Mar 20, 2019
In January 2019, MSC Missions Office Director Fr Michael O’Connell spent three weeks in Venezuela, visiting MSC parishes in the cities of Maracaibo and Caracas. Here, he shares his experiences and his thoughts on a country in crisis.
“Having spent time with local families in Maracaibo and Caracas, it’s clear that the new measures put in place to help the economy in Venezuela have essentially done nothing; the government have great ideas, but they just don’t happen, and many aren’t realistic. For example, the president recently announced a new law stating that nobody could be made redundant for the next two years, and during my stay, he announced a new measure to end inflation – a wage rise from 5,000 bolívars per month to 18,000 bolívars per month. Sadly, this is something that many businesses just can’t accommodate, and these are unfortunately not economically viable solutions.
Similarly, during my stay, the government announced that they would solve the country’s milk shortage with 40 pure-bred cows that would form the basis of a new milking herd. They also recently said that they would be commencing a new scheme to make their cities beautiful. All of these fabulous plans are suggested, but at the end of the day, people are suffering terribly in reality.
The value of the bolívar changes daily and fluctuates wildly. When I arrived in Caracas on January 4th, the average monthly wage of 5,000 bolívars was worth USD $7. A week later, on January 11th, the same 5,000-bolívar wage was worth just USD $2. When you think that a loaf of bread costs around 1,200 bolívars, a kilo of cheese costs 3,000 bolívars, and 24 eggs cost 6,000 bolívars, it’s a mystery as to how people survive.
Most purchases are made by debit card. The money system changed last year, when the government took five zeros off their money and reprinted the notes as a measure to tackle inflation – now, nobody wants a 2-bolívar or a 5-bolívar note, when you think that one US dollar is worth thousands of bolívars. Everybody checks the rate of the bolívar daily – but it’s the black market rate, as the official rate means nothing to people trying their best to get by.
I might price an item one day, but the following day, the value of the bolívar has gone down and the price of the item has gone up. Because of this, many people and businesses have bank accounts abroad, particularly in the US. People depend hugely on charity from family members aboard, and money is deposited in US dollars in these accounts for them. Families are very linked up at home and abroad, and they help each other, depositing money in USD because the value of the bolívar changes so frequently.”
“Really, it’s a mystery as to how people survive from day to day.”
“People aren’t wheeling and dealing – they’re just surviving, and really, it’s a mystery as to how people survive from day to day. Families tend to live together, so they have multiple wages coming into the house. One of our students was telling me that he went home to visit his family for a few weeks last summer, but he was embarrassed to be there because he was an extra mouth to feed and he wasn’t contributing anything. He told me that his family were not poor, that they were a comfortable, middle-class family, but now, he said, ‘we are becoming poor middle-class’.
In terms of economic measures, it’s estimated that it will take Venezuela 20 years to recover from this crisis. Back in the 1990s, Venezuela was ranked around 29th in the world for its standard of living. Last year, they ranked in the mid-40s. It took them 20 years to get to that point, and now it will take another 20 years to get back to where they were. In the meantime, people are left with no real end in sight to their daily struggle for simple survival.”
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Read more about Fr Michael’s visit to Caracas
Find out more about our missionary outreach in Venezuela
Mar 16, 2019
Gospel Reflection
Reflection & Dialogue:
We preach the Gospel not to please mortals, but to please God.
The Gospel (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20):
Eternal voices: Christ, Peter, Patrick.
Messages for St Patrick’s Day.
On this feast of our national apostle, there are many voices inviting us to listen. It is Christ himself who speaks when Holy Scripture is read in the church, and this voice is addressing Church authorities and all of us through the prophet Amos: “Go and preach to my people,” preaching to all to be faithful to the covenant, to the teaching of Christ and his Church. The voice of Paul reminds us that there will always be accusations (not all of them true), difficulties and obstacles to the preaching of the Gospel message. The voice of Paul also reminds us of the need of honesty and transparency for all involved in teaching the Christian message. Then we are reminded of the “voice of the Irish” to Patrick to return to Ireland and walk again among its people. His voice and his prayer for our fidelity are still with us. Then we have the voice of Jesus concerning Peter to have confidence, since his Saviour has prayed for him that his faith may not fail, but that he might confirm his brothers and sisters in this faith.
And now, as we have a call for a new evangelization, we have the successors of Peter, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, gently, but firmly, calling on the Church to return to her true self. Shortly before he retired, Pope Benedict XVI reminded the Church that while she was in this world she was not of this world. In his very first days in office, Pope Francis has called on the Church to be faithful to her true self, and called on believers help facilitate a spiritual renewal or face the possibility of the Church being considered a compassionate, pitiful, NGO. Of course, it is not that the Church is not concerned about such work; it is central to her mission. But her fundamental call is her relation to Christ her founder, and participation in his sufferings and resurrection.
It is hoped that reflections such as these may help on this feast of our national patron, to revive the fervour of the faith he preached and lived. As he tells us in his Confession, St Patrick prayed that God may grant that he may never lose the Irish people which God possessed for himself at the ends of the earth. In this time of great danger for the faith in Ireland, let us pray to God, through the intercession of our National Apostles, that this may be so.
Fr Martin McNamara MSC
Mar 11, 2019
Sincere congratulations are in order as Sr Orla Treacy IBVM has received the International Woman of Courage Award 2019, having been nominated by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.
The awards ceremony took place in Washington D.C. on March 7th, with ten women in total being honoured. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the ceremony, while First Lady Melania Trump addressed those in attendance.
According to the official website, the International Woman of Courage Award “recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice”. Sr Orla’s work in education and healthcare in war-torn South Sudan has made her a truly worthy nominee.
The official website gives a short biography highlighting Sr Orla’s work:
“Born in Ireland in 1973, Sister Orla Treacy was, at a young age, inspired by the lives of service and compassion of her teachers who were religious sisters. After studying to become a teacher of religion, she joined the congregation of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), known as the Loreto Sisters. In 2006, while teaching and offering pastoral care in Ireland, Sister Orla joined other Loreto Sisters who were starting a new mission in Rumbek, South Sudan–an area besieged by civil war and violent inter-clan conflict. Touched by the plight of girls who were being forced into early marriage and denied the right to an education, she took action. Sister Orla and the Loreto Sisters started a girls-only boarding school with 35 students. Today, Sister Orla serves as the head administrator of the Loreto Rumbek Mission in Maker Kuei, overseeing a boarding secondary school for girls, a co-educational primary school, and a women and child-centric primary healthcare facility. Sister Orla is a part of a diverse multinational team of religious sisters, educators, nurses, and other support staff, who all share a vision for improving the lives of the most vulnerable in the community. Despite the devastating consequences of war in Rumbek, and the many barriers to women and girls in the community, Sister Orla remains filled with hope, and the Loreto Schools stand as a beacon of light for future South Sudanese generations. She continues to work in faith, striving for a world in which girls are not forced into marriage, are allowed to complete their education, and can pursue their dreams.”
“This award belongs to the young women of South Sudan with whom I have the privilege of working.”
In November 2017, Sr Orla was awarded the Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award, and this year’s nomination for the International Woman of Courage Award is yet further recognition of her tireless work with vulnerable families in Maker Kuei.
The Loreto Rumbek website recounts Sr Orla’s thoughts on receiving the International Women of Courage award: “This award belongs to the young women of South Sudan with whom I have the privilege of working. Our students embody all that is courageous – they are young women of vision, strength and hope. Young women who dream of a better country for themselves and their families, who are prepared to challenge old structures and work towards making South Sudan great. I am grateful to all who have made this possible.
Our work in South Sudan is not possible without the ongoing support of our partners, our wider Loreto family, past pupils, students, staff and our local community in Rumbek. Our Church leaders, community leaders and local government leaders have all played a significant role in supporting our mission.
Today, I was very aware of our girls as I was receiving the award. I pray that I am paving the way for them. My hope and dream is to see one of them with this award in the future.”
Working together for a brighter future
Since the summer of 2017, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have been working together with Sr Orla and the Loreto community of Rumbek, South Sudan, to provide financial support for the tremendous work being done in education and health care there.
On a visit to the MSC Missions Office in Cork, Sr Orla extended her gratitude to the MSC community for their support. “It is unique for one congregation to financially support another one, so this contribution to our work in Rumbek is extremely generous,” she said. “Sincere thanks for your generosity and for your willingness to collaborate in helping us with this challenging yet worthwhile mission.”
We are proud to support Sr Orla and the wonderful work of the Loreto Rumbek community, and we are sending our very best wishes on this great achievement!
Read RTE’s report on Sr Orla’s award.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the wonderful work done by the Loreto Sisters for the young women of South Sudan.
For more photographs and further information about Loreto Rumbek, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.
You can also find out more about how MSC Missions work with Loreto Rumbek – and how you can help to make a difference to the young women of South Sudan.
PLEASE HELP US TO SAVE LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN
Mar 5, 2019
Abraham Palpialy is a student at Siwa Lima St Joseph’s Technical School in Langgur, Indonesia. Built in 1970, the school is run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart with the aim of educating young people in the region so “they can do something good for themselves and for their families”. In a region where poverty is a pressing issue, St Joseph’s provides the youth of the community with hope for the future. Here is Abraham’s story:
“My name is Abraham Palpialy and I am 16 years old.
My father is a farmer. He had a great desire for his children to attend St Joseph’s Technical School because, for him, this school is the most effective one and is exactly what he wants for his children. When I am finished my studies, I can do something useful at once, as my qualifications will facilitate me to get a new job.
I wish to become a creative technician. If I am a qualified technician, I will be able to get a good job and make my family and my teachers proud of me.
I chose to study electricity. I already have skills and a good capability in the department of electricity, and I am sure that when I finish my studies, I will be able to get a new job at once. This is my great wish.
In addition, I must learn to be responsible, trustworthy, to have self-discipline, and to respect my teachers and my fellow students.
Above all, I would like to express my great thanks to St Joseph’s and all the teachers who help me to develop my knowledge, my skills, and my abilities. For me, St Joseph’s is the best school in the province. Viva St Josephs Siwa Lima!”
PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN INDONESIA
Feb 26, 2019
“A mother holds her children’s hands for a short time, but she holds their hearts forever.”
So the saying goes, and never are we reminded of this more than on Mother’s Day, when we celebrate the wonderful women who raised us. Whether we see them every day, talk on the phone every week, or hold their memory dear, Mother’s Day is a time to stop and remember a love like no other.
This year, we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 31st
– and you can make it a day to remember with a thoughtful gift from our Mother’s Day range.
Our special Mother’s Day candle features a poem to celebrate a beloved mother, and is a gift to treasure throughout the year.
Elegant angel statues inscribed with affectionate messages are the perfect way to show you care.
The traditional Madonna and Child image honours maternal love in its purest form. With a white resin holy water font and a hand-painted statue to choose from, these are timeless gifts to celebrate a mother’s love.
Our beautifully designed Mother’s Day cards all include a thoughtful Prayer for my Mother, and each one includes remembrance in a special Triduum of Masses, which will take place this year from Saturday, March 30th to Monday, April 1st at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road in Cork. This is an especially lovely way to remember mothers who are no longer with us, and who memories are carried in our hearts always.
Of course, when you choose from our range of Mother’s Day cards and gifts, you’re not just making a special gesture for your mother, but you’re also reaching out to help mothers and their families all over the world. Your support helps us to continue bringing the gift of hope to families and communities in need across the globe. 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 OUR MOTHER’S DAY RANGE
Feb 19, 2019
With climate change becoming a growing concern in today’s world, Cardinal John Ribat MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has spoken out about the vital importance of awareness and action.
French Provincial Leader Fr Daniel Auguié MSC spoke with Cardinal Ribat in Port Moresby recently, and the interview was published in the French provincial bulletin Entre Nous.
“I think it’s right, good, and necessary for someone to take those issues and bring them to the governments here and around the world,” says Cardinal Ribat. “And what I defend most vigorously is the hierarchy of considerations. In this part of the world, we live in islands, archipelagos, and we are the first concerned by the rise of the sea level, and the global warming of the planet.”
“This is a gigantic problem. It will affect us all.”
“By 2050, many islands will be gone,” he continues. “Papua New Guinea is already seeking shelter for the islanders who will be affected in the next few years. I recently visited two of our islands, including Andra. They are building dikes. This island has about 700 inhabitants. The living space diminish visibly. They showed me how far their island was before. A huge part is already submerged. We went around the island on foot in twenty minutes. The question is simple: what will we do when this island is completely gone?”
This is a real concern for local families whose homeland is quite literally disappearing before their eyes. “Currently, most locals say they will ask relatives or relatives who live in this or that island to welcome them,” says the Cardinal. “But we know that this is not the solution because these other islands will disappear too. This is a gigantic problem, because global warming will not spare any archipelago, no island. It will affect us all.”
The effects of climate change on a national scale in Papua New Guinea are very clearly representative of a much larger concern on a global scale. “This first question posed by the observation of the effects of global warming brings another question as to its causes,” Cardinal Ribat explains. “When we talk to people in the islands, they ask us, ‘Why does this happen? There was nothing to let us foresee …’ Some of them now hear and understand that this is actually the result of gas emissions throughout the planet, and in particular from industrialised countries. The people of the Pacific are coming together today to demand the removal of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere and a change in lifestyle around the world.”
“We are urged by Pope Francis to hear not only the cry of the poor, but also the cry of the earth.”
Writing for the Spring 2019 JPIC Chevalier Family bulletin, Fr André Claessens MSC emphasises the necessity for increased awareness and conscious change. “Climate change asks for huge investments,” he writes, “but it also generates profits and it will benefit future generations. Climate-related disasters caused about 300 billion euros worth of damage in 2017, and the WHO calculated that in Europe alone, pollution costs more than 1.6 trillion dollars every year. Two hundred species are in danger of becoming extinct. Greta Thunberg said it clearly: ‘We have all the facts and solutions. All we have to do is to wake up and change’.”
As we consider how we can contribute to positive change, Fr Claessens sums it up in a nutshell: “We are urged by Pope Francis to hear not only the cry of the poor, but also the cry of the earth. We have had thirty years of pep-talks… Now action and only action will give hope!”
