‘Messenger’ in the pink!
For the first time in The Irish Jesuit Messenger’s 121 year history, its iconic red cover has been transposed to a flush of pink as The Messenger magazine‘s way of supporting Action Breast Cancer Month. And during the month of October, 10% of all new postal subscriptions taken will be donated to Action Breast Cancer.
The publication also features an article by Derry woman Carita Kerr –“Me and My Cancer: A personal journey”. She left hospital two days after her operation to meet President Bill Clinton and his wife Hilary on an official visit to the city. Caritas’s husband was Lord Mayor at the time.
“We did not change the colour for this edition lightly” states John Looby, S.J., Editor of the Jesuit publication with the distinctive red cover, familiar in lots of households around Ireland for many years. “But pink is the colour chosen by Action Breast Cancer, and in adopting it for our October edition, we wanted to signal our concern and show our readiness to help. Through this collaboration we intend to raise awareness of the great work done by Action Breast Cancer and acknowledge the support they give. We also hope that our financial contribution to their ongoing research will help those affected by this illness.”
This is the first time the magazine has dedicated one of its monthly editions to such a cause. “From the thousands of letters we receive every month, we are aware of the number of our readers who directly or indirectly, have been affected by cancer,” comments Triona Mc Kee, Marketing and General Manager of Messenger Publications. “Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in males and females in Ireland and since it’s breast cancer awareness month, so we like to put theory into practice, to raise awareness of, and offer support, to worthwhile Charities and causes.”
Since its inception by the much-loved Fr Cullen SJ, one hundred and twenty years ago, The Messenger has been renowned for its local distribution and promotion service with promoters often and to this day doing deliveries by foot. In the North, throughout all the Troubles, volunteers braved bombs, bullets, baton charges and riots to deliver the magazine dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
Fr Looby SJ says 50,000 letters are delivered annually to the Leeson St., Dublin, publishing headquarters of the magazine. “The writers ask for prayers and intercessions for families and friends suffering from illness, bereavement, addictions, loneliness and financial problems and they are prayed for here every week. They also contain a great deal of gratitude and thanksgiving for prayers heard and answered, even in unexpected ways.”
Date: Oct 7, 2009
