September Messenger: Season of creation
The September issue of The Messenger marks the 50th anniversary of the Basilica in Knock and profiles three inspirational religious figures: Fr Ante Gabrić SJ, Archbishop Fulton Sheen and St Francis of Assisi.
Fr Ante Gabrić SJ, a Croatian Jesuit missionary, devoted five decades to serving some of the poorest communities in Bengal. Known as the “Apostle of the Sundarbans”, he worked tirelessly to establish schools, clinics and churches, combining pastoral ministry with practical care for people living in poverty. His cause for beatification is now before the Church.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen is remembered for his remarkable gift as a communicator and preacher. Through radio and television broadcasts in the United States, he brought the Catholic faith into millions of homes and became one of the best-known Catholic broadcasters of his time. His Irish connections and his gift for communicating faith to a wide audience are explored in this issue.
St Francis of Assisi, whose feast is celebrated on 4 October, is particularly relevant to this year’s Season of Creation. His deep love and respect for the natural world continue to inspire Christians in their care for creation, and his Canticle of the Creatures remains a powerful expression of praise for God’s creation. The Season of Creation runs from 1 September to 4 October.
The issue also marks the 2026 Season of Creation, with a particular focus on the sustainable management of water. This year’s theme is “Living Water”, inspired by the biblical vision in Ezekiel of water bringing healing and new life.
Kevin O’Gorman SMA reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for September: “That water, a precious and essential resource, may be protected and shared fairly.” He explores the spiritual significance of water in many religious traditions and, in particular, its sacramental and salvific symbolism in Christianity. Reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, he recalls the words: “Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty” (John 4:14).
The issue highlights the Irish bishops’ support for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and the work of the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development in Malawi, where efforts are being made to improve food security.
Jesuit theologian Gerry O’Hanlon SJ discusses Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, focusing particularly on artificial intelligence and the phenomenon of “doomscrolling”. Gerry considers the need for restraint, critical thinking and discernment in our engagement with AI, and highlights the Pope’s call for universities and governments to take a leading role rather than simply yielding to commercial pressures.
The Messenger also features a tribute to Fr Nicholas Joseph Flanagan, an Irish-American priest born in County Roscommon who devoted his life to caring for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. The article focuses on his opposition to racism and sectarianism, his advocacy for young people in Ireland, and his humanitarian work in countries affected by war.
John Scally, theologian at Trinity College Dublin, explores the transformative value of religious retreats as opportunities for spiritual renewal, reflection and a deeper relationship with God. Through the experiences of Olivia, a teacher from Galway, and Andrew, a bank worker from Waterford, he shows how retreats can offer healing, hope and clarity amid the pressures and disappointments of everyday life.
Looking ahead to a new year at the Belfast Jesuit Centre, Caren Collins introduces the wide range of activities on offer, including lectio divina, book discussions, Mass, Taizé prayer, Ignatian spirituality, film, poetry, university chaplaincy, and initiatives for peace and reconciliation.
The August Messenger also includes its regular features on Scripture, prayer and reflection, children’s pages, crosswords and seasonal recipes for the final weeks of summer and the beginning of a new season.