And to carry on from last week’s blog featuring Shane MacGowan (the lead singer of “The Pogues” and co- writer of “Fairytale of New York”)

But it wasn’t just Catholicism that resonated with MacGowan.

In A Drink with Shane MacGowan (Pan Books), presented as a conversation between him and his wife, Victoria Clarke, a more syncretistic spirituality emerges. He talks about praying to Buddha as well as God, and even suggests that Jesus’ resurrection was a result of him visiting “the East” and developing Taoist powers.

Clearly, MacGowan’s faith is difficult to pin down, echoing that of his good friend, Nick Cave, who has in recent years returned to church, but stops short of calling himself a Christian. How fascinating it would’ve been to listen in to some of their conversations about faith!

Nonetheless, it seems that Christianity was an important feature of MacGowan’s life – one that he perhaps held onto more dearly in later years. In an Instagram post announcing her husband’s death, Clarke said Shane “has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.” At his funeral, held at St Mary of the Rosary Church, Tipperary, Fr Pat Gilbert said MacGowan “had great faith” and received Holy Communion at the church regularly. U2’s Bono, a fellow Irish rockstar and Christian, read from 1 Corinthians 13. Jonny Depp and Bob Geldoff said prayers.

Last year, MacGowan gave an intriguing interview to The Guardian (the singer’s first interview with a British newspaper in a decade). In the article, journalist Simon Hattenstone reported how religious icons were “crammed” onto MacGowan’s mantelpiece, and the photoshoot shows the musician sporting a huge crucifix.

During their conversation, MacGowan revealed that he and his wife no longer receive many visitors, but a talkative priest comes regularly. The singer admitted losing his faith “a few times” over the years “but never for long”. He refused to elaborate further, but the following night, Hattenstone received a phone call from MacGowan. “I just wanted to know if you have faith,” said the singer. After offering a response, Hattenstone returned the question. “No, I just wanted to know about you,” said MacGowan. “God bless.” The line went dead.

It speaks to the enigma of MacGowan, while shedding further light on a faith that seemed to have depth but was not without doubt and struggle. “I’m very, very aware that there but for the grace of God go I,” he once said.

For him and for ourselves, we can only say: “Amen”.

Quote of the week

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

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