Edel Quinn, like St Francis of Assisi and St Philip Neri, was an Apostle of Joy. Living in difficult circumstances and situations, those who knew her remember first of all her joy.

I sometimes think we live in a joyless age. Edel’s joy, I believe to be supernatural in origin. Apart from her natural vivacity, she was imbued with that joy which only the Holy Spirit can give – a joy which emerged from her faith.

If we are bringing Edel Quinn to the world, we must first reveal that joy and how it is centered in her faith: it is her joy which confirms her as a profound witness of the faith.