The Blessings of John O'Donohue

Thoughts, written by Rev. John Dear, about John O'Donohue, his book "To Bless the Space Between Us" (Benedictus in the UK) and his work, can be found at today's National Catholic Reporter web site. *

"As high over the mountains the eagle spreads its wings, may your perspective be larger than the view from the foothills. When the way is flat and dull in times of gray endurance, may your imagination continue to evoke horizons."

As Barack Obama made his way to Washington D.C. for his inauguration last week, he stopped in Baltimore to greet a crowd of well-wishers. At the event, Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley offered this blessing. It's from "For One Who Holds Power," (part of the collection To Bless the Space Between Us) by John O'Donohue, the Irish poet, philosopher and spiritual writer, who died a year ago.

As the dramatic events of last week unfolded, I found myself returning to John's writings to center myself, steep myself in his blessings and dig deeper contemplative roots. . . . for more

* We noticed a couple of errors in the article and offer these corrections:

• John was in the south of France with his partner Kristine, visiting her parents; John's mother was not with them.
• The doctor in France determined that John's death was caused by a heart attack.