Jul 25, 2019
Congratulations and very best wishes to Bishop Toussaint Iluku Bolumbu MSC, who was ordained bishop of the diocese of Bokungu-Ikela in the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 21st.
His ordination took place in Bokungo, celebrated by Bishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and Apostolic Administrator of Mbandaka Bikoro.
We are delighted to share the first official photograph of Bishop Toussaint, whose ministry in his new diocese has now begun.
Previously named superior of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for the French-speaking African region, Bishop Toussaint is the first MSC African bishop. He was appointed fourth bishop of the diocese of Bokungu-Ikela by Pope Francis in April, following a rich and varied missionary journey since his ordination as a priest in 1995. Some of his previous roles include parish priest, vice rector, bursar, and later superior and director of formation of the MSC School in Yaoundé, teacher of philosophy and theology, vice president of the Association of Major Superiors of the ecclesiastical province of Mbandaka-Bikoro, assistant to the secretariat general of the General Chapter of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Rome, and moderator of the General Conference of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Yaoundé.
Please join us in sending well wishes to Bishop Toussaint, and we keep him in our prayers as he embarks on his new ministry.
Jul 18, 2019
Our Sacred Heart family at the MSC Missions Office in the Philippines recently reported on their current education project in the Hapag Community in Amparo, North Caloocan, where a helping hand has been extended to disadvantaged youths in the community whose parents cannot afford to send them to school.
This project has aimed to support students in order to allow them to continue their studies, despite difficulties with poverty and hardship in their home lives. Students have been provided with the supplies they need to attend school and complete their class projects and homework, as well as nutritious food to ensure their physical and mental health.
Not only has the programme relieved a huge amount of stress for young students and their families, but it has also addressed the growing issue of drop-outs from the local school. The drop-out rate has been a serious concern as families struggling to put meals on the table simply can’t afford to send their children to school. However, since the implementation of this educational assistance programme, there has been a zero drop-out rate in the 2018/2019 school year – all remaining students have successfully continued with their studies, many with consistently rising grades.
“[Our students] have continued their sense of paying it forward by leading our Big Brother and Big Sister Tutorial schemes, by participating in regular community clean-up duties, and by running a weekly youth prayer group,” reports the MSC Missions Office in the Philippines.
The MSC community in the Philippines now hopes to focus on building livelihood programmes in the area, to provide employment opportunities for parents and to give local families valuable tools for self-sufficiency. Thanks to the support of our mission friends and benefactors around the world, our MSCs in the Philippines can continue to shine the light of hope for communities and families in need, where the future once looked bleak.
Keep up to date with the MSC Missions Office Philippines on Facebook.
Visit the new website for the MSC Missions Office in the Philippines.
Jul 11, 2019
As our friends at Loreto Schools Rumbek draw the old school year to a close and look ahead to the new, we are delighted to hear that the schools are continuing to grow at a great rate, offering renewed hope and new opportunities to young women in South Sudan.
There are now over 1,000 children attending the primary school, with only 14 students dropping out in the last year. “The secondary school also continues to be blessed and we are looking at an enrolment close to 350 this year,” writes Benjamin Sprunger, the Loreto Programs Manager. “We also delivered well over half a million meals, and provided around 1,800 clinical consultations – mostly to women and children – during the year”, he continues.
Earlier this year, the Loreto secondary school was “flooded with young hopefuls” as hundreds of young women arrived to complete the first stage of the secondary school intake process. “During 2019’s intake, we had 424 applicants, registering a 22% increase from last year,” explains the official Loreto website. “This is the largest group since the school started and a great milestone for the Loreto Rumbek mission.”
Gaining a place at Loreto is a precious prize indeed for young women in the local region and beyond. The secondary school programme is a support system that encompasses far more than a simple education, with the provision of “three daily meals, health care, uniforms, study and learning materials, 24/7 power and water, accommodation, protection and advocacy, psychosocial support and social development activities, and spiritual development”. The Loreto website tell the story of one applicant, Mary Ayuen from Cuiebet, located 45km away. “Mary explains, ‘I came two days ago and stayed with my friend in Rumbek because I didn’t want to miss the interview. I want to be a doctor.’ Mary is hopeful that her dreams to study at Loreto and to secure a bright future will come true.”
Of course, the Loreto community is far more than just a school – for many of these young women, it is family. All you need to do is look at these pictures of Sr Orla, the school’s principal, returning from her travels this summer, and it is very clear that pride, unity, and love are the mainstays of both teachers and students and the Loreto schools.
We at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the Loreto team in the tremendous work that they do, both in the Loreto schools and their Health Care Unit. We are very pleased to hear that the schools are going from strength to strength, and we wish both staff and students a peaceful summer break ahead of the next busy academic year!
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the wonderful work done by the Loreto Sisters for the young women of South Sudan.
For more photographs and further information about Loreto Rumbek, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.
You can also find out more about how MSC Missions work with Loreto Rumbek – and how you can help to make a difference to the young women of South Sudan.
PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN
Jul 4, 2019
2019 is the Year of the Youth in the Catholic Church in the Philippines, and the Philippine Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has been continuing their wonderful work in youth ministry all over the country.
MSC Partners, the newsletter of the Philippine Province of the MSC, recently reported on the Year of the Youth, addressing the way in which this celebration “shows the church’s faith and confidence in young people”.
“Empowering youth to be in mission, they need to realize the fundamental truth that they are beloved and gifted; they are worthy and deserving of God’s love, they are meant to discover the dreams of God for the church and the world at large,” the MSC Partners editorial reads. “The words of George Bernard Shaw might add inspiration or enkindle the fire within them: ‘You see things, and you say “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say “Why not?”’. Allowing and encouraging the youth to dream and discover their life purpose is one of the greatest achievements of the church. As dreamers of great things, they may be able to use their energy for changes desired by God.”
“Our youth need to be guided, nurtured, and cared for,” continues the MSC Partners editorial. “A recent survey conducted by UNICEF said that 80% of Filipino youth suffer some form of physical and psychological abuse. Now we are facing problems such as poverty, young people not attending school, suicide, emotional distress, mental disorder, distorted values, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and the like. These show that many young people are deeply wounded and broken. In this regard, the church has an important role in the psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing and well-being of the youth.”
“I consider the Church as my lifeguard, who is continuously and unconditionally guarding me against the force of negativity.”
MSCs in the Philippines have long been devoted to the care of the younger members of their flock, promoting education and empowerment wherever possible. In this, the Year of the Youth, they continue to encourage, guide, and nurture through youth ministry in parishes across the country.
This guidance is invaluable to many. “Youths nowadays are very vulnerable,” says Clavel C. Campugan, Parish Youth Leader in San Roque Parish, Cordova, Cebu. “Thus, as a youth I consider myself as vulnerable too. Very susceptible to sadness, chaos, physical or emotional attack, and many other negative forces in the society, that made me drown into a sea of hopelessness. There are times that my faith weakens, especially when my mother died – the strongest and greatest storm I encountered in my whole life. But as a youth in Christ, I consider myself as well-protected – protected by our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ through the protection from the Church. In this regard, as a member of the Youth Ministry in our parish, I am saved from drowning deeply in this sea of hopelessness. Jesus uses the Church as an instrument to help me swim faster towards HOPE. Therefore, I consider the Church as my lifeguard who is continuously and unconditionally guarding me against the force of negativity and guiding me to become a better person and to become the seed of HOPE for others. Since, I have experienced the fruit of guidance from the Church, I hope that the Church will not stop guarding and guiding youths who are like me.”
“Let us not waste our talents, the gifts that God has given to us; let us not be afraid to dream of great things.”
Angelica Joyce P. Mananes, Parish Youth Leader in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bantug, agrees. “Pope Francis said, ‘Let the church always be a place of mercy and hope where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven’ – the place that every young person is looking for. The church is unlike other people, who might love us at first, but if they notice something they don’t like, they can easily leave us. God’s love for us has no limit – he loves us wholeheartedly. Let us not waste our talents, the gifts that God has given to us; let us not be afraid to dream of great things, because the church believes that young people in mission are BELOVED, GIFTED, EMPOWERED.”
In the Year of the Youth and beyond, MSC communities in the Philippines and across the world continue to encourage, guide, and promote the bright and brilliant youths in our parishes everywhere.
“So, in this special year of the youth, it is our prayer and hope that young people
may find meaning for their lives in their faith-life journey in mission,
as beloved, gifted, and empowered to bring the love of God to all.”
– Fr Bien Castil Jr, MSC
Read about the MSC 2019 World Youth Day Celebrations in Panama
Jun 27, 2019
Irish-born Sr Orla Treacy, principal of Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek, has received an award from home territory in recognition of her work with educating and empowering young women in South Sudan. Sr Orla, originally from Co. Wicklow, was awarded the Societal Impact prize as part of the prestigious DCU Alumni Awards.
The DCU Alumni Awards celebrate the wonderful achievements of Dublin City University alumni all over the world. “The DCU Alumni Awards honour alumni who, through their exceptional ability and leadership, have achieved excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour,” states the official website. “Their accomplishments across so many aspects of society are a source of great pride to DCU and an inspiration to present and future generations of DCU students.”
Speaking to The Irish Catholic about the award, Sr Orla remarked, ““It’s great to see a university like that recognising the work that we’re doing in South Sudan.”
Earlier this year, Sr Orla received the International Woman of Courage Award, having been nominated by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See. Working to protect and encourage young women in one of the world’s most volatile countries, Sr Orla is a champion for education and empowerment in South Sudan.
“As principal of Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek in Lake States, considered the premier girls’ school in the impoverished country, Sr Treacy has spent well over a decade empowering thousands of pupils through education, despite ongoing civil conflict and discrimination against young women, such as forced marriage,” writes Colm Fitzpatrick of The Irish Catholic.
Acknowledging the recognition of her work, Sr Orla says that it’s “nice to feel part of something bigger”, while the Pope’s recent call for peace to South Sudan’s leaders has given the Loreto family in Rumbek “a great sense of hope”.
We are proud to support the marvellous work done by Sr Orla and the Loreto Rumbek team, and we send our very best wishes on this wonderful acknowledgement of their ongoing work for the young women of South Sudan.
Read The Irish Catholic’s full report on Sr Orla’s award.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the wonderful work done by the Loreto Sisters for the young women of South Sudan.
For more photographs and further information about Loreto Rumbek, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.
You can also find out more about how MSC Missions work with Loreto Rumbek – and how you can help to make a difference to the young women of South Sudan.
PLEASE HELP US TO SAVE LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN
Jun 19, 2019
Cork City has a bright and welcome new addition – Brew132, a Catholic café serving up evangelism and faith alongside coffee and cake. Located on Washington Street, Cork, Brew 132 opened its doors in early April, offering warm hospitality and hope to the community of Cork and beyond, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support this new and exciting venture for the young Catholic community in the local area.
“The concept is based around two ideas,” says Courtney Holbrook, manager of Brew132. “Firstly, there’s a lot of young Catholics in the world (and quite a few here in Cork City), but sometimes it’s hard to connect to each other. So we’re here to try to help connect practising young Catholics to community and bring everyone together. Secondly, there are a lot of people who would go to a café, but who would never think of stepping foot in a Church. Our goal is to get to know them and show them Jesus through our joy and our witness. From there we can help connect them to different groups to help them continue to grow in their faith.”
“The idea of an evangelising cafe is not new,” continues Courtney. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she remarks, “There are Catholic cafés in the United States, and a few Christian ones here in Ireland – most notably An Tobar Nua in Galway, which actually gave us a lot of help in starting up here in Cork.”
The initial idea for the establishment of a social hub for Cork’s young Catholics was brought about by Fr Maurice Colgan OP, of the Dominican Order. “I think it’s something he’s been wanting to do for years,” explains Courtney, “but everything started falling into place this year. He brought me on board last summer, and we’ve been working on it since.”
The café has received wonderful support from Cork and beyond. “A number of religious orders/organisations have been involved with funding the café: St Joseph’s Charity Shop, Presentation Sisters Cork, Sisters of Mercy Cork, Bon Secours Sisters, Sisters of Charity, Augustians, Capuchins, Franciscans, Domincans, and of course, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.”
“The Cork NET Group and UCC Chaplaincy are involved, and we’ve also got Juventutum Corcaigh, Cork City Youth 2000, Ignite Prayer Group, Nightfever, and Jesus Youth. Representatives of the leadership of these groups would meet every so often just to help determine the look and ministry in the café in the planning stages. Saturdays are also worked by volunteers, and many students are volunteering summer hours with us as well!”
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
A warm welcome is guaranteed to all visitors to the café. “We’ve been very influenced by the charism of hospitality, so the one word to describe what we’re going for is ‘homey’,” Courtney says. “We strive to provide a homey atmosphere where we can love our customers through service. It comes from the idea of Hebrews 13:2, one of the verses that inspired the name, that says ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it’. Through this homey atmosphere people can begin to experience the love of Christ, and then be more comfortable when we begin to share our faith. I think it also provides a great outlet for Catholics to come in and talk about faith without fear of being judged.”
Brew132 currently offers an extensive menu of hot drinks, alongside an array of tasty treats. The café also has a packed bookshelf for visitors to peruse as they sit and sip. “We’ve got theology books and fictional books that have a moral worldview/ethos,” explains Courtney – with a wide range of titles and authors, even the most discerning reader is likely to find the perfect companion to their morning coffee!
All new ventures come with their own challenges, and this is no different. “From a ministry perspective it’s not easy knowing how to approach people about the faith,” explains Courtney. “We’re starting to get to the point with a few people where we know them well enough to start talking with them about faith, but sometimes we don’t see the opportunity. We’re learning how to make those opportunities without making it awkward.”
However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges in this bustling hub on Washington Street. The café is located on the busy street that connects the city centre with University College Cork, and it’s the hope of the Brew132 team that it will become a regular port of call for passing students. “It’s a real highlight to see people return,” notes Courtney. “We’ve had a few people return for our coffee and we’ve slowly been getting to know them, have gotten to know their names, and can chat with them a bit when they come in. It’s such a small thing, but it’s definitely a highlight for me.”
With an “amazing” Grand Opening providing great encouragement, the team at Brew132 are already off to a wonderful start. The future looks bright for Cork’s new Catholic café, and we at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are delighted to be part of this promising new venture.
Visit Brew132 on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also visit their website,
and read more about the café in a recent article by Greg Daly for The Irish Catholic.
