Jun 23, 2026
Our 2026 Novena to the Sacred Heart has come to an end, and it is with truly grateful hearts that we thank everybody who helped to make it such a special occasion for all involved.
This year’s Novena took place from Thursday, June 4th to Friday, June 12th, at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork. We were delighted to see so many familiar faces join us during the Novena, and of course to welcome new friends along too. An astounding 13,500 people joined us in prayer on our live stream over the course of the nine days, from close to home and across the world, reminding us in such a lovely way that we are all very much interconnected and part of something bigger, part of a great community of faith, wherever in the world we may be located.
MSC Novena to the Sacred Heart 2026 – Fr John Fitzgerald MSC introduces Fr John H. Walsh OP at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork.
It was a joy and a privilege to have this year’s Novena to the Sacred Heart celebrated by Fr John H. Walsh OP. Born in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Fr John entered the Order of Preachers in Cork after leaving school. Having been educated in Maynooth, Oxford, and Rome, Fr. John has served as a preacher of parish missions and retreats, and was also promoter for the Rosary Apostolate and a superior of Dominican communities in Ireland. Currently, he is the director of the St. Martin Apostolate in Dublin and the editor of the St. Martin magazine, as well as promotor for itinerant preaching for the Irish Dominicans.
Having been welcomed by our own Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Fr John Walsh opened the Novena with some lovely words. “It’s a great honour to be asked to preach this Novena,” he said. “It’s a great honour for a Dominican to come down here to this Church of the Sacred Heart and to lead you in these nine days, and to remind you of the love of God. It’s a great honour for me to be with you and I look forward to these nine days here on the Western Road.” This set the tone for the nine days ahead, and we were extremely grateful to Fr John for leading us through this special time of prayer and reflection with such an open, loving heart.
Fr John H. Walsh OP (left) and Fr John Fitzgerald MSC (right) mark a day of healing at the Sacred Heart Church Hall on the Western Road, Cork.
A reflection on love
“There’s only one word in English for love, you know, and that’s love,” reflected Fr John at the opening Mass of the Novena. “There’s only one word we use, it’s this love, but it’s kind of fluid in many ways – there are differences in love, aren’t there? What the Lord is asking us on this first day of this Novena, is, he’s asking the question, what have we to do? You have to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Continuing with this thought, Fr John spoke about the picture of the Sacred Heart in so many Catholic homes. “Why do we have the Sacred Heart picture?” he asked. “It was to remind our mothers and our grandmothers, who spent most of their days in their houses, that they weren’t alone.”
“It was to remind them that they were loved. And you are loved. You might feel unloved, and we struggle with that as humans, we struggle with love… And that’s why I want to spend these nine days with you, is to show you that love.”
Fr John Fitzgerald MSC and Fr John H. Walsh OP celebrate Mass at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork.
Going to on speak about love, and the importance of loving your neighbour, Fr John explained, “You can love the Sacred Heart all you like, and you can love your God all you like, but in order to love him fully as the Gospel says today, you have to love your neighbour. You might say, ‘Who’s my neighbour, Father?’ Your neighbour might be the cat at home. It’s the next person you meet. It’s the person you meet in the shop, and you hold the door for them… I don’t know the person, but I have to see in the person and each person, God, to see that Sacred Heart in them. It’s hard, it’s difficult, people ignore you, people blank you out – but we have to love them. St. John of the Cross said, if you want to find love, put love into it, and therefore you’ll find it. You’ve to go out of yourself, and that what Jesus is asking every one of us today. Go out of yourself. A simple smile won’t crack our face, does it? No. You mightn’t feel like smiling, but that’s what Jesus is saying – you will find me if you go out of yourself. Go out of yourself. Hold the door, be patient.”
“You don’t know what a person is carrying… You never know what another person is carrying.”
“It’s a small thing, this is how you love others as you love God.”
“It’s for us Christians to go out of ourselves, and that’s how we change the world, that’s how we’ve always changed the world, because we went to incredible strengths to do things. And you’re asked to do the same today. I’m not asking you to be a Missionary of the Sacred Heart – your mission is at home, or your mission is in the car park, or holding the shop door… Go out of yourself for love.”
Fr John H. Walsh OP and Fr John Fitzgerald MSC celebrate Mass at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork.
Celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart
“The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a feast of not just something Jesus did, but something who Jesus is, his love, his infinite love for each one of us,” said Fr John on the final day of the Novena, and the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart.
“Isn’t it amazing, you never know what you live with, or what you live among, and you never know what another has suffered for you, and that’s what we celebrate in the heart of Jesus, and the wounded hands. This is how much I love you, that I would die for you to save you – and to know that you’re loved. You just think back on your own lives, the love of your parents and your grandparents and your neighbours and your friends, and all those who have done so much for you, that you could have life.”
Fr John H. Walsh OP (left) and Fr John Fitzgerald MSC (right) mark a day of healing at the Sacred Heart Church Hall on the Western Road, Cork.
Pausing in the love of the Lord
In a beautiful moment of peaceful reflection, Fr John invited all those gathered in the Sacred Heart Church, and watching on the live stream, to pause for a moment of prayer.
“Feel your pulse,” he said. “You know, I often sit in prayer, and that’s all I do. I listen to my heartbeat. Feel your pulse, your heart is beating out that blood. And if you close your eyes and just think of the love of Jesus for you, that’s what we’re celebrating for nine days here, the heart of Jesus that beats out of love for you.”
“The beauty of our faith is that heart didn’t just stop on Calvary, it continues to beat for you. So if you feel lonely, if you’re under stress, if you feel insulted or hurt or abandoned by your family, abandoned by your world, even by those whom you love most, and yet you keep pouring it out, check your pulse. Just close your eyes, and say Lord, that’s your heart too, beating for love of me. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? You could spend hours listening to your pulse. If it stops, good luck to you! But if you do feel lonely sitting at home, and if you’re feeling depressed or anxious, angry or hurt, just close your eyes or look up at your Sacred Heart picture, check your pulse, and sit and listen to that rhythm – I love you, I love you, I love you. I love you above all things, and I would die for you. It’s what we all need, don’t we?”
“No matter what you’re going through, or whatever pain that you’re undergoing, return love, not hatred, not vengeance. Jesus is the opposite.”
MSC Novena to the Sacred Heart 2026, led by Fr John H. Walsh OP at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork.
With heartfelt thanks
We are profoundly grateful to Fr John Walsh, who provided us with great pause for thought in his daily reflections, helping us to look ever deeper in our spiritual reflection and healing, and leading us down useful, interesting, and healing paths of prayer. “You brought the power of the Sacred Heart so close to us that it’s just straight in front of our eyes and in our hearts, and we are privileged to have you with us,” said Fr John Fitzgerald as the Novena came to a close.
“We will leave this place, and there’s a bit of a sadness always when we leave a nine-day thing like this, when we’ve come together,” said Fr John F. And with that slight regret at the ending of such a special time, comes a great hope.
“There’s a letter here from one of the priests in 1975, and he said that the Sacred Heart Novena was on its way out because everyone was in their 50s and 60s and 70s,” recalled Fr John F. “This is when we were slips of boys and girls back in the 60s and 70s – and of course how wrong he was.”
“I remember here, there might be a little basket of petitions – and now there are thousands of petitions all around, and still some to come, so it is far from a dead Novena.”
With so many mission friends and parishioners joining us from near and far at the Sacred Heart Church each day, and thousands of others tuning in from around the world, it is clear that the Novena to the Sacred Heart is as powerful and beloved as ever.
We are truly grateful to all who contributed to making this year’s Novena such a resounding success, as we take with us such a powerful and great message of love. The time and effort that went into the many details, from flowers, music, and readings, to the teas and coffees and socialising, and the planning of all the details in between, is always hugely appreciated. To all who joined us in prayer, be it in person or online, your presence has been a blessing and a gift. God bless you all.
MSC Novena to the Sacred Heart 2026, led by Fr John H. Walsh OP and accompanied by MSCs Fr John and Fr Tijo at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork.
If you would like to watch this year’s Novena Masses,
please click here to view recordings of all nine days.
Jun 23, 2026
At the end of May, our MSC pilgrim group took on a six-day journey along the historic St. Declan’s Way, raising funds for the vital work being done on the infant twins’ care programme in the rural village of Maker Kuei, South Sudan. Under the expert guidance of Phil and Elaine at Celtic Ways Ireland, our pilgrims undertook a truly unforgettable journey along the ancient pathways of Ireland’s eastern coast.
Our group was based in the beautiful Glencomeragh House, which was built in the early 1800s and is an oasis of prayer, peace, and tranquillity, with a waterfall and ponds on the grounds for visitors to enjoy. The first day of the pilgrimage saw our group meet and settle in their rooms in Glencomeragh House, making new friends and preparing for the journey ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, Day Two signalled the start of our walk, beginning at the Rock of Cashel with a private tour by renowned author and travel writer John G. O’Dwyer. “We had a brilliant private tour of the Rock of Cashel,” says Mary, one of our pilgrims. “It was really interesting, he had some fantastic stories.”
A 12km walk took our pilgrims through the Golden Vale, stopping in an old friary in Lough Kent. Here, Fr Tony Horgan celebrated Mass, and the group enjoyed lunch together. “It was absolutely beautiful,” Mary recalls, “surrounded by birdsong and flowers. It was very pretty.”
The day ended with a walk by the riverbank in Cahir, and dinner together at Glencomeragh House. Day Three began with another private tour at Cahir Castle, before spending some time at the beautiful Swiss Cottage. The weather was glorious, and the sun shone all the way to Ardfinnan, where local guide Conor met the group. “We had lunch under the trees,” Mary tells us, “and the children were hopping into the water in the River Suir. It was just gorgeous.”
The group had Mass in Lady’s Abbey, joined by a new friend – a 96-year-old lady with a life’s experience to share. “Fr Tony’s Masses are so gentle,” Mary says. “They are just lovely.” Our pilgrims also enjoyed a special reflection along the Cahir River Walk, and a delicious dinner in a pub in Kilsheelan. Celebrations were in order for our guides, Elaine and Phil, as it was their eighth anniversary, and the evening ended on an extra-special note with a hot air balloon sighting at the day’s end, highlighting the pure magic of this journey.
On Day Four, our group took on the Knockmealdown Mountains, beginning at the Liam Lynch Memorial. This magnificent Round Tower monument is surrounded by four greyhounds, representing each of the four provinces of Ireland. Our pilgrims were joined by local guide Mark, and dog, Ludo – “the most adorable black Labrador I’ve ever seen in my life!” says Mary. “The walk was stunningly beautiful,” she tells us. “As you’re walking, you’re seeing this green, fertile land, and then all of a sudden, you come to a grey, rocky landscape, and the contrast is just incredible to see.”
“You’re just in awe,” Mary continues. “The stories that we heard were fascinating. Our ancestors had a lot to contend with!”
The day continued with a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey. “All we could hear was the sound of the birds, and the cuckoo’s call,” says Mary. “We also saw a deer, it was just beautiful. We were all very quiet on the journey back to Glencomeragh, because we were tired after the walk, but also because we were just overwhelmed by the sheer beauty we had seen that day.”
That evening was a special one. Monday’s guide, John G. O’Dwyer, joined the group again with his lovely wife, Carmel, and our very own Fr John Fitzgerald and Fr John Finn made the journey up from the Sacred Heart parish in Cork to wish our pilgrims well. “The piece de resistance took place that evening,” says Mary. “We had the most beautiful vigil for peace, led by the Island of Ireland Peace Choir. Phil and Elaine actually started this choir, and arranged the performance for us, and it was just the most joyous experience. The weather was like nothing on earth, we were surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, it was like being in a cloud of joy.”
Day Five took the group to Lismore Castle. “We were accompanied the whole way by a little rabbit, he was there guiding us the entire time,” Mary recalls. Our pilgrims spent some time exploring Lismore, before travelling to Dungarvan for a gala dinner to mark the finale of an extraordinary journey. Everybody received a certificate, and shared special memories of a wonderful week. Each pilgrim shared their favourite moments of the week. “One of mine was the beautiful Mass we had on the first day,” says Mary, “and another was the concert by the Choir of Peace, it was the most amazing performance.”
On the final day, our group walked to Ardmore, where we were welcomed by Fr. John Fitzgerald, who joined the pilgrims on the Ardmore Cliff Walk. Local guide James led the way, with an expert knowledge of all things Ardmore. The final Mass of the trip took place in the old section of the cathedral in Ardmore, concelebrated by Fr John and Fr Tony. “It was an amazing week,” says Mary. “Our group was wonderful, we really did have great craic! There was a singsong every night – Fr Tony’s special was Stairway to Heaven!”
“We were all so grateful for our own reflections, and especially for the people of South Sudan, who we did the walk for.”
With sincere thanks to all who made our first pilgrimage along St. Declan’s Way such a special one, from our pilgrims themselves, to Phil, Elaine, and all the local guides, to our MSCs who contributed along the way – and of course, everybody who supported us, helped us, or contributed to a truly wonderful cause. Fr Alan Neville MSC sends a special message of thanks and encouragement from South Sudan.
May 28, 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.
Nomafa’s Story
In the Summer 2011 edition of the MSC Message, we shared a letter from Nomafa Mabule, who was being cared for at Tshwaranang Hospice, located close to Ivory Park in South Africa. Nomafa’s words are particularly poignant, as she died just two weeks after writing this letter.
“They are like Florence Nightingale”
Hi people out there, I would like you to know something you don’t know. My name is Nomafa Eugenia Mabule, 57 years old. The doctor says I’m diagnosed with HIV & Kaposi’s Sarcoma Skin Cancer but to God everything is possible. When I came here to this Tshwaranang Hospice when people told me about it, I wanted myself here. I didn’t want me in my house. And every time I failed to get to the hospice here because of transport.
I was crying for a place I did not know, suddenly I came here stressed, did not eat well at home and not taking the medication well in time. When I came here after three days I was stress free and my family like it too.
This place is so cool and the Nurses sisters, Matron and all the staff are good, they all take good care of us. They are far better than the Nurses at the Hospitals; here they take good care of us.
They are really like the first Nurse I read about when I was schooling. Florence Nightingale; they are really volunteers of God, they serve God. To serve God is not only at church; even in places like this and people like them with their hearts.
At home our families are impatient with us especially because we mess ourselves up. We are here because people have dumped us. But when they come to visit us, they are glad that we are out of their hands, they really thank the staff of Tshwaranang, father Herman, the Matron, Sister, Caregivers, cleaners, and all who cook for us.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Nomafa Mabule
“Sadly Nomafa Mabule passed away on 11 December 2010, exactly two weeks after writing this note. Being HIV positive, she developed AIDS and Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a skin cancer typically associated with AIDS and always final. She spent two months at our hospice.”
Fr Herman van Dijk MSC
Project Manager Tshwaranang Hospice
Turning Sadness into Joy
Summer 2011 also gave us a lovely update from the Holy Family Care Centre in South Africa. Our mission friends will recognise the Holy Family community, and we still have a close friendship and support system with the Sisters in Ofcolaco 15 years later.
“Nestling under the majestic Drakensberg mountains lies Holy Family Care Centre; a little oasis for suffering and neglected children, run by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
In 2001 the OLSH Sisters took charge of the property and opened a Care Centre for people with HIV/AIDS and for orphans. Today there are over 70 children in residence. Many come here, little bundles of suffering and broken humanity, but with proper nourishment and care and lots of love a new life emerges.
One co-worker named the place ‘Paradise’ and so it is. In a loving and friendly environment the children blossom and the sound of weeping finally gives way to one of joy and gladness. People come from every continent and are bedazzled by the warm spirit and sense of family that prevails. The small children attend crèche on the property while the older children attend primary and secondary school in the local villages. The children keep in touch with their own language and culture through the teachers and the many workers who are employed at the Centre. In this way we try to offer them as near an ordinary life as possible.
Holy Family has become widely known and people come to help always leave with great praise for the children, the staff and the great family spirit here. More recently the Centre was honoured with the Mopane District ‘Platinum Award’ for excellence, shortly followed by the Limpopo Province ‘Platinum Award and Gold Cup’ also for excellence. This is an acknowledgement of the work and family spirit that characterises this great undertaking.
The most recent development is the construction of an all purpose hall that will shelter the children on very hot or very wet days. Many of the children need special protection from the elements for health reasons. The new building is named Chevalier Hall in honour and memory of the founder of the MSC Priests and Sisters who established and run the centre today.”
A Searcher’s Prayer
Finally, Winter 2011 gave us a beautiful prayer for those looking for guidance and courage in confusing or troubled times.
Jesus, light of the world,
Shine your truth into my
confused heart.
So many choices lie before me:
things I’d like to do and ways
I’d like to go.
Give me courage to follow
my dreams,
and the wisdom to be realistic.
As the years unfold,
I look to you
to guide my searching,
bless my working,
deepen my loving and keep me safe.
Amen.
