Author page: Joe McAleer

Reflection for 26 April 2026:  Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A) “When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family, It often seems that, despite the centuries separating us from the…

Reflection for 19 April 2026:  Third Sunday of Easter (Year A) “Then they said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?’… Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking…

Reflection for 12 April 2026:  Sunday of Divine Mercy (2nd Sunday of Easter) “Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). Dear Marian…

By Fr. Alex Pumphrey, MIC One of my favourite seminary professors once quipped that most people think life is a question of “this or that,” when in reality it’s more often than not a question of “both/and.” For a while, I wasn’t too sure what he meant, until I started doing ministry. Then it all made sense. People often approach…

Jesus, The Divine Mercy Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family, It’s hard to believe that yet another Divine Mercy Sunday, 12 April, is upon us. Then Divine Mercy Sunday in all its solemnity and joy will come and go … and then what? What comes afterwards? Many people see Divine Mercy Sunday as a goal, the reward…

Reflection for 5 April 2026: Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad! Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family, Alleluia, Christ is risen! Today is the day that changes everything. Ever since that first Easter day 2,000 years ago, human history, human nature, has…

Reflection for 29 March 2026: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”…”Surely it is not I, Lord?”…”You have said so.” (Mt 21-22, 25) Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family, Palm Sunday is always an emotional day for me, and I imagine it is for you as well.…

Reflection for 22 March 2026: 5th Sunday of Lent (Year A). “If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit dwelling in you” (Rom 8:11). Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family, Here,…

Reflection for 15 March 2026: 4th Sunday of Lent (Year A), Laetere Sunday “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family, The theme of this Sunday’s readings is, without a doubt, sight and seeing. It’s one of…

“The Immaculate Conception was preparation for the Annunciation, and the Assumption was the consequence of the Annunciation. Even Christ’s birth at Christmas was a result of the Annunciation.” By Fr. Jim McCormack, MIC The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, which we celebrate on 25 March, may, at first glance, not seem as significant as other Marian feasts. After…