Pádraig Ó Tuama on poetry, conflict resolution, and the Stations of the Cross

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The poet and theologian, Pádraig Ó Tuama, joins James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about how poetry and the Taizé community became a lifeline for Pádraig after he was subjected to multiple exorcisms, attempting to cast out his homosexuality as a form of conversion therapy. Pádraig is the host of On Being’s podcast, “Poetry Unbound,” and has published volumes of poetry, essays, a memoir and has written on theological topics. His books include: “Being Here: Prayers for Curiosity, Justice, and Love”: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Here-Prayers-Curiosity-Justice/dp/0802883478 "Kitchen Hymns": https://www.coppercanyonpress.org/books/kitchen-hymns-by-padraig-o-tuama/ Timecodes: 0:00 What do you really want? 1:25 The conversion therapies inflicted upon Pádraig Ó Tuama 7:00 Pádraig’s younger years among the Catholic charismatic movement 11:24 How Pádraig accepted his homosexuality and renewed his faith 17:40 Coming out as a poet and being haunted by Emily Dickinson 25:44 Pádraig’s understanding of prayer 32:25 Practicing the Stations of the Cross 37:45 Required spiritual practices for reconciliation 43:20 How to deal with criticism 51:40 Audience Question: What practices can I bring from retreats into my daily life? Read Fr. Jim's article on poetry and prayer: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/04/14/poetry-and-spirituality-with-padraig-o-tuama/ Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe ****** America Media is the leading provider of editorial content for thinking Catholics and those who want to know what Catholics are thinking. To become a subscriber, visit https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe ****** Sign-up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/2Ka4SOi ****** Follow us on Social Media: • America Media on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Kal3Ll • America Media on Twitter: http://bit.ly/2viJosZ • America Media on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Ka5q6O ****** Support