Care, compassion and welcome are themes that feature in the July Messenger. In our society of complex challenges in health, justice and sustainability, spiritual care can serve as a powerful tool for promoting healing, resilience and well-being; we read about the programmes in St Beuno’s Jesuit Retreat Centre in Wales. We consider why Mass really matters, both as an encounter with God and as a first step in putting into practice the giving and receiving we have shared during the sacrament. So, we are called to grow in compassion and recognise God in our encounters with others, regardless of religion, race, gender, age or level of poverty.

Sr Orla Tracey IBVM gives us a wonderful account of a pilgrimage she and others undertook during the Pope’s recent visit to South Sudan. Brendan McManus SJ writes about his various pilgrimages climbing Croagh Patrick. And, touching on a topic very much in the news at present, Pope Francis praises the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when used responsibly and ethically for the common good.

As well as our prayer, reflections and scripture regulars, our crosswords are here to challenge, cookery page to tempt and children’s activity pages to entertain young people during the summer holidays.