A Broken Hallelujah The Making of a Christian Brother

A Broken Hallelujah traces a young man's path through the Christian Brothers' regime from Juniorate through the Leaving Certificate year to Teacher Training, and from there to work "on the mission." The author describes in intimate detail the experiences and challenges he faces on the way, culminating in the final and most difficult decision of all, whether or not to remain in the fold of the Brothers' Congregation. This unique story recalls a type of education which has long since passed out of use, and has become, for many, a piece of history in itself. In detailing his experiences, the author describes the dilemmas faced by a great number of people, dilemmas which reflect many of the choices and difficulties that have shaped the Ireland of today.

Lorcan Leavey trained as a Christian Brother from 1959 until 1966. After this, he left to become a lay teacher, first in Gonzaga in Dublin, then in Meath and finally in Mayo.