June – A time of feasts

May 28, 2024 in News

‘I always like June’ is the title of Donal Neary SJ’s opening article in the June edition of the Messenger. He recalls his childhood days and summer holidays in Achill County Mayo. He also notes that liturgically “June has its own style and mood in the church,” and is a time of different feasts, including Corpus Christi and the feast of the Sacred Heart. The latter has its own novena and Fr Gerard Condon has a special insert in the magazine featuring an introduction to the novena and a prayer for each day of the nine days, beginning on Thursday 30 May and finishing on Friday 7 June.

Readers are also reminded of Pope Francis’ intention for the month of June, where he calls on people to “pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcoming and new opportunities in the countries that receive them”.

Columban priest Fr Sean McDonagh, a well-known commentator on climate issues, discusses why there are currently talks of a ‘European Ice Age’. Salesian Father Hugh O’Donnell, a well-known author on environmental issues, talks about the wonders of the ‘Northern Lights’.

Jesuit Novice Sean McMahon is in his second year in ‘Adjumani and Kampala’, Uganda. He shares his insights and experiences working with Jesuit Father Lasantha De Abrew for three months with six refugee communities with a population of 8,000. Sean says “I am deeply grateful for the breadth of personal encounters wherein the presence of God was palpable”.

Sister Stan, a religious Sisters of Charity Sister and co-founder of Focus Ireland, shares her insights into homelessness in Dublin and in particular its impact on women. She says “Homelessness is one of the most egregious breaches of human rights. I have seen the trauma it causes for everyone who has ever experienced it”.

David Breen tells the story of ‘Jairus and the Excluded Woman’ as part of his monthly feature on people in the New Testament. Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam comments on the Synod and how the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church to be more responsive to urban and rural communities across the country.

The Messenger has all its regular features as well, – reflections, scripture, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus, and RE:LINK.