Be not afraid

I hope you had a blessed Christmas and that the new year has begun in a spirit of hope. I share a few things that might be of interest to you.

Gratitude for Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Emeritus Benedict died on the last day of 2022. With his last words “Lord, I love you!” he spoke from the very heart of his life as a Christian and priest. His funeral was a simple a sober affair, as he would have wanted. For the Church it was an experience of both gratitude and sorrow. May he rest in peace. 

Enquirers weekend

Fr. Kevin O’Rourke SJ and I hosted a come and see weekend for enquirers at the beginning of December. We talked about the Jesuit charism, holy Jesuits who inspire us, and about our own stories. Personally it gives me great hope that young men are still attracted by religious life and the priesthood.  

World Youth Day with the Jesuits

World Youth Day 2023 will take place this summer in Lisbon, Portugal and the Jesuits will host a pre-WYD programme called Magis for young adults between 18 and 35. Click the links for more info and if you would like to make the pilgrimage with the Irish Jesuits then let me know! 

A question

The Lord reminds us again and again to be courageous and not to be afraid. Jesus is not afraid. For all of you who are thinking about your vocation, here is a question that I often find helpful—what would I do if I weren’t afraid? Asking this simple question can help us be a follower of Jesus.

United in prayer,

Fr. Niall