THE SACRED HEART MESSENGER

Supporting our Readers and Promoters:
The monthly Messenger continues to be despatched to subscribers and promoters as usual. Please note that we do not expect promoters to distribute copies unless it is absolutely safe for them to do so.

€2.00

DECEMBER 2021

We may sometimes bemoan the relentless focus on the holiday rather than the feast of Christmas. However, the December Messenger reminds us that people live their faiths in real settings, with different traditions and norms and it is our challenge to understand and share Christ’s message from within the cultural milieu in which we live. One way of doing this, particularly during this season of goodwill, is to make a special effort to ‘gift’ others a gesture of kindness, an offer of hospitality or an act of assistance. Elsewhere, we learn of the value of silent prayer and reflection, which  gives us opportunity to express gratitude for our blessings and our symbiotic relationship with the natural world.

In the light of the recent shocking death of Fr Stan Swamy SJ in India, we recall another Jesuit, Martin Royackers SJ, passionate in his ministry and a strong advocate for social justice, who also gave his life for his beliefs. We also pay tribute to the founder of the Sacred Heart Messenger on the centenary of his death. And we consider what changes in our lifestyles we can adopt to reduce the perils of climate change.

As well as all our regular features – crosswords, recipes, reflections and prayers, RE:LINK supplement – the December Messenger also includes our popular Novena for Christmas.