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John Mann launches ‘Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross’

Wednesday February 14th 2024

Former Dean of Belfast, John Mann, launches his latest book, ‘Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross’ in the Cathedral Church of St Mary, Douglas, Isle of Man, on February 12.

The best laid plans…! John Mann intended to launch his latest book, Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross, in the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Centre last week.

But these were felled when the weather prevented the former Dean of Belfast from travelling to Londonderry from his home on the Isle of Man.

Instead, Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross was formally launched in the Manx capital Douglas on Monday February 12 in what John described as ‘a truly ecumenical gathering’ in the Cathedral Church of St Mary.

The original plan was for the book to be launched by Bishop Andrew Forster, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, and Bishop Donal McKeown, Roman Catholic Bishop of Derry, who jointly contributed the foreword.

Speaking following the cancellation of this event, which had been due to take place on February 9, John said: “I was so disappointed not to make it to Derry/Londonderry last week, and have a chance to share with Bishop Andrew and Bishop Donal some thoughts as to how Christ’s Words from the Cross impinge upon the present disquiet of the world.

“Both bishops have written so encouragingly from their experience and the need to reach out and touch the lives of those with whom we differ, and it all resonates with Christ’s words of forgiveness and acceptance and commitment from the Cross.”

Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross is published by Messenger Press, who say the book offers ‘a fresh way of looking at the cross and ourselves through the prism of the healing power of Christ. By taking the Cross, and even more specifically, the words Jesus spoke while nailed to that Cross, over the course of some weeks, rather than a few hours on Good Friday, we have time to consider more deeply the inner themes and conclusions.

‘This meditation will help the reader to prepare for Holy Week, with a mind and heart familiar with the readings and ready to be filled with the reader’s own prayerful reflections.’ 

In the foreword to the book, Bishop Forster and Bishop Donal McKeown say that John Mann’s writing ‘helps us to witness both the reality of Jesus’s suffering and the transformative power of his sacrifice in the lives of his followers.’

Their foreword continues: “Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross is a thought-provoking book which will help you journey through Lent in a way that will open your heart once again to the greatness of Christ’s love.’

In Douglas on Monday, Monsignor John Devine spoke of his experience in Peru and elsewhere in providing the backdrop for the launch.

John Mann is a former rector of St John’s, Malone, and former Dean of Belfast Cathedral. He was awarded the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism in 2018 and holds an honorary D.Litt from Ulster University. He has previously published Journeying to the Light (2023) with Messenger Publications, which was launched at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, last September.

Christ’s Seven Words from the Cross is priced at €11.95/£10.95 and copies are available from The Book Well.

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