Fr David Nixon MSC, Fr Joe McGee MSC 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, 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.
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’.
The presentation put on by the pupils of Loreto Rumbeck in South Sudan for Easter celebrations was truly awe-inspiring. They shared some amazing photographs on Facebook, the dramatic procession that was staged for Good Friday was a deeply moving depiction of the sobering journey that Our Lord had to endure, portraying the Way of the Cross.
Each student brought a sense of passion and sincerity to their role, imbuing their character with a depth of pure emotion and humanity. The portrayal of the crucifixion was especially moving, a testament to the creativity and dedication of the students, as well as the power of the Easter message.
Our own Fr Alan Neville MSC, who has been in South Sudan since November 2020, then lead the joyous resurrection’s celebrations of Easter Dawn Mass on Easter Sunday.
We are deeply enamored to see such powerful work happening in South Sudan, well done to all involved.
Images via the Loreto Schools Rumbek Facebook page
Last March 25th was a day of great significance for the MSC Center for the Poor Agriculture Cooperative in Butaun, Philippines. It marked the anniversary of the organisation, coinciding with Annunciation Day.
Fr. Richie and the Members of the Agricultural Cooperative held their 2nd General Assembly, to celebrate both these events. For the Members, who are mostly farmers from Mindanao, it is a day of hope, a moment to look forward to the future and to reflect on the truly amazing achievements. One of these achievements is the Award for the Most Outstanding CSO in the Country, awarded by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. The Awards states:
“For sharing best practises that demonstrate their dedicated efforts and valuable contributions resulting in outstanding and impactful engagement as beneficiary of agricultural and fishery programs and projects towards uplifting the lives of the farmers and fisher folk in their locality.” It is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of everyone involved in this organisation.
The cooperative has been experiencing fast growth and expansion, which is thanks in large part to the leadership of Fr. Richie MSC and the commitment of its members. The cooperative has become a beacon of hope for the farmers of Mindanao, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to improve their livelihoods.
“Of course we always look with debt of gratitude to the MSC Irish
Province and to your people there for considering us in your fundraising activities.
I hope and pray that we can collaborate and work more together in mission.”
~ Fr. Richie MSC
This just emphasises how important the many contributions from our MSC friends are. That they have helped to achieve this high achievement is a blessing for us all. With continued perseverance and commitment, the future of the Center for the Poor Agriculture Cooperative in Butaun, Philippines looks very bright indeed.
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We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s draw.
This year’s MSC Easter Draw took place on Wednesday, April 5th 2023.
As our 2023 World Projects Appeal continues, our Sisters in the Daughters of the Lady of the Sacred Heart have been in contact to express their gratitude for the support of our mission friends here in the Irish Province.
Sr Marie-Laure writes from Burkina Faso, where the OLSH community are raising funds for construction work to improve the educational facilities in the school of Jules Chevalier de Ouagadougou. “It is a great joy for us Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Burkina Faso to express to you our gratitude for all that you do for us,” she says. “We are very grateful to you. May the Lord through Mary Our Lady of the Sacred Heart accompany you in your mission.”
Provincial Leader Sr Marie Solange also writes from Africa, with thanks for the support given to OLSH communities across the province. “I come with gratitude to you this day to express our joy and thanks in the name of the Province of Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Africa,” she writes. “Through your support, we have been able to improve certain activities in education, health care, or simply the means to ensure our mission. We really appreciate with all our heart this contribution for our province in construction.”
“On behalf of the African Province, I would like to express our gratitude,” adds Sr Clotilde. “Thank you for supporting our projects, and for your interest and attention to our mission in Africa. May the Lord repay you a hundredfold and shower you with his blessings.”
Finally, Sr Renisa has been in touch from Brazil, where current projects included care for the elderly, a kindergarten for vulnerable children, providing liturgical items and catechism books for communities in remote locations, and the support of a second-hand shop whose proceeds go towards feeding 65 local families each month. “I am writing to say a huge thank you for your support of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Brazil, for our ministry to those in need. I wish that you could see face to face the joy and relief your help spreads among the people which we work with. God bless you!”
MSCs and OLSH Sisters all over the world continue on our shared mission to make a difference to the people and places that need it most. There’s still time to take part in this year’s World Projects Appeal, where we’re highlighting some of the projects that need our immediate attention in the coming months. We add our voices to those of our OLSH Sisters as we thank you sincerely for your support – together, we can make a world of difference.
PLEASE CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT
OUR 2023 WORLD PROJECTS APPEAL