciling spirit would find renewed expression in the lives of many of those present [at his funeral], but I was also glad that in the days to come his soft, loving and challenging voice would once again resound through the pages of the spiritual classic you are now holding in your hands.’ – Rev Ken Newell, Minister Emeritus Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Belfast
‘Until he died on 30 November 2015, Gerry’s life was a pilgrimage of faith and of commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. … This welcome biography describes and celebrates the gift of his pilgrim life.’ – Michael Kelleher CSsR
Reviews and Media Coverage
Irish Political Studies by Margaret M. Scull (2019)
Running as a Spiritual Place – Conversation on BBC Radio Ulster, including Unity Pilgrim references
Conversation between Rev Ken Newell and Gladys Ganiel at the West Belfast Festival (5 Aug 2019)
‘Toxic Theology Underpins Segregation and Sectarianism’, by Fergus O’Ferrall in the Irish Times
‘Pioneering a Shared Eucharist’, Feature in the Irish Catholic
Review in Reality, a publication of Redemptorist Communications
‘Reynolds’ Vision for a Better Day’, Review by Brian D’Arcy, Sunday World
‘An Astounding Achievement’, Review by Steve Stockman
Limerick Launch of Unity Pilgrim, featuring Ed Petersen
Faith and the Peacemaker, on RTE Brainstorm
Interview on BBC Radio Ulster Sunday Sequence
Belfast Launch of Unity Pilgrim, featuring Rev Ken Newell and my own remarks