In the summer of 2018 Fr Daniel O’Leary received the news that we all dread – a cancer diagnosis.
As a priest, teacher, bestselling author and retreat facilitator, it was a natural instinct for Daniel to journal his thoughts and feelings during his cancer journey. Completed just before his death in January 2019, this book is an incredibly raw and courageous account. It pulls no punches in terms of Fr Daniel’s struggles to cope with his diagnosis, the challenges of cancer treatment, and the emotional rollercoaster of facing his own death.
Dancing to My Death reveals a soul in chaos. It has the extremes of a torn kite in a storm – it sweeps and swoops between hope and despair, throws cartwheels and steadies out, crashes with fear and continues with raw and real courage.
During his final illness Fr Daniel found a great clarity about what is important in life. There is a tough honesty here: an honesty that can only emerge when the circus of religious activities leaves town, and when people are encouraged to really explore what their Christianity means to them.
“A human and honest response to the news of a cancer diagnosis, Dancing to my Death is Daniel O’Leary’s final book. As a priest and teacher, Daniel’s books, retreats and guidance have always inspired people deeply, and this incredibly moving account is no different.”
The Association of Catholic Priests (Ireland)
“During his final illness he was gifted with immense clarity about what is important and what is not. That is why this book is his greatest and his most inspirational. It is a fitting summation of his beautiful life.”
Fr Brian D’Arcy
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