An author who has published a book giving a voice to men and women of faith, said she believes their stories are very much relevant in today’s Ireland.

Gemma MhicGhráinne is the author of ‘The Courage of Their Convictions’, a collection of stories detailing the contribution made by male and female religious and laity to the world.

Gemma considers Donegal her second home, having spent summers in Rannafast. She grew up in Belfast during the Troubles, which, she described as a harrowing experience that left an indelible mark. Gemma earned a degree in history from Trinity College Dublin. She has published over 90 articles and short stories and has written unpublished works, including End of the Road: A Belfast Tale and a collection of children’s stories. Gemma lives in Dublin with her husband, Ruairí.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Gemma said the Gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair holds a special place in her heart.

“My husband got a job as a translator in Dáil Éireann and we moved to Dublin in 1986. Both our children were born there. They are bilingual as Ruairí wanted to pass the Irish language on to them. My husband taught Irish in St Malachy’s School in Belfast. He also taught in the colleges in Rannafast and Loughanure for 10 years. We brought our children to the gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair every summer for a few weeks. We still visit Donegal, in fact we were there at Easter. We love Donegal, there is something magical and about it, the way of life and the unspoilt beauty of it.”

Having written some articles of a religious nature previously, Gemma said the arrival of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic gave her more time on her hands to delve into the lives of 28 people whose bravery has astounded her. She said she wanted to give them a voice, and by doing so rescinding what she has described as a banning and outlawing of religion.

“They’re extraordinary people whose stories resonated with me. I believe the stories of the 28 people I tell in my book are so important to tell today, particularly giving what is happening in Ireland at the minute in that religion is nearly all but outlawed. I believe more-so than ever that their stories are important. Europe and Ireland are going through a de-Christianisation process and I don’t see it as a force for good.”

One of the people she focuses on in her book is the life of Mother Angelica, founder of global Catholic network EWTN. Hers was a story important for Gemma to tell against the backdrop of modern day social media.

“I am a great advocate of freedom of speech, it is a good construct if handled correctly. Mother Angelica established the global network EWTN, which started life in the garage of her convent. She came from humble beginnings in a troubled Italian America home. Her continued battles with bishops and cardinals for control of the network led her to inform one bishop in true Sicilian fashion, ‘I’ll blow the darn thing up before you get your hands on it’.”

Closer to home, Gemma also tells the story of Fr Hugh O’Flaherty.

“He was known as the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican’. He founded the Rome Escape Line. His organisation saved countless Jews and Allies from Nazi oppression. He even managed to convert his one-time nemesis, Herbert Kappler – head of Rome’s notorious Gestapo.”

The unusual life of Derry nun, Sr Clare Crockett also features. Sr Clare (33) was killed in April 2016 when the building she was teaching in collapsed in an earthquake in Ecuador. While initially wanting to become an actress, Sr Clare said she was called to the religious life following an experience during a retreat in Spain in 2000.

First screen kiss

Hollywood actress Dolores Hart gave Elvis his first on-screen kiss.

“While still in her twenties, and with a promising acting career ahead of her, Dolores turned her back on Hollywood to become a Benedictine nun,” said Gemma.

The Courage of their Convictions also tells the story of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who was television’s first Catholic evangelist.

“His political astuteness and prophetic vision warned of the dangers of the Red Peril – Russia – at a time when America looked on Russia as an ally against German fascism. His keen insight brought him to the attention of the FBI who opened a file on him and closely followed his political comments.”

The Courage of Their Convictions is published by Veritas and is priced at £14.99