The Eucharistic Heart of Tolkien - A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

The Eucharistic Heart of Tolkien - A "Lord of the Rings" Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor look into the profound connection between J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings," and his deep Catholic faith. Fr. Gallagher's insightful exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's faith and its reflection in "The Lord of the Rings" unveils the depth and richness of this literary masterpiece.
At the turn of the century, "The Lord of the Rings" emerged as the people's choice for the book of the century in multiple polls. Tolkien's primary motivation, as expressed in the book's forward, was to craft a tale that would captivate, amuse, delight, and deeply move its readers. Father Gallagher emphasizes that, first and foremost, the allure of the book lies in its literary excellence.
What sets "The Lord of the Rings" apart is Tolkien's deep Catholic faith, rooted in the courageous conversion of his mother, Mabel. A convert who faced rejection and poverty, Mabel's steadfast commitment to Catholicism profoundly influenced his worldview. Fr. Gallagher also highlights the sacrificial nature of Mabel's faith, a theme that echoes in the trials of characters within the epic. Tolkien sees his mother's sufferings as a testament to her martyrdom for the faith.
Fr. Gallagher also shares Tolkien's acknowledgment of the silent appeal of the tabernacle, a call that continually drew him back to the Blessed Sacrament throughout his life. Tolkien's daily communion and his reflection on Christ's words to Peter, "Feed My Sheep," further emphasize the Eucharistic center of his faith.

[@margaretinsydney3856]

Thank you for this wonderful retreat. I'm following it mostly on Discerning Hearts and really enjoying it. 😊

[@LisaGemini]

I need his book about St. Ignatius of Loyola. What an amazing life he led. I’ve never read Lord of the Rings and you can’t get it at the library. I need to buy it. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were friends and Tolkien was a perfectionist who wanted to make changes even after his books went to press. Awful how his mother was shunned. 😢