by Elisa Feiritear | Aug 7, 2025 | Latest News, News, News & Media
Summer has brought wonderful celebrations to the MSC mission in Mozambique, with a beautiful ceremony honouring Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in May, and a special Pentecost Vigil in June.
The parish of Santa Marta hosted both events, with all its customary enthusiasm and joy! Fr José Eduardo presided over a celebration of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at the end of May, the Month of Mary, and the ceremony was one of “great joy and faith”, “enriched by songs, prayers, and expressions of deep spirituality”.
The community gathered to pray together to Our Lady, “who welcomes us with tenderness and leads us to the Heart of her Son Jesus”. “This was a time of renewal of faith, trust and surrender,” writes the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique – a sentiment that resonates with us here as we prepare for our own Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road at the end of August.
On Saturday, June 7th, the Pentecost Vigil Mass “brought together youth from the parishes of Vigararia East in the Diocese of Pemba”. Participants were joined by the MSC students on the mission, for an evening of “prayer, reflection, and brotherly sharing, in a true breath of the Spirit that renewed hearts and strengthened the fellowship and missionary fervor of the participants”.
The following morning, a Pentecost Mass brought an end to the celebrations, “where everyone gathered as a living Church invoked the Holy Spirit to illuminate and guide the path of youth and mission”.
These pictures shared on the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique perfectly embody the wonderful spirit of community and faith in the parish of Santa Marta and beyond, as we continue to keep our MSC brothers and the communities they serve in the Diocese of Pemba in our prayers.
Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique
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by Elisa Feiritear | Jul 31, 2025 | News, News & Media, Publications, What we do
Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of the MSC Message!
- Read a special greeting from Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.
- Catch up on the latest news from the mission fields, including updates from the Holy Family Care Centre in Africa, from our MSC brothers in Mozambique, from the MSC Centre for the Poor in the Philippines, and from the Chevalier Training Centre in Fiji.
- Enjoy pictures from Holy Week and Easter celebrations and ceremonies around the world.
- Read a special tribute to the late Pope Francis, and learn more about our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
- Fr Alan Neville MSC writes from South Sudan, where he is currently ministering with the Loreto team in Rumbek.
- Find the latest updates from the Province of the Pacific Islands, where this year so far has seen eight young men beginning their pre-novitiate journey, two MSC brothers undertaking their Perpetual Profession, and great celebrations for the ordination of Fr Richard Momo MSC.
Please click here to read the Summer 2025 edition of the MSC Message
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by Elisa Feiritear | Jul 24, 2025 | News, News & Media, What we do
The MSC Centre for the Poor (MSC CFTP) was established in Butuan City in the Philippines in 2018, under the leadership of Fr Richie Gomez MSC. Dedicated to helping the poor and marginalised in society, it has a specialised focus on nurturing both the earth and the community in harmony.
The MSC Centre for the Poor Agricultural Cooperative (MSC CEPAGCO) followed in 2020. Now with over 300 members, and having received the award for most outstanding Civil Society Organisation in the country, the MSC CFTP and MSC CEPAGCO are going from strength to strength, with multiple community centres across the Philippines sharing their core vision:
“Care for the Earth, Care for the People, Share the Surplus.”
CAN YOU HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
A SCHOOL OF LOVE
The MSC CEPAGCO works to advocate for the common good, ensuring food sustainability and empowering several marginalised groups including small-scale farmers, indigenous communities, repatriated overseas Filipino workers, and people struggling with personal challenges such as drug dependency.
With a focus on organic productions, they incorporate pigs, poultry, vegetables, rice, and fertiliser among their organic projects, as well as practical handiwork such as building furniture from wood.
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT THE MSC CENTRE FOR THE POOR
CARE FOR OUR COMMON WORLD
The cooperative’s newest project aims to empower a “New Breed of Indigenous Farmers” who will focus on “ecological resilience” to “carry, care, and continue to provide the nation with affordable, accessible organic healthy food, and bring security and joy to every Filipino’s table.”
With a firm foundation well underway, the MSC CFTP and CEPAGCO are always looking to improve and expand to benefit as many people as possible. Their latest endeavours include collaborating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by applying to be an official TESDA assessment centre, and establishing additional vocational courses, as well as renovating and improving on-site buildings to become study and accommodation facilities for larger student groups.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR 2025 SUMMER APPEAL
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You can donate through PayPal, with or without a PayPal account.
Thank you so much for your support.*
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by Elisa Feiritear | Jul 24, 2025 | News, News & Media, What we do
Becky and her baby
CHANGE FOR GENERATIONS
Young women in South Sudan face severe challenges when it comes to education. Following decades of conflict and violence, it is one of the most difficult places in the world for girls to access education and complete their schooling.
- While figures are slightly improving, it remains that less than 40% of girls in South Sudan attend school.
- Over 50% of girls are married before the age of 18.
- Young women in South Sudan are often traded by their families for dowries in cattle. This “bride price” means the women are expected to stay at home and fulfil domestic duties with very little chance of education or progression.
- It is reported that a young girl in South Sudan is more likely to die in childbirth than she is to complete secondary school.
Sarah and her baby
MSCs SUPPORTING EDUCATION
Fr Alan Neville MSC is currently working as principal at the Catholic University in Rumbek, South Sudan. Along with the Loreto Rumbek primary and secondary schools, the team here work to champion education for women in the region. The benefits are tremendous, not only for the women themselves, but for their families, their communities, their children, and for future generations to come.
Dolla studies with her little girl, Nyanduer, and is also pregnant at the moment.
CAN YOU HELP?
A DAY IN THE LIFE…
Helena is 25 years old and is in her second year of a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She has three other children along with six-month-old Isabella. Here, we learn more about what it’s like to be a young mother studying in South Sudan.
Helena and her baby, Isabella
An early start…
A day of study begins early for Helena and her fellow students. Hardly any South Sudanese people own their own car, and these women generally have to walk to classes, often carrying their baby with them. Their journeys are often long – one of the current female students walks about an hour and a half to get to her classes, and then home again afterwards.
High hopes
Most women are studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), in the hope of starting their own business, or being employed by an NGO. Others are studying for a Bachelor of Education (BEd). Those studying to be teachers are extremely dedicated, as teaching is not a highly paid position, and it is not unheard of for teachers to receive no payment at all for months on end. Their desire is to educate, having worked so hard to gain that education for themselves.
Culture & climate
South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, and is still suffering the consequences of a civil war which ended in 2018. The women who have lived through this are remarkably resilient, but the lack of basic services, such as essential healthcare, presents difficulties. In addition, the climate can be challenging, with rainy season living up to its name, and intense heatwaves seeing temperatures reach over 40°C. It is not uncommon for the government to issue closure orders for schools when this happens, and in recent times, these mums have had to sit exams in stifling temperatures – often caring for a baby at the same time.
“During the day it is hot,” says Helena. “Our temperatures can go up to 42°C, so it is difficult to study. Our lecturers are very committed and we don’t miss a single class.”
Helena and Isabella
Overcoming financial challenges
Support systems
Being able to bring their babies to class is a key factor for the success of these young women. As well as partial funding, practical help is also available, such as the provision of baby kits and mats for babies to lie on while their mums study.
“When you are pregnant in other universities you are suspended, but here we are allowed to bring our babies with us and this really helps,” Helena explains.
Mary and her baby
Late-night study
Less than 9% of the population here has access to electricity in the home, and the sun sets every night by 6.00pm. Up until recently, students would study at home with only the light of a mobile phone to read by. A Late-Night Study programme now runs three evenings a week, allowing students to work in the library until 8.00pm. This has been helpful, but it is still taboo for a woman to be out after dark unaccompanied.
Empowering future generations
Without doubt, the women of South Sudan live a harsh life, but these students are resolved to get ahead and to create a brighter future for their own children. Veronica is studying for a BBA, pictured here with her son, Elly, who is currently working towards a BEd, and Elly’s sons.
Veronica with her son Elly and her grandchildren
Veronica stresses the vital importance of education, leading the way for her son, and now for her grandchildren too.
“Education is very important for so many things,” Veronica says. “If you are not educated, you are not going anywhere.”
PLEASE HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOUTH SUDAN
SUPPORTING WOMEN IN LEARNING
From the provision of baby kits and mats for infants to lie on in lectures, to scholarships and after-hours study with an electricity supply, the Catholic University in Rumbek is doing everything in their power to ensure that female students have every opportunity to finish their education, with the support of the MSC.
These women, with their incredible strength and determination, have big dreams for themselves and for their children. Your support is invaluable in helping us to help them.
Eliza and her baby
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT OUR 2025 SUMMER APPEAL
*Please note that donations are currently being processed via PayPal.
You can donate through PayPal, with or without a PayPal account.
Thank you so much for your support.*
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by Elisa Feiritear | Jul 24, 2025 | News, News & Media
Our first official 2025 MSC fundraising hike took place in Gougane Barra on Sunday, July 20th, and despite a weather warning falling on the day, it was a resounding success.
A team of 12 hikers, led by Sid from Cork Backpackers and Fiona from the MSC Missions Office, took on an 11.6km hike around beautiful Gougane Barra – and even the rain couldn’t dampen their spirits!
The group took the hike at a lovely pace, stopping for breaks and taking in the magnificent landscape over the ancient woodlands of Gougane Barra. The history of the area takes us back as far as the sixth century, when St Finbarr founded his monastery on the island – and according to legend, banished the serpent Lú from the lake, creating the River Lee in its wake!
Heartfelt thanks to all who took part on the day, helping to raise over €500 for our mission projects around the world. It was a wonderful experience for all involved, and we’re already looking forward to our next hike, which will take place in St Declan’s Way, Co. Waterford, in September.
Whether your boots are well worn already or you’re an enthusiastic beginner, you are very welcome to join us on our next adventure!
Full details will be available soon, so keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information – and in the meantime, you can contact us at info@mscmissions.ie if you would like to register your interest early. We look forward to seeing you there!
by Elisa Feiritear | Jul 4, 2025 | Events, News, News & Media
Our 2025 Novena to the Sacred Heart has come to an end, and it is with truly grateful hearts that we thank everybody who helped to make it such a special occasion for all involved.
This year’s Novena took place from Thursday, June 19th to Friday, June 27th, at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork – newly decorated just in time for the occasion! We were delighted to see so many familiar faces join us during the Novena, and of course to welcome new friends along too. Almost 11,000 people joined us in prayer on our live stream over the course of the nine days, from close to home and across the world, reminding us in such a lovely way that we are all very much interconnected and part of something bigger, part of a great community of faith, wherever in the world we may be located.
Parish priest Fr Con Doherty MSC introduces Fr Des Farren MSC at the opening Mass of our 2025 Novena to the Sacred Heart
Parish priest Fr Con Doherty MSC began the opening Mass of this year’s Novena, which centred on the theme “Anchor of Hope, Mercy & Courage for our ‘turbulent times!’”. “A very, very warm welcome to all who are gathered here this morning, and a very warm welcome to all who are joining us on live stream,” he said. “We have a great sense of gratitude to God that we’re here on such a wonderful day as we set out on our boats into this beautiful Novena, within really kind of troubled waters, but we know where to find refuge.”
An open, loving heart
This set the tone for the nine days ahead, and Fr Des Farren MSC gave a beautiful opening sermon on the origins of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, as he reflected on the openness of the Sacred Heart itself. “It’s not enclosed, it’s open,” he said. “This is not some distant God, this is God made man, whose heart is opened out of love for all of us.”
Fr Des returned for Day 2 of the Novena, leading us in thought on how we respond to and accept God’s in our lives. “Whatever the darkness is, illness, events of your past, family difficulties, perhaps financial difficulties, or loneliness… Stop, think, and pray,” he said. “Let God come in, he’ll show you a way.”
Fr Des Farren MSC
Day 3 of the Novena saw Fr Des’ final sermon, on the encyclical on the Sacred Heart – the Sacred Heart embodying that “divine love that seeks the salvation and wellbeing of every person, offering a visible and tangible expression of God’s infinite compassion.”
On Day 4, we welcomed Fr Terry O’Brien MSC, leading us in a reflection on fellowship, hope, and healing. “It has been rightly remarked, in my opinion, that the consumerism of modern life, it’s not that it makes us want too much, but it makes us want too little,” said Fr Terry. “It diverts our attention to lesser things. To live according to modern consumerism principles is full of appeals to our most precious possession – our attention. And there is so much that conspires to steal our attention, which is the most important thing we have to offer to others. And so, we come to Holy Mass, to the Eucharist, to be fed, for the table of the Lord is large and there are many seats around it.”
“Nobody is left out, all are welcome.”
Day 5 of the Novena brought us a wonderful talk from Cathy O’Sullivan, who has a background in midwifery and education, and specialises in breath awareness. She explained how both breathing, and a devotion to the Sacred Heart, helped her through her treatment for breast cancer, and led us through some useful breathing exercises that can benefit us in coping with daily stresses and strains. “When we trust in the Sacred Heart, we are telling him that we love him, and trust that he will take us through any situation that we will encounter in this life, be it stressful or joyful. Breathing and praying to the Sacred Heart during times of stress and anxiety helps to keep us grounded. We take in oxygen when we breathe to sustain us, and we hand over our concerns and our worries to the Lord.”
Cathy O’Sullivan
Deacon Thady joined us on Day 6 of the Novena as we prayed for healing, speaking of the importance of spiritual healing, encouraging and building each other up as a spiritual community. “Somebody with a nourished healthy spirit thinks in a very healthy way, and this then leads to physical healing,” he explained.
A special day of healing: Mass was celebrated by Fr Seamus Kelly MSC, who was joined by Fr Con Doherty MSC and Fr Tom Mulcahy MSC, with a sermon by Deacon Thady.
We welcomed Julianna Crowley to the Sacred Heart Church on Day 8 of the Novena, healthcare chaplain in Cork University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital. Julianna spoke of bereavement, grief, and loss – the stillness of time in a very desolate and difficult place, and hearts that continue to search for “healing, consolation, answers, and hope”. In a beautiful reflection, she reminded us that our loved ones are “at the heart of Jesus, in the home of Heaven.” “As we hold each other together here in this church, it’s okay to be tearful, it’s okay to remember, it’s okay to feel sad,” Julianna said, and invited everyone present, and watching online, to remember lost loved ones in a very special and sacred moment.
Julianna Crowley
Irish Provincial Leader Fr Joe McGee MSC celebrated the final two days of Novena Masses, reminding us of the “wonderful, inclusive, hospitable, generous love of our welcoming God.” “That’s for you and me, for all of us here in the Church, for all of us watching online, for all of our people who have sent in petitions – nobody is left out, all are welcome.”
“Ours is a God who takes a personal interest in each one of us – he doesn’t just look down through the crowds here, and say, ‘oh that’s the crowd in the Sacred Heart on the Western Road this morning’. He looks down and he sees, oh that’s Margaret, and Dearbhla, and John, and Patrick, and Joseph, and he sees each one of us personally – and as the Gospel says, he takes great delight in each one of us,” Fr Joe reflected.
“Even with our faults and our failings and our scars and our wounds, he takes great delight in each one of us. He cares passionately about what ails us, and what are our deepest desires. He desires to hear our prayers, to walk with us on the journey of our lives – and all of our lives are so different, and take so many different paths. He walks with each one of us.”
Fr Joe McGee MSC
With heartfelt thanks
Each of our speakers provided us with great pause for thought in their daily reflections, helping us to look ever deeper in our spiritual reflection and healing. As Fr Con reminded us, “The Sacred Heart is like a jewel – turn it this way and there’s one dimension, turn it another way and there’s another dimension.” Each of our daily speakers helped us to see the beauty of so many of these different dimensions, leading us down useful, interesting, and healing paths of prayer and thought.
We are truly grateful to all who contributed to making this year’s Novena such a resounding success, as we take with us, as Fr Joe said, “the wonderful message to be the heart of God in our world, in whatever little part of the world we inhabit.” The time and effort that went into the many details, big and small, from the flowers and music and readings, to the teas and coffees and socialising, and the planning of all the details in between, is always hugely appreciated. “This couldn’t happen without a community effort,” said Fr Con. “We’re full of gratitude to God, and full of gratitude to all here at the Sacred Heart Parish. And we’re always conscious that we’re building on the shoulders of others, what we’re doing now, it has been done before, and when we’re gone, there’ll be others to carry on the flame.” To all who joined us in prayer, be it in person or online, your presence has been a blessing and a gift. 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.
