The 1983 Code – twenty-five years later

This year is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which replaced the 1917 code. This was the eventual fulfilment of the intentions of Pope John XXIII, who announced that the code would be completely revised at the same time that he called the Second Vatican Council. To mark this anniversary, the Milltown Institute has invited a renowned canon law expert, Professor Emeritus Francis Morrissey OMI of St Paul’s University, Ottawa, to give a public lecture on ‘The Code of Canon law – Twenty-Five Years on’. It will take place on Wednesday 25 June 2008, at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Jesuit lives on show

The exhibition in Rathfarnham Castle, one of many events in the Bealtaine 2008 calendar, has proven to be very popular, so the Office of Public Works is extending it for at least another week. It includes many exhibits relating to the Jesuit years of the castle (1913-1986). Another exhibition in Dublin of interest to Jesuits and friends is called ‘Land of Silk and Sages’, in Marsh’s Library. It is an exhibition of early printed books on China – books on geography, culture, missionary themes, language, etc. – many of which were written by Jesuits.

Jesuit Admonitor spends time in Ireland

Currently on an extended visit to Ireland to improve his English language skills is Marcos Recolons SJ. A native of Cataluña, Marcos has travelled here from Rome, where he recently took up his appointment as Admonitor to Adolfo Nicolás, Superior General of the Society. Before he moved to Rome some years ago, he spent many years ministering to the Quechua people in Bolivia, at times being responsible for over one hundred villages.

Modras and Ignatian spirituality for today

In a series of seminars in Dublin last weekend, Professor Ronald Modras spoke about the humanistic perspective of Ignatian spirituality and what this can contribute to contemporary life – to the world of education and to the business environment. On Friday 23 May he spoke in Manresa about great Jesuits whose conversations had a transformative impact on those who heard them. For the full text of this paper, click here. On Saturday, Professor Modras spoke at the National College of Ireland about Ignatian spirituality and education. And on Monday 26, he was in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce to speak about leadership. All three seminars were well attended, and the question-times were lively.

Ronald Modras: Conversations that Change Lives

Below is the text of Professor Ronald Modras’s address at Manresa, the Jesuit House of Spirituality in Clontarf, on Friday 23 May 2008.

Thank you for the kind introduction and for the warm Irish welcome and hospitality. I remember my first visit to Ireland 30 years ago, in 1978, with Mary Elizabeth, my wife, and our two mothers. On the way to Dublin, we stopped in Westmeath. Mary Elizabeth’s mother wanted to see the town where her mother was born and the church where she was baptized. The sacristan, a lovely lady in her 60s, opened the church for us and then invited us to tea in her cottage, where she boiled water over an open hearth. No stove, whether gas or electric stove, let alone a microwave. But time for strangers, for visitors, and for conversation. Read more »

Timire an tSamhraidh

The summer edition of the Irish language Jesuit publication, An Timire, is now available. Carly-Anne Gannon writes about her experiences at World Youth Day and of the periods which she has spent working on a voluntary basis under the auspices of Slí Eile in Bogota, Columbia.  Fr Sean McDonagh SCC illustrates how Jesus drew inspiration from nature in much of his teachings to show his care for mankind and discusses his healing ministry. Dr. Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin tells of the destruction being carried out near Tara with the construction of the new motorway and Daithí Ó hÓgáin gives us the lore and mythology about Tara.  Leon Ó Giolláin SJ tells the story of a young man and his search for God. There are reflections for each day of the Sacred Heart Novena as well as book reviews.  Copies of the Timire can be obtained by writing to An Timire, Manressa Centre of Spirituality, Dollymount, Dubin 3.  An Timire is published quarterly and the annual subscription is €10.