Sep 17, 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 the latest updates from Br Deiby, featuring the most recent news on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
HOPE AMIDST THE RUBBLE
In the face of the emergency caused by the double earthquake and intense tropical waves in the state of La Guaira, the humanitarian and pastoral response remains constant and tireless. Thousands of affected individuals, distributed across official transitory camps and tent shelters along the entire coast, receive continuous accompaniment from Cáritas, consecrated life, apostolic groups, NGOs, and people of good will.
The magnitude of the disaster continues to manifest in the atrocious and incalculable amount of rubble that still buries vast areas of the coast. Although rescue teams and heavy machinery work intensely day and night, dozens of collapsed buildings and infrastructures remain untouched due to the extreme complexity and hazardous nature of the terrain.
Ground zero devastation and rubble clearing in affected locations.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ACTION & PASTORAL PRESENCE
Amidst this heartbreaking scenario, the Catholic Church’s presence spans from spiritual comfort to direct on-the-ground material aid through key operational fronts
- Spiritual Support & Grief Counseling
Priests and pastoral agents walk among the victims, sharing their pain through Holy Masses, Holy Hours, and funeral services, standing as a comforting shoulder in times of absolute helplessness.
- “Luchemos por la Vida” Foundation
Providing holistic care for children and youth through sports, recreational activities, and athletic footwear distribution to restore smiles, emotional health, and hope to affected young people.
- Mobile Medical Clinics
Multidisciplinary healthcare teams conduct itinerant medical operations across settlements, offering clinical evaluations, early diagnoses, free treatment distribution, and care for chronic patients.
- Community & Consecrated Life
Apostolic groups, youth movements, Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), and consecrated communities actively deploy to ensure solidarity translates into food, clothing, and essential supplies for every family.
- Mental Health & Listening Ministry
Teams of psychologists, psychiatrists, and trained agents offer psychological first aid, emotional containment, and safe spaces to process trauma, grief, and uncertainty in the shelters.
- Collection Center & Resource Management
Hosted at the parish headquarters, donated supplies are meticulously classified and distributed in an equitable, responsible, and organized manner based on specific field reports.
- Logistics & Supply Chain
Uninterrupted supply distribution including categorized medications, infant formula, diapers, non perishable food, drinking water, mattresses, and sleeping pads for temporary shelters.
- Daily Hygiene, Food & Hydration
Operation of community kitchens, regular distribution of personal hygiene kits (soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, disinfectants), and guaranteed daily drinking water supplies.
Inventorying and preparing pharmaceutical donations for patients.
INSPIRED BY THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
All this logistical and human labor is not driven by mere philanthropy, but by the living impulse of the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is in His pierced Heart that volunteers, priests, and laypeople find the boundless source of love, mercy, and compassion to serve those who suffer.
Understanding service through this spirituality means recognizing the face of Christ Himself in every brother and sister in distress or under a tent. Every food ration delivered, every prescription filled, and every embrace offered to the families of La Guaira becomes a tangible extension of Jesus’ redeeming love, reaffirming that living faith translates into concrete action and unconditional dedication to the service of others.
PASTORAL RESPONSE AND HUMANITARIAN IMPACT IN THE FACE OF THE SEISMIC EMERGENCY
1. PASTORAL MISSION AND EMERGENCY CARE
From the pastoral heart of La Santa Cruz Parish, entrusted to the work of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, we keep alive a mission of faith, service, and hope in response to the emergency caused by the recent double earthquake. In a fraternal and uninterrupted alliance with Caritas Caracas, our community has become a beacon of comprehensive aid and spiritual support for families currently experiencing deep vulnerability, sustaining a daily effort that goes beyond basic assistance to become a true exercise of listening, comfort, and missionary presence.
Our operational work extends with particular strength toward La Guaira state, one of the geographic areas most severely impacted by destruction. With absolute rigor, responsibility, and transparency in managing received donations, we direct the delivery of essential supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food, clothing, footwear, medicines, and shelter materials like tarps. This chain of solidarity is driven by men and women of faith and goodwill who, dedicated to serving their neighbors and even contributing from their own resources, ensure that all aid reaches the most impacted communities effectively, guaranteeing dignified and equitable care.
Direct distribution of hot meals at search and rescue sites.
2. STRATEGIC LINES OF ACTION IN THE TERRITORY
Field operations encompass daily sustenance as well as specialized medical care, rescue support, and community development:
- Comprehensive Medical Care: Coordinating and implementing health fairs in critical locations, such as the temporary shelter at Liceo Juan Landaeta, backed by the extraordinary commitment of specialists in Internal Medicine, Psychology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology.
- Support for First Responders: Preparing and distributing hot meals to rescue teams and first responders deployed across various areas of La Guaira.
- Strategic Partnerships and Prevention: Collaborating with non-profit foundations to offer free gynecological cancer screenings, securing management and funding for specialized studies valued at approximately $10,000 for the direct benefit of local women.
- Childcare and Recreational Activities: Thanks to the support of partner foundations, children in temporary shelters received athletic footwear. Additionally, recreational activities aimed at restoring joy to children and their families were conducted, including bicycle raffles, gift giveaways, and special surprises. These events are always paired with words of faith, encouragement, and a listening ear to address their concerns, offering compassionate and proactive accompaniment.
3. SPIRITUAL AND SACRAMENTAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Throughout this pastoral journey, spiritual and sacramental support plays a vital role. We count on the selfless cooperation and presence of Father Tom O’Brian, MSC, who is fully dedicated to serving our community: celebrating Mass in temporary shelters, visiting the sick in their homes, and administering sacraments at La Santa Cruz Parish. His work, alongside that of the missionary team, reinforces a pastoral approach centered on active listening and closeness, comforting souls and sustaining faith amid adversity.
Personal pastoral visits and home communion for the sick and homebound.
Accompaniment and field monitoring at coastal shelter camps.
4. STRATEGY FOR SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Complementing immediate relief with a medium- and long-term social reconstruction strategy, Caritas Caracas and the Archdiocese of Caracas held key meetings with diplomatic representatives, including delegates from the Embassy of Italy in Venezuela, representatives from Caritas Internationalis, and partner organizations. These alliances respond to the structural impact of the seismic emergency and internal migration projections, which estimate that 100,000 to 150,000 people from La Guaira state will relocate to the capital city in the coming weeks and months seeking employment, stability, and comprehensive assistance.
Key Pillars of Strategic Reconstruction:
- Medical Centers & Prescription Points: Setup of 4 to 5 centralized prescription points in the capital to ensure the free supply and distribution of essential pharmaceuticals to highly vulnerable areas, linked to new health centers.
- Vocational Workshops & Job Training: Creation of technical trade training spaces—such as carpentry, masonry, and related skills—designed to provide tools for workforce reintegration and self-sufficiency.
- Community Dining Network: Implementation of a sustainable food program for a full year, serving 10 strategic locations across the capital to provide weekday lunches to 100 individuals per center.
Strategic summit with international partners, diplomatic representatives, and Church leaders.
5. PERSISTENCE AMID CRISIS: AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT
As weeks pass since the double earthquake, conditions on the ground bring us to a complex and critical phase: prolonged accompaniment. Although the immediate tragedy no longer dominates major headlines, severe vulnerabilities remain in affected communities. The response period has not ended; instead, we are entering a phase where consistency and pastoral presence are essential to prevent the suffering of hundreds of families from being forgotten.
In this context, we observe with concern a sharp decline in donations and emergency supplies. Initial humanitarian aid has decreased significantly, reducing resources at our collection centers. Nevertheless, La Santa Cruz Parish and Caritas Caracas continue their efforts uninterrupted. Aware that needs for food, healthcare, and shelter persist, we continue to adapt our strategies to maximize every resource and ensure aid to those affected remains continuous.
In response to shortages, our mission doubles its efforts by reaching out directly to supporters. We continue appealing to social conscience, seeking solidarity from private institutions, sister parishes, local businesses, and individuals of goodwill. Every effort allows us to restore hope to a struggling home, sustain daily food distribution, provide medical supplies, and offer emotional support in temporary shelters. We remain committed because behind every statistic are real people, stories, and lives that deserve dignity.
On-site meal delivery and logistical coordination for first responders and affected residents.
Comprehensive accompaniment for disaster survivors requires recognizing that recovery is not only physical, but deeply human and spiritual. Healing the social trauma of home loss and uncertainty requires a constant presence of care and faith. Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment to stand by the community as long as families remain in need. The Church, through its missionaries and volunteers, remains alongside its people, turning limited resources into dedicated service, active listening, and organized charity.
Looking ahead to the coming months, we renew our call to service with the conviction that solidarity is a journey of resilience and faith. We invite all of society to remain steadfast, care for those in need, and continue working alongside La Santa Cruz Parish and Caritas Caracas in this ongoing effort of relief, comfort, and community rebuilding.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Sep 10, 2026
Our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in our 2026 Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, which took place from Monday, August 31st to Tuesday, September 8th at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork, and was led by the wonderful Fr Patrick Younge OFM.
Fr John, Fr Patrick, and Fr Alix celebrate the 2026 Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork.
It was a great blessing to welcome mission friends and parishioners, both old and new, to the Sacred Heart Church for this year’s Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. A remarkable number of people also tuned in online, with over 10,000 people joining us in prayer via our live stream over the course of the nine days, reminding us of the extraordinary spirit of our extended Sacred Heart family, at home and across the world. It is always a real reminder of what a blessing it is to be part of this great sense of community, and of something bigger, a movement towards hope and faith in today’s troubled world. “People might say that Novenas don’t last,” reflected Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, “but there’s always somebody who wants to come to pray.”
“There’s a lot involved,” Fr John continued, “in the altars, with the teas, with the readings and singing, and everything else. Everybody makes a great effort, and it is always very much worth it.”
We always look upon our annual Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart as a very special time of the year, a blessed time dedicated to peaceful prayer and reflection before we come into the darker days of late Autumn and Winter, and it is with truly grateful hearts that we came together once again to celebrate the sacred tradition of prayer to our Blessed Mother. As Fr John said in our opening Mass, “We are praying for you all, with you all, with an eye to where Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is in our lives.”
The theme of year’s Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart centred on Mary’s Journey in Dark Faith: Following the life of Mary in the Gospel, and this year was led by Fr Patrick Younge OFM, a member of the Franciscan Order. “The burning love of God which burned in the heart of Mary is our reflection during these few days,” Fr Patrick reflected in our opening Mass.
Walking us through the Scriptures over the nine days, Fr Patrick brought us to Our Lady as she is presented in the Bible. “We can see how Fr Patrick read the Gospels and sat with them and prayed with them, and brought them back to life for us,” said Fr John in our closing Mass. “He also brought the spirituality of Our Lady alive to us, and acknowledged her life in our life today, and our life in her association with the Risen Jesus Christ.”
Each year, the MSC Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart offers a great sense of peace and comfort to all who take part, as we bring our personal intentions before the merciful heart of our Holy Mother – “a gentle, good, caring, and loving mother to us all,” as Fr Patrick reminded us. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr Patrick and everyone who took part in what was a truly blessed occasion this year, and for your ongoing friendship and support throughout the year. We end with Fr Patrick’s prayer that Our Lady of the Sacred Heart “may warm our hearts in our love of God”. 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.
Sep 3, 2026
We’re sending congratulations across the miles, all the way to Ecuador! It’s a real blessing to share these wonderful photos from our mission there, where a new MSC, Fr Diego, was ordained in early August. Fr Marcelo writes from the mission in Ecuador to tell us about the occasion, and share videos and images of a very special celebration.
“These past few weeks have been filled with great joy,” Fr Marcelo writes. “Diego’s ordination was an immense joy. The bishop who performed the ordination was an MSC, Monsignor Moacir. The ceremony took place at one of our parishes, where the whole community could join us—it was truly beautiful.”
“A special highlight was that, during the ordination, we were able to bring together Kichwa and Mestizo cultures; that was really lovely.”
Fr Diego then celebrated his first Mass in his home place, in the community where he was born. “It was a beautiful occasion. We had to walk for about two hours through the countryside in 24-degree heat, but it was worth it,” Fr Marcelo tells us.
“Fr Diego comes from a hot region, while I am from the Andes,” explains Fr Marcelo. “Sharing these differences is a great richness. How could we not give thanks to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?”
Fr Diego will now be working among the indigenous communities of the Andes for the rest of this year, with a particular focus on youth ministry and vocation promotion. We wish Fr Diego, Fr Marcelo, and the mission in Ecuador great joy and success at the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with every blessing to our MSC brothers and the families and communities they serve.
Fr Diego (L) and Fr Marcelo (R) celebrate the ordination of Fr Diego to the MSC community in Ecuador, August 2026.
Fr Marcelo shares videos from Fr Diego’s ordination ceremony, and the occasion of his first Mass.
Aug 27, 2026
In a beautiful celebration of togetherness and faith, the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre in the Philippines spent the month of May marking Flores de Mayo, in honour of Our Lady.
As the month began, the Facebook page for the Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC Mission Center sent a welcoming invite to all who might wish to participate:
“Join us in honoring Mama Mary through prayer, devotion, and community. Let us come together with hearts full of faith and gratitude as we celebrate this beautiful tradition.
Bring your flowers, rosary, and joyful spirit as we offer love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. ”
The photographs shared throughout the month showed a wonderful display of unity and community in honour of Our Lady, “where every smile, flower, and moment reflects devotion and joy. ”
From artwork, processions, and prayer, to games, music, and song, this was a truly special event, bringing local youths and their families together in a touching tribute to the Blessed Mother.
“Under the flowers and prayers, we celebrate faith, beauty, and devotion. ,” posted the Facebook page for the Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC Mission Center.
“Flores De Mayo 2026 — a tradition filled with grace, love, and gratitude to our Blessed Mother. ”
Images via the Facebook page for the Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC Mission Center.
Aug 26, 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.
As we prepare for the beginning of our Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart on August 31st, we look back at some special reflections and prayers to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart from over 40 years ago, in the MSC Message of 1984.
Spring 1984: “He wanted you close to His Cross, He gives you a share in His Glory…”
That was the gift of love that Jesus gave to Mary. It began very early in their mother/son relationship. It blossomed into Mary’s Assumption into Heaven. For her part Mary responded with faith and love. She did not always understand. When her keen intelligence failed her, her heart did not. She reflected on all those things that Jesus brought her into her life as a woman and found new strength from the memories of God’s favour in the past. This was especially so in the dark moments. The strength of her conviction gave strength to the dispirited friends of Jesus.
Today Mary continues to offer hope to a sometimes hopeless world. That same conviction in God’s goodness, in His love for the world that gave us His Son through her, reaches out to us in the community of Easter believers.
MEMORARE
Remember,
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart,
the great things the Lord has done for you.
He chose you for his Mother.
He wanted you close to the Cross
He gives you a share in his glory.
He listens to your prayer.
Offer him our prayers of praise and thanksgiving;
present our petitions to him.
Let us live like you in the love of your Son,
that his kingdom may come.
Lead all men to the source of living water
that flows from the heart,
spreading over the world hope and salvation,
justice and peace.
See our trust in you;
answer our prayer.
Show yourself always our Mother.
Amen.
Summer 1984: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
In the memorare to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart we pray:
Let us live like you in the love of your Son, that His kingdom may come.
On the 25th of March this year the Pope led the Church in an act of entrusting the human family to our Lady. Love is the only guarantee of survival for the human family. But along side the fury of hate at work in human history love seems to be so weak and powerless. It is easy to begin to doubt that Christ’s way of love and forgiveness cannot withstand the forces of destruction ranged against God’s kingdom of love. Jesus chose to give Mary as His mother to the human family at the moment of his bitterest defeat as he hung near death on the cross. In the eyes of his mockers he was an utter failure.
It is only in the quiet confidence of Mary’s faithful love that our world can survive the mad plunge towards annihilation that seems to have taken hold of international affairs in the last few decades. Let us stay close to her in that faithful love of which she is a model. And let us join her in prayer to her Son.
Christmas 1984: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
It was through suffering that Jesus accomplished the saving of the world. It was a suffering embraced out of obedient love for His Father. All who would follow Him must walk the path of suffering, taking up the cross each day. The one who is most closely associated with Him in this mission is Our Lady. The Holy man who met her in the temple the day she dedicated her infant Son to God spoke of the sword that would pierce her soul.
She is acquainted with suffering. She has always been close to it. In our time, how often has presence in the hearts of those who suffer grinding poverty or sickness or oppression given them hope in their suffering. Bernadette at Lourdes, the poor children at Fatima, the silent oppressed people at Knock, all remind us of her comforting presence. The first miracle of Jesus came as a response to a mother who felt for the young couple on their wedding day at Cana.
She is as near to suffering humanity today as on the day she was given to John who stood for the human family at the foot of the cross. “Behold your mother” – Our Lady of the opened heart.
All are welcome to join us in celebration of our annual Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart from August 31st to September 8th. Pray with us at 10.00am & 8.00pm daily at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork, or via the live stream on our website. We look forward to seeing you there!
Aug 25, 2026
Warmest congratulations to our 2026 Jubilarians! This summer has marked very special celebrations for four of our MSCs here in the Irish Province, as they commemorate various Jubilee years.
Congratulations to our 2026 Jubilarians! L-R: Fr Kevin Shanahan MSC (40 years), Fr Tom Mulcahy (60 years), Fr Mick Curran (60 years), and Fr Pat Glanaghy (50 years).
Fr Kevin Shanahan, from Bishopstown, Co. Cork, marked 40 years as an MSC, Fr Pat Glanaghy, from Letterkenny, celebrated 50 years since his ordination, and Fr Tom Mulcahy (Limerick) and Fr Mick Curran (Waterville, Co. Kerry), each celebrated 60 years.
Each of our Jubilarians was celebrated for the different skills and talents they bring to their ministry, as each has travelled a different path towards a common goal – sharing God’s love wherever and whenever it is needed most.
In a wonderful celebration of fellowship and community, the Jubilee ceremony paid tribute to the years gone by, while looking ahead to a positive future filled with hope and love.
2026 MSC Jubilarians, Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. L-R: Fr Kevin Shanahan MSC (40 years), Fr Tom Mulcahy (60 years), Fr Mick Curran (60 years), and Fr Pat Glanaghy (50 years).
Congratulations to our Jubilarians, with our gratitude for their years of dedication, brotherhood, and care in their ministry, and with every good wish for enduring health and happiness as their individual and shared journeys continue.
