Feb 15, 2020
Gospel Reflection
You have learned how it was said to our ancestors;
but I say this to you.
The Gospel (Matthew 5:17-37).
In this reading he gives a new understanding of the commandments believed to have been revealed to Moses on Sinai, and he does this with authority, implicitly placing himself above Moses. He brings out deeper implications of the commandments. To take some examples: With regard to the commandment “You shall not kill (murder)” – murder was a most serious sin, even blasphemy since it destroyed the image of God in a human person. Jesus goes beyond the negative “You shall not” to the positive, highlighting the regard and esteem in which the human person should be held, and the actions deriving from this: forgiveness and reconciliation, absence of anger and insulting nicknames, such as Raca (an obscure term of abuse), fool or renegade. (These terms of abuse must have been considered very insulting in the original Aramaic setting, given the severe punishment attached.) Jesus goes beyond adultery, to impure thoughts and desires. He goes beyond the permission to divorce to a complete ban on divorce; beyond the permission and practice of taking oaths to advice to avoid all oaths, and lead a simple life where one’s word should be sufficient guarantee. Jesus’ purpose in all this is made clear at the end of this comparison with “those of ancient times”, when he says:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
In Sirach’s (Ecclesiasticus’, from which first reading is taken) day the question was implicitly put: “Can we keep the commandments”, and answered categorically in the positive by that sage. Similar questions have been put with regard to the Sermon on the Mount, and indeed with regard to many tenets of Catholic moral teaching. Indeed many have complained that the teaching of part of today’s Gospel reading, from the passage “Do not kill” down to “Do not commit adultery. In this context the words of Dostoevsky’s Grand Inquisitor are recalled, to the effect that “Jesus judged humanity too highly”, for “it was created weaker and lower than Christ thought”. With regard to this we may note that this reading, apart from the ban on divorce, is not a law code. Rather is it a presentation of the nature of the kingdom of God, of Christ’s kingdom, and of the perfection to which those within it are called. The passage clearly states that with Jesus a new age has come, and his followers are called to be witnesses to this new age in their way of life. Another matter discussed today is whether we can live in keeping with the Gospel message, or with the morality as taught by the Church. Christ was once addressed a similar question, to which he replied:
“For God all things are possible”.
Fr Martin McNamara MSC
Feb 10, 2020
“A rich world and vibrant economy can and should end poverty”
Pope Francis calls on economists and Financial leaders during his impromptu conference in the Vatican last week. His holiness stated in his talk of “New Forms of Solidarity” that “modern resources make ending global poverty possible” an “outdated financial structure is endangering our planet and dividing our societies.”
Presenting keynotes at the conference were- the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, Nobel Laureate Economist Joseph Stiglitz, and Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs. Off the record, Sachs delivered a speech on “Restoring the Ethical Foundations of Economics,” .
“You, who have kindly gathered here, are the financial leaders and economic specialists of the world, you know firsthand what are the injustices of our current global economy, or the injustices of each country. Let’s work together to end these injustices” Francis told them.
This solidarity conference has taken place ahead of the upcoming International summit “The Economy of Francesco” — named for the the pope’s patron, St. Francis of Assisi. This conference will bring 2,000 young economists and entrepreneurs together in Assisi March 26-28 to explore alternatives to the current global economic system that will be of more help to the poor and environment.
Amartya Sen and Muhammad Yunus ,Nobel laureate economists, will provide the opening statements of the International summit.
“The 50 richest people in the world have an equity equivalent to 2.2 trillion dollars. Those 50 people alone could finance the medical care and education of every poor child in the world, whether through taxes, philanthropic initiatives or both. Those 50 people could save millions of lives,” Francis told the conference. “If there is extreme poverty in the midst of wealth – also extreme wealth – it is because we have allowed the gap to widen to become the largest in history,” he added.
“If there is extreme poverty in the midst of wealth – also extreme wealth – it is because we have allowed the gap to widen to become the largest in history,” he said.
“A new ethic means being aware of the need for everyone to commit to work together to close the fiscal lairs, avoid evasions and money laundering that steal from society, as well as tell the nations the importance of defending the justice and the common good over the interests of the most powerful companies and multinationals – which end up suffocating and preventing local production,” he stated.
“Hundreds of millions of people are still mired in extreme poverty and lack food, housing, medical care, schools, electricity, drinking water and adequate and indispensable sanitation services. It is estimated that approximately 5 million children under 5 this year will die from poverty. Another 260 million children will lack education due to lack of resources, due to wars and migrations,” the pope said and “These realities should not be cause for despair, no, but for action.”
Referenced from www.catholicworldreport.com
Feb 4, 2020
Young boys and girls all over the country are getting ready for their First Holy Communions and Confirmations that are coming up soon and here at MSC missions we have a wide range of gifts for them to remember their special day.
From gold-foil embossed cards to a specially selected range of gifts, you’ll find the perfect keepsake to mark the big day.
Our beautifully designed Communion and Confirmation cards each contain a prayer for the child celebrating the sacrament, and those named in each card will be remembered in the Masses and prayers of our MSC priests at this special time.
From prayer books and missals to photo frames and albums, our collection of gifts and keepsakes has something for everyone.
Our First Holy Communion and Confirmation sets make a wonderful gift with all of the essentials to celebrate the day. Choose from a boy’s, girl’s, or classic white set, each one containing a prayer book, a set of Rosary beads, and a pendant or rosette.
Our classic Roman Missals are an ideal gift for a special Confirmation Day, with elegant gold highlights and gilt-edged pages. Choose from a pure white or dark blue cover, which is also made with Balacron for extra durability.
Of course, no Communion or Confirmation day would be complete without photographs to mark the occasion! From decorative resin to classic silver-toned photo frames, you’ll be sure to find a lovely way to display treasured memories of a very special day.
Remember, when you choose from our range of cards and gifts, you’re not just making a special gesture for a loved one, but you’re also reaching out to help vulnerable children across the globe. Your support helps us to continue bringing the gift of hope to families and communities in need all over the world. 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 OURÂ COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION RANGES
Feb 1, 2020
The MSC Center for the Poor in the Philippines initiates a project called “Beat the Plastic” in Butuan. “Small-scale activities in respond to global warming may not be the ultimate solution but surely will give a big impact to our environmental problem” says Fr Ritchie Gomez MSC community leader. The Center bought a Plastic Pulverizer & Densifier Machine that makes Plastic Trash into Bricks or Flower Pots .
Butuan Beat the Plastic project in operation.
“During preparation, we have to properly collect used cooking oil from establishments or household kitchens, instead of throwing them away to the sink or canals that may cause cloggings. Garbage styro foams and plastics (washed/clean/dry) will also be needed. ”
“We hope for greater efforts and unity towards a sustainable environment that will also benefit human beings.”
A single resident in Butuan produces an average of .7 kilograms of waste a day. Hence, 8,400 to 8,600 tons of garbage is accumulated in every City across the country everyday. This is 25% of the country’s daily solid waste generation of 35,000 tons.
About half of the garbage is bio-degradable waste such as food scraps, leftovers, and animal carcasses. About 17% are paper and 16% are plastics. The rest are discarded metal, ceramics, rubber and leather.
The social costs of wastes are not managed wisely and are devastating. Ill effect of peoples’ health, socio economic condition, coastal aquamarine environment, and climate is observable. Slum communities generally emit smelly, disgusting, filthy, yucky and revolting putrid smells. Flies and rats abound and hence endless health problems. On the other hand, if managed wisely, these wastes can be turned positive. Indeed, somebody’s waste can be another’s treasure (concept of Zero Waste).
When God created the world, everything was good and has its own purpose and interconnected harmoniously. The concept of “waste” or “garbage” is human’s – a clear damage of the integrity of creation. The extent of the destruction has reached a level where human kind is threatened of its meaningful existence. All the streams and rivers within our cities are considered dead. Half a century ago, these waters were the source of life for the people. These days these rivers cannot sustain any life.
Ownership of land in the rural areas and in the urban centers is concentrated on few families pushing the majority in the margins such as riverbanks, under the bridge, on the beach front, and in the side streets. Slum living is the life condition of the majority in the urban centers in the Philippines.
“Beat the plastic” is hope for the Butuan community to organise their community and gather their collective efforts to carry out the following:
1. Education on the integrity of creation .Restoring the integrity of creation calls for a “new vision” and a “new heart.” Genesis 1:2 tells us that everything in the world that God made was good, beautiful and fruitful. And humankind was made as stewards of this beautiful creation. The need to respect all beings which constitute the world – humans, plants, animals, birds, air, water, etc. shall be promoted. This respect prevents humankind from using the elements in our environment indiscriminately, according to what we want. The delicate balance must not be disturbed. Otherwise, all forms of life are threatened.
2. Zero Waste and Segregation/Garbage Management
Garbage must be managed from its source. Industries need to ensure that when things go out from their sites, these are not poison to living things. Households need to manage wisely the kitchen refuse for greater value. But these facts remain to be campaigned vigorously and militantly. Consumerism has pushed the people into wanton buying and disposing. Overproduction of goods has flooded the earth with lots of junks.
Zero waste – Nature is designed as a zero-waste system. Every out- put is someone else’s input. There is no such thing as waste in nature. By contrast, the human economy is full of waste: waste that is produced while sourcing from nature. Only tiny fractions of our waste are being cycled back into a closed-loop system of reuse.
3. Ecological Balance
Caring for creation includes acceptance of the fact that natural resources are limited. Some are not renewable. Using them as if they are inexhaustible, with absolute dominion, seriously endangers their availability not only of the present generation but above all for generations to come. Care for the sustainability of the material environment is also caring for our fellow human beings who will come after us. A sense of solidarity with future generations should move us to care for our environment now.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Jan 30, 2020
November 2019 saw great excitement for our MSC communities in Mozambique, when a visit from Bishop LuĂs Fernando “revived the faith and strengthened the bonds of friendship” among local parishes, according to the MSC Mozambique Facebook page.
Many families in the region are still working to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the savage cyclones that hit their country early last year. In mid-March of 2019, Cyclone Idai wreaked havoc in north-eastern Mozambique, killing over 600 people, and just six weeks later, at the end of April, the Pemba region was hit again by Cyclone Kenneth, with the death toll rising further. In addition, over 21,000 people lost their homes, livestock and crops; for many people in the area, the cyclones signalled the end of life as they knew it.
This dual disaster was a devastating blow to a country that was already struggling, and every little helps a lot. During his visit to the region, Bishop LuĂs met with local communities and performed blessings and ceremonies that were a tremendous boost to parishioners, bringing them together in reflection and thanksgiving.
On his visit to the MSC missionary area, Bishop LuĂs stopped in Quissanga, an area particularly affected by last year’s natural disaster, where he visited hospital patients. Quissanga is just one of the places that suffered a great deal from the effects of the cyclones, and the bishop’s visit brought renewed motivation and encouragement to the people in the region.
The MSC Mozambique Facebook page expresses their gratitude towards Bishop LuĂs, posting: “Thank you to our pastor for the availability of the heart”.
Our MSCs continue their tireless work in aiding these families in their struggle to rebuild their lives. Please keep our MSCs and the communities they serve in your prayers – all support, no matter how big or small, provides very welcome encouragement and much-needed practical aid as they continue on their mission.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN MOZAMBIQUE
Images via the MSC Mozambique Facebook page.
Jan 23, 2020
The Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) are a vital part of our Sacred Heart Family, working all over the world, often in partnership with MSCs, under our shared motto:
“May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved.”
OLSH in Brazil
Helping a children’s choir
The municipality of Mirinzal is a small, remote region in Maranhão, Brazil. Sr Maria José dos Santos Lira runs a children’s choir in the area, which gives local children great motivation and inspiration to be part of something bigger. The OLSH Sisters teach the children about music and liturgy, and choir regularly performs during special liturgical events in the parish.
Families in the region have very little, and the OLSH Sisters are doing their best to keep the choir going with the extremely limited resources available to them. The choir are currently raising funds for new equipment, including two microphones, a cajon (a local musical instrument), and a keyboard stand.
The cost of these items is low: €21.50 will buy a microphone, €43 will pay for their new cajon, and a new keyboard stand costs just €21.50. A small donation will make a truly great difference to these children as they create bright and beautiful music in a life dogged by hardship and poverty.
A centre for the elderlyÂ
In the convent in São Paulo, Brazil, Sr Maria da Paricida leads the sisters in local social work. Twice a week, elderly people from the area attend workshops that provide lessons in different life skills, such as technology classes, yoga sessions, English classes, embroidery lessons, and choir practise, among other things. The main aim of the Sisters’ work here is to help these elderly people feel part of the wider community, fighting in the face of loneliness and the depression brought about by extended solitude.
The majority of people who come to these workshops are very poor, and have no other opportunities to meet and mix with others. However, the hall where they currently gathering is in poor condition and is currently in need of repair to create a comfortable space for these elderly people to gather together to learn. The Sisters here are raising funds to buy paint as part of the hall restoration.
A donation of just €110 will provide paint for the entire hall, and will help to provide a bright, comfortable space for elderly people who have nowhere else to go.
Residents’ Association Stove
The area of Morumbinho, on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo, is home to approximate 800 families. The majority of these families are migrants who are living in extreme poverty. The local Residents’ Association have appealed to the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for funds to purchase a professional stove, which will allow them to cook for the families who are unable to provide meals for themselves.
Just €175 will cover the cost of the new stove and provide desperately needed meals for families who have no other way to feed themselves.
OLSH in Cameroon
As a result of social and political unrest in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, many children have been displaced from their homes and families, and are seeking shelter with extended family in the towns of Baffusam, Yaounde, and Douala. Many of these children are suffering greatly as a result of malnutrition and poor hygiene, and the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the locality are doing their best to help.
Regional leader Sr Marie Solange OKO is raising funds for an aid project which will assist 50 internally displaced children in the Yaounde region, providing food, essential medication, and basic hygiene products.
Just €125 will support one of these children for five months.
CAN YOU HELP THE OLSH SISTERS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
OLSH in Papua New Guinea
A safe Novitiate Chapel
The OLSH Novitiate in Papua New Guinea is located on Yule Island, where the first MSCs and OLSH Sisters began their mission over 130 years ago. Since then, the OLSH Sisters in the region have set up schools and health centres to help local communities, and today, there are 86 Sisters currently working in the area.
Recently, the Sisters’ novitiate chapel had to be demolished following an infestation by white ants. They are sorely feeling the lack of this sacred space, and are raising funds to rebuild the chapel at a total cost of €4,800.
Daru School Library Books
The region of Daru in Papua New Guinea is an extremely isolated one, which takes five days to reach by boat, or a flight in a small place followed by another journey on land. This area is plagued by poverty and hardship, and two OLSH Sisters are currently teaching in the school there. The conditions are very basic, and the school’s library facilities are extremely limited. The books are old and in poor condition, and students must share books between them during their classes.
The Sisters in the Daru school are appealing for help, at a cost of €1,330 to purchase the books that the school so desperately needs. Education is the only hope for many of these children, and the gift of a book can make all the difference to their future.
OLSH in the Philippines
Sr Precy Peralta is principal of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Integrated School, an OLSH-run pre-school in the Philippines that currently accommodates 54 children. The majority of these children come from backgrounds of extreme poverty, and resources are very limited within the school.
The school is currently in need of a steel cabinet to store important documents safely, at a cost of €300, and a TV for classroom use, at a cost of €250. These small additions will make a great difference to the quality of education and administration for the staff and children at the school.
OLSH in South Sudan
The region of Mapuordit is currently home to four OLSH Sisters, two from Australia and two from Indonesia, who minister to the two groups living in the area, the Dinka and the Jur. Children from both groups attend the OLSH primary and secondary schools there, with 1,400 primary school pupils and 440 secondary school students.
In recent years, the OLSH Sisters have been trying to make the best possible use of the land around the schools by cultivating it for growth. The Sisters currently grow vegetables such as sweet potatoes and green vegetables for consumption by local families, using the natural resources available to provide a much-needed food source. The land in the region is extremely fertile, but with six months of regular rain and a six-month dry season, the garden is in need of a simple irrigation system to allow it to be used on a year-round basis.
The Sisters here are appealing for the funds to successfully establish and maintain two gardens. With a borehole fitted with a hand pump costing €8,000, the cost of each garden will total just over €10,000 – an investment which will provide years upon years of profit to local communities, from being a source of nutritious food to providing students with the physical and mental benefits of gardening.
PLEASE SUPPORT OLSH GLOBAL OUTREACH
