About Fr Jim Cogley
I grew up as only child on a farm in Cleariestown and went to secondary school at CBS Wexford. My father died when I was eleven and the expectation was that I would follow in his footsteps and continue the family line of which I was the last survivor. I seemed to understand from a young age the importance of surrender and that only in God’s will would I find my true life. So, at sixteen, I gave my life to Christ as an open cheque. Later, feeling a surprise call to Priesthood, I trained in Maynooth and took degrees in English, Philosophy and Theology. A big influence on my training was Charismatic Renewal, and it was a blessing to be one of the early leaders.
In 1980 I was ordained in Rosslare Harbour and spent my first year in Cushinstown. Later I was based in Kilmore Quay as curate and ‘part-time’ fisherman for 28 years. During that time I was privileged to be at the heart of so many developments there, from the Stella Maris Centre, to the Memorial Trail and Garden. I also taught for twelve years in Bridgetown BVC as well as being a part time chaplain on cruise ships.
Later I trained in Jungian Psychotherapy and Advanced Supervision. It was around the year 2000AD that I first began making wood symbols for use in seminars and teaching. These quickly took on a life of their own, and spawned over a dozen books in the Wood You Believe Series. Over the years I have been privileged to conduct retreats and seminars throughout Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
In 2009 I was appointed to Oylegate/Glenbrien as Parish Priest. Some projects that greatly enthused me during that time was the creation of Raphael’s Healing Garden and the Remembrance and Narrow Gate gardens in the Church Grounds. It was also during that time I managed to write three more books as well as recovering from a serious time of burnout.
In 1980 I was ordained in Rosslare Harbour and spent my first year in Cushinstown. Later I was based in Kilmore Quay as curate and ‘part-time’ fisherman for 28 years. During that time I was privileged to be at the heart of so many developments there, from the Stella Maris Centre, to the Memorial Trail and Garden. I also taught for twelve years in Bridgetown BVC as well as being a part time chaplain on cruise ships.
Later I trained in Jungian Psychotherapy and Advanced Supervision. It was around the year 2000AD that I first began making wood symbols for use in seminars and teaching. These quickly took on a life of their own, and spawned over a dozen books in the Wood You Believe Series. Over the years I have been privileged to conduct retreats and seminars throughout Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
In 2009 I was appointed to Oylegate/Glenbrien as Parish Priest. Some projects that greatly enthused me during that time was the creation of Raphael’s Healing Garden and the Remembrance and Narrow Gate gardens in the Church Grounds. It was also during that time I managed to write three more books as well as recovering from a serious time of burnout.
My move to Our Lady’s Island/Tacumshin came in August 2016. This was my dream appointment, and I cherish my role as Director of Pilgrimage. The entire focus of Lady’s Island is on mission rather than maintenance and this perfectly suites my lifestyle. I have loved overseeing the refurbishment of both churches and particularly the complete upgrading of the Community Centre and catering facilities. We now have state of the art visitor facilities with first class views.
Our pilgrimage each year slowly moves away from being a religious event to a spiritual experience that meets the deeper needs of the thousands who come here. Our outdoor Stations of the Cross provide a mini-retreat that is accessible all year round, with the script available in booklet form.
Close to Lady’s Island is the Pier of Carnagh where the first Christians landed in Ireland around 300AD. It is a place rich in fascinating history and for those who would like to learn more the little book, History & Folklore provides a lot of information.
My life-long belief is, that God neither wants our ability or our inability but our availability. In over forty years as a priest I have found this to be entirely true.
Our pilgrimage each year slowly moves away from being a religious event to a spiritual experience that meets the deeper needs of the thousands who come here. Our outdoor Stations of the Cross provide a mini-retreat that is accessible all year round, with the script available in booklet form.
Close to Lady’s Island is the Pier of Carnagh where the first Christians landed in Ireland around 300AD. It is a place rich in fascinating history and for those who would like to learn more the little book, History & Folklore provides a lot of information.
My life-long belief is, that God neither wants our ability or our inability but our availability. In over forty years as a priest I have found this to be entirely true.