Sep 25, 2017
Br Domenico Rosa, newly professed member of the MSC community, reflects on his time spent working in Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, as part of his novitiate year.
“I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36)
Towards the end of my novitiate year, I spent three weeks working in Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, for my pastoral placement. I was joined there by Jaime Rosique, another of the MSC novices. This was a very important and powerful experience for me.
At the beginning, I had strange feelings about the prisoners. I could feel their suffering.
The first day I spent in one of the wings, I felt like I was in a human zoo. Smoke, cigarettes, a lot of murmuring… I thought I might be going crazy and I was looking forward to going home. However, I slowly started to feel comfortable, as the prisoners wanted to speak with us – they trusted us.
They soon learned our names, which was very nice. Kevin, a prisoner, even gave me a poem. It is said that “to love is joy, to be loved is happiness”; it was a beautiful thing to see how the prisoners love the chaplains, including Fr John O’Sullivan, one of our own Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
Here, I learned humanity – that everyone is a person before being a criminal.
On a day that I particularly remember, we were visiting Wing D for the third time, where people with psychological problems are imprisoned. I was with one of the chaplains and Jaime, my Spanish MSC brother who was also working with me in Cloverhill. We entered the TV room and the chaplain offered cigarettes to the lads, who seemed happy to meet us.
Brendan, a six-foot tall, muscular young man, looked at me in a threatening way and rotated his fists in a provocative manner. Smiling, I said, “You’re too strong for me.” It looked like he smiled too, while inhaling his cigarette.
Meanwhile, Kevin came towards me with countless handwritten papers. He recognised me and asked, “Are you Italian?” I told him that I am, and he responded, “My brother is working in Bolzano. Italy is gorgeous”.
“That’s true, Bolzano is very beautiful,” I replied. “Have you ever been there?”
“No, but I know it’s close to Austria,” Kevin said.
In the meantime, several young men pass by. Their faces have the seen hard times on the streets. They have lifeless, sad eyes that only become lively when they stop to exchange a few words with us.
I said to Kevin: “Bolzano has the largest bas-relief sculpture in Europe, built by Mussolini. He was a poet, too. Do you write a lot?”
“Yes, I always write,” Kevin responded. “Writing is healthy. I look at people and I write”.
“Me too,” I said. “I write every day. I have my own diary. I suppose you like reading as well?”
“Yes, I like English-speaking authors – British, Irish, Anglo-American writers.”
“Do you like Allen Ginsberg?” I asked.
Kevin said that he did, and I continued, “He wrote On The Road, didn’t he?”
Kevin’s answer was immediate: “No, that was Kerouac!”
“Oh yeah, how stupid! I messed up,” I admitted. “I also like the American writer Charles Bukowski. He said that people are the world’s funniest show, and you don’t need to pay the ticket.”
“I know him too,” said Kevin. Then, he changed the subject. “Next time you come, will you bring me the Bible?”
“Yes, of course, with pleasure. Have you ever written poetry?”
Kevin answered that he didn’t have time for poetry. When I suggested that he could write one for me, he willingly accepted the challenge, and then invited me to play table football. As he arranged three balls on the pitch, he told me, “In Brazil, this is how they play. A Brazilian friend who was here with me taught me.”
Later that day, I had to part ways with Kevin, but he has stayed in my mind since, and I feel that I have gained a lot from my time working in Cloverhill.
Br Domenico Rosa MSC
Sep 20, 2017
“Return to your first and only love,” said Pope Francis last Saturday, 16th September, during a private audience between his Holiness and the members of the 2017 General Chapter of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. In an uplifting, yet profoundly challenging address the Pope stated that as missionaries we are called to keep our “gaze fixed on Jesus Christ and learn from Him how to truly love with a human heart, to care for the lost and hurting members of his flock, to work for justice and show solidarity with the weak and poor.”
Pope Francis greets Fr. Paco Blanco MSC, an old firend from Argentina.
He was speaking to a group ready and open to hear his message. As we arrived that morning for the audience you couldn’t help but be awed by the surroundings of the Vatican buildings. Designed to impress, they did just that. However, in contrast to the stateliness of the architecture, the beauty of the frescos, and the livery of the Swiss Guard, Pope Francis comes across as a simple man. He entered in a low key way, smiling and acknowledging with gratitude the presence of missionaries from all around the world. It was clear he was a little tired, but he has a sense of authenticity and simplicity of presence that is both difficult to describe and utterly unforgettable. He was particularly enthused to meet an old friend of his, Fr. Paco Blanco MSC, the Provincial of our Spanish Province with whom he worked in Argentina. (more…)
Sep 18, 2017
During his novitiate year, Br Daniel Filipek MSC spent three weeks working with the community in Cuan Mhuire treatment centre. Here, he shares his thoughts on his experience.
“This was not a walk in paradise, but a real and valuable experience.”
After 10 months of novitiate life in Myross Wood, my MSC brothers and I were given the opportunity to go to work in the community on pastoral placement.
I spent three weeks in an addiction treatment centre called Cuan Mhuire. The team here offer help to people struggling with addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and gambling.
Before my placement started, I was a little bit afraid – I was nervous about my role at the centre. Some of the questions I asked myself were “Will they accept me?” and “Will I get along with the community there?”
I soon realised that the community in Cuan Mhuire were very welcoming, and my apprehensions disappeared. I had several opportunities to talk to the people there, and I also lent a hand in the kitchen and the coffee bar. Often, I just listened to others talking about their daily issues and worries.
I found that the people in Cuan Mhuire were humble and meek, and I realised that their life was and is full of struggling. Meeting with them, and hearing their stories, I can only express great admiration and praise for their courage.
It was also an important experience the reality of life, particularly the life of the non-religious community. I learned to become a listener, someone who sits quietly and observes, which taught me more than direct conversation with the community members.
My three weeks of pastoral placement were not a walk in paradise, but they gave me a real and valuable experience that will be very useful in my future.
Br Daniel Filipek MSC
Sep 11, 2017
Br Jaime Rosique MSC chose to spent his pastoral work placement in Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, alongside his fellow MSC brother Domenico Rosa. Here, he reflects on the lessons he learned during his three weeks in Cloverhill.
“Each of these people has a story, a load on their back that has shaped the life they have lived so far.”
When I was initially offered a choice between two pastoral placement experiences, I had little doubt as to which one I would choose. Although Cork and the L’Arche community were very appealing to me, as soon as I saw that the other possibility was to assist the prison chaplains of Cloverhill, I sensed that this was there the Lord wanted me to be. This was not the first time I has been offered that possibility as a pastoral experience, and I took the hint! Now, looking back, I can understand why He wanted me there.
The proposed placement programme covered a very busy and interactive experience. This included visiting several courts of justice, involvement in prisoners’ services such as the school or the library, a day at the visitors’ centre to experience the work done with the families of the inmates, and a breakfast at the Capuchin Day Centre, where it is not uncommon to find former prisoners once they have served their sentences.
On our induction day, we were given some reading material to help us to understand how the prison service works in Ireland, and which also provided information on some trends among the prison population (such as drugs, homelessness, and mental health issues). We were then given security instructions and introduced to several officers. Shortly, afterwards we began our visits.
The D2 Wing, where people with mental health problems are kept under close scrutiny and supervision, was the main focus of attention of our ministry. Here, we found ourselves working with the most vulnerable of prisoners. Their joyful and appreciative response to small gestures of kindness, such as simply listening to them, was overwhelming. Their gratitude made me think about my own appreciation of many things that I would often take for granted – things that mean a lot to those deprived of freedom.
The stories and anecdotes that have touched my heart are too many to be able to express them in a few lines. All I can say is that I found the experience very enriching. It has helped me to become aware of a reality that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience. My time at Cloverhill has helped me to understand the many different factors that take somebody to prison, making me realise that, regardless of the offences committed, I was working with human beings who in many ways are victims themselves.
In other words, after the three weeks I spent at Cloverhill, I feel moved to remember that behind the news headlines, the court case numbers, or the PN numbers (Prisoner Numbers), there is a person. Each of these people has a story, a load on their back that has shaped the life they have lived so far – and these people and their stories have touched my own heart and life as well.
Br Jaime Rosique MSC
Sep 4, 2017
Newly professed MSC brother Giacomo Gelardi spent some time working with the community at L’Arche Cork during the course of his novitiate year. Here, he shares his thoughts on the experience.
My life-giving experience at L’Arche “Le Cheile”, Cork
L’Arche “Le Cheile” in Cork was the best place I could have spent my pastoral placement. As soon as the door was opened to me, I was embraced by a gentle and loving welcome from the people who share their lives here, with beautiful smiles and real friendship.
I had not been at L’Arche before, but it felt like being at home. The community here opened their arms to me, a stranger in their lives, and received me as a friend. Thus, I soon realised that I was not there for them, but they were there to show me a different way of living – a way of loving and welcoming each other as precious gifts, enriched by our differences.
It took just a couple of days for my tiredness, worries, and anxieties to disappear, and I started to see the beauty of God’s presence in my life through them all. What impressed really me was their genuine nature, and the spontaneity that comes with being with one another.
The week started with a gathering of all members in a prayerful atmosphere. The community leader introduced the theme, then the members of different houses cheerfully performed songs and dances. “This must be a special day,” I thought. However, my new friend Maria explained, “This is how we start every week here at L’Arche – we come together and exchange our wishes for a good journey for the days ahead.”
My week was organised so that I could experience the different projects underway, and that day, it was time to visit the allotment. With Mike and Barry, two pillars of L’Arche Cork, we walked to the place where fruits and vegetables such as salads, tomatoes, and strawberries are grown. We watered and sowed the radishes; then, we all enjoyed a nice coffee at the nearby pub, before going back and sharing lunch together. Lunches and coffee breaks are fairly important social events here!
Over the course of the week, I spent time in the relaxation room listening to soft music with those who wanted a quiet moment. I had the chance to work with the younger lads who were making clocks and bird-houses in the woodwork course; I was also able to chat to and get to know some of the ladies while drawing cards or making candles, and I performed in improvised plays.
The week went by in the twinkling of an eye, and ended with a Mass where everyone took part, followed by singing and dancing together as a group.
During my three weeks at L’Arche, my experiences taught me that being with people is more important than doing. I learned that difference is our strength; difference is a gift.
Br Giacomo Gelardi MSC
Aug 23, 2017
On Tuesday, August 15th, five MSC novices took the next step on their missionary journey as they made their First Professions in Myross Wood House, Co. Cork. On this special occasion, the community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart joined together with the novices and their loved ones to celebrate the conclusion of the novitiate year and the beginning of a new chapter for Daniel, Domenico, Giacomo, Jaime, and Piotr.
Fr Joseph McGee MSC, who was Irish Provincial Leader at the time, explains, “First Profession takes place at the conclusion of the Novitiate, which is a one-year period of intense spiritual preparation for young men who wish to become Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. From this point on, they are now members of the Society, with temporary status, and they will continue their studies in preparation for the day when they will make their Final Profession as full members of the Society.”
“Profession is a promise.”
Fr Michael Curran MSC was one of the group’s leaders throughout the novitiate year in Myross Wood, alongside Fr Nicholas Harnan MSC and Novice Master Fr Michael Huber MSC. Having worked closely with the five novices during the course of the year, the First Profession ceremony was a proud moment for the group leaders. “Profession is a promise,” says Fr Michael, “a serious commitment made to God. It has as its objective the ‘following’ of Jesus – taking his word seriously, as all Christians do, but also imitating him in his celibate commitment, in the poverty and simplicity of his lifestyle, and in his obedience to the mission entrusted to him by the heavenly Father.”
Newly professed Br Giacomo Gelardi MSC describes his experience: “We were all very nervous ahead of the ceremony,” he recalls. “The night before, I think we all only slept for two or three hours at a time! The day itself, however, went very well. At moments, I realised where I was and what I was doing, and I felt both peaceful and joyful. This is what I had been waiting for, and now it felt real. I have always been for Jesus, and now it’s official!”
Treasuring the past and building the future
So, what’s next for the newly professed MSC members? First comes a well-deserved holiday, then they will return to their studies in different parts of the world. “The normal course of study would be about six years in total,” explains Fr Michael. “Meanwhile, these young men are in ‘temporary’ vows. They have to complete a minimum of three years in temporary Profession before taking their final vows.”
“During this time,” adds Fr Joseph, “the newly professed members will be given more opportunities to engage in various types of pastoral experience. They will live in community with our MSCs, and thus grow more and more as members of the Society.”
“I’ll be studying theology in Maynooth for three years,” says Br Giacomo. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but I don’t mind. I’m a perfectionist, I want to do my best at everything – in prayer with Jesus and at university – but I’ll take it as it comes.”
“This has been a wonderful day for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.”
This year’s First Profession ceremony has been an event of great significance for the MSC community. “This has been a wonderful day for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart – not only in Ireland, but throughout Europe,” concludes Fr Joseph. “It means new life. It really is encouraging that, in this day and age, young men who might otherwise live fruitful and productive lives in any other professional capacities have chosen to dedicate themselves to our mission and ministry. Each of these young men has many talents and skills which he will place at the service of our mission, and I look forward to watching them progress along their journey as they follow the Lord’s call.”
Congratulations to the Myross Wood
European Novitiate 2016 – 2017!
Br Piotr Zlobinski MSC (South German-Austrian Province)
Br Jaime Rosique MSC (Spanish Province)
Br Domenico Rosa MSC (Italian Province)
Br Daniel Filipek MSC (South German-Austrian Province)
Br Giacomo Gelardi MSC (Irish Province)
Images by Alan Dodd.
