St Martin Magazine - December 2021

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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.