Jun 21, 2023
Spirituality of the Heart invites us to journey into our own heart and into the heart of the human condition to be aware of God’s transforming love inviting and empowering us to be like Jesus, the gift of this love for others. This way of living opens up enormous possibilities for life and love and offers a challenge to grow ever more deeply in kindness, compassion, humility, forgiveness, understanding, simplicity and a sense of humour.
We are called to be God’s Heart on earth and to offer ourselves to be used as a source of healing for the wounds of the world. We believe, as did Jules Chevalier that this love is the remedy for the ills of the world. We are all called, religious, diocesan priests and above all laity, to share this mission to be the vehicle of love everywhere, in every culture and at every level of society.
Spirituality of the Heart is lived together with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, who formed and carried the heart of Jesus and who points to his heart.
A Spirituality of the Heart is a way of living – a way of being in the world…a journey to be travelled (with others)… an energy that sustains and moves us, a dance in which we are all participating… a way of being in the world in relationship to self, others and God; a way of coming to rest within ourselves at our deepest centre. (J. Maher MSC)
St. Augustine put Spirituality of the Heart in very practical terms:
“Once for all then, a short precept is given unto you: Love God and do what you will: whether you hold your peace, through love hold your peace; whether you cry out, through love cry out; whether you correct, through love correct; whether you spare, through love do you spare. In all things, let the root of love be within, for of this root can nothing spring but what is good.”
Statement from Laity of the Chevalier Family Newsletter
Encounter of Hearts, Edition 3, June 2021
May 31, 2023
It has been heartening that many people got in touch over the last month to see how things were here, due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The situation there is dire, as rival leaders seek to gain as much power and wealth as possible, regardless of the suffering they cause. The only time they think of their people is when they look down to see who they are standing on. The loss of life in the conflict and the subsequent humanitarian crisis have sent shockwaves around an already fragile region.
Tens of thousands of the people now fleeing Sudan into northern South Sudan are themselves South Sudanese refugees who had fled South Sudan in 2013 because of the civil war here. Over the past few weeks they have arrived exhausted, carrying their meagre belonging, and uncertain what will happen next for them or their families. They have come at the worst possible time, as the rains have just started. Flooding usually cuts off the roads around the country, making it far more difficult to transport aid to impacted regions. To complicate matters further, by now people have used up most of their stores from last year’s harvest and it is a waiting game to see how long they can hold on for before they are forced by necessity to harvest what they have just planted. Finally, South Sudan’s largest export is oil from the north of the country, pumped through Sudan to Port Sudan. With the civil war this has all come to a sudden halt. This has fuelled hyperinflation nationally, making basic food and medicine prohibitively expensive in the market. The rains, which are seen as a real blessing, also unfortunately bring with them mosquitos and malaria. A single treatment for a family member can cost almost a month’s wages.
Uncertainty, however, is often the norm here and the South Sudanese are nothing if not resilient. How they manage continues to be something of a mystery to me. They have little alternative though. Within Loreto School and the University things are continuing as normal for the moment. In the school we have just welcomed a whole new group of first years students the Sunday before last. As part of our policy of cooperation and integration, they have come from all over the country, from different backgrounds and ethnic groups. They will be looked after through a fantastic system of school families, where students in second, third, and fourth year will act as their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmothers. Judging by the dancing and singing around the school last Saturday night I think they will be fine.
In the University we are coming to the end of our first term and are due to finish exams on Saturday. The number of students enrolled has almost doubled this year and there is already a healthy interest among people hoping to apply for our next academic year. Our focus remains on raising up business leaders, who will build the South Sudanese economy, and training teachers for secondary school. We hope to begin a new Bachelor of Education programme this year in commerce, religious education, and citizenship. In addition, we will continue growing the Catholic ethos aspect of our curriculum, with courses on ethics, theology, and introduction to the Bible as part of our ongoing human formation.
When trying to learn how to play the guitar years and years ago, one of the first songs I practiced was by the Beatles. The lyrics are known by practically everybody and they seem relevant to where I find myself today: Obladi, Oblada, life goes on, brah Lala, how the life goes on. As I said earlier, how things go on here at times, I’ll never understand, but people have no choice, so they just get on with it. Self-pity is a luxury no one can afford. They do the best they can with what they have and they do it better than I ever could. Let’s continue to pray for the situation in Sudan and to pray for each other.
Nhialic ke yin ( God bless),
Fr. Alan.
Read more from Fr Alan’s missionary journey in South Sudan:
PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN
May 26, 2023
An update from our friends MSC Mission Office Philippines on Facebook showing the remarkable ongoing progress of the renovation at the clinic in Immaculate Conception Parish, nestled within the heart of Butuan City. This ambitious project is being skillfully executed by the esteemed San Pedro Calungsod Alternative Healing Ministry, with the unwavering support and guidance of Fr. Boy Asister, MSC, and the commendable CFLA-Agusan District.
The project aims to renovate the clinic for the parishioners who seek alternative healing therapy, which gives hope to enable the community to strengthen their spiritual, physical and emotional well being.
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SACRED HEART FAMILY
IN THE PHILIPPINES
May 9, 2023
The first ever Open Chapter of the MSC Irish Province concluded on Saturday afternoon, 6th May 2023.
Participants of the MSC Irish Province Provincial Chapter 2023
On Wednesday 3rd May, the members of the Chapter had worked on themes that had emerged from their conversations and self-selecting groups continued working on each of the these. Towards the end of the Chapter each group presented a guidepost for the Province and work will continue on these in the coming years for the good of the Province. Some of the main themes discussed were, laity, environment, healing past hurts, mapping the future for Venezuela and Southern Africa and the Missions as a whole.
On Thursday 4th May the first session was dedicated to conversation and sharing on the qualities and characteristics required for the role of Provincial Councillor. Following a time of silent prayer in the Chapter, voting for two Provincial Council members commenced in the conference room. The voting was overseen by our Superior General, Fr Absalón Alvarado MSC and the Scrutineers (Fr Alan Neville MSC, Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC and Fr Giacomo Gelardi MSC).
Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC were elected and both accepted their election. We extend our heartiest congratulations to  Fr Dave and  Fr Manus and we wish them well in their role as Provincial Councillors. Fr Joe McGee MSC (Provincial-elect) will work alongside  Fr David and Fr Manus to think, reflect and pray before inviting two more members to be part of the Leadership Team.
The day continued with work on the recommendations from the Statutes Commission to changes to our Provincial Statues and input from our MSC Safeguarding Manager, Ms Mary Tallon. During supper we had a celebration cake for those celebrating their birthday during the Chapter (Fr Seamus Kelly MSC, Fr Jonas Mokoena MSC, Fr Joe McGee MSC and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC), for Fr Jimmy Mitchell MSC and Fr Michael Screene MSC who celebrated their 60th Jubilee of Ordination in February, and for Fr Giacomo Gelardi MSC and Fr Jaime Rosique MSC (Spanish Province) who were recently Ordained. Congratulations to all.Â
On Friday 5th May the Statutes Commission continued presenting proposed changes to the Statutes during the first session. Provincial, Fr Carl Tranter MSC, gave an update on new formation project being set up in Kenya and a possible new mission with the Indian Union for Ireland/UK. The Chapter indicated their desire to encourage the incoming Provincial Leader Team to explore this option with the Indian Union. Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Provincial Bursar, and Mrs Mary Kelly, Finance Manager, presented a Finance Report to the Chapter and following the recommendation from our MSC Finance Advisory Group some properties in the Province were designated as Stable Patrimony of the Province.Â
The final session of the day was dedicated to electing two Delegates to attend the General Chapter –  Fr Julius Katjipa MSC and Fr Carl Tranter MSC were elected as Delegates. The General Chapter will take place in Rome in September/October. Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC were elected as Substitute Delegates.Â
The final day, Saturday 6th May, involved table conversation on the following question: As you return to your particular Jerusalem, what are you taking back with you from the experience of walking together this past week? This was followed by a time of sharing.Â
The Steering Committee presented a Chapter Statement which was read, discussed and agreed. This statement captured all the work of the week. The minutes of the Chapter up to Friday morning were approved. It was agreed that the Provincial Council will finalise the minutes.Â
Handover to the new Provincial
Fr Carl Tranter MSC, Provincial, proposed to the Chapter that Fr Joe McGee MSC take over as Provincial on 1st August 2023. Fr Carl will finish his term as Provincial on 31st July. This was approved unanimously. Â Â
The work of the Chapter concluded with final words from Fr Carl. He said it has been a historic week as we had our first ever Open Chapter. It had gathered nearly half of the Province together in conversation and sharing. He is deeply thankful for the sense of brotherhood in their time together which has been strengthened. We have been accompanied by the Emmaus scripture. It has given us anchor points to hold, contain us and invite us to move forward and the Lord will be with us on our journey. He added that we have seen ourselves walking and talking honestly about all that has been happening in our personal lives, community life and the life of the Province and there have been beautiful and honest conversations throughout the Chapter week. We have experienced Christ joining us and sharing with us. We have encountered him in one another, in meeting some confreres for the first time, in our prayer, worship, sharing and struggles. He expressed his gratitude to Fr Absalón, Superior General, for his accompaniment during the Chapter week. As we come to the end of the Chapter we are ready for the Return to Jerusalem. We return to our place and hopefully discover something new about it. Return with the fruits of our journey and the desire to continue conversations, to engage deeply and live our MSC commitment and brotherhood more fully. It has been a rich week. Please God we return changed and wishing to grow.Â
Fr Carl concluded by thanking everyone for their deeply engaged presence this week and he expressed his thanks to all those involved in preparing for the Chapter and those working during the Chapter week: The Chapter Preparatory Commission, Finance Team, Safeguarding Manager, Fr Alan Whelan (Archivist), the Sound Engineers, Steering Committee, Scrutineers, Translator, Secretary to the Chapter (Paula Ryan-Kavanagh) for organising the logistics and being part of the preparatory commission. The Facilitator (Frances Heery) was thanked for walking with us and guiding us. Fr Carl again expressed his thanks to Fr Absalón for being with us during the Chapter week. It had been a wonderful way to accompany us, listening really deeply to who and how we are, our struggles etc. Fr Carl presented Fr Absalón with a token of appreciation. Fr Absalón replied by thanking everyone for the opportunity to be with them for the week. Â
Fr Joe McGee (Provincial-elect) then addressed the Chapter and he thanked Fr Carl on behalf of everyone for his work during the last six years. He thanked him for coming back among us and for his leadership. Fr Joe also thanked the members of Fr Carl’s team individually for all the work they have done for the Province for the last six years (Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Fr Michael O’Connell MSC, Fr Tony Nolan MSC, Fr Manus Ferry MSC and he especially remembered Fr Mike Serrage MSC RIP).
The Chapter concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Joe McGee MSC, Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC (members of the incoming Provincial Leadership Team). Â
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Fr Absalón MSC presented Fr Carl Tranter MSC, Fr Joe McGee MSC and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC with symbols from India representing hope for the mission ahead.Â
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Fr Carl Tranter MSC as President of the Chapter then blows out the Chapter Candle to conclude the Chapter week.
“Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road”
Luke 24:32
May 4, 2023
Fr David Nixon MSC, Fr Joe McGee MSCÂ and Fr Manus Ferry MSC
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC on their election to the incoming Provincial Leadership Team at our Provincial Chapter, Â and we wish them all the best for their future as they embark on their journey, pictured here with Fr Joe McGee MSC who is the incoming Provincial.
May 3, 2023
40 members of the Irish MSC Province gathered on Sunday evening, 30th April in Mount Saint Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois to begin our first ever Open Provincial Chapter.
Provincial Fr Carl Tranter MSC, welcomed everyone and expressed his desire that the Chapter be a grace-filled experience for all as they discussed and planed a roadmap for the years ahead for the Province. Fr Carl and Tony Horgan led the Opening Liturgy, welcoming all present and thanked those who had travelled from near and far: from Ireland, England, USA, Southern Africa, Kenya, Venezuela and South Sudan and extended a huge welcome to our Superior General, Fr Absalón Alvarado MSC, who will journey with them for the week of our Chapter. Fr Absalón’s presence will be hugely enriching for everyone. Candles were lit representing the five continents of the congregation and the eight countries they currently have confreres working in. Fr Jimmy Mitchell, as the oldest member of the Chapter, lit the Chapter candle.
During the Opening Liturgy all members of the Chapter declared their presence and desire for the week ahead and the Facilitator ,Frances Heery, Secretary to the Chapter ,Paula Ryan-Kavanagh, Translator ,Jaime Rosique and Scrutineers Fr Giacomo Gelardi, Fr Alan Neville and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a, were prayerfully welcomed and formally approved.
The first day began by introducing the MSC theme through reflection on the Road to Emmaus. Members were invited to share their experience of life in two and fours inspired by the two disciples on the road. This was felt by all present as a profound experience of getting to know each other in a deeper way.
The afternoon session began by electing a Steering Committee, followed by input from the Superior General who offered his observations in the light of his visit to Ireland and England last year. Fr Absalón’s input was experienced as supportive, inspiring and affirming. The day concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Absalón.
The second day (Tuesday 2nd May) began in a creative way when the Facilitator ,Frances Heery conducted an interview with Fr Carl inviting him to share his experience of being Provincial. The highs, the lows and moments of inspiration were shared by Fr Carl and his honesty was greatly appreciated. Fr Carl’s sharing provided a springboard for group reflection regarding how members experienced the life of the province at the moment.
The day concluded with a short session introducing some of the suggested amendments to our Statutes.
Eucharist was celebrated by three of the confreres from Venezuela, Fr Yonys Mendoza, Fr Eliel Araujo and Fr Deiby Fuenmayor.
Wednesday (3rd May) will continue the process on reflecting on the Chapter theme of ‘Return to Your First Love’.
“Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road”
Luke 24:32
