Jul 31, 2026
GRIEF, FAITH, AND HOPE
The Response to the Seismic Tragedy in Venezuela
BY BRO. DEIBY FUENMAYOR, MSC • CARACAS, JULY 30, 2026
Since that fateful June 24th, when a devastating double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 violently shook Venezuelan territory, the country was plunged into one of the darkest hours of its recent history. In a matter of seconds, thousands of lives were cut short, hundreds of buildings and infrastructure collapsed, and the map of entire communities was altered forever. Today, weeks after the disaster, physical and emotional wounds continue to bleed; grief and anguish remain deeply rooted in the heart of a people trying to rise from the rubble.
THE OPEN WOUND: THE GRIEF OF LOSS AND THE RELENTLESS SEARCH
The toll of material damage and human loss is heartbreaking. Thousands of men and women have known no rest: with hands worn by dust and despair, they continue through the rubble desperately searching for the bodies of their loved ones. For these families, the priority is not merely rebuilding walls, but the urgent human and spiritual need to recover their deceased to grant them a Christian burial, honor their memory, and find solace amidst immense suffering. The uncertainty of this prolonged search keeps entire communities in a constant vigil of mourning and lamentation.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE MISSIONARY CHARISM: A BEACON OF CHARITY AND LIVING PRESENCE
In the midst of this devastating panorama, the Catholic Church has played a fundamental role of accompaniment, consolation, and assistance. As the Church, and especially through our mission as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, we have assumed a prominent and vital role in walking alongside the suffering people. Our fundamental mission in these critical hours has been to reveal and make felt that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not a distant devotion, but a living reality beating right in the midst of every man and woman struck by this tragedy.
Jesus Christ is not indifferent to this concrete reality; He is deeply imprinted in the innermost core of every person. We are moved by the certainty that Jesus walks with His people, suffers with those who suffer, and sustains the weak. Through Caritas, diocesan pastorals, and the missionary presence on the ground, the ecclesial structure has deployed a comprehensive response:
- Emergency Material Care: An untiring logistical response has been maintained, distributing food, essential medicines, drinking water, and temporary shelter tents to thousands of families who lost everything.
- Pastoral Listening and Emotional Support: Beyond physical aid, we understood that soul sorrow required a healing presence. Listening pastoral teams, religious brothers, sisters, and priests walk daily among those affected, lending their ears, shoulders, and comfort to those facing grief and distress.
«We do not walk alone; the Sacred Heart of Jesus beats amidst the ruins and reminds us that in every tear, in every search, and in every embrace, He is present, walking firmly alongside His people.»
COOPERATION AND PRESENCE IN TEMPORARY CAMPS
Thanks to continuous and respectful dialogue between Catholic Church representatives and state officials in charge of temporary shelter camps, permanent spaces for spiritual and human accompaniment have been established within these centers. This collaboration has ensured a dignified space for:
- Prayer and Sacramental Life: Gathering places where believers celebrate the Eucharist, find strength in the sacraments, and experience the closeness of a loving God.
- Open Accompaniment Without Distinction: Pastoral closeness and the embrace of the Sacred Heart know no boundaries or exclusions. Every person, regardless of creed or background, who needs to be listened to, comforted, or sustained in their grief is welcomed. Walking alongside the wounded, camping next to the unprotected, searching for the missing, and praying over the rubble has been the living testimony of a faith expressed through action. As reconstruction efforts continue, the selfless presence of the Church and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart remains a beacon of hope, reminding all of Venezuela that the loving presence of Jesus walks steadfastly alongside His people.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor • Missionary of the Sacred Heart
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Please click to view the full PDF
Jul 30, 2026
The Pró-Criança Centre, or the Pro-Child Centre, has been dedicated to taking care of vulnerable children in the region of Niterói, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for almost 40 years.
The community here aim to promote positive change in the lives of children from 6 to 14 years of age, caring for the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing of 60 local youths through a range of programmes and activities.
In 2024, our Summer Appeal raised funds to help the team at the centre to undertake essential refurbishment, and this year, we are joining forces once again to help the community there to equip their newly renovated space.
Fr Humberto Henriques MSC sends us videos from some of the families and staff at the centre, who tell us for themselves just how important this community is, and how powerful the work they do.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN
TAKE PART IN OUR 2026 SUMMER APPEAL
Maria Eliana
“Hi, my name is Maria Eliana, I’m 10 years old, and I like coming here to Pró-Criança because I think it’s fun, I make a right mess… and Auntie Cláudia’s food is really tasty too. And my mum, when she’s at work, worries, but here I am safe.”
~ Maria Eliana, a child supported by Pró-Criança
Cláudia
“Hello, good afternoon, how are you? My name is Cláudia. I’ve been here at Pró Criança for about seven years now, haven’t I? And it’s really rewarding working here with the children. Why? Because they come in here not wanting to eat, do they? They don’t eat properly, they don’t know what vegetables taste like, they don’t know what anything tastes like. And so they learn to eat. We teach them with love and care, and that’s how they start eating properly. They leave here when they’re twelve, don’t they? But they always pop in to get a bit of our affection. We’re here with open arms.”
~ Cláudia, cook at Pró-Criança
Luane
“Hi, my name is Luane and today I’ve come to tell you a little bit about my journey here at Pró-Criança. First of all, I wanted to say and make it clear that I’m so grateful to have been part of this project, for the doors it opened, you know? Because it really helped my mum, me and my sister, who was also part of it.
Nowadays I’ve got a degree, I’m a teacher, but I’ve always carried with me the lessons and experiences I had here as part of this incredible project. And without a doubt, it did me a world of good.
Nowadays, it’s very rewarding to come back here and reminisce about some of the moments I experienced here. And without a doubt, this project has shaped my life.”
~ Luane, a former beneficiary of Pró-Criança
Carla
“So, today I’ve come here to Casa Pró-Criança to thank all the volunteers who help out here at Pró-Criança. I’m a mum whose son isn’t here today, but he spent a long time here and helped us with absolutely everything. As someone who’s struggling financially, he helped us so, so, so much. I’m actually leaving here feeling a bit sad because, unfortunately, he had to start at a full-time school. So, I’ve brought a memento, everyone, which really moved me. The kindness you show us, welcoming our children, welcoming us… It’s a wonderful gift; it’s not just any gift you give, you give a wonderful gift. And I want to thank all the staff here who look after our children: Renata, Rafael, Vanessa, Cláudia (if I’m not mistaken about her name), and Cláudia from the kitchen, who look after our children so thoughtfully, with such care and attention. They speak to us wherever we are. Our children are very happy here. As a mum, I’m so happy; I even get emotional because I didn’t want him to leave here, you know? But unfortunately, he had to leave. So, really, thank you so much, thank you so much for all the help we receive from the church, the priest, and the church members. Thank you so much; you really do make so many mums happy.”
~ Carla, mother of former beneficiary Edgar
Vanessa
“Hello, my name is Vanessa, and I’m a social educator at the Pró-Criança Movement. I’ve been here for about a year. It’s an honour for me to be part of this organisation, where we provide children with a warm welcome, education, art, culture and everything they need. It’s an honour to be part of it, and congratulations on this wonderful project – I feel truly privileged to be here.”
~ Vanessa, educator at Pró-Criança
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN
TAKE PART IN OUR 2026 SUMMER APPEAL
Jul 29, 2026
It is just over a month since the city of Caracas was wracked by huge earthquakes on Wednesday, July 24th. The impact has been devastating, with hundreds of lives lost, and buildings and city infrastructure destroyed.
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC has been sending regular updates from Caracas, where he is working alongside Fr John Jennings MSC and a whole team of volunteers and relief workers to provide crucial support to those impacted by the earthquakes. Most recently, Br Deiby sent photos and videos from the shelters and support centres that have been helping thousands of people.
Today, Br Deiby has sent photos and a video message to update us on the current situation in Caracas, as the recovery operation continues. The landscapes in view as he travels show just how catastrophic the earthquakes have been, and the tragic reality for the people of Caracas right now.
“Thank you so much for your support,” Br Deiby writes. “I am right now at the epicenter of the disaster in La Guaira, bringing aid.”
“Here in this shelter, there are 150 people in just this small spot. I am also aware of 12 other temporary camps in the parish of Santa Cruz and its surroundings. Almost 2000 people are receiving aid here.
Thankfully, I have a good team of helpers.”
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have also been working closely with Caritas Venezuela, providing funding to help with the ongoing relief aid. In a message to Irish Provincial Superior Fr Joe McGee MSC, Monsignor José Luis Azuaje Ayala, Archbishop of Maracaibo and Head of Caritas Venezuela, sent his gratitude to the Irish Province of the MSC for the generous support of our benefactors.
We are sincerely grateful for your prayers and support as our Sacred Heart family continue to help the people of Venezuela as they look to rebuilding and repairing for the future.
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE HELP OUR MISSION IN VENEZUELA
Jul 27, 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.
1995 saw the beginning of the Russian Mission for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, and throughout the end of 1995 and early 1996, the MSC Message was full of fascinating reports from Fr Con, Fr Kevin, and Fr Michael in Moscow.
A new mission begins… (Autumn 1995)
Our three MSC priests, who are now in Russia, wish to thank you for your most generous support and for the huge encouragement given to them.
On August 5th, our Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork, was packed and 35 priests concelebrated at the specially arranged Mass of Missioning our three MSC priests in preparation of starting a new Mission in Russia.
Our Provincial Fr. Ciarán MacCárthaigh, MSC, who gave the homily at the mass and who also gave the Missioning Ceremony, expressed delight that the MSC were now starting a Mission in Russia.
“The sending of Fr. Michael, Fr. Connie and Fr. Kevin to serve the needs of the Russian Church will strengthen our bond of Communion with the local Church in Russia to which they are going, and the prayers we offer in this celebration are an expression of that Communion,” said Fr. Ciarán.
Each of the Missioners were called by name, prayed with, and given a Mission Cross with the words ‘Receive the sign of Christ’s Love and of the Mission for which the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has chosen you’.
In taking on this Mission, we are extending prayer into action. And despite the huge demand on existing numbers within the Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, we are very conscious indeed that only 65 priests are in all of Moscow and European Russia and many of them are old.
The Catholic population needs help and guidance. Some young people have never seen a priest and are starved of any knowledge of Christ and His rich Gospel.
Pictured here after the Missioning Mass, the Missionaries with our Father General and Father Provincial. L to R: Fr. Connie Doherty MSC, The Superior General Fr. Michael Curran MSC, Fr. Michael Screene MSC, Fr. Ciarán MacCárthaigh MSC & Fr. Kevin Blade MSC.
Russia…Early Surprises! (Early 1996)
Dear Friends,
Nature made us very welcome in Moscow, in a beautiful autumn, full of colour and warmth. Red, yellow, green and gold trees greet us everywhere. The parks are still full of people, walking about or gathered around tables, playing or watching chess.
Travel surprises us. We, like everyone else, spend much time travelling. There is a superb system of buses, trolley buses, and metro. And they are always busy! Everyone seems to be moving. Fr. Con Doherty (from Thurles) thinks its “a permanent Munster Final”.
Part of the travel relates to shopping. It is a struggle to get the essentials. The many new markets around the city attract people and they all travel with their shopping bags. Come prepared as you may spot some item and it may not be there tomorrow. Food is dear but reasonably available this autumn. A few superstores have a fair range of products but are expensive. Fr. Kevin Blade has located shops that meet our essential needs.
There is a lot of activity around the city, cleaning, repair work, etc. It suggests new hope about the economy.
In spite of our study of Russian, we still feel very cut off because of our language difficulties. Rarely do we hear English, but at a Sunday Mass recently, a woman greeted me, “Dia is Muire dhuit. Tá fáilte rómhat anseo.” Well she might – all the way from Ring, Dungarvan.
We wish to thank you all for your good wishes and support for our New Mission.
God Bless you,
Fr. Michael Screene MSC.
Frs. Con Doherty, Kevin Blade & Michael Screene. In the background, one of the Kremlin chapels.
Russia (Summer 1996)
Early impressions
Everything seemed so strange as we made our way from Shermetievo Airport. Many thoughts flashed through our minds – hopes, fears, aspirations, concerns. As we turned off the main road and headed towards a rather stern and uninviting four-storey building, semi secluded by trees, and in the dark of night, we wondered what was in store. Heavy laden with luggage and tired from the journey and long airport delays.
Out and about
Very soon we began to move out and about and explore our new surroundings. One can see hundreds of people, young and old, selling their wares, from toothpaste (including the Irish Fiacla) to pet cats. Vegetable markets are also visible at every street corner. Our language inadequacy has brought us some funny moments.
We enjoyed the beauty and colour of an extended autumn. The parks are a big feature of Russian life and a contrast to the stern look of many of its buildings. In the wooded parks, with their many pathways, many stroll and chat, with dogs and kids, and, before the snow arrived, many could be seen deep in concentration around chess tables.
Pastoral Scene
Our main apostolate this year is learning Russian and we are attending classes. Recently, we attended our first pastoral council meeting. The First day was a retreat day. The second, which was attended by the Archbishop, was tough going due to our spartan Russian and two three-hour sessions. With church structures only evolving and resources very limited, one sensed the struggle facing the emerging and re-emerging Church, catechetically, socially, ecumenically, etc. We also had the opportunity to meet priests, lay people and sisters working here.
A Mafia Man?
A funny incident must be related. On our way to the vegetable market, we stopped at an Exchange Kiosk. On entering, we were approached by a 40 year old man in a leather jacket, who talked in rapid Russian. Thinking that we recognised we were foreigners and he was offering his services to change our money at the desk for us for a small tip, we politely thanked him and said we were OK. Anyway, the exchange was closed and he again approached us on the way out. He mentioned money. I thought he was looking for the price of a smoke and asking Fr. Kevin for change, gave it to him. Fr. Kevin had a good laugh. “He’s a Mafia Man,” he said, “and is asking to change your dollars black-market style. I have seen him in town.” Fancy giving charity to a banker – a Mafia banker. So there you are…
Red Square
We have been to Red Square and visited the Kremlin and all its Cathedrals. Here we saw the very ornate interior of Moscow’s principal Orthodox Church, with its many and beautiful icons, putting one in touch at once with centuries of history and the Lord of that history.
Moscow growing on us
When asked how we liked Moscow, Fr. Kevin put it well when he said, “It would grow on you.” And so it would! This is what we want to happen, to get to know people and the life and culture around us and get rooted here.
“Must sign off here as we are ‘Russin’ to catch the post!” writes Fr. Con Doherty, “but you, our benefactors, can be assured of a very special place in all our prayers here in the East.”
Jul 23, 2026
We are glad to share this wonderful video message from the MSC Centre for the Poor in the Philippines, where MSCs and the local community work together in harmony with the world around them to build a more positive future for poor and struggling families.
In a region all-too-often ravaged by soaring temperatures and natural disasters, the MSC Centre for the Poor are a lifeline for families who face countless challenges in their daily lives. This video gives us a snapshot of just some of the extraordinary work done by the MSC Centre for the Poor and their extended community.
Click here to watch the full video from the Philippines.
“Your heart can reach the Philippines today.”
In every generation, there are people who choose to love beyond borders. They are called the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic missionary congregation founded more than 170 years ago, serving the poorest and most vulnerable across the world. In the Philippines, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart carry a mission rooted in one belief: that God’s love must be felt, not just preached. This mission is carried forward through the MSC Centre for the Poor, dedicated to transforming compassion into concentre action.
Across the Philippines, countless families face hardship every day, from natural disasters, to lack of clean water, to children struggling to stay in school. For them, hope often arrives quietly, through clean drinking water, through education, through relief during moments of crisis. Your donation makes this possible, because when you give, you are not just donating money – you are rebuilding homes after typhoons, providing safe water to entire communities, supporting education for disadvantaged youth, and restoring dignity to families who feel forgotten. The MSC Centre for the Poor ensures that every gift is used with care, transparency, and accountability, working directly with communities, parishes, and mission partners. This is not charity from a distance; this is mission with heart. Your generosity becomes a lifeline, your compassion becomes a future, your faith becomes action. No matter where you are in the world, your heart can reach the Philippines today.
Click here to watch the full video from the Philippines.
Find out more about how we’re helping to promote sustainability in the Philippines this summer.
Jul 16, 2026
Relief efforts in Venezuela are ongoing in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of Wednesday, July 24th. The damage has been catastrophic, with the tragic loss of hundreds of lives as well as the destruction of homes and livelihoods across the city.
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC has been sending regular updates from Caracas, where he is working alongside Fr John Jennings MSC and a whole team of volunteers and relief workers to provide crucial support to those impacted by the earthquakes. Most recently, Br Deiby sent photos and videos from the shelters and support centres that have been helping thousands of people.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have also been working closely with Caritas Venezuela, providing funding to help with the ongoing relief aid. In a message to Irish Provincial Superior Fr Joe McGee MSC, Monsignor José Luis Azuaje Ayala, Archbishop of Maracaibo and Head of Caritas Venezuela, sends his gratitude to the Irish Province of the MSC for the generous support of our benefactors here.
Monsignor José Luis Azuaje Ayala, Archbishop of Maracaibo and Head of Caritas Venezuela (Image via www.caritasvenezuela.org)
Dear Fr Joe, warm greetings from Maracaibo.
I wish to express my gratitude on behalf of the people of Maracaibo, who are trying to reach out to the victims of our recent earthquakes. We are very grateful to the Irish Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and to the good people in Ireland, your benefactors, who have provided badly needed funds to help with our relief effort.
We are in full emergency mode at this time. We will keep in touch and let you know later how we have put your funds to good use.
Once again, I thank you most sincerely for the generosity of the Missionaries of the Sacred and their benefactors. May God reward you, and please continue to pray for the people of Venezuela.
