Gathering of hearts in Luxembourg
The European meeting for national directors and coordinators of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN), including the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM), took place in Luxembourg from 18-23 September, 2019. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, under the care of the Society of Jesus, engages the challenges facing humanity and mission of the Church with monthly prayer intentions of the Pope. Participants came to Luxembourg on foot of an invitation from Cardinal-elect and Archbishop Jean-Claude Höllerich SJ, who also consecrated the Church of Luxembourg to the Heart of Christ. Donal Neary SJ and Gavin T. Murphy represented the Irish Province.
‘The Way of the Heart: Our Approach to the Heart of Jesus’ was the theme of the meeting. There were a number of reflective and action-oriented components including learning the nine steps of ‘The Way of the Heart’, discussion in language groups, a visit to the birthplace of Robert Schuman (one of the founding fathers of European unity) and the presentation of a number of initiatives in various countries.
Donal Neary SJ, national director of PWPN and editor of Messenger Publications, spoke about meeting Archbishop Jean-Claude Höllerich SJ. He said, “The Archbishop is a man of generous hospitality and entertained us to a good supper. I was struck by his similarity in content at his homily to Pope Francis, so I was even more happy to think of him as a Cardinal. He spoke of a division in the Church – those who live by systems and those who live by compassion.”
Fr Neary continued, “At another Mass the Archbishop was joined by about 300 of the diocese who consecrated their faith and life to the Heart of Christ. As President of the European Episcopal Conference he will be a more influential figure now in the European church.”
Gavin T. Murphy of Irish Jesuit Communications enjoyed attending the meeting with Fr Neary. He said, “We journeyed together, led meditation one morning, met international colleagues, talked about a number of initiatives and laughed a lot. We were continuously reminded that the heart works in slow ways, and that we need great inner freedom to make real change. I am particularly glad to have connected with Jesuits from North-Western Europe.”
Check out Click To Pray», the new App of the PWPN which connects you with thousands of people in praying for the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions. Also see Living Prayer 2020», the booklet of the Irish and British Jesuits which provides thoughtful reflections on the Pope’s intentions.
