NeuroDivine

A New Collection of Irish Hymns

One of the books quietly sitting in the background of NeuroDivine is A Living Cloud of Irish Witnesses: Hymns for the Saints of Ireland, published in January 2026.

The collection brings together 41 hymn texts inspired by saints commemorated in the Irish Church’s calendar and in local tradition. Some are well-known figures such as Patrick, Brigid, Columba, and Columbanus. Others are remembered chiefly within particular dioceses, churches, and communities.

Roots and Inspiration

The project grew out of a long-standing interest in the saints of Ireland and the landscapes, stories, and traditions that surround them. Over several years, individual hymns were written for feast days, parish use, personal study, and local commemorations. Eventually, it seemed sensible to gather them into a single volume.

The book stands in a tradition of scholarship and devotion represented by figures such as Bishop George Otto Simms, the Revd Brian Mayne, and the Revd Canon Michael Kennedy, whose work helped preserve and share the stories of Irish saints for new generations.

Themes and Use

Rather than attempting to retell every detail of a saint’s life, the hymns seek to explore themes that remain relevant today:

• Pilgrimage and mission
• Hospitality and community
• Prayer, courage, and reconciliation
• Care for creation

The collection includes hymns for diocesan patrons and other figures commemorated across Ireland. Some texts are written for congregational use, while others may be better suited to personal devotion, study groups, or special commemorations.

Faith Deeply Rooted in Place

One of the joys of writing the collection was rediscovering how strongly Irish Christianity is rooted in place. Wells, islands, mountains, rivers, monasteries, and local churches all find their way into the hymns. The saints belong not only to history but also to landscapes that can still be walked and experienced today.

An Ongoing Conversation

From time to time, hymns from the collection continue to appear on NeuroDivine, often revised or expanded as they are used in worship and prayer.

The saints of Ireland are not merely historical figures. They remain part of a living tradition that continues to shape the life of the Church. This collection is one small attempt to join that ongoing conversation in song.

A Living Cloud of Irish Witnesses: Hymns for the Saints of Ireland is available through michaelmcfarlandcampbell.org.