Rev Ken Newell and I discussed my latest book, Unity Pilgrim: The Life of Fr Gerry Reynolds CSsR, yesterday at the Féile (West Belfast Festival) in St Mary’s University College.
You can listen to the hour-long conversation below, which is introduced by Jim Gibney (a short introduction in Irish, followed by conversation in English).
The conversation ranged over a number of topics, including how I came to write the book, surprises I uncovered during the research process, Gerry’s ministry before Clonard, his relationship with Fr Alec Reid, Gerry’s appreciation of women’s gifts in the Church, his approach to shared Eucharist, and how he kept going through difficulties and adversity.
The conversation covers different ground than a previous event at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, so even if you attended that, there is new information here.
And many thanks to Alan Meban for a video recording of the event:
Towards the end of the conversation, Ken reflected on Gerry’s ‘visionary’ qualities. Ken said that Gerry’s inclusive vision remains important in today’s unsettled times, noting that Gerry did not force his vision on anyone; rather he embodied a respectful approach that accepted people for who they already were.
I added that while Gerry’s vision might seem impossible to attain, the key was that Gerry kept looking for the next small step to take towards that vision, realizing that it was a long pilgrim road. For him, the journey was just as important as the destination.
Thinking back over the notes I made on Gerry’s journals, I remembered an incident that didn’t make it into the book (or into yesterday’s conversation at the Féile). In an entry dated 19 July 2005, Gerry recorded that he had interviewed Ken on Féile FM in advance of that year’s West Belfast Festival. What he asked Ken demonstrates his audacious (some would say naive) vision; Ken’s answer demonstrates a cautious pragmatism:
Interviewed Ken Newell today for Feile FM. Ended it with a question: ‘Can you as an ex Orange Lodge member envision the day when an Orange march will be part of the West Belfast Festival – entertaining us as they come over by Northumberland St, go up the Falls and Springfield Road to the Whiterock Lodge?’ Ken said, ‘Keep the dream but deal first with the present impasse at Ardoyne by talking together.’
I would be surprised if this particular vision ever materializes. But it demonstrates just how big Gerry’s dreams for inclusivity were, and his hope that everyone on this island would come to honour and enjoy each other’s traditions.
(Photos by Redemptorist Communications. Top: Ken Newell and Gladys Ganiel; bottom: Ken Newell, Gladys Ganiel and Jim Gibney)
You can purchase Unity Pilgrim in reception at Clonard Monastery (£12) or online (€14). Redemptorist Communications are also running a special offer in which you can purchase Unity Pilgrim and One Man, One God: The Peace Ministry of Fr Alec Reid CSsR, by Martin McKeever, for €25.