Autumn 2020 Catalogue

August 12, 2020 in Featured News, News

Irish Jesuits are well-known for their promotion of a well-rounded education and holistic view of faith in modern times. The Autumn 2020 Catalogue » for Messenger Publications encompasses a wide range of subjects such as prayer, photography, history, theology and spirituality. Books include images of Irish pilgrim paths, a practice of gratitude and insight, an influential eighteenth century educationalist, an accessible resource on the unity of the Gospel story and lots more.

Here are a few books to choose from:

Pathways to a Decision with Ignatius of Loyola by Jim Maher SJ

An exploration of some of St Ignatius’ key insights that provide inspiration for Jesuits and others throughout the world. This book offers a window to a spirituality that recognises God’s presence through our feelings, desires, and actions in unexpected places and at unexpected times. This accessible introduction will be helpful to those associated with the Jesuits or those who want to find out more about their spirituality.

Prayerful Ireland by Helena Connolly

Helena Connolly’s beautiful images will take the reader on a wonderful journey through this Prayerful Ireland.

Ireland has changed dramatically and traditional devotions are no longer part of our everyday lives. Nevertheless, there is an underlying desire for ‘something more’, and that desire has led many to rediscover the riches of our past: the pilgrim paths that crisscross our country from Kerry to Donegal, from Wicklow to Galway. There is beauty and mystery within these landscapes which the early monks celebrated wonderfully in their poetry, and which drew them to God and to prayer.

According to Spirituality journal, “This is a beautiful contemplative book of photographs, landscapes, short appropriate quotations from Scripture, literature and much more”.

A Simple Life-Changing Prayer: Discovering the Power of St Ignatius Loyola’s Examen by Jim Manney

In A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer, Jim Manney introduces Christians to a 500-year-old form of prayer that dramatically altered his perception of prayer and the way he prayed. The prayer is the examen, which St Ignatius Loyola developed for the purpose of nurturing a reflective habit of mind that is constantly attuned to God’s presence.

By following five simple yet powerful steps for praying the examen, we can encounter the God who, as Scripture tells us, “is not far from each one of us”—the God whose presence in our lives can make all the difference in the world.

Catholic South-West newspaper (UK) reported: “A very good, clear, uncluttered explanation of [the examen] prayer… with his balanced, down-to-earth style and ease of communication… there’s plenty to chew on”.

Irish Jesuits in Penal Times 1695-1811: Thomas Betagh and His Companions by Thomas J Morrissey SJ

This account of the Irish Jesuits from 1695 to 1811 is concerned with those who lived and worked in Dublin and, in particular, with a central figure, the quite remarkable educationalist and pastor, Thomas Betagh. This book places the life and work of Betagh not only in the history of Ireland in the eighteenth century but also within the political, cultural and religious developments in western Europe at that time.

Glimpses of the Gospels: Theological, Spiritual & Practical Reflections by Jack Mahoney SJ

In Glimpses of the Gospels, the author makes accessible to the reader the patchwork unity of the Gospel story; tracing major themes, parables and moments across the Gospels, analysing what changes from gospel to gospel and showing how the differences between gospel accounts can shed valuable light on the enduring questions of Christians.

Reviews noted: “An easy resource to dip into… the writing is accessible, avoiding too much technical jargon, without over-simplifying” (Thinking Faith). “Highly recommended” (Intercom).

Telling the Rosary by Vincent Sherlock

The family rosary is a fond childhood memory for many Catholics. Although the tradition has faded, many still find comfort in this familiar devotion.

Popular writer and parish priest, Fr Vincent Sherlock, takes a fresh look at the way in which we might pray the rosary. Based on many years pastoral experience and a gift of communicating with parishioners and readers, Fr Vincent provides a lovely, readable booklet which will encourage those who have forgotten how, and give new inspiration to those who use their rosary regularly.

See the Autumn 2020 Catalogue » for a full range of books and booklets by Messenger Publications.