Multy Friar explores work of literary giant

For Franciscan priest Fr John O’Brien, the work of great artists and great writers can be important tools in illuminating faith and times of struggle.

“That’s something I learned from reading a theologian, von Balthasar, who said artists, writers and painters often express more deeply the thoughts that could be expressed in theology or philosophy,” said Fr John.

“I took the lead from him, and from John Paul II as well, who was very big into looking at art and creativity.”

A prolific author who has penned more than a dozen books, Fr John last year published a reflection inspired by the poetry of TS Eliot. Now, in his latest work, he delves into the personal story and creative output of the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Fr John’s book, ‘The Crucible of Doubt: Dostoevsky’s Faith’ is now available, having been published in recent weeks.

Fr John acknowledges that, although Dostoevsky is a well-known author, many people would not have read his work. “Dostoevsky came through a lot in his life. He was a political prisoner, was subjected to a mock execution, had a loss of faith, and was in prison for years.

“He fought against depression. Two of his children died young. All of those things feed into his books, and his books were a way of coping with a lot of those things.

“He changed his grief into his art, if you like. That’s why people can relate to him so much.”

The book is designed to be accessible and interesting even to those who haven’t made their way through Dostoevsky’s landmark novels such as ‘Crime and Punishment’ and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.

A review of Fr John’s book by Ann Murray states: “There were chapters of spellbound intrigue as I was totally unfamiliar with Dostoevsky’s work.

“Fr John recounts and analyses character, motive, and action in an easy to read style – with so many complex passages in the books of Dostoevsky, this is no easy task.

“Fr John’s book is not a book of happy endings. Neither were the life journeys of those introduced in the writings of Dostoevsky.

“Much is left to us as readers and partakers in life’s work... to take up our role, to dream, to imagine and to trust in God that we’ll make it through the night and see the dawn of tomorrow,” writes Ann.

When asked about potential subjects for future books, Fr John said he would be interested in exploring the effects of music.

“A piece of music can lift me from one world to the other,” he said. “Some music will bring you back, and you can remember a particular place and time. Led Zeppelin, Beethoven and Mozart are all around in my mind.

“I find it hard to put down (in writing) how they affect you, and how they lift you, but they do.”

Fr John is based in the Franciscan Abbey in Multyfarnham, having previously served for 20 years in the Friary in Athlone.

He said he was “devastated” by the recent announcement that the Franciscan community would be leaving Athlone at the beginning of 2023.

“The very fact that there was a Friary there meant even people who might not have been religious felt a sense of support, and felt there was somebody there for them if they wanted.

“There is a comfort in knowing that there is somebody who cares, who will accept them and welcome them. When that’s gone it’s a big loss, a big gap.

“The people of Athlone, I found, were very kind to me in my own struggles also,” he added.

• Fr John’s new book is available from Just Books in Mullingar .