Oct 29, 2026
This year, we’re celebrating the 60th anniversary of the MSC Missions Office on the Western Road, Cork, and as part of our anniversary commemorations, we’re looking back on old issues of our newsletter, the MSC Message, on a walk together down Memory Lane.
Winter 2007: Fr. O’Connell reports on his visit to South Africa
In the Winter 2007 edition, Fr Michael O’Connell MSC wrote a report following a visit to our long-running mission in South Africa.
I visited our missionaries in South Africa earlier this year to see at first hand the great work they are doing, often under very difficult circumstances. I saw the beautiful scenery and modern buildings of the new South Africa on the one side and on the other I witnessed deprivation, hunger and poverty that is difficult to imagine without seeing it…
I brought home from Africa a picture of poor, sick, and under-nourished people smiling. Yes, smiling in spite of all the hardships in their lives.
Two young lads aged 17 and 15 welcomed me into their home. A tin shack in a settlement area. Their mother with the help of God had got them this home. Their mother was a good provider. There was room for two beds and a kitchen area with a table and a TV covered by a dolly on top of the fridge, and one electric bulb. It was so neat and tidy. On a washing line outside were their school uniforms. The water was got from taps half a kilometre away.
Their mother must have been very proud of them both. But she wasn’t there. Mother would never be there again. She was dead. These boys nursed her to the end as she died of AIDS.
They tried to support themselves by running a little stall buying crisps and peanuts in threes and selling them in ones. There was no electricity. The fridge, TV, and light bulb didn’t work. Their neighbour whom their mother paid for electricity stopped it when she died.
The boys only had one another. Their faither was non-existent. They get no support from the state… no children’s allowance… nothing! They have no identification papers and no birth cert. As far as the state is concerned these two orphans don’t exist.
Only the field worker from the parish of Fr. Herman van Diijck, msc and a few neighbours support these 2 orphan boys. The smile on their faces… the hope in their desperate lives is only there because of the support of Mission Friends, like you. You enable our MSC priests to be the Heart of Christ in Africa. Thank you.
Michael O’Connell, msc
Winter 2003: A personal reflection…
Don’t look for flaws as you go through life
It is easy enough to find them
It is wise to be kind, and sometimes blind
And to look for the virtues behind them.
Winter 2007: Direct from the MSC Mission Fields
Stories straight from our global mission fields, from Winter 2007.
For this young child a bath is a wash in a small plastic basin outside on the open ground. In the context of the comforts enjoyed by most of us in Ireland and Britain, this photo brings home to us the poor living standards of fellow humans in many parts of South Africa where Fr. O’Connell took this photo during his visit last Spring. But the child seems reasonably happy with his lot. Not only is housing very poor but water is a scarce resource. Our thanks to the Mission Friends who made donations recently towards the well-drilling work of Fr. Andre Bohas, msc who deeply appreciates the support.
House building South African style! In a township Fr. O’Connell met this young man building a house for himself. He had no worries about planning permission, foundations, or the type of materials. He just identified a piece of ground and laid claim to it, then collected pieces of timber and sheets of galvanise and Perspex, and started building. For a window he found an old one in the dump, and he expected to pick up a door likewise. His house was right beside an old drain taking refuse water from thousands of other such houses.
To us an empty Kerrygold butter carton is rubbish – question is will we recycle it or send it to landfill. No such worries for this orphan queuing up for his daily meal at the Sithandz Care Centre in Tsakane, Guateng Province in South Africa… he is one of 450 who call each day, and the Kerrygold carton is his bowl for his meal. Sr. Mary Tuck – a Dominican Sister – does great work at the Centre that provides a variety of services for the poor of the area.
When Fr. Tom Jordan msc visited his relations in Athenry, Co. Galway recently we got this photo from him. Fr. Tom is such a caring and jolly person, and this elderly lady is obviously very pleased with his home visit to her in his parish in one of the poorest areas of Caracas city in Venezuela. Fr. Tom runs several social projects in the parish including a soup kitchen for children and the elderly, subsidised medical and dental services, 3 pre-schools for 100 children, training in computers, and plans for training for women in hairdressing and in cooking. He thanks the Mission Friends who made recent donations towards this work amongst the very poor.
Oct 22, 2026
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share recent updates from Br Deiby, following news on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
The Work Does Not Stop: Accompanying, Listening, and Remaining
«Let us not grow weary of doing good. Behind every box of supplies and every bag delivered lies a human story in need of being heard, a heart seeking comfort, and the firm certainty that they are not alone.»
In the midst of challenging times and the complexities that continue to define the daily life of our communities, the work of love and service in La Guaira State remains steadfast, unwavering, and constant. The reality facing this coastal region continues to be deeply complex and harsh—a reality that every single Venezuelan understands and witnesses firsthand. We are fully aware that aid has diminished significantly in recent times. Yet, in the face of scarcity and fatigue, the Gospel’s response is not withdrawal, but perseverance.
Volunteer Strength and Arduous Work. Young men and volunteers dedicate their physical efforts to loading the relief truck with essential supplies. Thanks to donors and the willingness shared across platforms and communities, we bring hope to the most vulnerable areas of La Guaira.
The work does not stop. It continues day by day through the coordinated efforts of the Catholic Church, parish Caritas teams, non-profit organizations, and, in a very special way, through the infinite generosity of donors and people of goodwill who share their resources so that aid reaches those most in need.
BEYOND MATERIAL AID: THE ART OF ACCOMPANIMENT
Even though streams of external support have decreased, the power of solidarity is not measured by the abundance of excess, but by the willingness to share whatever we have. Every truck loaded and every package prepared represents a daily miracle of faith in action.
Logistics of Love and Hope. Bags of relief provisions organized meticulously by parish Caritas networks. Each package stands as a direct testimony to our unconditional commitment to affected families.
Behind every donation and delivery made to a family, what truly matters is the ability to listen, to be present, and to belong to one another. We are all beloved children of God, who loves us, knows us, and desires that everyone returns to stability.
- TOUCHING HEARTS Continuing in prayer to inspire hearts to share resources with those in need.
- COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE Listening to and welcoming each family within their unique life situation.
- UNCONDITIONAL WORK Persevering effort by the Church and parish Caritas teams without faltering.
- PATH TO STABILITY Walking together toward the integral well-being that God envisions for Venezuela.
Let us continue moving forward. The work carries on, support continues to flow, and we keep walking alongside our brothers and sisters. May solidarity remain our guiding light.
CHARITY AND SUPPORT FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS CONTINUES
PROVINCIAL UNITY AND MISSION IN MARACAIBO
Within the framework of fraternity and pastoral discernment of our congregation, the Community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is gathered in the city of Maracaibo. This meeting benefits from the guiding presence of the Provincial Superior, Reverend Father Joe McGee MSC, and specially incorporates the fraternal participation of Reverend Father Humberto Henriques MSC, Provincial Elect of Rio de Janeiro.
While the leadership and the MSC community are gathered in the city of Maracaibo, all pastoral, social, and charitable action of Cáritas remains fully active and providing its services without stopping for a single moment. Charity takes no breaks: thanks to the commitment of the team of volunteers and laity of the Chevalier Family, our work continues to give daily responses to our brothers and sisters.
“Urged by the love of Christ, we testify that charity does not stop: faith is transformed into concrete service towards the most vulnerable.”
– Community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
KEY OPERATIONAL FRONT
- Organization of Donations: Systematic classification and inventory management of incoming assistance.
- Delivery of Supplies and Food: Direct distribution of essential sustenance to prioritized families.
THE ACTIVE SERVICE OF CHEVALIER VOLUNTEERS
The operational backbone of this work relies on the tireless dedication of the team of volunteers and laity of the Chevalier Family. Closely connected with the MSC community of Propatria, these brothers and sisters have taken on the responsibility of keeping humanitarian assistance operations active.
The work of Cáritas continues to provide comprehensive assistance thanks to this solidarity network. Attention channels via social media and telephone lines remain open daily to respond to requests for medicines, food, and general support.
- Storage and Sorting: Continuous processing and safe storage of donated goods.
- Maternal Care and Supplies: Dedicated attention and provision of essential goods for mothers and infants.
Thanks to the close coordination of this volunteer team, a rapid response to priority cases is achieved, proving that lay fraternity is the pillar that energizes our mission.
GRATITUDE TO BENEFACTORS AND HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE
We give thanks to God for the generosity of all benefactors—men and women of deep faith and goodwill. Their donations make possible the timely delivery of essential medical supplies, chronic condition treatments, and crucial pediatric materials.
The pharmaceutical and health management of Cáritas Propatria continuously serves patients with joint, hypertensive, and respiratory conditions, channeling each medication with equity and care.
- Specific Medications: Distribution of specialized pharmaceuticals like Glucon Plus, anti-inflammatories, and chronic care treatments.
- Pediatric Supplies and Equipment: Focused delivery of nutritional supplements and child health items.
DIRECT AND SPECIALIZED HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
Our work extends deeply into cases of critical vulnerability. Through articulation with partners and donors, Cáritas provides complete medical treatments to diagnosed patients, as well as adult diapers, anatomical protectors, and specialized pediatric medication.
Each delivery represents tangible comfort. The faces of the children served and the relief of families are the greatest motivation for our volunteers. We maintain an open channel for incoming requests to ensure aid reaches where it is needed most, quickly and effectively.
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS & VULNERABLE CASES
Within our social care program, we identify specific requirements that extend beyond medication supply. Thanks to Divine Providence and received donations, we successfully deliver home rest equipment and supplies to elderly individuals living in extreme vulnerability.
These distributions directly transform the quality of life of our elderly, providing dignity, comfort, and the certainty that their parish community accompanies and protects them.
“Every gesture of love directed toward our elders reminds us of God’s tenderness toward the most vulnerable.”
PARISH REOPENING AND EXPANSION TO LA GUAIRA STATE
As we fully resume the pace of parish activities and standard Cáritas services starting next Monday, October 12th, we firmly renew our commitment to the most vulnerable. We extend our dedication to listen, welcome, and actively support the communities of La Guaira state, projecting the extension of our social outreach programs.
UNITED IN PRAYER AND FAITH
We continue to count on the prayers, affection, and support of the entire ecclesial community. We ask the God of Life to bless the MSC Community gathered in Maracaibo, strengthen Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Joe McGee MSC, Rev. Fr. Humberto Henriques MSC (Provincial Elect of Rio de Janeiro accompanying us in this time of discernment), and bestow abundant blessings upon all our laity and benefactors.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Oct 21, 2026
Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of the MSC Message!
- Read a special seasonal greeting from Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.
- Catch up on the latest news from the mission fields, including updates from our MSC brothers in Venezuela and the Philippines.
- Enjoy the latest updates from the Irish Province, with news of our fundraising pilgrimage along St Declan’s Way, and our annual Novenas to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
- Celebrate a Jubilee year with four of our Irish MSCs.
- Discover more about the missionary journey of our MSC scholars in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Join us as we take a walk down Memory Lane, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the MSC Missions Office on the Western Road, Cork.
Please click here to read the Winter 2026 edition of the MSC Message
Oct 16, 2026
The end of September saw Team MSC journey to Fatima on our annual pilgrimage, led by Spiritual Director Fr Joe McGee MSC, and accompanied by fellow MSCs Fr Giacomo Gelardi and Fr Gerry Thornton.
More than 30 pilgrims journeyed from all over Ireland, on a pilgrimage of prayer, contemplation, and reflection from September 22nd to 26th. New friendships blossomed and flourished over the five days, and a group that met as strangers went home as friends, sharing a very unique bond and memories to last a lifetime.
This year’s pilgrimage was a truly special journey for all involved, all the more so for the beautiful music provided throughout the trip by Phil and Elaine, founders of the Island of Ireland Peace Choir. “Honoured to lead the music on our pilgrimage to Fatima with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart,” they wrote on their Facebook page for Celtic Ways Ireland. “A journey of a difference for us that gave us more than we could have ever imagined”.
With ample opportunity for prayer and spiritual renewal in this blessed space, the pilgrimage also offered plenty of chances to explore local pathways, enjoy fresh food, and make the most of fun, sunshine, and song with like-minded pilgrims and friends.
The stunning local landscape provided a perfect backdrop to prayer, reflection, and good conversation, while the group took in several sacred sites, including the Basilica of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the Way of the Cross, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the Children of Fatima, the three little shepherds, in August 1917. The candlelight procession was also a highlight of the trip, as was a special Mass led by our MSCs at the Shrine of Fatima, where our group prayed for their personal intentions and our mission friends across the world.
Our pilgrims returned home replenished in body and spirit after a truly wonderful trip where new friendships were made, and old and enduring bonds were strengthened. Heartfelt thanks to all involved for a triumphant pilgrimage journey!
Oct 15, 2026
At the end of September, celebrations took place to commemorate 137 years of the Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Maiquetía in La Guaira State, one of the regions in Caracas that was most severely affected by a double earthquake earlier this year. Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC writes with news of the event, which took place on September 26th.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION
In celebration of the 137th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Maiquetía, the diocesan and local church community gathered to mark this milestone not only through prayer, but with concrete social action. Born from the apostolic zeal and profound charity of the Servant of God Mother Emilia de San José alongside the revered Father Santiago Machado, this congregation continues to serve as a beacon of aid for those most in need.
Embracing this charism of selfless service, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Cáritas Caracas and Holy Cross Parish joined hands to carry out a comprehensive medical, psychological, and nutritional outreach campaign to assist the people of La Guaira.
Multidisciplinary team of medical specialists, Cáritas volunteers, religious sisters, and healthcare staff assembled at Padre Machado Square.
STRUCTURAL EMERGENCY AND HUMAN RESPONSE
This initiative was organized as an urgent necessity following severe structural damage to the historic San José Hospital in Maiquetía. Caused by a intense double earthquake, the hospital building sustained critical structural fractures and was officially declared a “red tag” site, prohibiting any use of its interior facilities.
Unwilling to leave the local population without medical care, Holy Cross Parish and Cáritas Caracas established an outdoor field clinic directly in Padre Machado Square, located right in front of the damaged facility.
Operational and logistical setup in the square, featuring hygiene kits, diapers, supplies for elderly care, and hydration stations.
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE & PREVENTION
Early on Saturday, September 26, elderly citizens, children, pregnant women, and whole families attended the healthcare drive. Consultations were structured around three core pillars:
- General Medicine & Pediatrics: Comprehensive clinical assessments and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions.
- Psychological Support: Guidance addressing post-earthquake traumatic stress and family emotional support.
- Nutritional Evaluation: Anthropometric screenings and distribution of dietary supplements to address child and elderly malnutrition.
Individualized medical consultations and clinical record registration under shade tents set up in the square.
WOMEN’S HEALTH PROMOTION & PREVENTIVE CARE
A key component of the event was raising awareness regarding women’s health. In partnership with specialized organizations, informative workshops were offered focusing on early detection of gynecological cancers and overall wellness.
In addition to medical advice, beneficiaries received complete prescribed pharmaceutical treatments directly on site, along with personal hygiene kits to support family health and dignity.
Healthcare professionals and volunteers leading the women’s health awareness and preventative care initiative.
TRIAGE, SCREENING & PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY
The community pharmacy station operated continuously throughout the event. Thanks to donations coordinated by Cáritas Caracas, patients were provided with antibiotics, analgesics, gastric care medications, pediatric formulas, and wound-care supplies free of charge.
Preliminary screening and blood pressure measurements taken at the initial intake area.
Extensive inventory of medications provided free of charge to attending patients.
PASTORAL CARE & CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS
Each consultation area was arranged to respect privacy and offer compassionate care. General practitioners, internists, and nurses spent dedicated time with every resident, providing dignity alongside medical assistance.
Blood pressure checks and preventative consultations provided to senior citizens.
RECREATION, HOPE & ONGOING COMMITMENT
The Maiquetía community participating in group activities while awaiting their health appointments.
Beyond medical treatments, the day became a celebration of community and faith. Attendees enjoyed live music, dancing, and recreational activities. It served as a space for shared learning, active listening, and rekindling hope in Jesus Christ.
“Our work in La Guaira State continues. Our support for the community does not stop; we remain committed to standing alongside vulnerable families with faith, love, and dedication.”
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart — Cáritas Caracas
Click to read Br Deiby’s latest update from our earthquake relief operation in Caracas.
Oct 13, 2026
This year’s annual Masses for deceased MSCs and Daughters of the Lady of the Sacred Heart will take place around the country in November, as we remember those who have gone before us into God’s loving embrace.
Annual Masses for deceased MSCs and Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart will take place in the following locations on Sunday, November 1st at 3.00pm:
Mass will also be celebrated on Sunday, November 8th at 2.00pm in St Patrick’s Church, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan.
For those who are unable to attend, the Mass from the Sacred Heart Church, Western Road, Cork, will be live streamed on the internet to allow you to participate. You can access this Mass on a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by going to www.mscmissions.ie and clicking on the Live Stream link at the top of the page.
We would like to invite you to pray with us during the month of the Holy Souls as we remember the MSCs and Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart who dedicated their lives to the Spirituality of the Heart, and who worked so hard to ensure that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is known and loved everywhere, and by everyone.
