August Messenger: Little visitations
Donal Neary SJ’s opening article in the August Messenger » focuses on Mary, the mother of God and in particular the visit she made to her cousin Elizabeth when both women had found out they were miraculously ‘with child’.
Fr Donal says that “The visit to Elizabeth is one of these ordinary things done in love and care”. He asks us to think about the “little visitations” we may have made in our own lives. For example being present with people when they might need us whether it be a sick person, a lonely elderly person, or a parent that might need support with their children. He says that in doing like Mary, “We bring the grace of God, and the presence of the Lord to others.”
The Pope’s intention for the month of August is the focus of Kevin O’Gorman SMA’s reflection. Pope Leo asks us to pray that “societies, where coexistence seems more difficult, might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons”. Commenting on the intention Kevin says “This intention is a plea to make ‘mutual coexistence’ possible: solidarity instead of evil ethnic cleansing, the common good over conflict, inter religious dialogue instead of spiritual sniping and the search for the truth rather than intolerance”.
Father Kieran O’Mahony is an Augustinian friar resident in Dublin. In his article ‘A New Pope: An Augustinian Pope’ Father Kieran shares his insights on the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. He remarks that when Pope Francis died some people were concerned that the progress made within the church, in terms of the synodal processes he instigated, might be stalled. But Fr Kieran says that Pope Leo XIV is a firm supporter of the synodal path and he quotes the new Pope’s words on the evening of his election. “To all of you, bothers, sisters, in Rome, Italy, throughout the world: we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that moves forward, that always seeks peace, charity, and to be close above all to those who are suffering”.
Bill Toner SJ has written a piece entitled ‘Being a Priest Today’. He admits that being a Catholic priest nowadays is more complicated than when he joined the Jesuits over fifty years ago. He says “The priest himself is called to play a part in making this world a better place, where justice and love are guiding values; it is difficult for people to live the ten commandments in a world marred by hatred, curruption, poverty and violence.”
The Jesuit Refugee service have written a report and word of thanks to those involved with their fundraising campaigns. They share insights on a particular fundraiser entitled ‘A Simple Bicycle’ in which the money raised has provided bicycles for teachers in South Sudan, Malawi and Kenya, and for farmers in the same regions to help bring their produce to local markets.
Dr Kevin Hargaden, Director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice explains, “A simple bicycle has made a huge difference, not just by cutting commuting times but by giving the teachers time to enroll in further training. The bike appeal has helped eight schools in Renk, a refugee settlement in South Sudan with many bikes shared among thirty eight teachers.”
Other articles this month include ‘Into the West’ by John Scally, in which he discusses the spirituality, history and beauty of Kylemore Abbey. ‘Let’s talk about it’ by Anne-Marie Lee, a former public health nurse, looks at the theme of death and dying as she draws on her own experience of witnessing death as nurse. Brendan McManus SJ’s article ‘How to save yourself from Despair’ gives tools and steps for discernment when difficult decisions have to be made.
The Messenger has all its regular features as well, – reflections, scripture, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus, and RE:LINK.
