Works for the Spirit: A Ninetieth Birthday Tribute to Rory Geoghegan SJ

The work of Fr Rory Geoghegan SJ is known and loved by many. His sculptures are especially familiar to those visiting St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre in north Wales, and can often become an important focus for prayer and contemplation on retreat. Much of his work draws direct inspiration from scripture and the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, while some pieces reflect prayerful and challenging times in his own life. As Rory himself says: ‘my sculptures are all about God’s love for us’.

This new volume, compiled in honour of Rory’s ninetieth birthday, takes us on a chronological tour of his work across some sixty years. The earliest pieces demonstrate the influence of Eric Gill and Henry Moore, as well as a period in Zimbabwe when Rory was a young Jesuit. Other sculptures respond to specific events, including the oil boom of the 1970s, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, as well as the flight and plight of so many refugees. There are also special commissions on themes suggested by retreatants, or on episodes within the life of St Ignatius and other saints.

More than fifty of Rory’s sculptures have been photographed for this collection. The images are enhanced by his own comments and reflections, with related passages from scripture and the Spiritual Exercises, and poems written by three fellow Jesuits (Gerard Manley Hopkins, Patrick Purnell and Brian McClorry).

This book lends itself to quiet prayer and reflection, as well as simple enjoyment of the photographs. As Rory invites us: ‘Spend time with my sculptures. Wander around them in your imagination and explore all sides of them. Make your time with them a time of discovery and personal enquiry.’

‘Fr Rory’s work has drawn me to pray at several points on retreat … the pieces often seem to capture the reaction I’ve felt at different points within my Christian life, challenging me to something new.’ (St Beuno’s retreatant)

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