Jun 19, 2019
Cork City has a bright and welcome new addition â Brew132, a Catholic cafĂ© serving up evangelism and faith alongside coffee and cake. Located on Washington Street, Cork, Brew 132 opened its doors in early April, offering warm hospitality and hope to the community of Cork and beyond, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support this new and exciting venture for the young Catholic community in the local area.
âThe concept is based around two ideas,â says Courtney Holbrook, manager of Brew132. âFirstly, there’s a lot of young Catholics in the world (and quite a few here in Cork City), but sometimes it’s hard to connect to each other. So we’re here to try to help connect practising young Catholics to community and bring everyone together. Secondly, there are a lot of people who would go to a cafĂ©, but who would never think of stepping foot in a Church. Our goal is to get to know them and show them Jesus through our joy and our witness. From there we can help connect them to different groups to help them continue to grow in their faith.â
âThe idea of an evangelising cafe is not new,â continues Courtney. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she remarks, âThere are Catholic cafĂ©s in the United States, and a few Christian ones here in Ireland â most notably An Tobar Nua in Galway, which actually gave us a lot of help in starting up here in Cork.â
The initial idea for the establishment of a social hub for Corkâs young Catholics was brought about by Fr Maurice Colgan OP, of the Dominican Order. âI think it’s something he’s been wanting to do for years,â explains Courtney, âbut everything started falling into place this year. He brought me on board last summer, and we’ve been working on it since.â
The cafĂ© has received wonderful support from Cork and beyond. âA number of religious orders/organisations have been involved with funding the cafĂ©: St Joseph’s Charity Shop, Presentation Sisters Cork, Sisters of Mercy Cork, Bon Secours Sisters, Sisters of Charity, Augustians, Capuchins, Franciscans, Domincans, and of course, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.â
âThe Cork NET Group and UCC Chaplaincy are involved, and we’ve also got Juventutum Corcaigh, Cork City Youth 2000, Ignite Prayer Group, Nightfever, and Jesus Youth. Representatives of the leadership of these groups would meet every so often just to help determine the look and ministry in the cafĂ© in the planning stages. Saturdays are also worked by volunteers, and many students are volunteering summer hours with us as well!â
âDo not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.â
A warm welcome is guaranteed to all visitors to the cafĂ©. âWe’ve been very influenced by the charism of hospitality, so the one word to describe what we’re going for is âhomeyâ,â Courtney says. âWe strive to provide a homey atmosphere where we can love our customers through service. It comes from the idea of Hebrews 13:2, one of the verses that inspired the name, that says âDo not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing itâ. Through this homey atmosphere people can begin to experience the love of Christ, and then be more comfortable when we begin to share our faith. I think it also provides a great outlet for Catholics to come in and talk about faith without fear of being judged.â
Brew132 currently offers an extensive menu of hot drinks, alongside an array of tasty treats. The cafĂ© also has a packed bookshelf for visitors to peruse as they sit and sip. âWe’ve got theology books and fictional books that have a moral worldview/ethos,â explains Courtney â with a wide range of titles and authors, even the most discerning reader is likely to find the perfect companion to their morning coffee!
All new ventures come with their own challenges, and this is no different. âFrom a ministry perspective it’s not easy knowing how to approach people about the faith,â explains Courtney. âWe’re starting to get to the point with a few people where we know them well enough to start talking with them about faith, but sometimes we don’t see the opportunity. We’re learning how to make those opportunities without making it awkward.â
However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges in this bustling hub on Washington Street. The cafĂ© is located on the busy street that connects the city centre with University College Cork, and itâs the hope of the Brew132 team that it will become a regular port of call for passing students. âItâs a real highlight to see people return,â notes Courtney. âWe’ve had a few people return for our coffee and we’ve slowly been getting to know them, have gotten to know their names, and can chat with them a bit when they come in. It’s such a small thing, but it’s definitely a highlight for me.â
With an âamazingâ Grand Opening providing great encouragement, the team at Brew132 are already off to a wonderful start. The future looks bright for Corkâs new Catholic cafĂ©, and we at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are delighted to be part of this promising new venture.
Visit Brew132 on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also visit their website,
and read more about the café in a recent article by Greg Daly for The Irish Catholic.
Jun 15, 2019
Gospel Reflection
Mystery of the Blessed Trinity and Mystery of the Church
The Gospel (John 16:12-15):
Everything the Father has is mine; all the Spirit tells you is taken from what is mine.
This reading from Christâs Farewell Discourse is chosen for this feast of the Blessed Trinity because of the mention by Christ (the Son) of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate the feast of the Blessed Trinity, or in the formal title, âThe Solemnity of the Holy Trinityâ. The Trinity is something of an abstraction. We rarely, if ever, hear of devotion to the Blessed Trinity. The Trinity is recognized as the greatest and deepest of the Christian mysteries. It took centuries, with errors, heresies, and bad formulations, for the Church to arrive at the formulation of, or belief in, the Blessed Trinity as we have it today. Belief in the Trinity is belief in one God in three divine persons. As formulated in the latest Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 253-260), the Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the âconsubstantial Trinityâ. The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves, but each of them is God, whole and entire. The divine persons are really distinct from one another.
So much for the theology of belief in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as the Trinity, the one true God. Such theology does not necessarily make for devotion, or a greater understanding of the mystery of the Trinity. This great mystery of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveals the innermost nature and life of God to us: God as love, as saviour, as unity. This mystery of the Blessed Trinity was revealed to us as source and model of our Christian life. In his farewell discourse at the Last Supper, Jesus prayed to his Father for his followers, in all ages to come: âI ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me, I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, … that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved meâ (John 17:20-24). This is practically what Paul says in writing to the Romans, summarised in the heading to todayâs second reading: We go âto God through Christ, in the love poured out by the Holy Spiritâ. The Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers makes them, makes us, aware of our dignity as children of God, called and enabled to live according to the pattern of the inner life of God himself, as revealed by Jesus, and continued in the mystery of the Church. The Church will never be properly understood unless viewed as a mystery, the Body of Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit called to live in accord with that deep mystery which is the Blessed Trinity, and as a witness on earth to the living God, the source of true life.
Fr Martin McNamara MSC
Jun 13, 2019
The final days of May saw MSCs Fr Michael OâConnell and Fr Des Farren join 30 pilgrims from Ireland and the UK on our annual MSC pilgrimage to Fatima. With blue skies and sunshine as a backdrop to prayer, reflection, and conversation, this yearâs five-day trip was a resounding success for all involved.
Our pilgrimage group paused to pray at a number of hallowed stops along the way, including the Basilica of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the Way of the Cross, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the Children of Fatima.
The Basilica of the Holy Trinity was a place of special interest for our pilgrims, as they visited the spectacular sculpture of Christ on the Cross by Irish artist Catherine Greene. The figure is cast in bronze and is five metres tall, suspended in the air on a seven-metre cross behind the altar. Catherine Greene is originally from Galway, but now works from her studio in Co. Kildare. In the creation of this statue, she has embraced all of mankind, incorporating different features from different races in the Christ figure. It is a magnificent sight to behold in the Basilica, which can seat 9,000 people, with space for another 2,000 standing.
Our group also spent some time in Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the Children of Fatima on August 19th, 1917. Here, they also paused to pray at the beautiful shrine which represents the apparition of the Angel of Peace.
The Way of the Cross in Fatima is a special journey indeed, with the path taken along the Stations of the Cross following the pathway that the Children of Fatima would have followed from their homes, down to the grazing grounds where they would have cared for their familyâs sheep. The stations were donated to Fatima by the people of Hungary, and the final station, the Crucifixion scene, is positioned on top of the Church of St Stephen of Hungary.
âThe devotion of the people is perhaps what touched me most about our pilgrimage.â
Fr Michael and Fr Des celebrated Sunday Mass during the pilgrimage, along with approximately 60 other priests from around the world. Sunday Mass is a wonderful celebration overlooking the Capelinha, or the Chapel of the Apparitions, which marks the spot where Our Lady appeared. Every Sunday, a statue of Our Lady is carried from the Capelinha to the open-air altar, often by representatives from the fire brigade or the army, dressed in their best with shining uniforms and helmets.
Our Ladyâs path is lined with pilgrims, singing and waving white handkerchiefs. It is an extremely emotional moment, with many people shedding tears because they wonât return to see Our Lady of Fatima again for at least another year. âThe devotion of these people is perhaps what touched me most about our pilgrimage,â says Fr Michael. âTheir tears are just amazing â there are literally tears running down their faces, they are crying their hearts out. They wonât be back again for at least another year, if at all, and they are crying. Our Lady is going away, and theyâre going away. It was so emotional that it made me cry, too.â
Our pilgrims also stopped to light a candle for their intentions â so many candles are lit here, however, that the heat is overwhelming and the candles all melt into one big flame. The group pilgrimage candle was carried along the journey and returned home to the Sacred Heart Parish in Cork with Fr Michael, who will continue to light it daily for the prayers and intentions of the pilgrimage group until it has burned down completely.
Worldwide connections
The group also ventured to some of the outlying prayer spots in the area. Fr Michael speaks of a special fondness for the statue of the Children of Fatima looking out towards the Chapel of the Apparitions. âThatâs my favourite spot in Fatima,â he says. âThatâs where I like to be the most, because youâre away from the crowd, looking from a distance. I like to step out of the crowds, to stand back and see the bigger picture.â
Our great family of faith offers warmth and encouragement from all over the world, and this became especially clear when Fr Michael bumped into MSCs from Indonesia over breakfast in the groupâs hotel! Fr Nicholaus Adi Seputra MSC, Archbishop of Merauke, Indonesia, and Fr Cayetanus Tarong MSC were travelling with two other MSCs from the Philippines to celebrate 30 years of ordination. It was a fortuitous meeting indeed, as they were leaving Fatima for Rome later that day, continuing their pilgrimage to the Holy Places.
Fr Michael also bumped into an Irish couple, Pat and Mary Leahy from Macroom, Co. Cork, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary while on pilgrimage. Pat and Mary renewed their love for each other before the Our Lady of Fatima statue at the Capelinha, in a wonderful celebration of true and enduring love.
Our group returned home on June 3rd, replenished in body and soul after a truly wonderful trip where new friendships were made, and old and enduring bonds were strengthened. Sincere thanks to all involved for a joyous pilgrimage journey!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MSC PILGRIMAGES
Jun 6, 2019
We were delighted to read this wonderful piece by South African publication Spotlight, highlighting the marvellous work done by Sr Sally Duigan OLSH and the team at the Holy Family Care Centre in Limpopo.
Calling the Holy Family community âthe biggest and happiest family in Limpopoâ, this Spotlight story gives us a glimpse into daily life at the centre, where Sr Sally and her team care for over 70 infants and children. The majority of these children are battling serious illnesses, such as HIV, and many have been orphaned or abandoned.
Founded in 2002, the centre is run by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart with the support of the MSC. We are very pleased to work closely with our Sacred Heart sisters, from fundraising efforts here in the Irish Province to our annual volunteer programme at Holy Family.
âEach child that comes through the gates of HFC is guaranteed two things, regardless of how they arrive or where they come from, they will be loved and well taken care of,â reads the Spotlight article. âAt the moment this is home to 70 children (Sally sheepishly admits that they never turn a child away, sometimes the facility cares for up to 80 children) eight of whom are babies. There is a large staff contingent who care for the children 24/7, bathing them, feeding them, clothing them, teaching them, helping them with homework, playing with them and showering them with heaps and heaps of love. It is absolutely clear that this is one big family.â
It’s a big family, and a happy one. The sense of unity and love at Holy Family is in abundance from the moment one steps through the doors, and Sr Sally is dedicated to ensuring this remains the case for every child that comes into her care.
âAbove all, we continue to give our children love, security, and care, in the hope they will thrive,â she wrote in a letter to our MSC Missions. âWe want them to have the energy to enjoy playtime, be able to learn and live a happy life.â
We are very proud to see Sr Sallyâs tremendous work being recognised â congratulations to all the team at Holy Family!
Read the full Spotlight article
Find out more about our work with the Holy Family Centre
May 30, 2019
“A father holds your hand for a little while, but holds your heart forever.”
This year, we celebrate Fatherâs Day on Sunday, June 16th. Whether you chat to your dad every day, catch up over a cup of tea every week, or hold treasured memories close to your heart, Fatherâs Day is a time to pause and celebrate a very special bond and a love that canât be measured.
On Fatherâs Day, we thank the unsung heroes who work so hard to make the family home a happy and comfortable one, full of joy and laughter. Our collection of Fatherâs Day cards is a truly special way to honour a beloved father, whether you will spend the day with your dad or carry his memory in your heart. Each card contains a lovely Prayer for my Father, and each one also contains remembrance in our Fatherâs Day Triduum of Masses, which will take place this year from Saturday, June 15th to Monday, June 17th in the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road in Cork.
You are also very welcome to submit a prayer intention for your father, or light a candle in our online gallery to mark Fatherâs Day.
Remember, when you choose from our range of Fatherâs Day cards, youâre not just making a thoughtful gesture for your own father, but youâre also reaching out to help fathers and their families all over the world. Your support helps us to continue bringing the gifts of faith, hope, and love to parents, children, and communities in some of the worldâs poorest countries. 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.
VIEW OUR FATHER’S DAY CARDS
May 23, 2019
Sincere congratulations to Rev Luis Gonzales MSC, who was ordained a Deacon in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, May 4th.
We were delighted to receive these pictures of the celebration in Caracas â a wonderful occasion for all involved.
The people of Venezuela are currently in the midst of the worst political, social, economic, and humanitarian crisis in the history of the country. In January of this year, MSC Missions Office Director FR Michael OâConnell visited MSC parishes in Maraciabo and Caracas, where Rev Luis and our Venezuelan MSC community are tireless in their efforts to bring support and relief to local families who are struggling in the current climate.
âAt a time when the country is going through such a difficult period politically, socially and economically, it is a sign of great hope that a young man such as Luis commits himself to the service of the people of Venezuela with the deep desire to be for all a living, tangible presence of Godâs heart for his people,â wrote Irish Provincial Leader Fr Carl Tranter MSC, on the occasion of Rev Luisâ ordination.
Vocations Director for the Irish Province, Fr Alan Neville MSC, also added his good wishes on the MSC Vocations Facebook page, posting: âCongratulations to Rev Luis Gonzalez MSC who was ordained a Deacon in Caracas, Venezuela, today. May the Lord bless your ministry, Luis, and always give you a big heart for his people, modelled after His own heart.â
We would like to add our congratulations, and send our very best wishes to Rev Luis from the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart!
Find out more about our missionary outreach in Venezuela
