The Priest Who Quoted “Saint Dominic’S Preview” In A Sermon About Identity

April 2, 2025

Father Miguel stood in front of the congregation, the warm afternoon sun streaming through the stained glass windows, casting colorful shadows on the polished wooden pews. Today, he had decided to talk about identity, a theme close to his heart. As he prepared his sermon, he couldn’t shake the thought of a haunting song by Van Morrison called “Saint Dominic’s Preview.” The lyrics spoke of self-discovery, the struggles of life, and the importance of knowing who we truly are, and they resonated with him deeply.

As he began to speak, Father Miguel’s voice was steady but brimmed with emotion. He shared the story of Van Morrison, who had faced rejection and doubt early in his career. Imagine being a young musician pouring your soul into music, only to have record executives dismiss your work. But instead of giving up, Morrison pressed on, pouring his heart into songs that reflected his trials and triumphs. “Just like the saint in the song,” Father Miguel said, “Van Morrison found his identity through his music and the experiences that shaped him.”

The congregation listened intently, each person reflecting on their own life. Father Miguel spoke about how Morrison’s resilience became a beacon of hope for those struggling with their path. “When you know who you are,” he said, “you can weather the storms of uncertainty. Morrison didn’t just want to be a famous musician; he wanted to share his truth, his voice.” The priest could see the nods and thoughtful expressions among the crowd, as if they were connecting not just with the story of the artist but with their own journeys of self-discovery.

The climax of Father Miguel’s sermon came as he quoted a line from “Saint Dominic’s Preview,” where Morrison sings about finding peace in the chaos of life. “We all face doubts and challenges,” the priest said, his eyes scanning the faces in front of him. “But like Morrison, we can embrace our uniqueness and push through. It’s in our struggles that we often find our true selves.” The sound of a child giggling in the back brought smiles to the adults, a reminder that joy exists even in tough times.

As the sermon wrapped up, Father Miguel encouraged everyone to reflect on their own identity. He urged them to be brave like Van Morrison, to take risks and share their true selves with the world, just as the artist had shared his heart through music. The congregation left the church that day with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired not only by the story of a famous musician but also by the power of their own journeys.

In the weeks that followed, Father Miguel noticed a change in his community. Folks began to share their own stories, their triumphs and struggles, in small groups and during coffee hours. They laughed together, cried together, and slowly, they started to embrace their identities as individuals and as a collective. Just like Van Morrison, they were learning that the path to understanding oneself is often paved with resilience, creativity, and an open heart. The church became a sanctuary of stories, where each person was encouraged to sing their own song, filled with hope and determination.