March 2024 is a month of many milestones in the Catholic Church, all of which are referenced in this issue of The Messenger. We celebrate the feast days of St Patrick and St Joseph – both familiar names to us, but about each of whom we actually know quite little. We will carry palms on Palm Sunday, follow the solemn ceremonies on Good Friday and finally mark the greatest day in the Christian calendar when we celebrate the risen Christ on Easter Sunday. In March also, Pope Francis asks us to pray in particular for those who, with their courage and enthusiasm for sharing the Word of God, risk their lives for the Gospel. Thus Patrick Carberry SJ writes about Stan Swamy SJ, who spent his priestly life defending those most despised in his native India and Maeve McMahon OP recalls the life of St Martin de Porres, the patron saint of social justice. Closer to home, Peter McVerry SJ argues that solidarity with those who suffer should be a defining characteristic of the Christian life.

In today’s world, where we sometimes feel like we’re ‘running on empty’, Rebecca Ruiz shows how the principles of Ignatian spirituality can be a great resource and offers us many ways for us to ‘refill our cups’. Elsewhere Brian Grogan SJ slows things down as he encourages us to find God, even in the stones at our feet. And Gerry O’Hanlon SJ ponders the implications of the recent Synod of Bishops in Rome for a more inclusive and participative Church to emerge.

We also find space for all our regulars – reflections, scripture, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus and RE:LINK, our supplement for young people. The Messenger | March 2024 is a varied and engaging issue to keep readers’ attention throughout the month.

View past issues of Messenger here