Mad Messiah

by Edmond Grace SJ

My faith in God and in Christ has always been simple, but that does not mean that I am simple, which is why these poems are dedicated to Vladimir and Estragon in Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot. After this Dedication, the Prologue introduces the themes of the Four Cycles: Dublin south-sider, aging Jesuit, bewildered male, and Irish Catholic.

Click first for PDF (left column) and then for Audio (right column).

Dedication »
Prologue »

Mad Messiah

First Cycle: Reptiles and the rising sun

March 21, 2019

The First Cycle – Reptiles and the Rising Sun - is a satirical take on middle class Dublin.

Mad Messiah

Second Cycle – Floating Eyes in Venice

March 21, 2019

The Second Cycle – Floating Eyes in Venice – a satirical take on the Jesuits, including himself.

Mad Messiah

Third Cycle: Two Dead Israelites

March 21, 2019

The Third Cycle – Two Dead Israelites – is about manhood – satirical or simply accurate?

Mad Messiah

Fourth Cycle – Saving Jonah

March 21, 2019

The Fourth Cycle – Saving Jonah – is a study of hatred. Of course, it’s also about Irish Catholicism

The Role of the Body in Christian Spirituality

June 17, 2026 - A number of Jesuits presented at a major international symposium in Dublin organised by SpIRE and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

Sacred Heart Novena touched human hearts

June 16, 2026 - This year's novena to the Sacred Heart in Gardiner St Church and The Messenger magazine drew people close to the heart of Jesus in various ways.

Vacancy for Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator

June 16, 2026 - The Belfast Jesuit Centre is seeking to recruit a Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator for a 9-month Fixed-Term Contract role, based within the Jesuit Centre.