‘The Seven Animals that Saved the Baby Jesus’ is a children's story that coincides with the first anniversary of Fr Lorcán's arrival as priest of the Odhrán Pastoral Area. He spent the previous 26 years in Roscrea where he was the long-serving Chaplain at Coláiste Phobal. There he came to know many young people that needed encouragement, and in turn encouraged him to put pen to paper.
“There were a lot of quiet children who I saw would never get public recognition,” Fr Lorcán said. “They'd never get awards, they'd never get to be up on stage.
“I just wanted to show that quiet people can make a difference in life. I started to think about the Christmas story and turned it into a fable open to all age groups.
“The seven different animals represent seven different qualities that I admire in other people. They are based on real people - people I know. My hope is that a child might find resonance with one of the animals and feel like they can just be themselves and don't have to be anyone else.”
The first of the animals is a donkey, which in Fr Lorcán's story represents loyalty and listening. Then there is the robin - courage and encouragement; lamb - quiet strength and finding your strength and perceived weakness; spider - ingenuity and representing one really great thing in your life; frog - wisdom and joy; lioness - justice and pride; and bee - generosity and kindness.
The story is told through a mixture of what might be termed extrovert characters and those that those that never look for attention. But, as Fr Lorcán points out, “we'd be lost without them; it's only when they're no longer around that we realise how important they are.”
PROCEEDS TO ROSCREA SPCA
Fr Lorcán enjoys writing and already has three books out with religious publisher Veritas. He decided to donate proceeds from his latest work to Roscrea SPCA, not just because of the animal theme but also because his own dog at home in Birr, Bud, came from the shelter. Fr Lorcán said his book is a way of acknowledging and thanking Roscrea SPCA for the work its members have been doing over the years.
They will be represented at the book launch, which will take place at Scoil Mhuire, Portroe, this Friday, November 8, at 8.15pm. They will talk about animal rescue and the use made of donations they receive. Chair of the Pastoral Council Niall McNamara will formally launch the book and Fr Lorcán will read a chapter.
Tastefully illustrated by Denise McDonald, ‘The Seven Animals that Saved the Baby Jesus’ features an off-white font aimed at making it readable for children with literacy difficulties, the author explaining that he wants his book to be accessible to as many children as possible.
Priced at €10, Fr Lorcán's book is already available at Gleeson’s Spar shop in Portroe and Portroe Parish Office; Newtown Post Office; the Parish Office and shop in Nenagh; JKC's and Eason in Nenagh, as well as the post office in Dunkerrin and a number of shops in Roscrea.