Jesuit priest launches new book in Derry

Father Peter McVerry has spent many years working with, and advocating for, homeless people.

In 1979 he set up a hostel for homeless boys. Four years later he established the Arrupe Society, now known as the Peter McVerry Trust, to provide accommodation and support for homeless people.

The book, which is published by Veritas, will be launched by Maura Hyland, Director of Veritas, in the Derry shop.

Father Peter has written a number of books for Veritas on the subject of social justice including ‘The Meaning in the Shadows’ (2003) and ‘Jesus: Social Revolutionary’ (2008).

To celebrate 2016 being declared the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy by the Vatican, Peter McVerry has written an incisive and impassioned exploration of mercy as presented in the four Gospels.

Fr McVerry grew up in Newry, Co. Down and was educated at the Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School in Newry and at the Jesuit school at Clongowes Wood College in Co. Kildare.

In 1962, he entered the Jesuit Order and was ordained in 1975.

From 1974 to 1980, Fr Peter worked in the Inner City in Dublin and there he came into contact with young people who were sleeping on the streets because of their home situation.

Now based at Peter McVerry Trust’s Open Access Centre in Upper Sherrard Street, Father Peter’s ongoing work with and campaigning on behalf of troubled young people has made him one of the most prophetic voices in Ireland today.

His new book will be on sale in Derry.