January / February 2019

This issue introduces us to two men who lived in the energy of Vatican II. As a young auxiliary bishop, Marcos McGrath attended the first session of the council, was inspired by its agenda, and dedicated himself to renewing the local church he served in every aspect of its life and mission, particularly with regard to the role of the laity. Basil Pennington was a Trappist monk and one of the founders of the Centering Prayer Movement that promoted an ancient form of scriptural prayer for a new age. The Eucharist was important to each of them. James Kroeger, MM, concludes his reflection on the missionary challenges of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, challenges applicable everywhere in our world. I suggest reading “A Celtic Prayer” in the Eucharist & Culture section as a starting-point. Let us be gentle with the Eucharistic bread Christ blessed for us!