July edition of The Messenger now available
PRESS RELEASE FROM MESSENGER PUBLICATIONS
17 June 2026
Finding a good life balance is a theme that crops up in several articles in the July Messenger.
Gerard Condon writes about the importance of us visiting and nourishing the four ‘rooms’ in the house of our head – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Margaret Naughton welcomes the slower, softer pace in the month of July as a time to rest, relax and recalibrate. John Cullen observes that in our age of distraction, division and noise, silence has become one of the rarest luxuries, as people seek ways to nurture a spiritual path in their lives. And John McHughdescribes a retreat in the footsteps of Ignatius, through Catalonia, from Montserrat to Manresa and finishing in Barcelona which he says reoriented his inner compass.
Often today, there are high expectations that we can follow whatever path we choose. Eric Clayton reminds us, however, that we cannot be, do, or have everything – we have to make choices, sometimes unwelcome ones. This is echoed by Vincent Sherlock, who says that it is better to be part of a discussion or decision-making process – even a frustrating one – than to be on the outside. Brian Lennon SJ agrees on the importance of dialogue, adding that a precondition of success is an openness to listening to other, often contrasting, opinions.
Brendan McManus SJ outlines how the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises can be a useful and practical guide as we negotiate everyday difficulties and Andrea Hayes says that the practice of journaling can be a practical application of the Exercises. We read about Sr Mary Kileen RSM’s work in education and community outreach in the poorest slums of Nairobi, Kenya; we learn of the martyrdom of Herman Rasschaert SJ in the Indian state of Jharkhand and we read the inspiring story of a young woman from South Sudan, proof that resilience grows even in the harshest, most challenging environments.
To complete the issue, along with our regular features, we have an interesting piece on Croagh Patrick, one of Ireland’s most popular sites for exercise, charity, atonement or spiritual renewal.
The Sacred Heart Messenger magazine
A modern message in a much-loved tradition.
With the best writing on Spirituality, Prayer, Care for the Earth, Modern life, Scripture as well as RE:LINK, our supplement for young people that follows the RE Junior Cycle PA in schools.
Subscribe nowto the best-selling religious publication produced in Ireland today!
From only €45 per annum or €15 for the digital issue.
Kind regards
Carolanne Henry
Communications and Marketing Executive
Messenger Publications
Milltown Park
Dublin D06 W9Y7
IRELAND
E: c.henry@messenger.ie
T: +353 1 7758 543
Follow us on Facebook & Instagramwww.messenger.ie