St Paul reminds us that within the community of God, there are many gifts but one Spirit who gives and directs them (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). Each of us is called to use our unique gifts in the service of God and neighbour, but not always in ways we might expect.
In this week’s stories, Michael McGirr reviews a new book about a small group of religious women who find themselves using their gifts in unexpected ways as they venture into a post–Vatican II world. The story of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament is, he writes, ‘an unconventional love story’ with ‘a deepening understanding of the Eucharist’ at its heart.
As we approach the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola at the end of the month, we share the story of Melbourne-based priest Fr Mariusz Han SJ, whose love of games—dating back to his Polish childhood—inspired him to create the award-winning board game Ignatius Loyola: Knight and Pilgrim, helping to bring the story and spirituality of St Ignatius to life for families, schools and parishes everywhere.
In the lead-up to Sea Sunday—which we observe over the next two weeks—we take a look at the striking new mural that recently appeared on the facade of the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre in West Melbourne. Painted by New York–based mural artist Damien Mitchell, it powerfully conveys the charity’s commitment to serving and supporting those who endure months of challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions at sea to keep our economy moving.
