“It’s not often you see a priest in a Roman collar in Dublin’s streets these days—what’s your name?”

That’s how Bernadette introduced herself on a sunny morning as I made my way to the public library. She told me she’s been a chaplain at Dublin Technical University for years, working with students who are often surprised to learn she’s a nun. A member of the Presentation Sisters, Bernadette doesn’t wear a habit—she’s found that being approachable and blending in helps her connect with the students she serves.

“Because of the growing secular—and sometimes even anti-Catholic—sentiments in Ireland, many priests and religious prefer not to wear their religious attire in public anymore,” she said. “It’s easier for me to be seen as a person first.”

Breaking stereotypes

When I asked her about her work, her eyes lit up. “I was sent to the Philippines after I joined the sisters. I worked with the poor for many years, and after my return to Ireland, I became a chaplain to accompany students. They are often surprised when they discover that I’m a nun. They have all these preconceived notions about the church, and I don’t fit the stereotype,” she smiled.

“There was this student who transitioned. First, she identified as a woman, but later on as a man. During our first encounter, I was very self-conscious about using the right pronouns—was it ‘he,’ ‘she,’ ‘they’? I didn’t want to offend. But I’m also usually very spontaneous, so we talked, and when this student discovered I was a nun, the initial reaction was surprise. ‘I thought your church hated people like us, that we are not okay, that people like you would reject who I am.’ I said that I thought the Gospel taught us to not judge and to love everyone. ‘I happen to be a nun, but do you judge me because of that?’ It broke the ice, and we had a very good rapport after that.”

I told Bernadette about my project to create a course on the Celtic saints, exploring how their wisdom could guide us in sharing our faith in today's world. "Would you have time for an interview?" I asked. “Sure,” she replied. “There’s a bar nearby where we can sit.”

When I asked her what gives her hope, especially in a time when so many seem indifferent—or even hostile—towards the Church, she paused for a moment. Then she said something that really moved me:

“I have to go back to my faith in Jesus. I have to recognize that no matter what happens, we are not in charge. He is in charge. God is in charge.”

"I make everything new"

"And I see so much beauty in young people; there is so much kindness among them. It's another form of holiness, you know? You don't have to go on your knees to say a prayer. Students always seem to be helping each other, and that is hugely hopeful for me because they are not thinking of themselves."

"We are in the middle of a new reformation. The old is falling away in front of us, and I think something new is emerging. It is still very unformed, very tender, but something beautiful is coming. I believe what God is saying in the Bible: ‘Behold, I make everything new.’ It is really my faith in God that keeps me going."

This unexpected encounter reminded me how the spirit of the saints—the same spirit that once transformed Ireland—still shines through in people like Bernadette. I believe that by looking to the wisdom of these Celtic saints, we can rediscover how to share our faith in a world that’s changing faster than ever.

Join my on my journey!

That’s why I’m inviting you to join me on this journey through Ireland—one that explores the roots of our faith and seeks new ways to share the Gospel in today's world. I’m including my full interview with Bernadette in my upcoming video course, along with everything I’m learning from others I meet along the way.

And for the first 20 students who enroll, I’m offering a special opportunity: a few live, online sessions where I’ll share even more stories from the road and insights that might just change the way you see the world.

Your support will make all the difference in helping me complete this course, from filming to editing. Will you join me on this journey?

Read more and enroll here: fatherroderick.com/celticsaints

Thank you for being a part of this mission. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

God bless,
Father Roderick