One of Ireland’s best-known priests, Fr. Brian D’Arcy has a new book out just in time for Christmas.
‘Gold Collection’ published by Columba, which runs to 220 pages includes a selection of Fr. Brian’s most requested broadcasts on the BBC and articles in Sunday World over the past decade. 
“It’s about bringing us into the present time and reminding us to make the best of the present moment,” Fr. Brian told The Impartial Reporter.
The Fermanagh priest left the Graan Monastery in Enniskillen almost three months ago to live and work with the Passionist community in Tobar Mhuire Retreat in Crossgar.
He is “busier than ever” and is enjoying travelling around the country to promote his new book, which he says is based on the concept of mindfulness.
He said: “I have been writing each week for the Sunday World for over 40 years and broadcasting on RTÉ and BBC for even longer. 
“Over the years I have learned that people like good thoughts in small portions. I have discovered that the short inspirational snippets that I regarded as ‘fillers’ meant more to the readers and listeners than the main articles. People still write in for copies of the reflections.
“Little things still mean a lot. St Paul in his writings frequently made the point that whilst we enjoy the meat in the meals, it’s the snacks that keep us going. That’s how I regard these reflections, quotations, inspirational snippets and pointed stories. 
“There comes a time in life when all we need is a small injection of spiritual encouragement. In this book you will find some of the most requested reflections from the last 10 years.”
He added: “It’s a little bit of religion, nothing more.”
He published two ‘pocket’ books 20 years ago and found that people were still asking him about them, so he began working on the new book before he left the Graan. 
Gold Collection is “full of easy to read, meaningful and helpful thoughts, jokes and stories to inspire readers of all ages,” said Fr. Brian.
The book is in three sections. The first takes some of his best broadcasts on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio 2 in recent years. The second has “a multitude of humorous stories and anecdotes which will lift your spirits when life and religion get too serious. 
“The last section has many of the most popular Prayers and Reflections which readers and listeners have chosen themselves,” explained Fr. Brian.
Snippets from the book include: “They say that religion is for those who fear hell; spirituality is for those who’ve already been there. To put it another way, when fear governs everything I do, life is miserable; when I choose the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do, my life is filled with peace. Attitude is everything.”
Another reads: “Everyone gets enough exercise: jumping to conclusions, flying off the handle, running down the boss, knifing friends in the back, dodging responsibility, passing the buck and pushing their luck.”
Another states: “The trouble with many Christians is that they want to reach the promised land without going through the wilderness.”
Any profits from the book will be given to those in need, at home and abroad.
Fr. Brian will attend book signings in Dundrum Town Shopping Centre, Dublin this Saturday, December 2 and he will be in Easons, Enniskillen on Saturday, December 9 from 2pm.