Thousands raised from proceeds of Laois priest's writings

Proceeds from the writings of the former parish priest of Abbeyleix and surrounding parts of Laois will go towards training lay people for minister in Laois, Kildare, Offaly and Carlow.

Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare & Leighlin was recently presented with a cheque for €7,000 by members of the Cummins family, Gary, Maria and Con from Newbridge.

The money is the proceeds from the first book of sermons by their late brother, Fr. John Cummins, who died in a tragic car accident in Abbeyleix in 2019.

The first volume “My Life in Your Hands” was published by the family in 2023. Following the success of that first book, a second volume, by the same name, has recently been issued and is now on sale in parish centres and bookshops in Laois.

Bishop Denis intends the proceeds will go towards the training of lay people for ministry throughout his diocese.

Sales of the first volume of “My Life in Your Hands" far exceeded expectations when issued last autumn and an immediate reprint had to be ordered to meet strong pre-Christmas demand.

The new publication is an accompaniment to the initial book.

The late Fr. Cummins was known for his good humour and easy manner as well as his preaching skills. As a young priest, he spent five years in Rome studying for his doctorate in Celtic Spirituality.

Fr. John spent most of his priestly ministry in Carlow town where he was chaplain in the then Regional College and Administrator in the Cathedral. A native of Newbridge, he earlier served in Naas. He became PP of Abbeyleix and Ballyroan only 18 months before his death. 

Maria Cummins presents a book to Bishop Denis Nulty. Fr John Cummins (right)

The homilies of Fr. John are rooted not only in scripture, but also in the everyday issues of contemporary Ireland.  They will be useful for personal reflection at any time and will be valued by anyone with an interest in religion and spirituality.