February Messenger: Streams of Living Water

“Irish Christians have always recognised the holiness of places where clean water can be found, and the Bible points us continuously to the relationship between water and spiritual health”, writes Dr Kevin Hargaden of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in his article ‘Streams of Living Water’ in the February Messenger.

Kevin explains that there are over 3,000 holy wells dotted across Ireland. He reminds us that 11 February is the feast day of Saint Gobnait, the patron Saint of Beekeepers. There is a tradition on this day for locals to pilgrimage to her well and leave candles, memorial cards, and prayers for loved ones or those who need them.

Kevin shares that, despite recent advances in Irish society, one of the consistent ways it falls behind other European countries is in its water system. He advises, “The beautiful tradition of devotion around holy wells is something to be celebrated. But Christians in Ireland can pair that faithfulness with helping to ensure that all our water systems are well cared for.”

The cleansing power of water is also the theme of Gerard Condon’s reflection on ‘The Sacrament of Baptism’, which he says is a powerful demonstration of water’s importance to Christians. Keeping with the theme of ‘water’, Brendan McManus SJ shares how he used the therapeutic medium of swimming pools as the first step in his rehabilitation following surgery. 

We celebrate the feast of Saint Brigid on 1 February. Bishop Michael Router praises “the Saint’s approach to healing, and her sense of justice.” He continues, “she did not merely tend to people’s wounds, or weaknesses, but sought to address the inequalities that left people vulnerable in the first place”.

A contemporary example of Saint Brigid’s work is the late Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, the main feature of John Scally’s article. She died on 3 November 2025. He shares, “Sister Stan is revered for her profound charity, mercy and dedication to justice. She invites us to remember that when we serve our brothers and sisters, we serve Jesus.”

Donal Neary SJ shares memories of his father giving up cigarettes for Lent in his opening piece ‘Up, Out and Away’. He recalls, “By the end of the first week of Lent, we had persuaded my father to go back on cigarettes, we breathed a sigh of relief when he went back on them and to Mass instead! We joked with him that Lent is about giving up and not giving out.”

Donal admits that nowadays he believes Lent is actually about “giving out”. He explains, “What we give up, we give out to a wider world. If we give up sweets or alcohol, we can ‘give out’ the money we save to others. Good Lenten practice should benefit the lives of others.”

Kevin O’Gorman SMA shares the Pope’s intention for the month for ‘Children with Incurable Diseases’. Kevin begins, “Pope Leo fleshes out his intention for February with the following words: ‘Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.'”

Reflecting on the intention, Kevin notes, “Pope Leo’s intention covers both care and compassion for the children with these terminal conditions. This includes complete physical palliative treatment, intercession for individual children in these circumstances, and that no effort or expense be spared to ease their gradual decline and death in the sight of those who cherish them.” Kevin concludes with his own prayer, “Mary, mother of God, and Joseph, guardian of the child Jesus, may your invocation bring blessings.”

Regular contributor Andrea Hayes experiences “quiet grace rising in the most unexpected place” – the Accident and Emergency department of a hospital after a recent incident with a relative.

In an extract from his just-published biography of Pope Leo XIV, An Augustinian Life in Context », author Brian Heffernan explores the Augustinian consciousness that is likely to become a major thread running through Leo’s pontificate. 

Joe Munnelly, of Irish Jesuits International, gives insights on ‘The Red Chair Campaign’ to provide school materials and supplies across Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda.

Peter McVerry SJ describes how the principle of restorative justice challenges the offender to understand the impact of his actions and take responsibility for them.

The Messenger also features its regular selections, including reflections, scripture, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus, and RE:LINK.