July Messenger: Trusting with faith
The July edition of The Messenger invites readers to reflect on finding balance in life. As the summer season offers opportunities for rest and renewal, the issue considers the many ways people can find relaxation and recalibration, whether through seaside holidays, time spent in nature, or periods of silence and retreat.
The editor, Donal Neary SJ, discusses ‘Is “Almighty” a Good Name?‘ in the opening article. Donal notes, “We often think, if God is almighty, why doesn’t God cure the sick or stop wars? In so many ways we hold God to account for tragedy and for our problems.”
The Pope’s Universal Prayer Intention for July 2026 is dedicated to respect for human life. “Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.” Commenting on the intention, Kevin O’Gorman SMA reflects, “Both a sense of moral responsibility and spiritual solidarity with all persons are needed to support and sustain the sanctity of human life.”
The work of Phibsboro-born Sr Mary Kileen RSM features in this month’s Messenger. She spent many years providing education and community outreach to the poorest communities of Nairobi, Kenya.
Joe Munnelly of the Irish Jesuits International shares ‘Martha’s Story of Smashing Stereotypes’. Martha is from South Sudan. Joe says, “Her life demonstrates how resilience can flourish even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Brendan McManus SJ shares his insights on the ‘Ignatian Guide to Procrastination’. He observes, “The interesting thing for me is that procrastination is not really about laziness. Rather, it is a sort of interior resistance, an inner protest or ‘heartache’ that calls for attention.”
Mary Hunt from Roscommon is a regular contributor to The Messenger. Her piece, ‘Trusting with Faith’, reminds us not to worry. She shares, “Mary Oliver has a poem that reminds us not to worry. It’s called I Worried, and at the end of it she says that the worry came to nothing, and she gave it up.” She also reminds us to trust Jesus, quoting Matthew 11:30: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Fr. Kulwant Minj SJ tells the story of a Belgian Jesuit named Herman Rasschaert who “cycled into death” in the Indian state of Jharkhand in 1964. Fr. Rasschaert was killed on 24 March 1964 while trying to stop communal violence in eastern India. His death is remembered as a powerful witness to peace, interfaith solidarity, and self-sacrifice.
To mark Reek Sunday, the magazine also features an article on Croagh Patrick, one of Ireland’s most significant pilgrimage sites, visited each year by those seeking exercise, charity fundraising opportunities, atonement, or spiritual renewal.
