Messenger Publications autumn collection
Messenger Publications », the publishing house of the Irish Jesuits, has just released their latest collection of books for autumn 2024. The catalogue showcases a wide range of titles including new and recent releases on various topics such as Ignatian spirituality, care for the earth, pastoral resources, scripture, prayer and contemporary spirituality, and history.
New releases include A Vanishing World edited by Robert O’Byrne which features photographs of Irish country houses taken by Jesuit Father Frank Browne SJ from 1946 onward. Father Browne is a world-famous photographer and well known for the photographs he took of the Titanic on her doomed maiden voyage.
Praying with the Bible: An Ignatian guide by Nikolaas Sintobin SJ offers guidance on praying the Bible the Ignatian way. The People’s Celebration of the Eucharist by Fintan Lyons OSB focuses on the Eucharist as a celebration and activity of the people of God, exploring what the togetherness of priest and people implies, and the language that expresses it.
Sacred Space, the Jesuits in Ireland’s online prayer website, have the hard copy of their content published by Messenger publications. This autumn Sacred Space Prayer Book 2025, an aid to daily prayer and daily reflection is available to purchase. It is based on a simple daily prayer drawn from scripture and inspired by the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Sacred Space have also launched their Advent and Christmas 2024/25 book, which invites readers to develop a closer relationship with God during this season of preparation and anticipation. Both books include a daily Scripture reading, points of reflection, prayer and meditations.
The catalogue highlights best sellers such as Ignatius Loyola Christian Mystic by Brian O’Leary SJ. Drawing on his own familiarity with the sources, Fr O’Leary (a Spiritual Director and expert on Ignatian Spirituality) gives a clear and accessible account of what we now know about Ignatius as a mystic, offering a truly transforming reading experience.
See God Act by the late Michael Drennan SJ is a gentle introduction and foundation for a greater understanding of the powerful role that the ministry of spiritual direction can play in our lives. The Great Dreamer, the Life and Mission of Francis Xavier by Brendan Comerford SJ is a historical account of the life of the man known as the “Apostle of the East” Francis Xavier.
Recent releases include First Belong to God on Retreat with Pope Francis by author Austen Ivereigh, the book is an 8-day Ignatian retreat, led by Pope Francis but written up by Ivereigh. It draws significantly on the talks and writings of the Pope who, as a Jesuit, is steeped in the spirituality of St Ignatius. Emerging from the Mess, Finding Hope in Life’s Storms by Brendan McManus SJ and Jim deeds explores what can happen in times of uncertainty, grief or darkness in life. These periods can be very difficult. We have all experienced our Garden of Gethsemane “Why have you forsaken me?”. However joy and light do return, particularly when we have an anchor to stabilise us and a guide to gently lead us, according to the authors.
Synodality and the Recovery of Vatican II edited by Stephen J. McKinney, Thomas O’Loughlin and Beáta Tóth features essays which ponder the importance of synodality, what it means, how it can build on the work of the Second Vatican Council and how we can engage with it today.
For those seeking gift book ideas the catalogue includes an overview of Dear Pope Francis in which children from across the world ask Pope Francis questions and the Pope himself answers each question. Saintly Feasts, Food for Saints and Scholars features a collection of recipes, originally prepared for Sunday lunches at a Jesuit house in Birmingham. Each recipe is linked to a saint who has a connection to the ingredients or the dish itself.
Prayerful Ireland by Helena Connolly is a contemplative book of photographs and landscapes of Ireland.
Click here for the Autumn 2024 catalogue containing the full collection of titles ».
