Oct 22, 2018
In September, MSC Missons Office Director Fr Michael O’Connell MSC walked the Camino de Santiago for the first time. Walking approximately 113 km over five days, Fr Michael undertook the final stage of the Camino Francés, or the French Way. Here, he shares his daily diary with thoughts and reflections from the Way.
Wednesday, September 26th
Sarria to Portomarin
Distance: 22.1 km
“Walking the Camino was a new experience for me. This was the first time I had done it, and while it had come highly recommended by our Vocations Director Fr Alan, who walks the Way of St James every year, I can’t say that I wasn’t slightly apprehensive about the challenge that lay ahead.
The walk was a challenge in itself, in that it’s a long time since I took long walks, and this one averages approximately 20 km per day. I walked the final stage of the Camino Francés, from Sarria to Santiago, covering around 113 km in 5 days.
I must admit, I asked myself ‘Can I do that?’ Walking the distance is one thing, but will my knees hold me up? How will my joints cope? It was up hill, down dale at times, but it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, and that was a real positive.
What made me decide to do the walk this year? Well, I wanted to do something that was healthy for both body and soul. Fr Alan, had been saying how wonderful the Camino was after his trip earlier this year, and so I decided to give it a go.
I started the first day of my Camino journey waking up in an old monastery, and stepped out into a beautiful misty morning. I often found myself following in the path of other pilgrims, which was useful – it lessened the chances of getting lost along the way!
On the first day, I spotted this well-loved spot, where a local farmer obviously finds time for rest and recuperation after a busy day. He has all the essentials at hand – a comfy chair, a newspaper, and a bottle of wine! In a place where there is so much transition, it was nice to see a symbol of consistency from someone whose roots are in the land here.
I also happened upon a stall full of eco-produce, where I enjoyed a chat with the owner. He has no prices on his wares, but simply requests a donation from pilgrims. His sign was a welcoming one, promising tea, coffee, home-made food, a bathroom, and a good rest.
I had decided to walk the Camino on my own. If you’re walking with somebody, it does shorten the journey – we all know the old saying, ‘Tell me a story and half the journey!’. Actually, I found that walking by myself gave me time to think and to reflect, to see the world and what was around me. I only had myself for company, and the Lord. While it was a physical challenge, it wasn’t at all challenging mentally. It was like life really, just taking one day at a time and seeing where it brought me.”
Read more of Fr Michael’s Camino diary:
Fr Michael’s Camino Diary Day 2
Fr Michael’s Camino Diary Day 3
Fr Michael’s Camino Diary Day 4
Oct 18, 2018
As the evenings draw in and the days get cooler, bring a little light to someone you love with a beautiful candle from our collection of inspirational gifts.
In today’s world, where it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, taking part in the age-old ritual of lighting a candle is the perfect way to pause for a moment at the end of a hectic day. Whether we light a flame in reflection, in thanksgiving, or in prayer, lighting a candle is a time-honoured way of taking time out of our daily routine to take stock and rest our minds.
You might choose to take a moment to light up your morning routine, to breathe and reflect before you dive into your day’s schedule. Perhaps you prefer to take that time at the end of the day, letting go of the day’s demands and stresses by the light of a flickering flame.
With two styles to choose from, the gold-embossed labels and attractive designs make these candles a special gift for yourself or for others. The pretty Faith, Hope, and Love design is a lovely reminder of the gifts that we give and receive daily. Our Serenity design features the beloved Serenity Prayer, surrounded by a charming autumn leaf motif. With four candles in every pack, you can share a little more light and love with those you hold dear.
Remember, when you choose one of our inspirational candles, you are lighting up the lives of people in need all over the world. Your support helps us to continue bringing the gift of hope to vulnerable families and communities across the globe. Our MSCs work in regions of extreme poverty and hardship, bringing vital aid to people who have nowhere else to turn, and every order we receive makes a real and valuable difference.
BROWSE OUR INSPIRATIONAL CANDLES
Oct 16, 2018
Kasparina Renwarin is a teacher and a former student at Siwa Lima St Joseph’s Technical School in Langgur, Indonesia. Built in 1970, the school is run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart with the aim of educating young people in the region so “they can do something good for themselves and for their families”. In a region where poverty is a pressing issue, St Joseph’s provides the youth of the community with hope for the future. Here is Kasparina’s story:
“My name is Kasparina Renwarin and I am 53 years old. I have been a teacher in St Joseph’s Technical School since 1983.
When the school first opened, it was attended by male students only. Female students did not begin to attend St Joseph’s until 1979. I was one of six ladies who began studying in the school together.
I finished my studies in 1982. In 1983, the headmaster at the time invited me to teach in the automotive department and I was very happy to get this job, even though I was not an expert in the subject. I do my best for my students. Although my salary is low, I wish to dedicate myself and my skills to my beloved alma mater.
I realised that I needed to develop my knowledge and my ability in the automotive department further, so I continued my studies. In 2014, I became a civil employee as a teacher, and I remain teaching in my alma mater.
I hope that St Joseph’s Technical School remains constant, and continues to develop to become the best technical school in the Malucu Province. God bless us all, and our beloved St Joseph’s!”
PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN INDONESIA
Oct 11, 2018
“Ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide…”
We all draw comfort from our guardian angel, a peaceful presence on our shoulder that guides and guards us always.
Our beautiful range of guardian angel gifts are the perfect way to honour our angel guides, or to remind someone we love that they are never alone. In times of trouble or stress, when there’s a big decision to be made, or when we simply feel a little bit lost, we turn to the angelic messenger who guides our footsteps and leads us along the right path.
From an elegant silver-plated bracelet adorned with a delicate angel charm, to a collection of angelic statues featuring encouraging messages, our angel gifts are wonderful keepsakes to inspire and enchant.
When you choose one of our guardian angel gifts, your gesture goes further than you can imagine, bringing the gift of hope to vulnerable families and communities around the world. Our MSCs work in regions of extreme poverty and hardship, bringing vital aid to people who have nowhere else to turn. Every order we receive makes a difference, allowing our MSCs to continue their work in transforming lives across the globe.
Pick the perfect present for someone special, or find your own personal reminder that your guardian angel is never far from your side. This lovely collection of angel mementos will bring delight to all who hold their guardian angel dear.
EXPLORE OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL GIFTS
Oct 4, 2018
In the summer of 2017, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart marked their Golden Jubilee in Venezuela, 50 years after our missionaries first started their work in this troubled country. Today, Venezuela is deep in the worst political, social, economic, and humanitarian crisis ever experienced in the country’s history, and our MSCs are the only Irish priests working to bring relief to local communities caught in the midst of this social and political turmoil.
“A serious, volatile, and rapidly deteriorating situation.”
Simon Coveney, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, recently addressed the issue of the Venezuelan crisis, highlighting the “serious, volatile, and rapidly deteriorating situation”, where “reports of human rights violations are a cause of real concern”.
Pope Francis has also spoken out about the situation in Venezuela, following a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela in Rome. Archbishop Luis Azuaje Ayala, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela, and Archbishop of Maracaibo, spoke about the Pope’s interest and empathy, stating “The Pope did not simply listen to us, he expressed himself on the importance and value of the Church in Venezuela”.
Those who can raise enough money are fleeing the country to escape from the volatile social, political, and economic climate. Following a visit to Venezuela last year, Fr Joseph McGee MSC said, “People are doing all they can to leave the country and start a new life”. Archbishop Azuaje reiterates this, dividing the migrants into three categories: those who emigrated to Venezuela and are now returning to their countries of origin; professionals and business people who are leaving to work elsewhere; and the poor, who are fleeing for their lives, on foot and without money or provisions.
“Stay close to the people of Venezuela, especially to those who are suffering.”
Continued hyperinflation means that the price of necessities is sky-high, far beyond the means of people who are struggling to survive. “The most difficult thing I witnessed was seeing people scavenge in the rubbish heaps for scraps that have burst through the overflowing rubbish bags and appear to be edible,” recalls Fr Joe McGee MSC, a state of affairs that Archbishop Azuaje echoed in his meeting with the Holy Father.
Pope Francis spoke with the Venezuelan bishops, encouraging them to “stay close to the people of Venezuela, especially to those who are suffering”. Our MSCs continue to do all they can to support those who are worst affected by the ongoing crisis, offering some hope to those who have nowhere else to turn.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS
Read Fr Joe McGee’s reflections on Venezuela here.
The Venezuelan Community in Ireland have reached out to thank the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for our ongoing ministry in Venezuela.
Read their letter here.
Sep 25, 2018
Each year, the coming of September sees a flurry of activity at the MSC Missions Office as we prepare for our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. This year’s pilgrimage took place from September 17th to 22nd, and as ever, it was a wonderful journey for all involved.
MSCs Fr Michael O’Connell, Fr Tim Gleeson, Fr Joe McGee, Fr Eugene Clarkson, and Spiritual Director Fr Charles Sweeney joined our pilgrims on this year’s trip. The opening Mass, which saw 80 pilgrims join together in prayer and song, marked a beautiful beginning to what was a truly enriching journey for all.
Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is always a highlight of the pilgrimage, and this year was no exception. Here, the sun shone on our MSCs and pilgrims and they prayed for our MSC mission friends and benefactors in the magnificent surroundings of the Grotto.
Another very special stop on this year’s pilgrimage was Mass at Sheepfold Chapel. This rustic chapel dates back to the 1800s, when St Bernadette would shelter her sheep under its thatched roof. With a great sense of peace and serenity residing here, Mass was an especially memorable occasion for our MSCs and pilgrims.
Many thanks to all involved in making this year’s pilgrimage such a rewarding one, where many happy memories were made, new friendships blossomed, and old acquaintances were fondly renewed. Until next year!
If you would like to find out more about the annual MSC pilgrimage to Lourdes, please click here.
