Alan Hilliard – författare

The contributors to this unique and timely book present an overview of the range of chaplaincies within the Church’s mission. The publication provides various theoretical frameworks to support the inspiring work of Chaplains. The book’s origin lies in a tribute to the work of one’s of Ireland’s longest serving chaplains, Fr Gerry Byrne, who ministered in The Blackrock Clinic. Tributes to  Fr Byrne are offered by a consultant and the relative of a patient at the Clinic. Chaplains: Ministers of Hope presents chaplaincy as a living out of the utterly gratuitous love of God as seen in the resurrection of Jesus and it is an invitation to acknowledge and celebrate God’s love in the various chapters and events of life. The background to chaplaincy is covered in contributions that focus on the theological evolution of chaplaincy, its ecclesial history and its place in a contemporary ecclesial model. Further consideration is given to the scriptural origins of the ministry and its role in contemporary society. The practical evolution of chaplaincy is well covered in various contributions. The final section of the book contains contributions from Chaplains who go about their daily work as Ministers of Hope. There are contributions from a variety of chaplaincy perspectives:  hospital, prison, hospice, sea-port, army, school, university, migrants, those with special needs, Travellers  and the homeless.

It was the great poet Seamus Heaney who lamented the loss of the sense of the transcendent in our lives. Who we are, what we do, how we interact with others is not the product of a computer chip or an algorithm, it comes from deep within us. Many psychotherapists and others who delve into human motivation decry the loss of the sense of the sacred. They also see the impact of this on day-to-day living.This book encourages the reader to trust our thoughts and insights so we can see beyond the limits and distractions of today’s world to the deep truth that God breathes deeply into every human heart. Forty personal reflections are accompanied by photos taken by the author, along with a quote that he has found moving or inspirational.Praise for previous titles:‘Alan Hilliard has perfected a format  he has previously and very successfully used …40 incisive and sometimes profound reflections.’   Intercom

The aim of this booklet is to help foster an understanding of the plight of migrants that leads to action in the local faith community. Understanding of the role of the Christian towards the ever more present reality of migration and of the great Catholic tradition of hospitality is more important than ever, especially if we want or desire to make the appropriate response. The actions may not change situations in the homelands from which people migrated in the first place but the action we undertake in our neighbourhood where we live together can have amazing impacts for the stranger, for us and for our community, eventually influencing policy via our mutual understanding of the way our world is functioning or not functioning. The information in this booklet will hopefully help nurture the instincts of those who wish to make a difference in the face of the current crisis which brings with it so much tragedy. Author interviewed on High Noon on Newstalk with George Hook.

How can we know what it is to be holy? What difference can holiness make in our lives? Far from being a matter for only the `Holy Joes’ among us, holiness is the concern of all Christians, and is intimately connected to a life of Christian Joy. In How to be Holy: The Practice of Joy in Pope Francis’s Gaudete et Exsultate, Fr Alan Hilliard takes us on a journey through Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation. Chapter by chapter he explains the significance of Pope Francis’ remarks in an illuminating, and accessible way. Included are extracts from Gaudete et Exsultate, personal introductions to each chapter, and sets of questions to encourage you on your own spiritual journey. Pope Francis wants to help tune us in to God, and in How to be Holy: A Guide to Pope Francis’s message Gaudete et Exsultate Fr Alan Hilliard wants to help us tune in to Pope Francis! Rejoice and be glad!