Dr Joseph Pollard was born in Athenry. He spent most of his priestly life in California where he served as Director of Adult Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and later as Communications Officer. He has been pastor of two parishes and Chair of the Theology Department at St John's Seminary, Camarillo, California. He now lives in Castleblakeney, Co Galway. His most recent book was Waiting in Expectation: A Reflection for Each Day of Advent, published by The Columba Press.