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Welcome to the November Ezine from Redemptorist Communications

Glimpses of “Reality”

In his November editorial, Fr Gerard Moloney reflects on Reality magazine reaching 75 years:

“We are a little self-indulgent this month, because this month we celebrate the 75th birthday of this magazine. The first issue of what was then called Redemptorist Record was published in November 1936.
When Redemptorist Record began, its editor, Fr Tom Murphy, was clear as to its purpose: to communicate the Good News of Christ the Redeemer in a world that was at that time confronting the twin challenges of communism and fascism; to continue the writing tradition passed on to his followers by St Alphonsus, founder of the Redemptorists, and to promote the missionary work of the Irish Redemptorists at home and abroad.
Thirty years later, in October 1966, Redemptorist Record became Reality. One reason for the change of title was so that readers would not presume it was the official record or mouthpiece of the Irish Redemptorists or that it represented the views of all Irish Redemptorists.
But a second more important reason was in response to the tremendous changes that had taken place in the Catholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council. The new reality that now existed in the church was now reflected in the pages of the new Reality. It was an exciting time, and its then editor, Fr Michael O’Connor, still happily with us, set out to make this magazine a forum which promoted the renewal and reform that were at the heart of the Council and the dialogue with other churches and the wider world that it encouraged.
Indeed, the quality of contributors and contributions to the magazine during those years is striking. Associate Editors like Louis McRedmond, Maeve Binchy, John Horgan, Miriam Hederman, and Michael Viney ensured Reality was topical, intelligent and lively. The magazine played a significant role in trying to bring the vision and promise of Vatican II to the Irish faithful, even while the editor had to contend not just with one archdiocesan-appointed censor but with three! John Charles McQuaid may not have been a devoted reader of this magazine, but he certainly kept an eye on it, and he was no fan.
Another notable achievement was Reality’s naming of John Hume as Person of the Year for 1969 - at a time when Hume was only just beginning his rise to prominence.
The Ireland of 2011 is a vastly different country to that of 40 or even 20 years ago, and the church in Ireland is vastly different too. The spirit of hope that gripped many in the church in the early post-conciliar years is long gone, replaced now by a sense of paralysis, crisis and fear. The drip, drip, drip effect of scandal after scandal, as well as the relentless march of an aggressive secularism, have left Catholics feeling battered, bewildered and betrayed.
These have been difficult years for the Irish religious press also. Several magazines have gone to the wall; others are finding it hard to keep going.
And yet, it is abundantly clear that if ever we needed a robust religious press in Ireland, we need it now. The secular press in Ireland has become increasingly antagonistic towards the church and religion, and greater efforts are being made to silence the religious voice. We need a Catholic media to champion the Catholic perspective and to which Catholics can turn for support, information, and guidance.
But magazines like Reality fulfil another function too: to be, in the words of the Pastoral Instruction on the Means of Social Communication, “a forum, a meeting place for the exchange of views” about the church and what it means to be Catholic. This means acting not merely as a cheerleader for the institution but as a facility where people can reflect on and address the myriad issues and realities facing the church – the good and bad, the successes and failings, the warts and all, uncomfortable as this may be.
As we celebrate 75 years, we acknowledge our debt to the contributors, promoters, editors, designers, Redemptorists, and readers who have kept us going through three-quarters of a century, and we pledge to do our best to ‘inform, inspire, and challenge’ our readers for many years to come.”

Also in the November issue of Reality:

A JOURNEY THROUGH REALITY

AN EDITOR LOOKS BACK

POWERHOUSE OF THE SPIRIT: The Charismatic Renewal Movement

THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

THE CRISIS IN SECULAR SOCIETY OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CHURCH

SHE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT

POPULARITY TEST: Why do solemn novenas continue to appeal?

Click here to order your copy of Reality or to subscribe for the year.

New from Redemptorist Communications

New Book: Year of the Suffering Servant: Getting more out of Sunday Mass in the Year of Mark
Do you sometimes feel that you get little out of Mass and you don’t understand some of the Sunday readings? If so, then this book is for you! Fr Ciarán O’Callaghan provides reflections and insights into the weekly readings for the coming year. Written in a warm and accessible style, this book will encourage you to be a little better prepared for Mass. It is a perfect companion for those who are Readers in church or those who wish to know more about the Word of God. The book can be used by individuals, groups or families.

Special Offer: €5.95 (plus p&p)

Contact Redemptorist Communications
Tel: 01 4922 488
Email: sales@redcoms.org
Web: www.redcoms.org

Thinking of Sending Christmas Cards?

Redemptorist Communications has produced a range of beautiful Christmas cards

Packs of 12 cards of assorted designs
Only €5.00

Available from Redemptorist Communications

What’s Up in “Face Up”?

Here is a flavour of the November issue of Face Up, to inform and inspire teenagers:

Real Life
Cover story: Anarchy in the UK
Last summer, city streets across England erupted in a blaze of rioting. We ask the experts, could it happen here in Ireland

“I plan to shake up your schools!”
This 24-year-old is fighting for your rights on the political stage – as the youngest TD in the Dail.

Think before you ink
Some might consider a tattoo an attractive piece of body art, but do they know the ugly truth about going under the needle?

Racing to success
Mark Boylan reveals how he’s combined his love of horse racing and music to become a YouTube sensation.

Watch out wannabes!
Is fame really worth the risks that invariably accompany it? You decide.

Real life heroes
Some people refuse to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them. Meet Mark Pollock and Orla Tinsley...

Campaign
Up for a Challenge
Trocaire have just the thing for those looking for the kind of new experiences that can make a difference.

Spirit & Soul
Shape up your spiritual life
This issue: How to have a little Rest and Respect!

“I’ve found my safe haven”
Three prayer services a day? Doesn’t sound like fun. But Riana Minogue’s trip to a French village was amazingly magical.

Click here for more information on Face Up or to subscribe.  A perfect gift for a teenager this Christmas!