Fr. Patrick remembered in new book
A YEAR after his passing, a special book of Fr. Patrick Burke’s photographs, entitled The Journey of a Shepherd, will be launched in St. John’s Rest & Care Centre, Knock, this weekend, writes Mike Byrne.
The publication is the brainchild of Knock graphic designer and printer Sinéad Mallee who hopes the project will help keep the memory of Fr. Patrick alive not only in Knock, but in all the places he served and was so much loved.
This weekend marks the first anniversary of the sudden death of Fr. Patrick, who served as curate in Knock for four years.
During those short few years, he touched the hearts of many, the older members of the community, and in a special way the younger members of the parish, especially through his frequent visits to the local primary school.
A remembrance Mass will be celebrated in Knock parish church this Saturday, June 29, at 7.30 p.m. Following Mass, The Journey of a Shepherd will be launched in St. John’s Rest & Care Centre.
Explained Sinéad: “Over the past few months, I have been working on this project and, as fate would have it, Patrick had backed up thousands of his beautiful scenic images to his computer only weeks before his death.
“With the support of the Burke family, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to publish a selection of these images in his memory. Proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to three charities in his memory - Croí, Society of African Missions and Pieta House.
“The photographs are a selection of images taken by Fr. Patrick over a five-year period. They are a testament to his love of the outdoors, the wonder and beauty of the west of Ireland, the land and the sea, his love of home and the farm, his family, his faith and his ministry - the world through his eyes.
“The images are punctuated by reflections and quotations - thought-provoking words of inspiration and encouragement, some of which are from his own collection, some gathered from Patrick’s friends, and some I’ve sourced myself over the past few months. It is hoped that this book will be a treasure to all who knew him.”
In the foreword, Fr. Stephen Farragher, a very close friend of Fr. Patrick’s, writes: “This book will held to keep the memory of Patrick alive for those who treasured his friendship and were on the receiving end of his kindness and warmth. The photos and reflections will also serve as a practical prayer book for the busy person who seeks to create pockets of silence and contemplation in the course of a busy day.
“Each photo, with its accompanying reflection, will lead the reader to marvel at the beauty of creation, the miracle of love and life, the God who is the origin of it all and the God whom Patrick served so well during his short life.”
Everybody is welcome to come along on Saturday evening.