June Messenger: Listen, respond, love
The June edition of The Messenger marks the midpoint of the year and offers an opportunity for reflection and forward planning.
In his opening article, ‘Elusive Emmaus’, editor Donal Neary SJ reflects on the Gospel account of the road to Emmaus and notes that much of Jesus’ ministry took place while travelling with others. He writes “The roads are the place where the word was shared,” he encourages readers to remain attentive “On the road of our lives, listen, respond, love and be loved.”
The Pope’s prayer intention for the month focuses on the role of sport in promoting peace, dialogue, and solidarity among cultures and nations. Commenting on the intention, Fr Kevin O’Gorman SMA reflects on sport as a means of encounter and personal development, both within communities and across societies. “Sport enables ‘encounter’ one of Pope Francis’ favourite expressions – between persons and groups, which encourages peace between regions and nations. As a vehicle for moral and spiritual values, sport plays a valuable role in the formation of character for conduct both on and off the field.”
Fr Michael Zammit Mangion SJ, Provincial of the Jesuit Near East and Maghreb Province, writes on the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon following Israel’s bombing campaign. The article focuses on the response of Jesuit organisations and affiliated groups providing shelter, food, clothing, and support to displaced families and migrant workers. “According to the United Nations, Israel’s bombing and attacks has displaced nearly 700,000 people from their lands. That number includes 200,000 children, with hundreds of confirmed deaths of non-combatants.”
In ‘The Special Olympic Games’, journalist Deirdre Powell examines the origins and continuing significance of the Special Olympics movement, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. The article highlights preparations for the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games and explores the values of inclusion, confidence, and compassion associated with the movement.
The issue features a reflective excerpt from The Living Image, the recently published book by Fr. Brendan Comerford SJ and Enda O’Callaghan SJ on the Sacred Heart, together with a pull-out edition of the 2026 Sacred Heart Novena.
The Messenger continues its tradition of offering a wide range of regular content, including scripture reflections, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus, and RE:LINK
