My New Curate

"My New Curate" by Patrick Augustine Sheehan is a story set in a rural Irish village, focusing on Father Dan, a seasoned parish priest, whose familiar world is upended by the arrival of Father Letheby, his new curate. The story begins with the sorrowful exit of Father Dan's previous curate, setting the stage for the introduction of Father Letheby, who brings a wave of modern ideas and an energetic spirit to the parish. The book explores the resulting clash between the new curate’s progressive enthusiasm and the traditional ways of the community, who are quite content with the existing order. As Father Dan grapples with the changes brought about by his younger colleague, the narrative examines themes of faith, the struggles of rural life, and the complex relationships between the clergy and the people they serve, promising a tale of transformation amidst differing visions.