Madonna - Current Issue

May / June 2009

Our cover
Lord, send your Spirit and renew the earth (Psalm response for Pentecost). The earth continually renews itself – especially when given the chance. Today it seems to need a great deal of help to achieve such renewal. May we all offer our support in a practical way to share in the Spirit’s creative renewal.

In this issue ...

Soul Matters - Chris Gleeson SJ
Filling a hole in the soul. Who knows what pressures drive someone to suicide? We can strive to fill the hole in a person's soul in the hope that healing will bring self-esteem.

Mothers and sons. As a group of young men come to the end of their secondary schooling, Frances Hogan reflects on the intimate bond between mother and son.

Tête à Tête — Mary Manning
Patron of the internet.St Isidore of Seville was renowned in his lifetime as a great scholar and leader in church and society. Today he is also honoured as the patron of the internet.

A larrikin angel. Sr Veronica Brady became known through her life as a pesky character who stretched the patience of authorities – as well as a profound teacher and theologian.

Christ with one leg. Being posted to Cambodia, where landmines still abound, was a confronting exercise for newly-ordained Gabriel Lamug-Naãwa.

Family Matters — Teresa Pirola
Blessed are you! Part of the Jewish heritage of Christianity is the practice of blessing and giving blessings – blessing others, ourselves and our God.

Your Daily Prayer — May & June. A prayerful reflection on the scripture readings for every day of the month.

The power of story — Elizabeth Pike
Amazing grace. A moving story from Africa shows the power that forgiveness can bring to people’s lives.

A Cloud of Witnesses — Edmund Campion
To die for the Pope. George Collingridge, a member of a group founded to defend the Pope and his papal states, made his way to Australia to bring an important contribution to the nation.

Bread for the Journey — Peter Steele SJ
Fruitful lives. Our God is passionate about life, and wants us all to bear fruit in his splendid garden.

Adelaide's pivotal bishop. Croatian-born Matthew Beovich oversaw great development in the church over one of its most exciting periods of growth and change.