By Dan O’Neill
It seemed an impossible dream to Dublin Diocesan Prayer Initiative (DDPI) Co-ordinator Phyllis Brady: bring renowned Catholic recording artist John Michael Talbot to Ireland to inaugurate the Advent Prayer events established three years ago by Cardinal Connell.
Nevertheless, Brady sent her proposal to Talbot's representatives in America. The possibility of such a tour appeared just as implausible to Viola Talbot when she received the formal invitation at the Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas. Concert tours, meetings, conferences, and recording projects had jammed the calendar. Viola has become accustomed to politely declining the plethora of requests flowing into the monastery offices. “Somehow, in John's absence and under the pressure of an immediate deadline to respond, I spontaneously said 'yes' to Ireland,” she recalls. “God will provide.”
A blizzard of electronic communications lit up on both sides of the Atlantic. There would be no time to waste in planning and promotion. November 1 found John Michael, Viola, sound engineer John Cotton, and Mercy Corps president Dan O'Neill settling into Dublin's beautiful Augustinian Orlagh Retreat Centre as a base for a series of prayer concerts. The events took place at Maynooth's National Seminary, Drumconda's Corpus Christi Church, Bray's Holy Redeemer Church, and the chapel at University College Dublin. Under the outstanding leadership Phyllis Brady, the events unfolded perfectly to large, enthusiastic crowds of all ages. “I must admit,” says John Michael, “I was not anticipating such a large turnout. I haven't been to Ireland in 20 years!” At the end of each performance long lines of attendees greeted Talbot and sought autographs. Books, tapes, and CDs were sold by DDPI co-sponsor Veritas.
The team met with Cardinal Connell, viewed the Book of Kells at Trinity College, walked the sacred site of Glendalough, prayed at the Marian Shrine in Knock, and marveled at Boyle's Cistercian Abbey between appointments, creating fond memories of their pilgrimage across the fabled isle of St. Patrick. It was reported, but not confirmed, that Dan O'Neill and John Cotton sampled Ireland's famed Guinness along the way, but only to confirm the quality of the legendary “health drink.”
Although John Michael left Ireland after an earlier visit in 1983, his music did not, but has been played and performed continuously by religious and lay people alike, hence, the strong turnout at the slated events in each location. The possibility of a return concert tour in 2005 is now being discussed.
The “Talbot team” traveled from Dublin to Armagh in Northern Ireland for a concert at St. Patrick's Cathedral which was attended by Archbishop Sean Brady and leaders from other faith communities. Next came a restful respite with the Sisters of Mercy at their Galilee Retreat House in Boyle, followed by a concert at Boyle's St. Joseph Church. The prayer mission concluded in Limerick at St. Augustine's Church on November 11.
“We have visited old friends made many new ones along the way. Our sincere best wishes and prayers are with the people and Church in Ireland,” John Michael said as he prepared to return to the Little Portion Hermitage via stops in Nashville, Texas, and Nicaragua.
To learn more about John Michael Talbot or to order a copy of Signatures visit www.johnmichaeltalbot.com.
