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: [email protected]
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