In this issue

The cover of our December magazine features a lovely Nativity scene in stained glass, the original of which can be seen in the Black Abbey in Kilkenny. In his first Editorial, our new Spiritual Director, Fr John Walsh reminds us that ‘Christmas is only truly celebrated when it becomes a reality within us.” Conor McDonough OP in the article ‘Christmas is Local’ looks at cribs in different parts of the world. Their appearance may differ, but the message is always the same, ‘God is with us, wherever we are, wherever we’re from’. For Echoes, Patricia Hope continues the Christmas theme as she examines how the custom of giving gifts to relatives and friends first began.
This year the Legion of Mary is celebrating a hundred years in existence and Colm Mannion OP writes about its founder, Frank Duff and his unwavering devotion to the Mother of God.
This month’s edition also sees the beginning of three new series of articles. The first deals with the conversion to Catholicism of famous people and begins with the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. The second will look at some paintings by well-known artists, and the third is dedicated to the life of our dear patron St Martin. Matters Medical takes on a different aspect too as Brother Christopher Gault writes from his position as a man of medicine and a follower in the footsteps of St Martin.
Still wondering what to give as a present for Christmas? Check out our lovely St Martin Charity Calendar and St Martin Hardback diaries, with the order of the Mass. These gifts can be enjoyed all throughout the year ahead. We wish all our readers online a Holy and Happy Christmas.

St Martin Magazine Description:

St Martin Apostolate has published our monthly St. Martin Magazine in Ireland since 1952. A wonderful magazine for Catholics around the world. Our magazine is packed with articles to help develop your understanding of your faith.

Included are articles on all aspects of life, news and views on important world events, helpful tips and articles for life, home and the garden. In short, it is a worthwhile easy-to-read magazine that millions of readers have enjoyed over the past decades.

We publish the magazine to promote devotion to St. Martin, to encourage people in the practice of their faith and to generate funds for our mission of bringing the word of God to as many people as possible. We currently publish some 40,000 print copies every month - that's nearly half a million copies every year - and are excited about the reach of our digital version across the world - so please tell your friends and colleagues about its availability.

Our web site gives more detail about our services and our missions - http://www.stmartin.ie