The Sacred Heart Messenger magazine, Ireland’s bestselling religious magazine, is celebrating 130 years of continuous publication.

MICHAEL D HIGGINS, president of Ireland, writes on the ongoing importance of the message of social justice of Oscar Romero. FR DONAL NEARY, editor of theMessenger, discusses the importance of the Church’s mission for and with young people. MAEVE MCMAHON OP,discusses how Pope Francis has consistently encouraged men and women to be prophets and bring the gospel to the people of our time. PETER McVERRY SJ challenges the criminalizing of the drug user. In this month’s Re:link, FAITH QUILLE examines the Orthodox Christian Churches. In gardening, CIARAN BURKEwrites of how declining sunlight in our gardens will be supplemented by changing autumn leaves.

October Messenger includes our regular articles such as art, architecture, cookery, crossword, prayer, young readers pages and much more.