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To Raise the Fallen: A Selection of the War Letters, Prayers, and Spiritual Writings of Fr. Willie Doyle
Irish military chaplain Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J., died in action during the Battle of Passchendaele on August 16, 1917, having been hit by a German shell while rushing to the aid of wounded soldiers trapped in No Man's Land. In To Raise the Fallen, Patrick Kenny introduces readers to this remarkable man, whose faith, heroic courage and generosity in the trenches of World War I continue to inspire Christians and non-Christians alike.
To Raise the Fallen includes a selection of Willie Doyle's rich and vivid letters from the front, along with diary entries, prayers, spiritual writings and extracts from the pamphlets that made him a publishing sensation across Europe in the early years of the twentieth century. Fr. Doyle's compassion, cheerfulness and humility, alongside his great valor in wartime, are a testament to his commitment to Christ. His final act of bravery epitomizes Christ's words that there "is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends".
Those who knew Fr. Doyle testified to his heroic virtue. They witnessed his fearlessness in the face of enemy fire as he rescued the wounded, anointed the dying and buried the dead. His letters home reveal both his deep faith and his great humor, even in the face of unspeakable horrors. His daily conquest of himself in little things over many years prepared him for his selfless service on the battlefield.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2017
12 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
William Joseph Gabriel Doyle
13 books5 followersCaptain Father William Joseph Gabriel Doyle, SJ, MC - better known as Willie Doyle - was an Irish Roman Catholic priest of the Society of Jesus who served as a chaplain in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during the First World War. He was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for gallantry. Fr Doyle was killed in action while attending to the wounded and was posthumously recommended for the Victoria Cross (VC).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 23, 2021
This book is a multi-part, multi-focused gem. First, it is a short biography of a saintly man who showed extraordinary courage ministering to British troops in the trenches during World War I. Raised in a well-to-do family in Belfast, Father William Doyle SJ felt a call to serve God as a Jesuit. He felt from an early age he would be called to be a Martyr for the faith. When World War I broke out, he went to serve as a chaplain. His letters home serve as a second part of the book. They are moving, deeply personal, and show a man of the deepest faith who was tested constantly. Non-stop. Eventually, he was killed trying to aid wounded comrades in no-man's land. His body was hit by a shell and never recovered. There was nothing to recover.
The book then moves into sharing excerpts of his diaries, showing his struggle to grow his faith, the tough life he took on as a Jesuit. It then shares excerpts of his writings on various aspects of faith and includes his reflections on the Stations of the Cross which are exceptional. It concludes with snapshot reflections on Father Doyle by a host of people who knew him - Catholics and non-Catholics.
Doyle's writings had an enormous impact on many future saints including St. Josemaria Escriva and St. Theresa of Calcutta. My guess is the cause of canonization will open at some point for this man of immeasurable faith and courage.
It is a short little book but quite frankly is impossible to read in one sitting. It is a book for reflection and prayer. A treasure for any home.
The book then moves into sharing excerpts of his diaries, showing his struggle to grow his faith, the tough life he took on as a Jesuit. It then shares excerpts of his writings on various aspects of faith and includes his reflections on the Stations of the Cross which are exceptional. It concludes with snapshot reflections on Father Doyle by a host of people who knew him - Catholics and non-Catholics.
Doyle's writings had an enormous impact on many future saints including St. Josemaria Escriva and St. Theresa of Calcutta. My guess is the cause of canonization will open at some point for this man of immeasurable faith and courage.
It is a short little book but quite frankly is impossible to read in one sitting. It is a book for reflection and prayer. A treasure for any home.
November 28, 2018
Over the last few years I have read several biographies of military chaplains. I read a biography of Fr. Willie Doyle and want to read more about him. This book is an excellent starting point. This book contains a brief selection with an outline of Fr. Doyle’s life. Sections for letters from different points in his life. And an appendix with testimonies about his military service and valour. The chapters in the book are:
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Letters from the Front
2. The War Within
3. Spiritual Advice
4. Priesthood and Vocations
5. Meditations on the Stations of the Cross
6. Personal Prayers
Appendix: Testimonies
Notes
This book was hard to put down. To read about this man of God in his own hand is both a blessing and a challenge. I do not know how anyone could read his letters and not be challenged in their faith. The book is drawn from his letters and his personal journals. Journals that he wished to have destroyed upon his death but that he superiors saw the value of and they were preserved. The introduction begins with this personal contract that he wrote in his journal in May of 1883:
“Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain for me, I, thy most unworthy child, on this the first day of thy month, solemnly commence my life of slow martyrdom by earnest hard work and constant self-denial. With my blood I promise thee to keep this resolution, do thou, sweet Mother, assist me and obtain for me the one favour I wish and long for: to die a Jesuit Martyr.”
And he lived that spirit for the next 24 years. He lived to serve. And as a young man that needed to take a break from his studies more than once because of ill health, it was surprising that he achieved ordination. And yet at each impasse in following his vocation, he seemed to grow in stamina, resolve, and fortitude. The booklet he wrote on vocations and becoming a priest are still available today. He had immense impact during his life, and also since his death. This volume spans samples from his published writings, his private journals and his letters.
The first of the testimonies in the appendix is from Major General Sir William Bernard Hickie:
“Father Doyle was one of the best priests I have ever met, and one of the bravest men who have fought or worked out here. He did his duty, and more than his duty, most nobly and has left a memory and a name behind him that will never be forgotten. On the day of his death, 16 August, he had worked in the front line, and even in front of that line, and appeared to know no fatigue—he never knew fear. He was killed by a shell towards the close of the day and was buried on the Frezenberg Ridge. . . . He was recommended for the Victoria Cross by his commanding officer, by his brigadier, and by myself. Superior authority, however, has not granted it, and as no other posthumous reward is given, his name will, I believe, be mentioned in the commander-in-chief’s dispatch. . . . I can say without boasting that this is a division of brave men; and even among these, Fr Doyle stood out.”
This is an excellent read. I encourage you to give it a read and let the life of this man encourage and challenge you. For I am certain it will.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books about Fr. Willie Doylen. As well as other books about miliraty chaplains.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Letters from the Front
2. The War Within
3. Spiritual Advice
4. Priesthood and Vocations
5. Meditations on the Stations of the Cross
6. Personal Prayers
Appendix: Testimonies
Notes
This book was hard to put down. To read about this man of God in his own hand is both a blessing and a challenge. I do not know how anyone could read his letters and not be challenged in their faith. The book is drawn from his letters and his personal journals. Journals that he wished to have destroyed upon his death but that he superiors saw the value of and they were preserved. The introduction begins with this personal contract that he wrote in his journal in May of 1883:
“Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain for me, I, thy most unworthy child, on this the first day of thy month, solemnly commence my life of slow martyrdom by earnest hard work and constant self-denial. With my blood I promise thee to keep this resolution, do thou, sweet Mother, assist me and obtain for me the one favour I wish and long for: to die a Jesuit Martyr.”
And he lived that spirit for the next 24 years. He lived to serve. And as a young man that needed to take a break from his studies more than once because of ill health, it was surprising that he achieved ordination. And yet at each impasse in following his vocation, he seemed to grow in stamina, resolve, and fortitude. The booklet he wrote on vocations and becoming a priest are still available today. He had immense impact during his life, and also since his death. This volume spans samples from his published writings, his private journals and his letters.
The first of the testimonies in the appendix is from Major General Sir William Bernard Hickie:
“Father Doyle was one of the best priests I have ever met, and one of the bravest men who have fought or worked out here. He did his duty, and more than his duty, most nobly and has left a memory and a name behind him that will never be forgotten. On the day of his death, 16 August, he had worked in the front line, and even in front of that line, and appeared to know no fatigue—he never knew fear. He was killed by a shell towards the close of the day and was buried on the Frezenberg Ridge. . . . He was recommended for the Victoria Cross by his commanding officer, by his brigadier, and by myself. Superior authority, however, has not granted it, and as no other posthumous reward is given, his name will, I believe, be mentioned in the commander-in-chief’s dispatch. . . . I can say without boasting that this is a division of brave men; and even among these, Fr Doyle stood out.”
This is an excellent read. I encourage you to give it a read and let the life of this man encourage and challenge you. For I am certain it will.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books about Fr. Willie Doylen. As well as other books about miliraty chaplains.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 4, 2018
This is a very compelling book of courage, dedication to duty, and the love of God during World War I on the front lines. There is where Father Willie Doyle would be found attending to the wounded fallen in no man's land. The book is an autobiography of Father Doyle from early childhood to when he was brought down and died during the Battle of Passchendaele on August 16, 1917; having been hit by a German shell while rushing to the aid of fallen and wounded soldiers. This book also contains a selection of Father Doyle's war letters to his father from the front lines and spiritual writings of his personal talks with God. The following reflection was provided by Major-General Hickie of the 16th (Irish) Division: "Father Doyle was one of the best priests I have ever met, and one of the bravest men who ever fought or worked out here." Throughout Father Doyle’s military service, he depicted God’s Love that He has for each one of us and is so well illustrated in the following from Holy Scripture: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ----John 15:13
The following was printed in the Daily Express, August 1917:
“He went forward and back over the battle field with bullets whining about him, seeking out the dying and kneeling in the mud beside them to give them absolution, walking with death with a smile on his face…His familiar figure was seen and welcomed by hundreds of Irishmen who lay in that bloody place.”
There is so much in this book to read and study about the life of Father Willie Doyle, who often would get up in the middle of the night to pray. Father Doyle in mediating about what Saint Francis would often say, “…. In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, since we have realized how these things help in our spiritual progress.” Father Doyle would also say, “It is true, that things that were once disagreeable to us can become a source of peace in our lives."
The following was printed in the Daily Express, August 1917:
“He went forward and back over the battle field with bullets whining about him, seeking out the dying and kneeling in the mud beside them to give them absolution, walking with death with a smile on his face…His familiar figure was seen and welcomed by hundreds of Irishmen who lay in that bloody place.”
There is so much in this book to read and study about the life of Father Willie Doyle, who often would get up in the middle of the night to pray. Father Doyle in mediating about what Saint Francis would often say, “…. In the end what once caused us pain and tears becomes the source of great interior joy, since we have realized how these things help in our spiritual progress.” Father Doyle would also say, “It is true, that things that were once disagreeable to us can become a source of peace in our lives."
September 27, 2017
Very inspiring letters from the Front in WW1, from a Dublin priest who manages to find moments of dark humour in what must have been the worst spot on earth at the time, a place of constant thunderous noise, ever present danger, mud, blood, rotting corpses, and rats. A sort of spiritual ‘Black Adder’. I think he would have enjoyed the sketches of life in the trenches made by the BBC in the 1980’s.
He even had a Private Baldrick of sorts, not that he complained aloud about his tea being made from the water his socks were washed in. His letters were never meant to be public, and I'm sure he'd be mortified if he knew they were, but they are a gift to the world, not only of the horrors of war, but how someone can find heroism in doing his duty and doing it very well.
Fr. Doyle spent his days dodging shells in order to comfort, console and give last rites to dying soldiers. As an officer he didn’t have to be with the men, but as Pope Francis said of him and others priests like him: ‘he was a shepherd who truly smelled of the sheep’. He was as familiar with a spade as he was with a chalice. When he wasn’t anointing, he was burying the dead.
His commanders recommended him for the Victoria Cross, but it never happened, presumably because of the bigotry of the day, even though the Protestants he ministered to were struck too by his love for them and would come and ask him for blessings before they went 'over the top'.
I was sent this book by my Aunt, who told me that her parents had great devotion to Fr. Willie Doyle. He was often listed in the ‘Thanksgiving’ section of the Irish Messenger, a little Jesuit magazine very popular when I was growing up. Everyone my age would be familiar with this little red-covered book that was often hand-delivered to subscribers. I have a stack of them.
Some of the book is devoted to his own advise to people wanting to live a Christian life. You can take it or leave it. I found one little gem for myself, you will find something too.
He even had a Private Baldrick of sorts, not that he complained aloud about his tea being made from the water his socks were washed in. His letters were never meant to be public, and I'm sure he'd be mortified if he knew they were, but they are a gift to the world, not only of the horrors of war, but how someone can find heroism in doing his duty and doing it very well.
Fr. Doyle spent his days dodging shells in order to comfort, console and give last rites to dying soldiers. As an officer he didn’t have to be with the men, but as Pope Francis said of him and others priests like him: ‘he was a shepherd who truly smelled of the sheep’. He was as familiar with a spade as he was with a chalice. When he wasn’t anointing, he was burying the dead.
His commanders recommended him for the Victoria Cross, but it never happened, presumably because of the bigotry of the day, even though the Protestants he ministered to were struck too by his love for them and would come and ask him for blessings before they went 'over the top'.
I was sent this book by my Aunt, who told me that her parents had great devotion to Fr. Willie Doyle. He was often listed in the ‘Thanksgiving’ section of the Irish Messenger, a little Jesuit magazine very popular when I was growing up. Everyone my age would be familiar with this little red-covered book that was often hand-delivered to subscribers. I have a stack of them.
Some of the book is devoted to his own advise to people wanting to live a Christian life. You can take it or leave it. I found one little gem for myself, you will find something too.
February 20, 2019
Father William Doyle
Fr. Doyle is a great practical example for everyone to follow. His writings are excellent instructions for following daily disciplines and to free oneself from vice and excel in virtue for the love of God. The testimonies to Fr. Doyle’s heroic courage are proof of God’s Grace strengthening those who endeavors to ask Him in times of extreme need. Fr. Doyle’s ardent desire to be a saint is not only inspiring but the fact that he wrote so very eloquently about it serves to draw many more people closer to God. Hopefully Fr. William Doyle will be canonized in my lifetime, please God.
Fr. Doyle is a great practical example for everyone to follow. His writings are excellent instructions for following daily disciplines and to free oneself from vice and excel in virtue for the love of God. The testimonies to Fr. Doyle’s heroic courage are proof of God’s Grace strengthening those who endeavors to ask Him in times of extreme need. Fr. Doyle’s ardent desire to be a saint is not only inspiring but the fact that he wrote so very eloquently about it serves to draw many more people closer to God. Hopefully Fr. William Doyle will be canonized in my lifetime, please God.
December 24, 2021
A marvellous introduction to a heroic man, Fr Willie Doyle SJ. A collection of extracts from his writings, be they letters, diaries, spiritual notes and prayers. Like St Teresa of Avila, Fr Willie reveals his vibrant personality through his writings, particularly his letters, and it is a most attractive personality. His work is deep, and betrays a growing holiness and mysticism. Fr Willie died a heroic death on the battlefield during World War I as he was trying to save two soldiers. The heroism which led to the sacrifice of his life makes sense when you read his writings.
January 16, 2023
Fr. Doyle’s accounts of a war chaplain are surprisingly relatable to the common man’s daily battle faced in life. His writing is a enabler for a reader to get a closer glimpse into the despairs and harsh realities of wartime conflict. His spiritual writings and prayers also embody that of a true lover of Christ.
November 1, 2019
This is a gem of a book. Well written and concise. Was read in a day. But there are real eternal truths about what Fr. Doyle has to say that will necessitate the picking up of this book again and again to make these truths yours.
May 15, 2023
An inspiring book about a man of God. Bravery, wisdom, humility, humor, honor and sacrifice. Father Willy loved our God and loved his fellow man so as to give his life serving both in a living hell on the battlefields of World War I.
March 1, 2020
Wow!!! a long time ago I read a book about Fr. Doyle and so when the chance came to read this book I snatched it up. Wow, what a priest, what a man!!!
May 9, 2021
Should be mandatory reading for all boys, middle school age and up!
December 29, 2022
My daughter and son-in-law gave me this book. I had never heard of Fr Willie Doyle but this tale of his life devoted to Jesus should be read by all.
December 4, 2023
Loved this book so much!
December 29, 2023
Fr. Willie is amazing. This and the book by Fr. O’Rahilly is great. Hoping Fr. Willie is a saint one day. His spiritual life was truly heroic and inspiring…
November 15, 2024
Life changing. Truly! https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/th...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews