The Cross of Blessed John Sullivan SJ, who was beatified in May this year, will be on display in the oratory at the Jesuits in Ireland marquee. Visitors are welcome to come and pray and to receive a blessing with the cross from one of the Jesuit priests in attendance.
Born in Dublin in 1861 into the privileged world of the Protestant Ascendancy, John Sullivan spent much of his life in the austere world of an Irish Jesuit. The first part of his life encompassed school days at Portora in Fermanagh, university education at Trinity College and his call to the bar in London, where he lived for some years.
In the second part of his life he converted to Catholicism, entered the Jesuit order and lived an ascetic and spiritual life in his various ministries but most especially in his ministry at Clongowes Wood College, in County Kildare. It was his work here, especially with the poor and the sick, which led to his beatification by Pope Francis. There are many testimonies of the sick he blessed recovering, even when they were believed to be dying.
Fr John’s life was characterised by a total commitment to the service of God and others. He was never without his crucifix, which had been his mother’s, and he blessed countless people with it. Today the cross is brought on request to the sick in hospitals and on house visits.
This crucifix will be in the Jesuits in Ireland marquee for each day of the Ploughing. Other Jesuit organisations attending include: Peter McVerry Trust; Jesuit Mission Office; Jesuit Refugee Centre; Jesuit Centre for Faith & Justice; Sacred Space; Manresa Centre for Spirituality; and the Pioneers.
Visitors are welcome to speak with the many Jesuit priests present, grab some goodies or avail of the opportunity to take a ‘selfie’ with a life-size cut out of Pope Francis!
The popular title A Man Sent by God: Blessed John Sullivan SJ, and many other spirituality titles can be purchased from the Ignatian Bookshop which will be situated in the marquee.
Our Site Number is Block: 4 Row: 38 Stand: 762. We look forward to seeing you there. Just look out for Pope Francis!
For more information or to organise an interview please contact Caitríona Maher on 0852759606 or email c.maher@messenger.ie<mailto:c.maher@messenger.ie>.