Over 8,000 copies of Father Brian D’Arcy’s new book ‘Gold Collection’ have sold out in one week and three charities are already benefitting from sales proceeds.
The popular Passionist priest, who left the Graan Monastery in Enniskillen four months ago to live and work in Crossgar, has already given £5,000 to Trócaire, St. Vincent de Paul and to charities helping the homeless.
“I can’t believe it,” said Fr. Brian, who signed copies of his book in Enniskillen’s Easons store on Saturday.
The book is published by Columba which initially had 4,000 hardback copies printed.
“They sold out in three days, so they printed 2,000 paperbacks,” said Fr. Brian, “but those were sold out in pre-order, so they printed 2,000 more, which they also expect to sell out!”
Forty people were left queuing for a copy of his book in Eason on Saturday, so they have first dips on the batch of books he is due to sign in Craigavon this week.
“It has been hectic doing publicity for the book and my priestly duties,” commented Fr. Brian, who is delighted with the reaction.
‘Gold Collection’ 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. 
“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,” said Fr. Brian.
“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 seems to be what people want; a little bit of religion that they can dip into and which is not overly pious. It is practical and based in the real world.”
Noting that a lot of people are asking him to sign the book for their female relations, Fr. Brian quipped: “I’m beginning to become a version of Daniel O’Donnell; I’m a safe present for mothers, grandmothers and mothers-in-law!”
The book is in three sections. The first takes some of his best radio broadcasts, the second is humorous stories and anecdotes and the third contains his most popular Prayers and Reflections, chosen by readers and listeners.