Helene's Tribute in New Connexion Journal

A Tribute to the Life and Memory of John O’Donohue
May you find your way safely to the farther shore

By Helene H. Emerson

This early, dark morning is a prayer of vibrant stillness as a bright moon sets in the west, journeying beyond my horizon while a new light glows in the east. I think of John O’Donohue who is now just beyond our horizon, and we the international community that both mourn the loss of this luminary and celebrate his life. John O’Donohue passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on January 3rd at the age of 52. The immediate and profound loss of this ‘soul friend’ was felt by all who knew him. Readers everywhere, touched by the intimacy of his writing, felt they too mourned a friend who departed too soon.
This man had a way with words. O’Donohue is perhaps best known as the Irish poet and philosopher who authored the international bestseller, Anam Cara, a Book of Celtic Wisdom. In his writing is a rare gift for drawing upon the deep well of ancient Celtic spirituality and melding with it serious philosophy, poetic imagination, and compassionate kindness. Of equal inspiration are his books, Eternal Echos: Exploring Our Yearning to Belong, and Beauty, the Invisible Embrace as well as his poetry, and his forthcoming book To Bless the Space Between Us (see review in this issue) Everything he has written is a deeply felt blessing, prayer, and love letter in tremendous appreciation and reverence for life and its sacredness. O’Donohue puts into words our innermost being that we ourselves had not found words for. He encourages a soul life amidst modern culture and calls us to bring ourselves and the world into wholeness.
O’Donohue was also a former priest, theological scholar, environmental activist and a native to Conamara in the wildness of western Ireland. He made a yearly pilgrimage to the Northwest to lead week-long retreats at the Oregon coast. In last October’s Portland workshop called “Awakening to God is the Great Adventure” he invited participants to the intimate yet wild geography of the divine Ground, and inspired all to come home to their own presence, to the home they never left. He said God calls us to live the unlived life. Perhaps the best tribute to O’Donohue is to live the life one dreams of. In his fullness he cast light into the mystery and revealed extraordinary presence. Wasn’t he also coaxing us to come into rhythm with ourselves and offer our gifts too? A wide circle honors him with heartfelt offerings that celebrate his earthly lived life. John O’Donohue, I trust in your journey beyond the horizon to the farther shore, to the home you never left.