October Messenger: Mission, ministry and spirituality
October’s Messenger reflects on ministry, mission and spiritual life today, opening with a call from Pope Leo XIV, in his October Intention, inviting Catholics worldwide to pray for individuals and communities facing mental health challenges, and for those who support and minister to them. He wants the stigma and discrimination against people living with mental illness to be actively challenged and pastoral, sacramental and professional support to be widely available.
The magazine also features an in-depth report from Emer Kerrigan of Irish Jesuits International on a remarkable Irish missionary collective: 18 missionary congregations working together to support and advocate for partners on the ground across South Sudan. The piece outlines how that collaboration sustains some 70 humanitarian and education projects, from emergency relief and food security programmes to community schools, teacher training and peacebuilding initiatives. And Emer describes the practical and pastoral challenges missionaries face in a country emerging from conflict.
Brendan McManus SJ looks back at the life and work of Fr Frank Fahy and his long commitment to the restoration and preservation of Ballintubber Abbey, tracing the abbey’s history, its role in local parish life and the community efforts that supported its conservation.
On the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Presentation Sisters, Sr Mary Brien writes a profile of their foundress, Nano Nagle, charting her pioneering work for the education of the poor in 18th-century Ireland and explaining why her cause for beatification and canonisation continues to inspire religious educators and lay catechists today.
Spiritual nourishment and inner life are also explored. John Cullen reflects on cultivating inner stillness in an age of distraction, division and noise, offering practical steps for prayer, contemplative silence and creating sacred rhythms amid busy modern lives. Complementing this, Vincent Sherlock suggests how praying the Rosary alone or with family during October, the Church’s month of the Rosary, can be a simple, restorative practice that reminds us of our spiritual connection to one another and to the mysteries of Christ.
Eric Clayton contributes a theological reflection on the many ways God speaks to us – through scripture and sacrament, through creation and ordinary relationships, and in the small, often-overlooked events of daily life. His piece encourages readers to cultivate attentiveness so they may recognise God’s voice in a variety of forms.
Deirdre Powell offers a cultural-historical exploration of Halloween, tracing its roots from Celtic festivals such as Samhain through Christian adaptations and local customs, and reflecting on how contemporary celebrations can be shaped by both heritage and faith.
With our regular sections, this issue also includes fresh material on scripture study, an environmental column looking at creation care initiatives, seasonal recipes in cookery, pages designed for children, and our RE:LINK supplement which provides resources for schools and parish catechesis.
