St Martin Magazine - February 2026

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In February we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple and the traditional blessing of candles. Our beautiful cover image taken in the Benedictine Monastery in Pluscarden, Scotland is a reminder of this event. Another celebration this month is that of The Chair of Saint Peter on the 22nd. and for his series ‘Saintly Shepherds’ Ray Hughes writes about this symbol of the papacy, which stands as a powerful testament to the unbroken chain of spiritual succession that provides stability to the Church, confirming that its leadership stems directly from its divine founder. Hot chocolate is a popular and comforting beverage, especially during cold weather and Patricia Hope in ‘Echoes’ traces its history which has many fascinating dimensions. Our famous convert is Robert Hugh Benson, son of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and author of the first book of fiction to portray the coming of the Antichrist. Lord of the World has a distinction which must be unique among novels: it has been prised by the last three Popes. Our series ‘Evangelium’ is in new hands, and we take the opportunity to thank Fr Kellan Scott for all his hard work, as we look forward to the writing of Michael Oliver Wyer whose first article is a reflection on ‘The Widow’s Mite’. The common primrose is the subject of ‘The Cloister Garden’ and the Friends or Brothers of Saint Martin page is given over for a change to the Sisters! The Prior Provincial has a heartfelt and insightful description of his trip to Lima in November with a group of thirty-five pilgrims. We remember St Brigid with a very special offer of crosses and pins which would make lovely gifts at any time of the year.