Oct 30, 2025
This November, we invite you to take part in a very special ceremony of remembrance and thanksgiving, as we celebrate our much-loved Light Up a Memory Mass. This year’s Mass will take place on November 1st, a beautiful way to mark the beginning of the Month of the Holy Souls.
In November, we remember, keeping family, friends, and loved ones who have gone before us in our prayers. This year, we’re inviting old friends and new to take part in a beautiful candlelit evening of music, reflection, and remembrance on Saturday, November 1st at 6.30pm. All are very welcome to join us at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork, and the Mass will be streamed live here on our website for those who cannot attend in person.
Grief inevitably touches us all, and the Month of the Holy Souls is a special time to honour fond memories of those we have loved and lost. This November, we come together once again remember specially those who are no longer with us, and to light a candle in tribute to those whose memory we hold dear.
The events of recent years have demonstrated more than ever the tremendous power of unity, community, and love. Those who cannot be with us in person on the night are very welcome to join us on our live stream, and to light a candle in their own homes or in our online candle gallery, where those listed will have a special place in the prayers of our MSC priests.
Through the dark winter nights, the light of remembrance warms our hearts, and the flame of hope continues to burn brightly. Join us as we light up the November darkness and share generations of memories together on All Saints’ night.
Jul 4, 2025
Our 2025 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 19th to Friday, June 27th, at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork – newly decorated just in time for the occasion! We were delighted to see so many familiar faces join us during the Novena, and of course to welcome new friends along too. Almost 11,000 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.
Parish priest Fr Con Doherty MSC introduces Fr Des Farren MSC at the opening Mass of our 2025 Novena to the Sacred Heart
Parish priest Fr Con Doherty MSC began the opening Mass of this year’s Novena, which centred on the theme “Anchor of Hope, Mercy & Courage for our ‘turbulent times!’”. “A very, very warm welcome to all who are gathered here this morning, and a very warm welcome to all who are joining us on live stream,” he said. “We have a great sense of gratitude to God that we’re here on such a wonderful day as we set out on our boats into this beautiful Novena, within really kind of troubled waters, but we know where to find refuge.”
An open, loving heart
This set the tone for the nine days ahead, and Fr Des Farren MSC gave a beautiful opening sermon on the origins of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, as he reflected on the openness of the Sacred Heart itself. “It’s not enclosed, it’s open,” he said. “This is not some distant God, this is God made man, whose heart is opened out of love for all of us.”
Fr Des returned for Day 2 of the Novena, leading us in thought on how we respond to and accept God’s in our lives. “Whatever the darkness is, illness, events of your past, family difficulties, perhaps financial difficulties, or loneliness… Stop, think, and pray,” he said. “Let God come in, he’ll show you a way.”
Fr Des Farren MSC
Day 3 of the Novena saw Fr Des’ final sermon, on the encyclical on the Sacred Heart – the Sacred Heart embodying that “divine love that seeks the salvation and wellbeing of every person, offering a visible and tangible expression of God’s infinite compassion.”
On Day 4, we welcomed Fr Terry O’Brien MSC, leading us in a reflection on fellowship, hope, and healing. “It has been rightly remarked, in my opinion, that the consumerism of modern life, it’s not that it makes us want too much, but it makes us want too little,” said Fr Terry. “It diverts our attention to lesser things. To live according to modern consumerism principles is full of appeals to our most precious possession – our attention. And there is so much that conspires to steal our attention, which is the most important thing we have to offer to others. And so, we come to Holy Mass, to the Eucharist, to be fed, for the table of the Lord is large and there are many seats around it.”
“Nobody is left out, all are welcome.”
Day 5 of the Novena brought us a wonderful talk from Cathy O’Sullivan, who has a background in midwifery and education, and specialises in breath awareness. She explained how both breathing, and a devotion to the Sacred Heart, helped her through her treatment for breast cancer, and led us through some useful breathing exercises that can benefit us in coping with daily stresses and strains. “When we trust in the Sacred Heart, we are telling him that we love him, and trust that he will take us through any situation that we will encounter in this life, be it stressful or joyful. Breathing and praying to the Sacred Heart during times of stress and anxiety helps to keep us grounded. We take in oxygen when we breathe to sustain us, and we hand over our concerns and our worries to the Lord.”
Cathy O’Sullivan
Deacon Thady joined us on Day 6 of the Novena as we prayed for healing, speaking of the importance of spiritual healing, encouraging and building each other up as a spiritual community. “Somebody with a nourished healthy spirit thinks in a very healthy way, and this then leads to physical healing,” he explained.
A special day of healing: Mass was celebrated by Fr Seamus Kelly MSC, who was joined by Fr Con Doherty MSC and Fr Tom Mulcahy MSC, with a sermon by Deacon Thady.
We welcomed Julianna Crowley to the Sacred Heart Church on Day 8 of the Novena, healthcare chaplain in Cork University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital. Julianna spoke of bereavement, grief, and loss – the stillness of time in a very desolate and difficult place, and hearts that continue to search for “healing, consolation, answers, and hope”. In a beautiful reflection, she reminded us that our loved ones are “at the heart of Jesus, in the home of Heaven.” “As we hold each other together here in this church, it’s okay to be tearful, it’s okay to remember, it’s okay to feel sad,” Julianna said, and invited everyone present, and watching online, to remember lost loved ones in a very special and sacred moment.
Julianna Crowley
Irish Provincial Leader Fr Joe McGee MSC celebrated the final two days of Novena Masses, reminding us of the “wonderful, inclusive, hospitable, generous love of our welcoming God.” “That’s for you and me, for all of us here in the Church, for all of us watching online, for all of our people who have sent in petitions – nobody is left out, all are welcome.”
“Ours is a God who takes a personal interest in each one of us – he doesn’t just look down through the crowds here, and say, ‘oh that’s the crowd in the Sacred Heart on the Western Road this morning’. He looks down and he sees, oh that’s Margaret, and Dearbhla, and John, and Patrick, and Joseph, and he sees each one of us personally – and as the Gospel says, he takes great delight in each one of us,” Fr Joe reflected.
“Even with our faults and our failings and our scars and our wounds, he takes great delight in each one of us. He cares passionately about what ails us, and what are our deepest desires. He desires to hear our prayers, to walk with us on the journey of our lives – and all of our lives are so different, and take so many different paths. He walks with each one of us.”
Fr Joe McGee MSC
With heartfelt thanks
Each of our speakers provided us with great pause for thought in their daily reflections, helping us to look ever deeper in our spiritual reflection and healing. As Fr Con reminded us, “The Sacred Heart is like a jewel – turn it this way and there’s one dimension, turn it another way and there’s another dimension.” Each of our daily speakers helped us to see the beauty of so many of these different dimensions, leading us down useful, interesting, and healing paths of prayer and thought.
We are truly grateful to all who contributed to making this year’s Novena such a resounding success, as we take with us, as Fr Joe said, “the wonderful message to be the heart of God in our world, in whatever little part of the world we inhabit.” The time and effort that went into the many details, big and small, from the flowers and music and readings, to the teas and coffees and socialising, and the planning of all the details in between, is always hugely appreciated. “This couldn’t happen without a community effort,” said Fr Con. “We’re full of gratitude to God, and full of gratitude to all here at the Sacred Heart Parish. And we’re always conscious that we’re building on the shoulders of others, what we’re doing now, it has been done before, and when we’re gone, there’ll be others to carry on the flame.” 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.
If you would like to watch this year’s Novena Masses,
please click here to view recordings of all nine days.
Nov 28, 2024
“The invitation is open to all, so what’s keeping you?”
Do you sometimes feel that you’d like to do something different, something more?
What better way to embrace the spirit of faith, hope, and love than by joining us on our
2025 MSC pilgrimage to Lourdes in May?
A Jubilee Year of Hope: MSC Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025
2025 marks the Jubilee Year of Hope, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart invite you to celebrate this special year with us on our annual MSC pilgrimage to Lourdes. From May 25th to 30th, Provincial Leader and Spiritual Director Fr Joe McGee MSC will lead our pilgrims on a five-day journey of reflection, prayer, and thanksgiving, with accommodation and daily meals included (ex. Cork). To find out more about how you can take part, please contact mary.morrish@mscmissions.ie or call 021 4546691.
Please click here for full details of our 2025 pilgrimage to Lourdes
Every year, people travel with us on pilgrimage for different reasons. Some may be struggling with illness, grief, stress, or other personal challenges. Other wish to take part in a traditional pilgrimage journey with like-minded travellers, sharing stories, experiences, and reflections on life. Many wish to simply pray, reflect, and offer thanksgiving for their blessings.
The experience of pilgrimage is different for every individual; the major common denominator, however, is joy, and an awareness of something bigger, of something more. A sense of something special comes into being on a pilgrimage; the Holy Spirit moves amongst those making the journey, while strangers become friends and unite in the solidarity of faith. Community spirit comes out in force – no matter where you may find yourself in the world, the message of God’s love overcomes all cultural barriers in a true celebration of faith, togetherness, and intimacy with God.
Please click here for full details of our 2025 pilgrimage to Lourdes
“A powerful, life-changing experience.”
Historically, pilgrims would leave their homes, their families, and all of their creature comforts, embarking on journeys that could stretch to hundreds of miles with nothing but what they could carry on their backs. Today, the circumstances of pilgrimage may be less extreme, but they are nonetheless powerful for it, and modern-day pilgrims continue to leave their homes and their daily comforts behind in the quest for spiritual fulfillment.
“Pilgrimage is about freedom,” says Fr Alan Neville MSC. “It’s about walking to the horizon – and when you get there, you keep on going. It’s about taking part in something that is at the same time enjoyable and profound. I’ve yet to meet one person who regretted making the trip. For every one of them it has been a powerful, even life-changing experience. The invitation is open to all, so what’s keeping you?”
If you’d like to find out more about the pilgrimage experience, you are welcome to read all about some of our previous pilgrimages to Lourdes. All are welcome to take the first steps towards another wonderful pilgrimage journey with us over the coming months, and make 2025 a year to remember for all the best reasons.
Read more about our MSC Pilgrimages
A Jubilee Year of Hope: MSC Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025
2025 marks the Jubilee Year of Hope, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart invite you to celebrate this special year with us on our annual MSC pilgrimage to Lourdes. From May 25th to 30th, Provincial Leader and Spiritual Director Fr Joe McGee MSC will lead our pilgrims on a five-day journey of reflection, prayer, and thanksgiving, with accommodation and daily meals included (ex. Cork). To find out more about how you can take part, please contact mary.morrish@mscmissions.ie or call 021 4546691.
Please click here for full details of our 2025 pilgrimage to Lourdes
Please click here for full details of our 2025 pilgrimage to Lourdes
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Nov 4, 2024
In November, we remember, keeping family, friends, and loved ones who have gone before us in our prayers at this sacred time. This year, we invite you to take part in a very special ceremony of remembrance and thanksgiving, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our much-loved Light Up a Memory Mass.
Our annual Light Up a Memory Mass has become a beloved tradition in the hearts of many, and this year, we mark its tenth anniversary in a special celebration of cherished memories. Once again, we are glad to invite old friends and new to take part in our remembrance Mass, which will be celebrated this year on Saturday, November 23rd. This beautiful candlelit evening of music, reflection, and remembrance will take place at 6.30pm the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork, and will be streamed live here on the MSC website for those who cannot attend in person.
Grief inevitably touches us all, and the Month of the Holy Souls is a special time to honour fond memories of those we have loved and lost. This November, we come together to light a candle in tribute to those whose memory we hold dear, honouring precious memories of lives well lived.
All are welcome to join us in reflection on this special night, and to submit the names of departed family, friends, and loved ones for remembrance. We would greatly appreciate your support for our ongoing mission projects, and in gratitude for your contribution, we will be glad to remember your intentions on the evening. You can then send us the names of your departed loved ones, and our MSC priests will remember them specially during our Light Up a Memory Mass.
This year is a particularly special one, as we mark the tenth anniversary of what has become a much-anticipated tradition to close the Month of the Holy Souls. From the COVID pandemic to ongoing war and social unrest, the events of recent years have demonstrated more than ever the tremendous power of unity and love. Those who cannot be with us in person on the night are very welcome to join us on our live stream, and to light a candle in their own homes or in our online candle gallery, where those listed will have a special place in the prayers of our MSC priests.
In the bleak winter months, the light of remembrance warms our hearts, and the flame of hope and love continues to burn brightly, an enduring spark to light up the darkness. We hope you will join us for an evening of reflection and remembrance in honour of the loved ones who are always in our thoughts.
Find out more about our annual MSC Light Up a Memory Mass.
Please click here to watch the Light Up a Memory Mass, and all November Masses for the Holy Souls, on our live stream.
Oct 2, 2024
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 3rd at 3.00pm:
Mass will also be celebrated on Sunday, November 10th 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.
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